The Significance of the Wedding Banquet

The wedding banquet is a central feature of Taiwanese weddings, typically involving several hundred guests and an elaborate multi-course meal. Guests often experience a vibrant atmosphere characterized by the bride’s multiple costume changes and the communal nature of events, as it is common for attendees to not know the couple personally. Traditionally, the banquets include a series of seafood dishes, which symbolize the extravagance of the event, often showcasing expensive items like shark fin soup, sashimi, and lobster. While outdoor banquets remain memorable, many have shifted to hotel settings in recent years, reflecting a change in societal norms and preferences.