Chinese Wedding Etiquette

I've been invited to a Chinese (not so close) friend's wedding. I had told her I was not sure I could make it and now I know I cannot make it.

Anyway, she has already posted me a card which includes a Maxim voucher - not sure what it is as its all in chinese. What is expected of me?

Is that per couple? If so, I heard the same, $500 if you are both going. What if you are single?

However, I am not sure about that expectation if you are not going.

Anyone else have any advice?

In your home country if someone was close enough to you (or your partner if applicable) to invite you to their wedding but you couldn't go, wouldn't you still give them a gift? I know I would. As far as I understand it here (HK) the cash packet should be linked to the standard of the place where the banquet is held as basically you are expected to cover the cost of your meal. From our own wedding a couple of years ago I know that we had booked a certain number some time before the big day and that included a guaranteed minimum number that we would be charged for if numbers dropped too much. And then a few days before the day we had to confirm the actual number. So if you have given your inability in good time there may well be no cost incurred 'on your behalf' (the exception being if so many inabilities were received that the actual numbers dropped below the guaranteed minimum).


Re the Maxims voucher it entitles you to a dozen (usually, and even if it's all in Chinese you should be able to see either "12" or something like "+=") cakes from any Maxims outlet. [Didn't you ever hear that great story about the stampede on Maxims a decade ago when a rumour went around that they were not going to honour those vouchers any more, and everyone holding vouchers rushed the place. People were hurt, the police had to control the rioting mobs etc etc. Only in HK!]

Thought the Maria cake run was in 1997, along with the St. Honore cake run and the KPS coupon fiasco. But, yep... only in HK.