advice on Asian wedding customs

MegamiMoon

In my culture, the bride and groom have to address every table to thank guests for their presence during the reception.  The thing is, we're a little tight on time because we have to be out of the reception hall by a certain hour.  I'm concerned that, since we have to address at least 22 tables, my groom and I will have no time to eat, dance, and otherwise enjoy our reception.

For those w/ experience regarding this custom, how long does it generally take to address each table?  What should I expect?

MegamiMoon

Thanks ladies, I really appreciate the advice.  I had initially brought up the concept of thanking everyone at once via microphone.  My mother was absolutely livid.  My family is VERY traditional and my parents informed me that it would be gravely disrespectful for me to do that, especially since we have guests flying in from afar and 90% of our guests are giving us red envelopes.  The problem is, some of my uncles tend to be really chatty and I'm afraid they'll take up enormous blocks of time giving speeches (especially if they've had too much to drink).  Ideally, I want to keep things as brief as possible, even just 5 minutes per table comes out to nearly 2 hours and we only have the reception venue for 4 hours.  Yikes!

TupeloChick

Not really up on Asian customs but I think in most cultures it is expected that the bride and groom make the rounds to thank everyone for coming. I would try to cut back the time by going to the tables with the older guests who expect you to follow tradition but if you have a few tables of your friends, co-workers and peers, then you can just casually address them at the cocktail hour or throughout the evening and not do the formal thing.

will47

At the couple of Chinese banquets I've been to (part of the wedding party at one), it's pretty much a given that the bride and groom won't get to eat, dance, or enjoy the reception much. I certainly don't expect that we'll get to do much of those things at ours. But at least try to take steps to make sure you don't get too drunk. Hopefully with that many tables, people will forgive you if you're a little rushed. At least it sounds like your folks don't expect you to name each person by name / relationship and toast every person individually, right?

(You might get some more responses if you cross-post to the Chinese Weddings board here)

MegamiMoon

@will47: 

Thanks!  I'll try the cross-posting.  It's a shame that we won't be able to enjoy our weddings the way that some other couples do.  It would be a dream for me to be able to dance and mingle with my loved ones as opposed to doing auto-greetings for 2+ hours in five-inch heels.

intherough

You guys could always split up. YOu go clockwise, and your groom go counter clockwise/