Tips on how to save a couple of bucks for a wedding....

We all know how crazy wedding budgeting can drive all of us...especially when at the last minute, parents say that they need more tables, or you couldn't resist adding more photos to make your dream photoalbum, or you suddenly need to hire additional makeup artists for your family/in laws....there are a million and one things that can pop up at the last minute that you're not prepared for...

Here are some tips that us angels have come up with that we'd like to share with you guys...
Please feel free to contribute more ideas as and when it hits you so that it can be shared with more couples...

- Instead of buying things that you will only use that one time, like ang bao boxes, ring pillows etc, why not borrow/rent? Thingsneeded4wedding are open to renting ring pillows to our clients, do email us at artistic.angels@gmail.com. You can borrow from friends who have gotten married before you as well...

- Rather than spending heaps on fresh flower bouquets for your bridesmaids as they enter the church, why not buy fake flowers to make their bouquets? For all you know, you might think it's so fantastic, you wanna use it for your own wedding day bouquet...hahaha....

- Instead of paying for your bridesmaids dresses (let's face it, not all of us have the luxury of that additional budget), why not allow your jiemeis to wear what they wish? Just follow a colour theme...or maybe even get them to pay for it themselves. These special ladies are your bridesmaids/jiemeis because they are some of your closest friends that you want to share the more intimate moments of your wedding with. They are also the same friends who are more likely to be understanding and willing to do more than you think to make your big day that bit easier...Be honest and open with them =)

- Printing of invitation cards can run up a couple of hundreds...so why not email cards to your friends? Admittedly, a degree of formality is still in order esp for relatives and parents' friends. So for your own friends, why not design your own e-wedding cards, and send it out via email? It helps to save the environment too =)

- We all want a wedding gown that is just made for us, but that difference between a made to measure (MTM) wedding gown and a over the rack (OTR) wedding gown can again save u a couple of hundreds (which might be greatly needed for that renovation/honeymoon break you guys soooo badly need/deserve). Keep an open mind, if there really is a wedding gown that made some other bride happy that you like, consider it...

- If you are the sentimental person who will have GREAT difficulty keeping to the limit of the photos that is given as part of your wedding package, either try to bargain to get back all the photos (if you're using an inhouse photographer, it can be extremely hard. But usually for free lancers, you generally get it back...) or get your hubby to choose the final lot.

- Ala carte wedding packages might seem more costly in the beginning as compared to "one stop" wedding shops but when you take into consideration the damage of photo-topping up can do, you might wanna consider ala carte boutiques...It gives you the flexiblity to find a photographer within your budget and getting back all the photos.

- Rather than pay for a coffee book album/photo montage/cartoon, let your creativity be unleashed and create your own! Albums can be made into scrapbooks, or your own coffee book album. There are a few photo developing studio that allow you to use your own photos and develop your own coffee book album. One such is www.fotohub.com. You pay according to the size of the album and the number of pages....There is still a cost involved but it is something worth considering...

- Church wedding decorations can be rented/D-I-Y...Rope in the help of your friends and make it a fun project!

- Rather than rent a car for your wedding, consider using your own car/a friend's car as a wedding car. It might not be as flashy as a Mercedes or a BMW or a Chrysler...it will be done up pretty all the same and using your own car is more meaningful right? =) (Not everyone has their own car at our age...heh heh)

Some of these tips might involve a little more work, but a wedding is meant to be a dream come true, and not a nightmare looming to attack once the banquet is over....

Research....

I came to know of a couple getting married who spend over $7k just on the photographs alone! (The wedding package was about $3k)

When I asked how in the world did that happen, the groom advised that altogether there were 4 albums and because his parents they all took family photos also.

I turned to my hubby and said thank goodness we took ala carte for ours instead, else God knows what kind of damage would be done to our pocket!

Now the title of this post is research because it really does pay to do your research (and calculations while you're at it)

Some wedding packages because it's a one stop studio (ie: photography included together with the wedding package), it seems more worth your buck because it's so comprehensive. Whereas ala carte studios tend to be more expensive because most of them are designer studios, and also because they only provide the gowns, the makeup and the suit. You have to get your own photographer for photoshoots if you wish to have one.

So at first glance, yeah a one stop studio seems better.
But it's well known amongst couples that the bridal studios earn their money by getting the couple to purchase more photographs, do more albums or make more expensive albums...as in the case of the couple that spend more than $7k on photographs alone, which means they spent almost $10k on their bridal package alone! That's practically almost 1/2 an average cost of a wedding banquet!

If you know that you're the sentimental sort, then you might want to consider ala carte bridal studios. Yes you may have to pay more for the bridal package, but a number external photography studios will return you all the photos that you took in the photoshoot. So if you really want, you can develop them out and make a scrapbook yourself or put them into a nice album and there you have another album to show at the dinner.

Admittedly, it's not going to be as nice as a coffeebook album, but honestly...
At the end of the day, the album is going to be chucked into your storeroom...

But most importantly, each couple should know their limits.
If you have the luxury of a large budget where you can afford to spend that kinda money on photos, then by all means, be my guest and knock yourselves out! =)

But if you're like the average man on the street with a limited budget, then take the time to do your research...

1. Ask the bridal studio for the additional charges per photo/album/page
2. Clarify with them if the package is giving you no. of photos or no. of pages. If pages, find
out how many photos are they going to put on a page, coz it can be possible that they put one photo spread over 2 pages...
3. Compare with ala carte studios and external photographers...
4. Be realistic, if you know that you're the sentimental sort that all photos you want to have a copy of, then decide if you can afford to do so or do you need to be that determined and stick to the those provided in the package
5. Check with the bridal studio if they will return all photos taken (Most won't but it doesn't hurt to try and ask. Some might for a fee)

As with all wedding preparations, discuss together and make compromises where necessary.
Remember to enjoy the process! =)
All the best to all couples!

HEAR YE.........HEAR YE!! *cough cough......OIIIII!!

*grin

Now that we angels have your attention (not to mentioned many raised eyebrows)...

We need your help!!
We would like readers to offer suggestions for our topic next mth....SABO IDEAS!!
As we all know, the gatecrashing is most fun that the jiemeis are going to have on the wedding day and after that it's back to running around for the bride =) Now, everyone wants to have unique ideas right?

Soooooo.......

Ladies (and even gents with a twisted mind), pls step forward and help future brides (and jie meis) make the wedding day the most spectacular ever....

Now while we do realise that the guys will get a chance to take a "peek" as to what are potential ideas that they might face, have faith that in the name of "good clean fun", they will be sporting enough to go thru all that pain and humiliation.....all in the name of love....

So let those creative juices start flowing!
Last date of submission is 31st Jan 08!!

Pls send all ideas to artistic.angels@gmail.com

Thanks in advance everyone!

Wedding Do-s and Don't-s (Couple)

Disclaimer: This is based on the author's personal opinion and not meant to offend nor pick on anyone. Pls take it with a pinch on salt n at best treat it as food for thought while having a good laugh along the way.

DAH DAH DAH DDAAAAAHHHHHHHH (ala super drama music)

The moment we've all been waiting for (Humour me)
The (so-called) DO AND DON'Ts for the wedding couple themselves!
Now in an earlier post, I emphasised HEAPS that it's the couple's special day and practically made them to be king and queen for the day but even kings and queens need to learn how to "rule over their subjects" fairly and justly, lest there's a revolt! =P

So here's my list (or rather what I think) as a couple we should be mindful about....

1. DO spare a thought for your guests!
- This is like a "DUUUUHHHH" moment no doubt but it goes beyond whether or not they will enjoy themselves at the dinner, whether the food's good and stuff, but so much more than that. If you're just having a dinner and choosing a venue, think about location....is it hard for your guests to get to or find transport home later?

Is the cost of per seat too much for most of your guests to bear? No one wants to feel obligated to give that hefty an ang bao for a dinner even if it's your special day...that was actually one of the considerations my husband and I made while choosing a location for our dinner. Not only did it have to suit our budget, but also we didn't want our friends to feel like "wah, I have to give so much ah...else later they think i cheapo or something"

If you're having a no. of guests out of town, are they going to stay at the hotel you're having the dinner or elsewhere? If at the hotel you're having the dinner, does the hotel provide special rates for your guests?

2. (For the ladies) DO NOT go BRIDE-ZILLA on people
- Most of us want a fairytale wedding (some guys are lucky that their fiancees are more slack =P) and get stressed with all the minor details like making the bridesmaids wear absolutely matching dresses that just look oh sooooo cute!! Ok never mind that one of them looks like a fluffy bowling ball and absolutely hates it....I mean, all that matters is you like it right?

And don't get me started on the grooms..like it's their wedding too!!! How can they not care?!?!?

Now before u all grab ur heels and throw it at me, think about it. Everyone is excited and happy for you and pls, of course the groom cares!! (Even if it's more about how much you're probably going to blow the budget by) Guys care about different things and show their participation in different ways...Rather than give them tasks that intimidate them, give them tiny things to start off first....think baby steps with them....be patient..you're going to be stuck with him for a rreeaaallllyyy long time so might as well make the start to it a nice pleasant one right?

Now friends help willingly and they are sincere about their help...so the least you can do is listen to what they have to say right? Try to reach a compromise and try to put yourself in their shoes. I mean, no doubt you're the star for the day and you wanna milk it for all its worth, but that doesn't meant that your bridesmaids should feel uncomfy right? =) Discuss with them what they think, esp with regards to dress codes and stuff. Try to reach a compromise...

This applies to even the staff you work with. Just because it's their job to work with you, doesn't mean it's their job to do WHATEVER you want them to. They are human too so respect them as you would any human. I've learnt that if you're nice and respectful to them, you get more out of them and they will be prepared to go the extra mile for you and might even throw in some freebies for you.

3. DO try to arrange for your helpers to meet together
- Especially if you have friends from the various facets of your life. On the big day, they are the ones who are basically going to run the show for you both. So if you dump a group of strangers together, ttthhhheeerreeee might be moments where there's awkward-ness and "eehhh"...."eeeerrr" moments. Not everyone is extroverted and can handle themselves well amongst strangers, esp if you're having emcees who don't know each other. The lack of chemistry is VERY obvious and will affect your guests attention span =) Plus it's always nice to gather more friends together no? =)

4. (Guys this one's for you) DO NOT BE A FREELOADER!!
- I've heard of horror stories from friends and other brides about how their partners don't seem to bother about anything and just say "up to you" and seem to lack interest, to the point that the girl thinks that the guy wants out. Now guys, we know you love us and this is a good time to show it...

Now, this is a tricky situation coz help can also be wrong and don't help again can also be wrong. So depending on your communication style/system, if you want to help, maybe you can ask her if she needs help with anything. Or if she gives you something to do, like research for quotations, pls do it. Most brides are the ones who are doing all the work and research and preparation and stuff...so if we ask for help, chances are we are already that swamped...so be a dear and move your blooming bottoms already!

5. DO be mindful of any traditions/customs that the elder generation might insist on
- Most of us would rather do away with a lot of traditions because we find it either a) a waste of time, b) waste of effort, c) what's the logic!?!?!. But this is a day that most of them have been waiting for and it would mean a lot to them. So try to give in as much as you can. If there are some traditions that you don't understand or don't want to have, have a chat with your elders (if they will listen) and see if you can try to understand it from their point of view. While it's YOUR day, let's face it, we "technically" share it with our family =) After all they've done for us, I'm sure we can "humor" them a lil right?

6. DO NOT give TIGHT deadlines
- If you're planning a wedding for the end of the year, you'd know that there are HEAPS of people getting married. So if you're planning to have a pre-wedding photoshoot and whatnots done, spare a thought for the people desperately rushing the work for you and God-knows-how-many other couples by giving them ample time to finish the work. After all, if they really rush through your work, then there's a high chance you get shoddy work. There are time plans that can be found in most bridal magazines and they provide a good basis and guideline.

7. DO RESPECT the staff you work with
- This is more on the lines of things related to customer service but still applicable here. Just because your hotel co-ordinator, the banquet manager, the bridal studio staff and everyone else you hired (this includes the JP, the choir for your church wedding too) to help make your day special doesn't mean that they deserve to be treated like crap. They are human beings too and feel frustration as much as any one else does. If you had to face demanding couples over things that is not within your control or for their mistakes, wouldn't you feel irritated? But yet, they must still maintain their composure and let you hurl your frustrations at them....now they put up with all that kinda crap everyday and on top of all that, still not show it to the other couples they face....so if things go wrong, try not to fly of the handle and take it out on them immediately. Give them a chance to at least explain or rectify the situation...If you have to yell at them, at least make sure they deserve it...As in REALLY deserve it....them....not you...not you deserving to let out your own frustations for something they didn't do...OK?

8. DO NOT go beyond your LIMITS
- This has been ingrained into my head thanks to my hubby...A beautiful celebration can end up costing an arm and a leg (and a marriage if you're not careful), but it doesn't have to...as long as you know your limits. Many bridal magazines and websites offer guidelines for budget-setting....Now while you may not like the fact that you realise your dream venue is out of budget, but do your research on other venues....it could be that you might find something that is just as good on a cheaper budget. Having said that, check out quotations from various vendors to do some comparisons. And always be realistic...

One tip my mom personally gave me was never to throw a wedding that you're going to end up spending so much that you end up spending years after your wedding to "recover" losses.

If you insist that you want it to be unique, do some reasearch for creative ideas online and see how you can make things yourself or with the help of your friends. Maybe a friend can lend their car for your bridal car as opposed to renting a car....

If you're having a ROM solemnisation before your dinner, see if you can print the details all together on the same card. If you're not inviting everyone to the solmenisation, see if you can make your own simple card. I personally made 70 cards for my guests using my home printer and some ribbons and stuff and they all loved it and thought it was very classy....and it was definately for less than $1 a card.

If your parents insist on a GIGANTIC banquet, have a talk with them and let them know what's your budget and capacity and see if they can help...work something out. Parents (as big a pain as they can be) ultimately want you both to be happy.

There are a lot of ways you can work around budgets but just remember something, taking more money from somewhere like for your dream venue or your dream gown, means another area has less money allocated.

9. DO take note of the smallest details
- Believe me, the accumulation can come up to be quite a bit...things like ang baos for tea ceremony, helpers, gatecrashing, pens for the guest book, etc etc etc....so get a list and note down how much you are going to spend or actually spend. If you're worried you miss something out, see if friends who have already gotten married have a list of things they prepared/budgetted.

Small things also include the emcee speech, the songs/music for the dinner etc...so again, see if friends have a programme/plan for the day & night that they can share so you can tweak as necessary. It helps heaps and saves everyone (esp you both) a lot of grief....

10. DO ENJOY YOURSELVES!!!
- Let's face it, planning an event on such a large scale for an amatuer is not joke but you don't want to have memories of the days planning as ones of grief...you want to be able to laugh at those moments like "ohmygodIcan'tbelievethishappened" and so on...Enjoy every moment of the planning...whether by yourself, with friends, or your hubby....so that on the big day itself, as you enjoy each moment that passes (and believe me, it will fly by), when your guests see you smiling, it's not just because it's your big day, but also because all the memories and fun you had preparing for your big day is coming back and all the hard work had paid off....

On behalf of the other angels, I'd like to wish all brides and grooms to be a very happy and blessed wedding preparation and hope that whatever tips/products we can share with you all helps make the "ordeal" of wedding planning into one of fun and fond memories....

Wedding Etiquette (Guests)

How many of us have gone have had our weddings filled with big dreams and high hopes of a beautiful, romantic glamourous event.....

and realise it ain't gonna happen?

It's common knowledge in Singapore that wedding dinners never start on time...for that matter, I think only church weddings start on time and that's only because most couples have limited time frames given to them to go through the ceremony, have the reception, and clear out for the next couple to get ready and have their own ceremony.

Now while we all can say "They also do what...why should I be the one to make the difference?", you do realise that it's got to start somewhere....*wink

So here's my list of wedding etiquette that I wish I can see at my own wedding dinner
(Hey, one can always dream right?)

1. That my guests come on time!!
- People....7pm cocktails 7.30pm dinner means that the couple is giving you a half an hour grace period to arrive in time for the dinner already...Plus if you're late, you hold up dinner for over a hundred people...When you think about it that way, doesn't it make you kinda feel bad? If not, then imagine you being the one waiting for dinner to start...Ahhhh now that ought to strike a chord with some of you *grin

2. That my guests RSVP by the deadline!!
- For the uninitiated, couples need to confirm with the hotel the no. of tables they need at their dinner at least a few weeks before the big day, so when you get an invite with an RSVP asking you to reply a month before the big day, don't think that it's the couple just being "kiasu" ok? They do have a reason for it...So be nice to them and don't make the bride turn into a "bride-zilla" and RSVP ASAP! (Which brings me to my next point...or rather wish)

3. That my guests COME when they SAY they'll COME!!
- I'm sure we all can relate to this one...not just for wedding dinners but even normal dinner gatherings. How many times have you arranged to have dinner with someone and the day before or even on the day itself, they cancel on you? Now it's annoying enough when it's a normal dinner, imagine the intensity of that frustration when it comes to your wedding dinner? Mind you, if enough people do it to you, you might waste a table's food (and not to mention that seat you paid for them). While admittedly, sometimes we really cannot prevent things from happening that prevent us from being there, but do spare a thought for the couple and all the trouble they went through to make that day/night not only a special one for them but for you as well. Always try your best to make it and if you know you're not going to be able to, let them know ASAP! That's just basic courtesy....

4. That my guests DRESS appropriately!!
- Now you might be wondering what in the world am I talking about right? Well thisis not so much about not wearing tank top, shorts and flip flops to a wedding dinner at a hotel, but more about not outshining the bride =) Now not all of us are blessed with good looks where no matter what we wear, we look dammmmmn ffffiiiiinnnnneeeeee. It's the bride's big day and her time to shine...it might be the only chance in her life for her to feel that kinda attention and to be in the limelight for once...So be mindful and while I'm not asking you lot to go and rummage through your "No-Way-In-Hell-Would-I-Ever-Be-Caught-Dead-Wearing-That" part of your closet, not am I asking you all to wear potato sacks, but don't wear things like tiaras, or very flash outfits and a whole lot of bling bling...Remember, Bride = Centre of Attention for the night...U have attention 364 days of the year already....be magnanimous and let others have a chance =)

5. That they give ADEQUATE ANG BAOS!!!
- Awww comeon, you guys know this was coming! =P For readers who are not from Asia (yes I am that hopeful..haha), for typical Chinese wedding banquets, guests give the couple red packets with money inside as a gift to them as opposed to having a gift registry. For readers who have no idea what's the logic behind a gift registry, some couples (this is more common in Western countries) go to large departmental stores and they choose things they would like to have in their homes...it ranges from electrical appliances, to crockery, to flatware, to decoration pieces. The couple notify their guests, and the guests go down in their own time to choose what gift they wish to pay for, or pay part of, and the store will take care of the rest. For the unpaid items (if I remember correctly), the couple settle it themselves after the wedding day. Now most Chinese couples hope to be able to at least breakeven for the wedding banquet although most prepare themselves for huge losses (Some mentally prepare themselves for losses up to $4000). If you're shy to ask the couple how much per table at their dinner costs, you can either call the hotel, go to the Singaporebrides website (www.singaporebrides.com; bear in mind that the prices are not very accurate as it depends on the package the couple took too). Recently there was an article in the New Paper about the cost of holding wedding dinner banquets in Singapore and hopefully that also made people realise that costs are increasing...Don't forget, they already incur costs for the gowns, the photoshoots, the photographers, videographers, church etc etc...so helping them out a bit with the biggest cost of all helps....

6. That they realise that CHURCH WEDDINGS ARE NOT FREE!!
- To be honest, I never thought that but it was because of a comment a friend made recently that honestly astonished me. He thought that if I had a church wedding, it'd be free! Well, while I can't say for other denominations (but I think it's the same throughout), but for Catholic weddings, we need to pay for using the church and the canteen and different churches have their different charges. Plus we also need to give ang baos to the celebrant, the choir...we need to pay for the church booklets, the decorations for that short ceremony, and of course, the reception!! So if you're invited to a church wedding, do give a little token to the couple to help offset these costs. Couples don't expect a lot to be given for their church weddings but no doubt, your small gesture will mean a lot to them.

7. That they actually WRITE WHO THEY ARE when signing in the guest book
- Now this is not all that random. When I looked through my guestbook after my ROM dinner, my hubby and I stared at a couple of squiggly lines for the longest of times trying to figure out WHO in the WORLD is that person who wrote that lovely message for us. Now if you're one of those lucky, smart people whose signature obviously tells the reader who you are, then it's all good. But if you're one of those with a signature that looks like a 3-yr-olds idea of the word "Cat", then rather than sign off, just write your name. I mean, what's the point of writing a lovely message for the couple and they don't know who you are?

8. That they DON'T RUN OFF before the dinner's even ended!!
- I know it's a long day/night for everyone (especially for the helpers) but don't you think it's rude to leave early? It's like walking out of a performance without waiting for the curtain calls...it's not nice to the artiste who performed their heart and soul in hope that you will appreciate their art and efforts. It's the same for wedding dinners...the couple painstakingly went through the menu and worried and fussed over whether the food is up to standard, whether it's nice, and they see people leaving before the dinner's even over. You may see it as trying to beat the crowd leaving the carpark or grabbing a cab, the couple, however, might see it as that the dinner is that horrible/you're having that miserable a time that you can't wait to get out! Much as they want the night to end more than anyone else, it's their special night, so if you know you're in for a long night, stock up on the coffee/Red Bull/whathaveyou...and just stick it through for their sake...

9. That they PAY ATTENTION when the emcee or couple are talking!!
- I was the emcee at a friend's wedding last month and I honestly found it annoying that guests didn't pay attention to the couple nor to what I and my partner were saying/doing on stage. It was almost is like that they're just there for the food and don't care about what the couple. This again is basic courtesy...when someone is talking, you listen...I'm sure this was drilled into all our heads enough when we all were in school. Now none of us have that thick a skull right? =)

And finally....

10. THAT THEY DON'T GO ALL OUT TO MAKE THE COUPLE ESP THE GROOM SO HOPELESSLY DRUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Don't get me wrong...amongst my friends, I'm the QUEEN of SABO and I'm all up for some monkeying around and teasing...but making the couple, especiall the groom so drunk as a skunk that a doctor needs to be called in to help them and give them a jab for alcohol poisoning is NOT FUNNY! As my hubby loves to remind me, what goes around comes around...and mind you, getting a doctor to make a housecall at that hour just for a jab is seriously not worth it. Not to mention the fact that the bride is already exhausted, has to dig through her heavily hairsprayed hair to fish out all the hairpins (and more often than not, she's going to find more as she shampoos her hair), but now she's got to take care of her concuss-ed husband who's more like the living dead than the man of her dreams. Now remember, when we're concussed, we ALL weigh a ton...If you want to sabo the couple and the groom already seems to be not quite right, either go easy on him and get him at another drinking session (you can accumulate interest by then) or aim the "brothers" (aka the xiong dis)...After all, that's what they're there for!! And "brothers"/"xiong dis", remember...ur supposed to HELP the groom stay sober, not GET HIM DEAD DRUNK!

Wedding etiquette is not just for guests....mind you, the couple need to be just as mindful and their list is coming up soon =)

ENJOY!

Marriage challenges 1

Disclaimer: This is based on the author's personal opinion and not meant to offend nor discourage anyone. Pls take it with a pinch on salt n at best just reflect on it and treat it as food for thought.

Some of us who are already married may strike a chord with this...
How many times have we felt that our partner doesn't understand us anymore? Or that what we used to do last time was ok or even cute and now is just downright annoying to them?

Once the "I Do"s have been said, with a change of status, there's a change in level of expectations and responsibilities...Sometimes we are concious of it sometimes we're not...

For example, your partner used to help you pick out stuff while you went shopping and even offered to pay for your purchases. Now all he does is nag that you spend too much money and that everything you choose is too ex, or too showy, or too flashy....you get the idea...

Not all of us have perfect relationships that have fairy tale endings...most of us actually have to work at our relationships..such is the fact of life...Communication is definately important in the survival of any relationship, but it is also a lot easier said than done...What we thinkis right/best for our partner may not always be the case and quite often, we get it wrong and misunderstandings occur and accusations of "You don't care about me!", or "You don't love me anymore" start sprouting out...

Now once we've calmed down, we know that it's not true...that they do care for us and that they love us but just that at that point in time, we're so angry and upset and hurt and confused that we let our emotions control our mouths. Unfortunately, what is said can't be taken back much as you wish you can...So if you feel yourself starting to bubble up from under and going to explode, do what you can to calm down...tell your partner that you (or maybe even both of u) need time to calm down n cool off and take a breather...go for a walk, wash your face...or something...but never go to bed angry....

It will just eat at you inside and it will just make things worse...
If it's really late and it's still not been resolved, at least agree to put it aside for the time being and pick it up again the next day. But don't just sweep it under the carpet and pretend all is well....as you know, it will accumulate and then before you know it, there's this mountain of crap under that carpet and if you're not careful, it will all come tumbling down on your head....drowning both of you....

The most impt thing is to make sure u try to catch the problem early before it takes root in your heart and manifests and feeds itself off the hatred and anger brewing inside. Again easier said that done and admittedly, it does take a lot of effort on both parties part...sometimes it might take more effort for one than the other...but it's a joint effort from both sides.

There's no special potion or chemical or formula to help make problems like this go away or easier for that matter...it's pure hard work....

Shopping for Wedding Gowns!

Many of us, when we go shopping for a bridal studio, not only drag (unwilling) partners along but also don't really know what to ask till we walk out, paid the deposit and keep having this sinking feeling we forgot something...and usually it comes to bite hard later...

Here's some questions that you might want to ask your bridal studio before signing for their enticing package

PS: Pls note that this list is not exhaustive and probably as you shop around or hear from friends who have already bought their gowns, you will pick up some of your own...

a) Any hidden costs?
This is the main question...this usually relates to fabric costs, lace, beading etc. Basically any additional costs that the bridal studio (BS) might charge you to create your perfect gown. Different BS have different charges but they are mainly related to the the type of fabric you want, whether you want a lot of lace and/or beading on your gown

b) Dry cleaning charges?
Check with your BS about dry cleaning charges AFTER your big day. I've heard of some that actually expect you to pay for the dry cleaning of the gown before returning it to them. Most (if not all) BS will settle the dry cleaning after you come back from your photoshoot. But it doesn't hurt to be careful. After all, no one wants a sudden "surprise"

c) Makeup artist charges?
Some bridal studios work with a no. of freelance make up artists and there may (or may not) be different charges for each make up artist. Check with your BS in the event that the one that you requested is unable to make it (it does happen...dun be shocked) and you need to have another one, what is the procedure like. Decide if you are comfortable with it.

d) Additional photos for photoshoot/details of photo album?
Some bridal studios have their own in house photographer and therefore your pre-wedding photoshoots may be included in the packge. Be careful how the wording is for the photo album they are giving. Always be very clear with them. 30 pages and 30 photos can mean a world of difference. Not to mention the definition of "page" BS usually have samples lying around...so ask them what exactly do the terms of the photoshoot mean.

Ask about the cost of additional photos uphand if you're on a tight budget. That way you can figure out roughly how many more photos can you top up for your album. Guys, it happens a lot so be warned. It takes a very strong willed couple not to fall into temptation.

e)Additional suits/jackets/gowns/dresses
For some of you, you might have brothers or sisters who want a nice dress/suit. See if you can work a deal with your BS about the charges for the additional items. Some might be able to throw in a jacket for free. Of course, it helps to at least have an idea how much a suit would cost you guys to tailor/buy outside.

As mentioned this list is not exhaustive...Chat in forums like Singaporebrides.com and see what other questions or pointers other brides to be suggest.

The most important things we can advise is to always work within your budget and be realistic. Not all of us have the luxury of being to afford our DREAM gown...so we make do with the best we can =)

Also, one must make sure that they are comfortable with the DESIGNER they are working with. Always ask to speak to the designer of the BS as far as possible (especially if you are having a made to measure gown) because you need to be able to work comfortably and closely with him/her. They might also offer suggestions based on their expertise that you may not like to hear. Being comfortable with them makes it easier to take that critisim/comment/suggestion and it works for you in the end.

Invite 3

A squarish invite designed for a friend's church invite that she wanted to put together with her dinner invite. Here are the variations that I played around with for her.

For quotations, pls email mark.drea@gmail.com

Invite 2

A 3 fold card with a sweet, yet sophisticated.
The details will be printed on a seperate piece of paper and attached inside the card.

For quotations or info, pls email at mark.drea@gmail.com

Interesting Tip 1

Even though we wish we could explicitly tell our guests to leave the children at home, we know we can't. Oh the woes of having to be socially and politically correct and proper *grin

If you forsee having children running around at your wedding (be it church/your wedding banquet/reception), here's an interesting tip on how to distract the lil munchkins...





Why not have a bowl of candy or lollipops at the reception table handy?
(Picture courtesy of shopping.beloblog.com/archives/home_garden/)


You could even have those brightly coloured delights decorated in a special way just for them.


Like have a styrofoam cube, wrapped in a brightly coloured paper and have the lollipops poking out of it...

Or even just having a box, have sweets and lollipops inside and mix it up with shredded rough paper or other fillers and make it seem like the kids have their very own lucky draw.

If you're worried about sugar rushes or that parents will scream at you for the potential dental damages, you can get sugar free lollipops. Leftovers can be distributed amongst your helpers coz let's face it, we're all big kids at heart....

Here's why it's a good idea:-

1. It will help distract the kids and keep their minds off the decorations that you have so painstakingly had arranged just so perfectly.

2. They will feel like they are part of the celebration & not just there because mommy and daddy can't find a babysitter "free" enough to keep an eye on them.

3. It brightens up your own reception table

4. It will keep them quiet (somewhat and we can only hope) while the guests are slowly trickling in like they usually do for most Chinese wedding banquets.

Wedding gifts 3

If you're looking for a gift that is unique and personalised for the wedding couple to use, perhaps you might want to consider giving them a pair of monogrammed glasses....

For quotations, pls contact mark@markchoon.com

Wedding gifts 2

A wedding favour that guests can use as tea light holders, or for decorative purposes....

For quotations, pls contact mark@markchoon.com

Wedding Gifts 1

A champagne flute that was designed for a couple for their helpers as a token of appreciation.

For quotations, pls contact mark@markchoon.com

Invite 1

A very simple design....

For quotation, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Ang Bao Box 4

Dimensions: 23cm * 24cm * 31cm

Ideal for large wedding dinners....
Can be customised to 2 smaller boxes if preferred

For quotations, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Ang Bao Box 3

Dimensions : 23cm * 24cm * 31cm
The picture on the top is a close up of the flower on top of the box

Ideal for large weddings....
Can be customised to 2 smaller boxes if preferred

For quotations, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Ang Bao Box 2 (Updated)

Here's an example of what it looks like with a stuffed toy on it

If you have a particular toy you like, for example, Mickey Mouse, Forever Friends, Me to You bears, it can be arranged but no guarantees.

For quotations, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Ang Bao Box 2

25.5cm * 14.5cm *17cm (1st layer)

29cm * 10.5cm * 24cm (2nd layer)

Ideal for couples who are having a large number of guests.
This design allows room for the couple to add their favourite stuffed animals that perhaps have special/sentimental meaning.

For quotations, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Ang Bao Box 1

28.8cm * 24.5cm * 17cm

A simple and classic design.
Ideal for couples who just want a no fuss box.

For quotations, pls contact mark.drea@gmail.com

Welcome note

Hi there,

This blog is basically a means to showcase some of the things my husband and I have made for other couples getting ready for their big day....

It's kinda still work in progress right now so please bear with us.
But do come back every so often to see what's new here.

These items showcased here are meant to give you an idea of what you can consider for your own wedding. If you wish to have your items customised, we're more than happy to hear from you and see how we can help.

Thank you for your attention and we hope that you like what we have here.

Regards,
Andrea