Vietnam Wedding

Last night I attended a wedding reception even though I wasn't invited. My expat friends wanted me to join in a significant conversation with someone who would also be there. He never attended but this is what I experienced and learned.
Many people attend the reception who don't come to the wedding. They are expected to make a cash donation as they enter, which pays for the reception and perhaps provides some extra for the young couple. Evidently more people attended than were expected. I would guess at least three hundred were squeezed into the reception hall.
I am told that for some receptions you should show up on time. At others you are expected to start for the reception at the announced time of the reception. It helps to know which cultural perspective your hosts have. Apparently my friends made the wrong guess. We arrived on time at 5:30. The hall was almost empty except for one table of out of town guests. About 6:15 guests started to arrive, and arrive, and arrive. Granted there was some delay because they had to set up extra tables. But the program and meal did not start until after 7:15 pm.
There was a short greeting from the parents of the young couple. The couple did a couple of things equivalent to our "cutting of the cake". And that was it for the program. No other speeches. The eight course meal was then served, one platter at a time set in the middle of each table. The twelve per table reach in with chopsticks and take as much as you like, or at least as much as you can get. The food was good: shrimp, chicken, duck, vegetables, etc.
At this reception the waiters provided bottles of water, beer or pepsi. I don't know how traditional this choice of drinks is.
As the meal was served the young couple move from table to table to have their photo taken with the guests. This is traditionally done, I am told, three times. For each round, the bride changes into a different dress. The groom only changes once!
While we ate, as part of the reception room rental/food/entertainment package, music was played and sung. Some songs were sung by paid performers who I am guessing also sang at the several other concurrent receptions in other rooms. Interspersed were karaoke performances by guests. Very interesting.
At 8:30 (we had been there for 3 hours) my friends decided we should leave. We missed the seventh course (soup served from a hot pot placed in the centre of each table on top of a gas burner) and the eighth course, fruit. I am told guests all leave as soon as they finish the meal.
My friends thought this reception was a little louder and less organized than most. So I can't generalize from my one experience. I will have to wait until I attend a couple more receptions - or, since wedding receptions have never been my favourite functions, perhaps I will send Jan to observe. Just kidding!