My First Korean Wedding

The main reason for my trip to Seoul this Spring was to attend the wedding of a very special person in my heart. I never thought I would have the chance to witness a Korean wedding in my life, which explains why this trip meant so much for me. I was really really excited. From hunting the perfect attire to wear to a matching pair of heels, to a matching handbag, weeks before I fly, all just for this one-night event.

On the day of the event, I woke up early for some last-minute shopping lol. The wedding doesn't start until the evening, so I thought I could kill some time in the morning. It was a fruitful morning running around doing what I love - shopping for makeups! Seriously Korean makeups are to die for. After a simple lunch, I went back to my hotel room to chill and take a nap before starting to get ready. I was a little nervous but really looking forward to the night. I started getting ready a couple of hours earlier than I normally would, mainly because I don't want to be late. I heard that Korean Weddings start and ends on time, like on.the.dot. Moreover, the wedding venue is over 10 stations away from where I am staying.

Getting ready! Pull out all the skincare, makeup, hair products...

This particular wedding that I attended was held in a wedding hall instead of a hotel ballroom/ restaurant banquette wedding that we are more used to in Malaysia. The amount of standing wreath along the entrance of the wedding hall got me jaw-dropped. Not sure if you are able to spot this from the photo, but the groom and his parents were standing at the entrance, greeting and welcoming all wedding guests.

There was also a reception desk right beside the entrance of the hall. Where guests are required to hand over monetary gifts to the couple. Now, there is a huge knowledge behind how much you should put in the envelope depending on the relationship you have with the bride/groom. I had my envelope specially printed out, with cute wishes for the couple.

There is a room, called 신부대기실 which translates to the bridal waiting room. Like the name itself, this is the room where the bride will stay before the wedding starts. The waiting room was nicely decorated with a white fluffy sofa seat, elegant flower arrangement in front of a white drop-down curtain. The bride will be seated on the sofa where guests will have the chance to take turns taking photos with the bride. There was also a team of professional wedding photographers clicking away. The whole photo-taking session was conducted at such amazing speed and well-ordered.

And yes, the event did start on the dot. I am amazed at the punctuality of the Koreans. Luckily I did not follow Malaysian timing lol. The lights in the hall were dimmed and the groom was first to enter the hall, waving and greeting the crowd. Then, the bride walked in hand in hand with her father. It was so overwhelming I think I tear (?). The table setting and the centerpieces on every table were so beautiful and elegant. I could not stop being at awe. 

The meal was served as soon as the couple sat down on their table. 

First course: Smoked Salmon & Herb Marinade Shrimp, Marinade Tapenade Sauce with Scallops. They serve the freshest seafood I swear.

Second course: Truffle Oil with Mushroom Soup. The fact that I can taste the freshness of the mushroom through the dish says it all. And not to forget the soft warm bun served on the side paired really well with the mushroom soup. 

Third course: Beef Tenderloin Steak with Port Wine Sauce Roasted Abalone Butter with Green Onion Cream Sauce. Don't even get me started on this dish. Hands down one of the best wedding dishes I have tasted so far in my life. The beef was served medium rare, juicy and tender. The abalone was also to die for.

Last course: Tiramisu with Seasonal Fruit. How I wish I could have more than one. Some of the guests have left before dessert (yes, not everyone stayed until the very end due to the Korean's chop! chop! everything has to hurry attitude, they arrive at the wedding hall, greet the couple, eat and ciao, job done. Leaving me eyeing on the untouched desserts on the table...

Somewhere during the meal, friends and family were called upon to take group photos with the couple on stage. I wished the ceremony could be longer. It was such a beautiful night but regrettably, it was conducted a little rushed. The next course was served before I could finish enjoying my food. Guests were also escorted out of the hall as soon as the ceremony ends. I would have stayed and taken a thousand more photos in the hall if I could :(

The flower arrangements in the hall were taken down after the ceremony ends. Plastic wrappers and ribbons were also provided by the wedding planning team for guests to take the flowers back if they want. Which I think is a great idea, cause who doesn't like fresh blooming flowers, right? And of course, the female guests went crazy for the flowers. I managed to get myself one too~

I am truly honored to be invited to spend this wonderful and meaningful life event. I sincerely wish a very blissful and long-lasting wedded life for the couple! Thank you for everything you have done for me, I forever could not be grateful enough to you. 🧡