Quick Check

with 3 days' off time this week, i finally got to work on (part of) the wedding plan.

managed to finalize our makeup artist, car rental and solemnizer (Ms Jennifer Lim). started working on the actual day's schedule too. phew.

and today, we collected our health screening results then Poppy made a trip down to the restaurant to meet Suzanna, while i head to work, to confirm the menu and details for the invitation cards.

now we're left with booking of our solemnization date with ROM and the accommodation for my relatives, together with, discussion of our package with the bridal shop (incl gown/suit + car decor + hand bouquet + jackets for our dads + dresses for our moms), photographer/videographer, wedding cakes and items for the customary.

that sounds like a whole lot, doesn't it?

i'm really starting to panic.

meanwhile, Custard's adjusting well, but she's be mewing a lot more recently. sometimes she stops after being fed, other times she just continues mewing. we've scheduled to bring her to the vet on Monday, just to make sure she's all well.

Custard's getting pretty pesky nowadays, she will mew and behave coquettishly so that she gets carried to my lap where she will nap and get back-rubs. she even mews disapprovingly when i shift or move my legs! and now, she has the audacity to jump onto and nap on the sofa, despite disapproving sounds we make. she's practically the queen of the house. haa.

alright then, more updates will after we visit the bridal shop next weekend.

till then, tata...

Wedding bits...

Just one final bit for the day

Above: 

a roll of red ribbon printed with "喜喜" Double Happines in gold,

and a roll of white ribbon for some modification to the corsages (as seen below)

Yes, my dearest 姐妹's

I've gotten the corsages for you!

Hope you girls like it.

Announcement: The Date's Set!

we got our auspicious dates from the geomancer on Monday,

and without delay, fixed an appointment with the restaurant of our choice...

had a long day today, shuttling between the bank - home - HDB - home - restaurant - home.

and alas, we've made reservations our banquet to be held at Joy Garden Restaurant (part of the Qianxi group) in the soon-to-open Safra Jurong. 

so dear friends, please mark ur calendars for our big day: 

27 June 2010

農曆五月初十六

despite the mad rush and confusion at HDB this afternoon, 

finally, it's another load off my overloaded brain.

i now have lotsa free memory to process information on Guangzhou - Zhuhai -Macau!!

for now, i shall get back to packing my bags first.

my flight's around 4PM tomorrow afternoon, and yea, i know, it's like super last minute.

Wedding Speeches: The light-hearted versions

obviously surfing the net (too much) for wedding tips and guides, 

i came across these amusing lines which certainly brightened up my dull afternoon at work 

i.e. apart from the Sydney power outage. bla.

humorous Wedding Speeches

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen - First, I'd like to inform you that my bride has vetted this speech, so if you consider any of the material inappropriate, it's her fault.

This is a very important day for me – second only to my stag night – so I’m sure you’ll understand if I seem a little nervous. After all, it’s only natural, marriage is a pretty big step … and these days you have to be careful what you step into.

I would like to thank Linda's parents for everything they have done and for welcoming me so openly into their family. Although I was a bit worried at first. When I asked Alan for Linda’s hand in marriage he told me to leave my name and number and said he’d call me if nothing better turned up.

I feel very fortunate to be marrying Linda and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity of giving her everything she deserved … beautiful flowers and a wonderful white wedding car, so I hope you’ve all enjoyed the day as much as my credit card company has. 

Thanking the Parents

This seems to me to be an appropriate moment to thank my mother and father for being such splendid parents to me. I only hope that Linda and I make as good a job of our married life as they have of theirs. And that all our children are as perfect as I am.

or 

And now onto my parents. I’d like to congratulate you on raising such an excellent, handsome and over performing son, without whom this day wouldn’t be possible.

Thanking the Best man

Finally, I need to thank my best man. Every bridegroom needs a best man he can totally rely on, somebody organised, who can take charge and make the day run smoothly – a person who is very serious and responsible. But what do you do if you don’t know anybody like that? Well, in my case I picked Jason.

or

I’d like to thank Jason, my best man, who's been a great friend for a long time. Depending on how incriminating his speech is, we might even stay friends.

or, worse still,

Jason and I go way back, and he’s always been there for me. I remember when I lost my job, Jason was there. When I broke my arm, Jason was there. And when I crashed my one-and-only car, Jason was there. In fact, come to think about it, Jason - you're a jinx! 

and this, is strictly to be kept from the Groom's eyes

Now that I am married, I have some catching up do in domestic matters. I must learn how to paint a house, mow a lawn, dig a garden, but I am sure that after a year or two of watching how Linda does these things, I’ll get the idea. 

The 75 Best Wedding Web Sites

There are more than 100 million Web sites in the world. While we can't claim to have checked out every single one (everyone needs to sleep sometime!), these 75 resources are stellar, whether you're looking for cha-cha lessons or a custom sugar cookie.

ACCESSORIES

1. Fake Them Out Many of the rhinestone pieces at emitations.com are replicas of diamonds worn by A-list divas like Halle, Heidi, and Nicole.

2. Buy Bargain Baubles The deals at overstock.com are phenomenal—we found an 18K gold multistrand gemstone necklace for just $35.99!

3. Snag Some Shoes White shoes rule at myglassslipper.com, which carries high-end designers, as well as more affordable brands (Dyeables, Touch Ups). 

4. Top Your Tresses Satisfy your inner princess with hair jewelry from saragabriel.com, home of classic and modern styles.

5. Look for Lingerie When mining for wedding day unmentionables (bras, bustiers, shapewear), go to figleaves.com—good selection, good prices.

BEAUTY

6. Master an Updo Learn how to do your own do at hairstyles.nexxus.com, which offers video tutorials. Hit the "Holiday Hairstyles" tab for formal looks ranging from chic chignons to romantic waves.

7. Find Your Faves Your #1 lipstick has gone AWOL from store shelves? Don't panic—hit sephora.com, which carries nearly 200 brands, including hard-to-find items.

8. Enhance Your Eyes Find out how to do your big-day makeup at smashbox.com; the "Insider Secrets" tab has how-to videos galore.

9. Design a Fragrance At scentdesign.net, brides can create custom blends of fruits, flowers, and spices. One-third of an ounce costs just $10.

BRIDAL PARTY

10. Dress Your Maids At dessy.com, the easy to use dress guide lets you search the collection by color, length, neckline, silhouette, and fabric.

11. School Your Man Written from a man's perspective, groomgrove.com offers straight talk (and videos) on planning, clothes, guys’ duties, and speechmaking.

12. Garb the Flower Girl Ethereal and elegant, the flower-girl dresses at usangels.com come with satin bows, organza ruffles, and loads of charm.

BUDGET

13. Estimate the Bills To help you plan your expenses, use the "Weddings" section of costhelperher.com, which lists price ranges for goods and services from musicians to ice sculptures.

14. Compare Costs Plug in your zip code at costofwedding.com to find out the average budget for "I do's" in your specific area.

15. Track Your Digits Once you've figured out a budget, use numsum.com to not only create spreadsheets but also share them online with your fiancé and parents.

16. Bid for Bargains Don't forget ebay.com for finds like barely worn headpieces and lace tablecloths.

17. Do It Yourself Need to make a guest book, craft a favor bag, or set up an iPod playlist? Diybride.com has advice from crafty brides and links to experts' Web sites.

CAKES AND COOKIES

18. Make a Cake From baking pans to sugar daisies, fancyflours.com sells everything you need to raise the wedding cake to a piece of art.

19. Sweeten Things Up Pick your favorite posy at unitedsugardesign.com, where the candy flowers include orchids, roses, and lilies.

20. Tailor a Topper Crown your cake with your names scrawled inside a wire heart from gaugenyc.com.

21. Bejewel the Cake Top the tiers with a cake crown from paristiaras.com—and find a match for you, too!

22. Customize a Cookie On the dessert table, offer these initial cookies from casuesweets.com, which specializes in custom treats.

23. Get Specifics Every recipe at wilton.com is accompanied by a list of the exact pans and tools needed to create a masterpiece.

CEREMONY

24. Choose Readings The "Planning" section of todays-weddings.com lists popular passages plucked from Scripture, literature, and poetry.

25. Ordain a Buddy Want someone special to officiate at your wedding? Send 'em to themonastery.org (Universal Life Church) to apply.

26. Find an Officiant Stop by nawoonline.com (the National Association of Wedding Officiants) to find a religious or secular authority to perform the service.

27. Write the Words Get inspiration at myweddingsvows.com, which offers examples from traditional to interfaith to celebrity (Elvis and Priscilla!).

EMBELLISHMENTS

28. Bring on the Bows Midoriribbon.com has ribbons in every color, fabric, and width, some customizable with a personal design.

29. Hire a Scribe Find a calligrapher in your area through the professional group societyofscribes.org.

30. Reinvent the Vase At themacbethcollection.com playful prints transform galvanized buckets into chic containers for wine and flowers.

FAVORS

31. Value the Variety A limited budget's BFF: orientaltrading.com. It has a festive selection of favors from fans (12 for $3.49) to mint tins (12 for $14.99).

32. Have It Your Way At foryourparty.com, you can pick out a favor (matchbooks), decide on a color (gold), then choose a font (Bickham Script). Sweet.

33. Find a Goodie Blissweddings.com is the place for guest giveaways. Edible, seasonal, thematic—it's got dozens of choices.

34. Decorate Your Day Think of save-on-crafts.com as your one-click supply source for DIY projects, with all the necessities for making favors, menus, centerpieces, and more.

35. Go Organic Considering candles? Nix paraffin for nontoxic soy options sold through lumia.us.

36. Box It Up Even a cup of jelly beans looks fancy packed in an elegant vellum bag or pretty organza box from annagriffin.com.

FLOWERS

37. Buy Arrangements Hydrangeas, calla lilies, and sunflowers—oh, my! For centerpieces and bouquets at bargain prices, click on proflowers.com.

38. Go Bulk Purchasing roses in bulk is a smart way to save. Fiftyflowers.com offers deep discounts.

39. Know Your Limits Is doing your own arrangements right for you? Find out with the "Wedding Flowers" quiz at flowerbud.com, which sells blooms at cut-rate prices.

40. Try a Topiary Create an enchanted forest at your reception via westhavendesign.com, where you can find decorative branches and wreaths, as well as topiaries and lighting.

FOOD & DRINK

41. Green the Dish An eco alternative to landfillloving Styrofoam, bambuhome.com dishes are made from bamboo and biodegrade in four to six months.

42. Make a Wine Run Raise your glass to wineinsiders.com, where each bottle is vetted by a team of wine pros and discounted with a money-back guarantee.

43. Customize Your Cuppa Sugar cubes iced with your initial sweeten your reception guests' after-dinner tea; sugarcubes.ca.

44. Seek a Caterer Click "Caterers" at gatheringguide.com to find gastronomic experts by location. (You can even flag picks for future reference.) Look for other vendors here, too, and read the “Tips” section before your interviews.

45. Jazz up the Drinks Personalize cocktails with tiny custom flags from estiloweddings.com.

IDEAS

46. Launch a Web Site Announce events, manage RSVPs, even poll guests for free at ewedding.com.

47. Be Original Offbeatbride.com chronicles goth-a-billy updos, baby-blue tuxes, and other think-outside-the-white-wedding-box ideas.

48. Go Eco Earthfriendlywedding.blogspot.com offers DIY ideas (where to book an eco venue; how to use vintage milk bottles for vases) and links to green-thinking vendors.

49. Get Ideas Melissasmitten.blogspot.com has photos and ideas from reallife theme weddings like "Sweet Citrus" and "Asian Fusion."

50. Choose Your Hues Enter the URL of any image (like a pic from your reception hall's Web site) and colorhunter.com will generate a complementary color palette.

LEGALITIES

51. Study the Law USmarriagelaws.com lists wedding-license regulations for all 50 states.

52. Take his Name Change your name through missnowmrs.com, which completes forms online and provides detailed instructions for filing.

53. Ponder the Pre-nup Prenuptialagreements.org makes a hard subject easier, with tips on how to talk the talk effectively with your fiancé.

MUSIC

54. Learn to Dance Master your first-dance moves by taking lessons; go to ballroomdancers.com's directory for a studio near you, or practice your cha-cha at home with the site's online lessons.

55. Make a Mix Download iTunes at apple.com, then snag songs for 99 cents a pop. Search "wedding essentials," then click "iTunes Essentials: Wedding Essentials" (top right) for hundreds of possibilities.

56. Pick a DJ or Dance Discjockeys.com offers a national DJ directory, plus suggestions for father-daughter and mother-son dances.

57. Bag a Band Jazz? Bluegrass? Motown? Gigmasters.com lets brides seek bands by zip code. (Bonus: Many listings come with reviews from past clients.)

PARTY PLANNING

58. Gather Your Tools Facebook.com's wedding book application lets you share event info, photos, registry links—it even includes a countdown clock.

59.Rent Your Stuff Tables, china, lighting, Flooring—at classicpartyrentals.com you'll find all the basics under one virtual roof. (Yes, they have tents, too.)

60. Do the Seating Kind of like "Musical Chairs: Wedding Edition": You can drag and drop guest names, tables, and chairs anywhere on the screen at toptableplanner.com.

61. Look for Linens Partymosaic.com has a huge selection of linens, plus boffo decorating advice (how to set a modern/country/seasonal table), useful for a bride planning her first big celebration.

62. Set Up a Booth Photo-me.com will rent you a photo booth (nationwide), operate it throughout your wedding, and take it away after the last goofy group shot.

63. Secure a Location At banquetfacilities.com, search for party sites by city or zip code. Watch videos of some of the spaces, especially helpful when planning an out-of-town wedding.

64. Scope Out Tents Know the difference between clearspan and pole tents? You will once you've checked out squidoo.com/tent-decor.

65. Map the Route Weddingmapper.com helps transform your ceremony and reception maps into something elegant enough to pair with your invitations.

PHOTOGRAPHY

66. Hire a Lensman At the Professional Photographers of America’s official site (ppa.com), look up pros in your area, then check out the portfolios on their Web sites.

67. Get Expert Tips What's the best way to incorporate pets into your wedding photos? That question and many others are revealed at wedpix.com, the online magazine of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

68. Share Your Photos Rent digital cameras for your reception tables at youshoot.com Afterward, the company will upload the photos to its site so you can share.

REGISTRY

69. Check Things Off Choose your favorite kitchen and bathroom items—and manage the guest list, seating plan, and budget—atbedbathandbeyond.com.

70. Make It Easier Instead of registering in a half-dozen shops, sign up at one: Myregistry.com allows brides to select gifts from any store in the world with its oneregistry-fits-all function.

71. Give Back At idofoundation.org, you can link to stores like Target and REI , which will donate a percentage of guests' gift purchases to your favorite charitable cause.

STATIONERY

72. Find the Words At finestationary.com, order invitations (Crane & Co., Kate Spade) and get an etiquette specialist's help for free!

73. Nail the Goods Choose from a wide variety of affordable, ready-to-order items or design your own at myjeanm.com.

74. Create a Stamp Upload a graphic detail from your invitation to mountaincow.com you'll receive sheets of customized U.S. postal stamps to stick on your envelopes.

75. Cut Card Costs Formal-invitations.com sells more than 100 invites for less than a dollar each. (Use their template to print cards.)

taken off from US Brides Magazines March/April

http://www.brides.com/engagement/engagement/feature/article/185372/

Cantonese Betrothal - 过大礼 (Guo Da Li)

mr ma is Cantonese so i guess we'll just stick to following the customs for dialect to make things easier.

it's ok, right?

Groom side must give:

- A basket of 12 oranges

- A medium size roast pig with pig's head and legs

- A big piece of roast pork

- 2 bottles of hard liquor

- Boxes of cakes (depends on the number of boxes requested by the bride's side)

- 2 sets of 龙凤 (Long and Feng) candles

- 娉金 (Ping Jin) for bride's mother (amount depending on how much the bride's side request )

- A pair of gold bracelets or a 利是 Lai See for the bride to buy jewellery

- 利是 Lai See for " Shoe Gold" please write " shoe gold" on the back of the Lai See

- 利是 Lai See for Grandparents, Godparents and siblings

- A packet of 发菜 (Fa Cai), Chinese mushroom and 发糕 Fa Gao

Bride side to return to groom:

- Chop off the middle section of the roast pig leaving the head and the legs of the pig. Replaced the chopped off section with a pair of pants (wrapped in plastic) for the groom. (This will bring 大富大贵 (Da Fu Da Gui) to the groom

- Return portion of the 娉金 ( Ping Jin) to the groom side

- Return even number of oranges

- 2 bottles of Rose Syrup or F&N orange

- Give a teapot set with red dates and lotus seeds inside the teapot (to bring descendant luck)

- Give a packet of ginko nuts, lotus seeds, red dates and dried longans

- Pass a pair of 凤 (Feng) candles for groom to bring back

- A pair of trousers (裤 = 富 or prosperity) for the groom

- Bride must give 利是 Lai See to groom's parents, siblings and nephews/niece (for buying new clothes)

Bride's family should also prepare dowry items such as:

- Jewelry

- Bridal bedsheet set

- Towels

- Toothpaste / toothbrush

- Sewing kit

- Powder

- “Buckets” of off-spring (pail, baby potty, tumblers, all in red).  

All these to be tied with red ribbons

Bridal Shops: Browsing and Fitting

in order to have a better idea of what to pick when we arrive at the Bridal Shop in Taiwan for our photo shoot, we were out to try out some gowns on Monday.

when we started of with browsing of gowns, mr ma seemed pretty restless and his responses were summed up to "ok" and "not bad". 

hmm.. i wonder if it's got anything to do with waking up early in the morning.

in any case, after a long chat with the shop owner, we finally got down to actual fitting.

i got a little frustrated with his nonchalant mumblings, and got him to help take note of the suitable cutting and colors (and prevent me from falling into a dizzy impulsive wedding spree).

i must really give him credit for being very helpful afterwards. 

he gave rational feedback such as:

- ivory color doesn't suit me as much as white 

because it makes me look yellow. erm..

- basque or corset styled gown enhances my curvatures 

because i'm rather petite, and most dresses just make me look like Bananas in Pajamas

below are some of the styles that we have shortlisted (i've re-created them with a online tool), mostly incorporating sweetheart necklines, as suggested by mr ma.

perhaps, a short dress for some casual pictures during the outdoor shoot?

i noticed that during the fittings, he seemed to have a preference for V-neck sheath/empire dresses (see illustration below) but didn't have a chance to try on any, but i'll definitely give it a try the next time we head to the bridal shops. promise!

picture taken from http://shop.periwing.com/

Taiwan Photoshoot: Confirmation

we've gotten a confirmation from 吴姐 via email this morning

and so here's some tips she has attached in the email:

拍照注意事項

*本店營業時間為13:00pm.~22:00pm

1.  為了避免更換禮服時會破壞化妝及髮型，新娘請穿無肩帶內衣,前扣式襯衫。

2.  新娘請攜帶一雙銀色高跟鞋或自己喜歡的高跟鞋搭配禮服進行内景拍攝，外景拍攝請穿輕鬆便鞋較爲自在。

3.  新郎請準備深色皮鞋一雙，黑色襪子，白色襪子各一雙，如穿深色西服拍照，鞋子需自行準備，穿白色西服有附帶白色鞋子搭配。

4.  新郎可自行準備西服以利造型多變化 (含襯衫，領帶，至少請帶白襯衫一件搭配西服)。

5.  可帶些具紀念性物品拍攝入鏡。如:戒子、紀念品、卡片、情書……。

6.  可自行攜帶喜歡聽的音樂播放以利營造情緒、氣氛。

7.  雜誌上或其它有看到喜愛的造型、攝影，可帶來與造型師和攝影師溝通。

8.  拍照前一天，請將頭髮清洗乾淨; 睡前三小時，勿多喝開水，以免造成眼睛浮腫。

9.  拍照當天若逢下雨，無法拍攝外景，可改純內景，若擇日再拍外景需另付:彩妝費NT$2000元。

10.拍照前一天，新娘請將胳肢窩處腋毛剃除。

11.拍照當天，新娘請勿上任何妝，擦至隔離霜為止。

12.拍照當日，請用餐完畢，再至公司，請準時到達，以免損失權利。

13.怕曬黑或是蟲咬，來台後請至藥房購買防曬乳，防蚊水，白花油。

14.拍照當日，請準備個人用毛巾，以利海邊拍攝時，弄濕身體或沖水時使用。

15.拍照完後，回家沖洗頭髮時，請先使用潤絲精，再洗頭。

16.攝影師拍攝中禁止側拍或錄影。

17.拍攝當天本公司免費供應午餐。

18.避免遺失貴重物品，大筆金額外出時可交由造型師作保管。

19.請於拍攝30天前預約攝影時間。

20.最少需安排3天假期,但是最後一天必須是正常上班日，且一定要搭晚上20：30 後班機回港。