Senin, 01 September 2008

My Big Fat Chinese Wedding


This is one of my favorite awkward party photo situations - the wedding when a white guy marries an Asian woman and he dresses up in traditional Asian garb for their wedding. The things we'll do for love/yellow fever, eh?

Minggu, 24 Agustus 2008

Brides Against Breast Cancer - Wedding Gown Charity Drives

What woman doesn’t dream of the PERFECT wedding gown at some point in her life? Sometimes, the perfect wedding gown can be hard to find, but NOT ANYMORE thanks to the Pink Envelope Project’s latest campaign. Now women everywhere can snag their gorgeous gown and help to fight Breast Cancer at the same time. A wedding gown that effectively battles Cancer: what could be more perfect?

Tonight and tomorrow in San Ramon, Cali glowing brides are rushing to find their perfect dress at the “Brides against Breast Cancer” gown sale. If you’re nearby and want to support a super cause, grab the nearest bride and stop by the San Ramon Marriott on Bishop Drive. Let’s be realistic. Weddings are amazingly expensive, (especially the kind WE want to have,) so we couldn’t be more thrilled to learn that admission is FREE and these unforgettable gowns start at just $99 bucks! These are super-fashionable designer and name-brand gowns which have been graciously donated to help battle Breast Cancer.

Not anywhere near Cali and totally bummed to miss this incredible opportunity? No worries. This is a HUGELY growing trend which will continue to travel across America. Be sure to check the Pink Envelope Project’s webpage (www.pepmembers.org) to get updates on show dates. The dates and times for this glamorous “tour of gowns” are listed under the “view entire gown sale calendar” link at the bottom of the webpage.

Don’t know a bride but passionately detest Breast Cancer? Throw in your helping hands by volunteering to help with the event. Volunteers are still needed, and the personal satisfaction payback is bigger than big.

Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner?




There is a time and place for everything and for many people their wedding is small enough where they can handle everything themselves. They make a checklist, give themselves plenty of time, and pull off their wedding under budget and on time.

Weddings like that are very nice but if you plan on having a few hundred guests and you want to give the gala wedding of the year, or at least one that seems like it, then you are going to need to hire a wedding planner. A lot of people bristle at the extra expense of a wedding planner but a good planner will not only be well worth the money but a good wedding planner may almost pay for themselves in the deals they are able to get you for some of your wedding products and services that you may not be able to normally get yourself.

Always talk to a few planners before deciding on the one you want and if you can get a referral from someone you know then that is even better because if you know someone who had a huge wedding then you are going to want the wedding planner that put that wedding together. There are a lot of advantages to hiring a wedding planner that you may have not thought of.

Being a wedding planner is a full time job and these professionals spend their time planning weddings and making business relationships with people that provide wedding services so they can get better deals for you for your wedding. Everything from the limo service to the caterer and hall can be a better deal all because the wedding planner spends all of their time doing something you will only do once. It only makes sense to put their network of business contacts and better deals to work for you when you are planning your big day.

As Much Help As You Need

Many times couples will hire a planner so they can focus on certain things themselves like the wedding dress or maybe the reception favors. Whatever you need the wedding planner to do they can do and it can remove and unbelievable amount of stress from the process for you. They plan everything, get all the products and services you need, and then it is their job to make sure the whole thing goes off without a hitch. That is all of the stuff you would normally have to worry about and now you don’t.

If you are planning a big wedding then do yourself a favor and hire a wedding planner to take the stress off of you. Remember that they do this for a living all year long so why not let someone else worry about the stress when you don’t have to?

Of diamond size and wedding stuffs

It was the annual gathering with my secondary school classmates. Most of us have started working, with a few who are still pursuing their education. The topic that most of us seem to be talking about, is ‘Marriage’. I guess for females in their mid twenties, Marriage seem to be a very natural thing for those who have been attached for some time. The guys, on the other hand are still striving to establish their careers first. And for the fortunate few whose wedding plans are in the cards, Diamond ring size is the most commonly asked question.

“How big is your Diamond?”

“I’m not too sure, but I find it very small.”

Eyes grew bigger as we all looked upon the shiny thang that is blinding us. The guys kept silent, perhaps even too shocked to say anything. Futher probing from the ladies, and we found out that the ring had been upgraded once before because it was even smaller before that.

I can sense the guys are sweating…

“I heard the minimum standard is at least 2 months of the guy’s salary.”

“That depends on how much the guy earns, 2 months worth is just a guideline.”

“Yup, I think so far most of my friends’ ring cost at least S$9,000 and above.”

I think the guys wished the ladies could just stop talking about the diamond sizes and their ever-incessant rumbings about how small their diamonds are. Or perhaps deep down, they pity those men who might have to go into debts or eat loti even before the marriage.

Ah! Now I understand why so many of my male friends kept telling me that they want to go Vietnam to find their better half! Damn it! They must have been too scared and pee their pants knowing how materialistic Singaporeans girls are! Shit!

That is a sweeping statement alright?

At least for me, diamond size is secondary. What matters to me, is whether I’m ready. If money has to be spend, I rather spend it on better decorations for the home or good photography and videography for the wedding day. I cannot stand cheesy photos, neither can I stand the all boring wedding dinner.

The numerous weddings that I have attended so far, none has impressed me. Nothing that spells ‘FUN’. Good food is a bonus when the wedding venues are at famous restaurants, but sacrifice comes in terms of hall sizes. Its really hard to strike a balance.

Suddenly, I think I might have an idea what topic to use for the coming Humourous Speech contest.

Free Wedding Planning Tips

Planning a wedding is not an easy task, neither is being a wedding planner. However, it is possible to get helpful wedding planning tips on the internet. It could also be the chance to see if it is something you would like to do as a career since some of the experts offer the chance to become a wedding planner for free. A handful of tips are given by many wedding experts to help couples avoid or reduce the stress of wedding planning. These tips are proven ways of helping to coordinate a wedding. It is important to review these tips as you plan your wedding as they will help you as you decide the type of wedding you want and will guide you as you do the planning.



Coordinating A Wedding On Your Own



If you decide to plan your own wedding then it would be a good idea to learn some of these free wedding tips. They may well help to reduce the stress and anxiety that normally comes with wedding preparations.



1. Plan ahead of time

It is never too early to start planning your wedding. The earlier you start the less chance there is of something being forgotten. It is also a chance to review your plans in case there are any loopholes or things you have forgotten to include or book.



2. Plan within your budget.



It is really important to be realistic about the cost of hiring premises, or suits, etc. If you have a budget you really must try to stick to it. If something costs more than you expected then you must try and reduce the cost of something else to stay in budget. It is amazing what you can achieve if you plan it well enough and are always aware of how much is being spent. It is also a good idea to have some money put away as a contingency plan if at all possible. If you don’t need it, it can always go on the honeymoon or a treat for you both when you return.



3. Keep it simple



This is quite a key aspect when planning your own wedding. Very elaborate plans usually need lots of planning, money, and time. It can also leave lots of room for something to go wrong. Keeping plans simple and straightforward, is much less stressful and easier to manage, especially if you are both working full time.



4. Keep a day plan



It is really important when planning your own wedding, to plan the dates when different things have to happen. If you plan in this detail and keep referring to your diary of events, you are more likely to succeed and not be stressed. No need to panic as it is scheduled in to your plan. You’ll be surprised how many people suddenly ask you if you remembered go the dresses for the bridesmaids, the accessories, etc. If they are on your plan then all you have to do is say they are covered in your schedule rather than have a sudden panic as to whether or not you done it or is there something you’ve forgotten.

Planning everything and keeping a written record of when everything is to be done is invaluable. It means you can tick different aspects off as you go. If you can complete all the plans early then you can build in some fun relaxation time too. No need to panic as it is all accounted for in the plan.





Weddings On A Tight Budget



Free wedding plan tips also include cost effective suggestions for weddings too. Ideas like planning your guest list so that you can limit the numbers to those you really want to come on the day. You can always invite others if some people can’t come but to do this you will need to plan your numbers and try hard to stick to it. Some people have a select few for the meal and include a wider group of friends for a buffet style evening. There is always the option of hiring wedding outfits for the bride and bridesmaids and maybe friends could volunteer their cars for the bridal procession. The food is one of the areas it is not always possible to save money unless your family is in the catering business. Feeding your guests a good meal on the day will help contribute to the enjoyment of the day.



Guidelines On The Music, Food And Party



Much of this is down to individual taste but there are tips on what music will be most suitable for the procession, the reception and the evening party. There are all sorts of buffet options for evening events that will not necessarily be expensive. Lastly, there is the theme or motif of your day. Small touches can be used to give the day a coordinated feel. Maybe the table decorations for the meal could be re-used for the buffet tables and colourful balloons are always appreciated. Your careful plans could well lead to the best wedding day ever.

Sabtu, 23 Agustus 2008

Triangle Perfect Wedding Guide Announces Bridal Show on September 14 in Durham, NC

/24-7PressRelease/ - PLEASANT GARDEN, NC, August 23, 2008 - Perfect Wedding Guide, the nation's number one local wedding guide, will host a Bridal Show on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 1pm - 4:30pm at the Marriott Durham at the Civic Center located at 201 Foster Street in downtown Durham, NC. Brides and grooms will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their big day with over 50 Triangle Wedding Professionals while discovering the latest wedding products and services.

Two elegant strolling fashion shows will be presented by Jayna Bella Bridal Boutique of Roxboro. Brides and their guests will be able to get an up close look at the gowns and formal wear as the models stroll through the room in this intimate and personal setting.

"Brides have so many plans and decisions to make before their wedding day. It could be overwhelming. This bridal show will give them the wonderful opportunity to discuss their dream wedding and interview wedding experts in person," says Triangle Perfect Wedding Guide Publisher, Gail Galloway. "Brides and grooms will have a chance to sample delicious food and cakes, view photographer's work, meet DJ's and entertainers, smell gorgeous fresh flowers, plan their honeymoon, pick a reception site, secure guest accommodations and more all in one day."

During the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show thousands of dollars in door prizes will be given to some winning attendees. One lucky bride-to-be will win a romantic mountain honeymoon getaway, compliments of Rye Creek Lodge. The first 100 brides to arrive will receive a coupon book worth over $1,000 in wedding products and services.

Tickets for the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show are $7.00 at the door or guests can pre-register online at www.the-triangle.perfectweddingguide.com to save $2.00 per person.

For more information about the event, media passes, interviews, or vendor information, please call Gail Galloway at (336) 676-9631 or email her at gail@pwg.com.

About Perfect Wedding Guide

Perfect Wedding Guide is a wedding planning resource for brides published and online in over 40 metropolitan areas around the country. For further information, please visit http://www.perfectweddingguide.com.

The Best of Southern Weddings


Southern weddings hold a certain magic. The moss on the oak trees and the smell of magnolia blooms conjure up memories of spending time with close family and age-old traditions passed down from generation to generation. The Southern Weddings print edition and daily blog were created for the savvy modern Southern bride who wants to take these traditions and make them her own. We are huge fans of Style Me Pretty and are thrilled to be guest blogging today. Thank you so much, Abby, for asking us to share a little Southern charm with your readers.

Here is a sneak peak from our print edition which debuts January 2009!


southern weddings

Image credits: (clockwise from top left) East Hill Photo, Rae Leytham Photography, Liz Banfield Photography for Soiree Charleston, floral lion shot by John Labbe for Preston Bailey, Dasha Wright for Michelle Rago, bride in front of vintage Phantom Rolls Royce East Hill Photo, bridal boudoir Cook Images , bouquet and cake Rae Leytham Photography, “Love” aisle image Courtesy of SW Contributor Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, Cook Images with floral design by Bliss Event Group , cowboy boots Meg Baisden Photography, Rock Hard ring shot by JRD Photography , hemstitch napkins Liz Banfield Photography for Soiree Charleston, tulip table Christian Oth for Jung Lee of Fete NY, Southern Weddings cover image by Arden Photography