Ahhh.... the joy of a wedding! In any culture, they are a thing of beauty and delight. What makes an occasion as such to any individual depends on tradition and perspective. Come along with me on a journey to a traditional wedding, as seen through the eyes of an outsider who's been here quite awhile.
Between American parties and ones that are given here, there is a fundamental difference in the purpose for which they are held. The sole purpose of any party here is to impress one's friends and relatives. It is THE paramount objective and there are no costs or inconveniences spared! For Americans (generally speaking- I think in wealthier circles than I am part of the former is true) parties are for enjoying one another's company and honoring the recipient, not the guest(s). A wedding is definitely NOT held to provide honor to the groom and bride; it is to make the parents of the groom look good in the eyes of the guests and to make sure they are duly impressed with their ability to provide lavish hospitality.
When we arrived at the wedding hall, we were as creatures of habit, too early! The invitatation said 6:00- we should have know better that nothing of importance would happen until 7:00. Nevertheless, we went ahead and went in, and were greeted with 20 tables literally covered with food and drinks. To say it was a beautiful spread would be a gross understatement.
The table of honor was set up at the front on a raised dias. There are always four chairs at this table, where the bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor sit. The wedding cake and a full spread is there- VERY little of which they will even touch.
Between American parties and ones that are given here, there is a fundamental difference in the purpose for which they are held. The sole purpose of any party here is to impress one's friends and relatives. It is THE paramount objective and there are no costs or inconveniences spared! For Americans (generally speaking- I think in wealthier circles than I am part of the former is true) parties are for enjoying one another's company and honoring the recipient, not the guest(s). A wedding is definitely NOT held to provide honor to the groom and bride; it is to make the parents of the groom look good in the eyes of the guests and to make sure they are duly impressed with their ability to provide lavish hospitality.Here is a sampling of the tables that awaited the guests as they arrived. 
I'll leave off for here today, because Blogger is being a pain in the patootie! For some odd reason it won't let me upload anymore photos- maybe it was offended at the next one I wanted to?
Anywho, tomorrow we'll pick up where we left off-
Until then,
Your worn-out SteppeSister
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