Only chinese people allowed at wedding banquet?

Hi, my best friend is chinese, she is extremely western. Lives and works in London and will marry a white English man. They have a mortgage already and 2 children together.
My friend is getting married in 2007 - a traditional British summer wedding. Her parents are doing a Chinese wedding banquet a few days after the wedding (I believe)
My friend has just told me that her mother said I can not attend the Chinese banquet because I am not chinese! I am white. Apparently it's bad luck?? I'm shocked. Does this sound right or do you think this is an excuse? Of course I've told my friend not to worry about it but if I'm honest I am upset. We have been best friends since children. I know her family well....