The "Aftermath" of inviting people to my wedding dinner

This weekend I issued some wedding invitations to my friends. From this experience, I learnt something, "everyone has different ideas so dont take their comments too hard."

Why did I say this? People start to ask you things like
1) How many tables did your "Husband to be" give to your mother?
(It is a part of the "dowry system" that Chinese implement)
2) How much did your "Husband to be" give your mother as a dowry?
3) Did you receive any jewellery?

Do they think that a marriage is a trade?!? Is my mother selling her daughter? I felt that we should follow the traditions but not treat this whole event as if I am a sucker. Well, they (those who ask that few questions above) told me that I cannot think like that. Then.. how should I think? Get as many tables from him as possible? Dig out as much $ from him as possible?

After this encounter, I now understand 2 things
1) Why many Singaporean men say that local gals are materialistic
2) How much another friend of mine, whom just married someone younger and out of her race, have to endure those countless criticism she received from her relatives', friends' and even her closest people around her; her parents'. She really chose to marry someone she loves and believes she will have a future with him. Actually, all she wanted was blessings.

Some people will say that her choice is silly or an act of foolishness... but she said something to me, "You are the main actress thus you understand the most."

Our wedding

The auspicious date was selected : Feb 18 2009. Both of us wanted a small scale dinner because we did not want to invite people we hardly contact. We love to share our joy with friends and relatives.

Our bridal shop - Julia Wedding News
Our dinner venue - Hilton Singapore - Panorama
Solemnisation - Hilton Singapore - Poolside
Our wedding band - Goldheart

Now, we are down to the details. We wanted to have our own wedding cake however, due to budget constraint, this idea is being scrapped. (Not cheap le... at least $800 for a cake). We are now exploring into personalised wedding favours and cards. I wanted a cosy & intimate wedding.. how how? any ideas?