Chinese Banquet Wedding
 

Would like to hear input... where you guys went and what I should negotiate for when putting down my deposit. Things such as corking fee, late night fees, is pop included, etc...

Also, I've been told that starting 2012, it will no longer be possible to bring your own alcohol. You'll have to purchase your booze from the restaurant. Kirin wanted to charge me 20% handling fee. Given that BC Liquor sells XO Cognac for $260 x 25 tables - I'm screwed. So if you are planning on getting married next year - shit will be expensive given the increasing food prices as well.

To me - the food all tastes the same. I don't like chinese food period but my guests have nominated either Kirin @ Starlight Casino or Sun Sui Wah on Main St. Would you guys agree that these are the two best options in terms of menu?

I'm leaning towards Kirin right now since they appear less typical and are open to 1AM.

What are your guys thoughts? Have I left out a resturant? I need to accomodate 230 people.

You straight up hate chinese food, but are marrying someone who presumably does? (otherwise why would you be having such a wedding right?)

Actually, I don't enjoy specifically chinese wedding food. I like dim sum and some other things. That honey moon rice is nasty.

My gf is great and were having the wedding for parents. Id much rather pound back a burger and beers but I'm playing nice. The xo cognac makes no sense to me. How is shooting cognac acceptable? Not cool with the shark fin soup either but the banquet manager is open to substituting.


Ill end my rant here.
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Ah I understand... wife is doing this for her parents... yeah you see that a lot don't you?

I've been to many of those chinese banquet weddings, but my own wedding was a low key affair. None of them were particularly great (and I LOVE that type of food) but one that stands out in memory was at ... shit I forget the name of the restaurant. I'll find out for you later k

Absolutely you should get rid of the shark fin if you feel strongly about that. Last time I was served that, several people at my table simply refused to eat it, so a lot went to waste anyway. Doing things by tradition is fine and all, but sometimes we need to move away from them if they are ruining entire species right?

That thing about bringing your own alcohol. What's going on with that? Is it a BCLB regulation thing? Richmond restaurants?

I've heard whisperings about that, but I can't help but think it's collusion and a cash grab.

Yeah, its a win win for bc liquor and restaurants. I'll post more details when I find out.
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I think its a bunch of lies too, considering every damn wedding was able to bring in booze with no issues. That 20% is crazy, renegotiate it to 0 or 5% at most if they don't let you bring anything.

ya, I would say renegotiate.. im sure with a little bit of a push they will take off the 20% booze bs... I mean you could always say you will just take business else where..(since you have options) see who gives you the best deal :D

But ya for the restaurants I think all 3 places are pretty solid .. I believe the price wise Kirin is most expensive -> starlight place -> Sun sui wah

When that happens, it just means more for me.

I've seen a document posted outside numerous Chinese restaurants that states the new liquor law - not sure what the details are though.

There aren't many Chinese restaurants that can fit 230 people, so your choices will be limited... Both Kirin and SSW are very good.

The bride and groom won't get to eat much anyhow! :p

I would negotiate.

If you look for places that don't have a liquor licence, you may only need to pay the special one time licence fee.

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/apply/special/

For restaurants with licenses, you can have them buy the wine/spirit for you via BC liquor board and agree on how much markup to pay. Just because they have to buy the liquor for you doesn't mean they can charge anything they want.

I would pick the latest hotel Chinese restaurant:

www.granddynasty.ca

I think they are next to the Burnaby Delta Hotel.

My wedding was at SSW... but this was before the liquor issue. I thought the new rule has been already applied.

Anyways... SSW had really good service and the food was delicious (so i was told... I didnt get to eat a whole lot but drank plenty)

Kirin has columns blocking the view of some tables... we looked into that as well.

Haven't been to Sun Sui Wah (Main St. location) for the longest time, but if memory serves right, they have a few pillars in their venue. Not sure if this is something you'd want, as it might block the view for your guests. At least I found it uncomfortable when I had to sit next to them.

As for Kirin (Starlight), the place is more wide open and modern (if that's what you prefer). But one thing you should know is, their service is extremely slow. Been there for a banquet before, didn't leave till midnight. Went there twice for a casual dinner and what should've been a 1-1.5hr dinner went well over 2hrs. You might want to try them out first, maybe things improved.

When I had my wedding, pretty much everything was comp. Simple decorations, seat covers and pop were all on the house. No such thing as late night fees or corkage fees, we just brought our own beer and wine. This was the case in both here and HK, always thought it was somewhat standard when it comes to chinese restaurants.

They are, but starting this year they have been real bitches about it.

What is the premise behind that?

Antonio.

Blame it on new liquor rules and the new staffed up team of liquor inspectors.. Not many places are willing to risk losing their liquor licenses for a one time function, not to mention the fines associated when caught..

Rain Flower on #3 Road Richmond . Check it out there and see if they can give you a deal . Their number is (604) 278-7288 . Good Luck !

Never understand why people want to treat their guests with $260 XO Cognac other than showing that you have a fat wallet.

Most people don't drink that much anyways. And my guess is you don't even know 50% of the people there...

lol u guys gota take your own liquor?

:failed:

It's not just a fat wallet dude, it's not even basic hospitality of treating your guests well. It's about celebrating and partying it up.


It's like if the canucks won the cup, who wouldn't hesitate to buy their buddies a round of beers? It's like that, but x1000. You're getting freaking married to supposedly the girl/guy of your dreams. It's supposed to be the biggest party you ever throw.

You can celebrate with drinks other than fucking cognac. Does anyone really actually like cognac? Just like serving shark fin and abalone, it serves no other purpose but to 'get face'. Nobody actually likes shark fin, and what's so great about abalone?

Oh yeah the restaurant I thought had good food was Top Gun J&C in Richmond. It's a smaller place, but the food and service were good.

With a nice cigar yes.

Agree with this. Food here is solid.

To OP: Skip the $260 cognac. People just want to get drunk and you can do that on the cheapo house wine. If you really want Cognac, get cheaper stuff for everyone else and have a nicer bottle for the bride and groom's table.

Another tip, DONT pay for open bar. Instead, pay for a set number of drinks (say, 3 per person or another arbitrary number). Not everyone is going to drink and you can save a boatload of money that way.