Wedding Guide Asia

At WGA we do our best to give you the top tips on everything to do with weddings. But we thought for a change we’d share with you how not to do weddings. Not only is it less painful to learn from somebody else’s mistakes, it’s also sometimes rather entertaining!

The WGA Team would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya! We hope you have a fantastic break..

So here are the videos that we will hopefully start your long weekend on a hilarious note:

Make sure the children are well fed:

Make sure your minister is on the ball:

Make sure your photographer knows the lie of the land:

Make sure your future husband practices his lines:

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WGA was privileged to have the chance to speak to the managing director of the Amanpulo, a luxury beach resort in the Philippines. Located on Pamalican Island, a beautifully secluded paradise, we thought it the perfect place for a honeymoon getaway or a destination wedding. What could be better than getting away from the city and lying on the beach, under the stars, sans noise, stress and pollution. Compelled by these thoughts and seeing pics of the amazing scenery, we had to find out more…

There are many beautiful beaches in Asia, but what sets Amanpulo apart?

Surrounded by 5.5 km of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and seven km of coral reef, there is nothing on the 89-ha island but Amanpulo, making it very private and exclusive.  The resort has just 40 casitas and 11 villas – perfect for guests seeking a romantic getaway or those interested in the numerous water and island activities offered. Designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa, a national artist, natural features are enhanced and pay tribute to the pristine beauty of the island, blending seamlessly with the environment.

Planning a wedding is stressful. So how does a bride plan a destination wedding while abroad?

The team at Amanpulo provides assistance on weddings from intimate to grand!  If a couple wishes to have a binding ceremony on the island, they first need to personally apply for a marriage license in Manila, then decide whether to have a civil or religious wedding on the island.  If the couple does not have the several days needed to apply for a marriage license in Manila, a ceremonial wedding blessing can be held on the island.  Either way, the Amanpulo team, headed by the general managers, will be happy to provide assistance and guidance on all arrangements necessary for a perfect island wedding, like hair and make-up for the bride, special setups for the ceremony, special menus for the reception, photographer, videographer and even fireworks.  Everything is tailor-made to the couple’s preference.

We hear you can book out the entire island for a wedding… is this true?

Yes, the entire island can be booked for a wedding.  The resort has 40 casitas and 11 villas which can accommodate up to 158 guests on double occupancy.  Of course, we also welcome smaller weddings. (more…)

‘And the award for the most underrated edible artifact present at any part of a wedding goes to…canapés!’

*Rapturous applause ensues*

If you’re unsure exactly what a canapé is (which would be somewhat helpful in undergirding the awful introductory-throw-away-joke), they are those tiny, pre-prepared (often decorative) bits of food that do their rounds typically on the tray of a well-dressed waiter/waitress at a wedding reception.

So often overlooked, but not by us at WGA who have taken into account their steadfast and quiet contribution to a happy wedding. Here is our top 5 picks for those delicious morsels of food that line our stomachs so that we don’t get too tipsy on the free flow of champagne and cocktails also making their rounds at the reception..

Smoked salmon and cream cheese/crème fraiche provide the basis of a no nonsense, universally loved, popular snack. Using either a biscuit  or bread base (or cucumber/lettuce for the health freaks) and horseradish or lemon for the added flavour, it’s hard to see how you could go wrong. A touch of green on top (chives) and they’re ready for the munching. (more…)

Historically, at traditional Chinese weddings, the Tea Ceremony is equivalent to the exchanging of vows in a Western wedding. However, with the distinction between Eastern and Western tradition in weddings becoming less obvious, modern Chinese weddings often feature both the exchanging of vows and a Tea Ceremony. Thus the ceremony itself has become more of a ‘nod-to-tradition’ rather than a ritual with a specific purpose. But as a vestige of Chinese culture reminding us of simpler times, it is still fascinating to watch.

Traditionally, the ceremony takes place after the wedding ceremony. And Strictly speaking, the Tea Ceremony is only for the Groom’s side of the family, but nowadays it is not uncommon for the newlyweds to serve both the bride’s side as well as the Groom’s. Go-go equal rights!

Whichever side is being served, the parents are always first to receive the tea. They sit in special chairs while the bride and groom kneel in front (bride on the left, groom on the right), serving the tea with both hands.

After drinking the tea, the parents bestow gifts to the couple. The gifts are usually in the form of lai see (red envelopes containing money) or jewelery.

This process is then repeated for the remaining family members, typically in this order:

• grandparents,
• grand-uncles and grand-aunties,
• uncles and aunties,
• elder brothers and sisters,
• elder cousins

After this, there is a bit of role-reversal and the bride and groom are then served tea by unmarried elder siblings/cousins and younger siblings/cousins. (more…)

Being on this side of the hemisphere you may not have heard of Pierrepont Hicks, but always on the look out for all things good to recommend our readers, WGA was prompted to learn more about the brand that have been described by the New York Times as a ‘new necktie label generating a quiet buzz’.

Pierrepont Hicks is run and was founded by husband and wife team Mac and Katherine McMillan. Prior to its inception, Mac worked in real estate for 12 years. Katherine worked in fashion and publishing and was involved with Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Elle among others. Katherine, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions, is also the Creative Director of Pierrepont Hicks.

Can you tell us what inspired you to start Pierrepont Hicks and why ties and bowties?

It’s probably boring but the brand itself is very much just who we are and how we live.  We like classic things, made well without a lot of fuss.  We have a sense of humor about life, and know how to laugh at ourselves.  All important things in the apparel industry.

You’ve said one should “lead by example when we tell our children to follow their dreams.” Terrific advice. At what point in time did you decide to turn your own dreams into a reality?

In the summer of 2008 when I (Kat) was pregnant with our first child, I started getting really serious about designing ties, and had some samples made from fabrics combinations I had been toying with for months.  I think it kicked in when the ties came back and we both loved them so much.  I’ve had a long and winding path in New York’s fashion and publishing industries, only to find my passion now, outside of New York City.

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