《英语周报》有声：东西方婚礼大不同

　　Marriage of the East and West

　　2007-2008 学年 第25期

　　By HeeSung Shin

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　　Cassie and Holly look through a bridal magazine:

　　Holly: I just can’t believe it Cassie! You’re getting married in less than a month!!

　　Cassie: I know! Everything is just zooming by, I can’t even stop to think.

　　Holly: Yea, but you’ve got all the important things taken care of right?

　　Cassie: Yup, I’ve made the church and hotel reservations. But I’ll tell ya, finding that dress was so difficult. I’m so glad you were able to help.

　　Holly: It’s my pleasure! And gosh, you look so gorgeous in it! But now, we’ve got to finish ordering these wedding invitations. Actually, what else was on the to-do list?

　　Cassie: So, first, the wedding invites. Then we need to decide on table decorations, hire a DJ for the reception, photographer, finalize the guest list… so many things to do!

　　Holly: Don’t worry my friend, I’ll be here to help you every step of the way. After all, that’s what the maid of honor does, right?

　　Cassie: Haha, I’m so grateful for you Holly. Hey come to think of it, didn’t you go to a wedding in China last year while you were studying there?

　　Holly: Yup, I did!

　　Cassie: So what was that like?

　　Holly: It was incredible! I guess one of the most obvious was that in Chinese culture, the color red is hugely significant. As soon as I entered the banquet hall, I saw red everywhere! The bride was also wearing a red traditional dress.

　　Cassie: Ah, that’s totally different than the typical white wedding dress that I’ll be wearing.

　　Holly: Another thing is, a typical Chinese wedding doesn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen. Cassie: Aww, but I love having bridesmaids! If it wasn’t for you, Dorothy and Cristina, I’d be a mess!

　　Holly: Haha I know what you mean. Planning a wedding in any country is a huge deal.

　　Cassie: Yea, seriously. Hey so in a Chinese wedding, do they go on a honeymoon?

　　Holly: Yup, that’s pretty much the same. There are some really awesome vacation spots off the coast of China. Or actually, Thailand and Indonesia are also pretty popular places, too.

　　Cassie: Oh, I almost decided on going to Indonesia. But I don’t do to well on flights, so we decided to go to Bermuda. It’s not too long of a flight from Pennsylvania.

　　Holly: Aw, that’s a good idea. Oh, and one other thing about the wedding I went to is… so, the wedding was in a small town in southern China. It’s the type of town where everyone knows each other, so basically, half the town came to the wedding!

　　Cassie: You’ve gotta be kidding me!

　　Holly: Not at all! The bride and groom were local high school sweet hearts, and so they came back a few years after working in Beijing. There must’ve been over 500 people there! And goodness, the food! I’ve never had such a huge feast in my life!

　　Cassie: Wow, that must’ve been a spectacular wedding. But now, can we please focus on my wedding?

　　Holly: Haha of course! C’mon girl, let’s get these wedding invites ordered!