SINGAPORE'S table-tennis star Li Jiawei is expected to have her traditional wedding dinner in Beijing in September or October next year.

The 27-year-old, who married a China businessman on 26 Sep, has invited Singaporean actress Chen Meixin, 21, to be her bridesmaid.

The two are said to have been very good friends for some time.

"Being able to wear the bridesmaid's gown is good enough for me." - Actress Chen Meixin (right), who was asked by Li Jiawei (left) to be her bridesmaid.

Meixin, who had just returned to Singapore after filming in China, told Lianhe Wanbao that she has agreed to be her bridesmaid.

When asked if she would ask for a big hongbao from the groom, she said: 'Being able to wear the bridesmaid's gown is good enough for me.

'I'm not sure what the custom is in Beijing.

'It's the thought that counts. Even a hongbao with $1 is good enough for me.'

Little is known of the groom but he is said to be in his mid-30s and shares the same surname as Jiawei.

Meixin, who said she had seen his photo before, described him as handsome, bespectacled and with thick eyebrows. He oozes a strong manly appeal, she added.

Meixin added that at the banquet, she will be singing the song Choice, a classic lovers' duet by George Lam and Sally Yeh.

She added that Jiawei is thinking of flexing her vocal cords at the banquet too. That was after hearing Meixin sing during a wrapping-up party for her film crew.

Jiawei will have a guest list of close to 1,000, which would mean having about 80 tables. The cost could come up to $150,000.

Meixin suggested a novel idea for their door gift. She said the couple could give out table-tennis balls with the couple's faces printed on it.

She said: 'Jiawei is a table-tennis star, so I think this will be meaningful.'

What she'll be wearing

Bridal services company White Link told Wanbao that they will be providing Jiawei's wedding gowns, photos and makeup.

A spokesman said: 'We will discuss the details of the dresses with Jiawei, including the style and fabric to be used.' The gowns have themes like elegance, retro, and romance.

The spokesman added that Jiawei will wear three wedding dresses and a gown for both her banquets in Beijing and Singapore.

The wedding gown for her Singapore banquet is likely to be a backless pearly-white number.

Among her guests are acclaimed China director Zhao Benshan.

Earlier, Zhao had sung praises of Jiawei, saying that she has 'star quality'. But plans for Jiawei becoming a full-time actress is likely to take backseat as she will be busy competing in table-tennis competitions, till the London Olympics in 2012 at least.

Details of her banquet in Singapore are not known yet.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Nov 16, 2008.