Booking a lion dance without derailing your reception

A lion dance is the single loudest, most photographed eight minutes of your reception. It also has more venue requirements than any other vendor on your list.

Confirm three things with the venue before booking: ceiling clearance for the lion to rise, permission for drums and cymbals, and whether firecracker effects are allowed indoors. Many hotels say no to all three.

Place the dance at the top of the reception, before the first course, or immediately after the couple's grand entrance. Once dinner service starts, the aisles are blocked and the energy is gone.

The choreography usually includes the lion approaching the couple, the plucking of the green, and the presentation of a scroll or a lucky message. Ask the troupe to walk your parents and grandparents through their part beforehand.

The red envelope is fed to the lion, traditionally by the couple, and the amount is part of the performance. Confirm the expected figure when you book so nobody improvises.

Give your photographer, videographer, and DJ the exact cue. The drums cover verbal instructions, so agree on a hand signal with the troupe leader.