Has wedding dinner become a money making opportunity for couples??
no, don't think so, just that it comes so use it as an opportunity as it could a once in a lifetime for most
Are couples expecting friends and relatives to subsidies or pay for the 5 Star hotel wedding dinner they cannot afford, so that they can look good??
i don't know as i am not married, but i don't think thats the case
Why must our name be written on the red packet?? So that they keep a record and return the favors accordingly??
if i am the groom, i know who is who
Am I invited because they sincerely want to share their joy with me??
most probably. unless you belong to the acquaintance category where you could be there just to fill up the minimum tables:p
Should we waste our perfectly fine weekend evening at a dinner where the host cares more about how much money is in the red packets then presences of his guests??
i don't think the money is a major concern but if can breakeven, i guess most couples be happy.
Will a couple be offended if my red packet is below the "market rate"??
hmmm, i don't think so. but don't give $10-$20 and bring whole family go. This one if you are groom also feel offended. People treat you as friend, not that nice too
Will a couple feel sad if they didn't manage to recover the cost or even make money from the wedding dinner??
i don't think so. they more keen to piak piak over the next few nights and weeks rather than ponder over these issues
Will I be able to break this "tradition" when it's my turn to get married??
i think you can. I think i will too. if i get married, i think i invite just some relatives and close friends for a dinner and then fly off overseas for honeymoon. Not those traditional 10 course with 30-40 tables. Many people wouldn't know too. marriage is about 2 persons and sharing the joy with close ones is a necessity i feel. but then again, the bride's family must also be able to take the idea as they might want face. These days, people are more opened to such ideas.