Wedding Guide Asia » Samira Albana

Creative Guestbook Ideas

Samira Albana — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:00:45 +0000

We’ve all had to sign the infamous wedding guestbook. Half the time, our message just consists of a “Congrats, wish you the best in your married life” because we may not know the happy couple all too well (a common occurrence in the majority of Asian weddings). However, if we are close acquaintances of the newlyweds, our messages (this time more personal) serve to put a smile on their faces and remind them of their wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding and want to shy away from the conventional guestbook, which is, well… a book, then the following ideas may appeal to you:

Patchwork Quilt

This particular new approach to the guestbook is a hit with couples nowadays because it’s both simple to make and cost-saving. If you are short on time, you can pre-order your quilt but if you want to go all out on the DIY-ing then all you need is sturdy cotton fabric cut into squares (or any shape you prefer), a fabric marker, and the ability to use a needle and thread without causing any harm. You can even mail the squares with your invitations so that your guests would have plenty of time to decorate them well ahead of the wedding.

Postcards

Postcards work particularly well if you’re having a destination wedding. Have your guests write their messages and well wishes on postcards that have been pre-addressed and pre-stamped. This way you’ll be reminded of your big day through the mail and we all know that a smile is a Godsend after all those bills! I would recommend keeping the postcards in a nice picture album to flip through years down the road.

Crockery

Yes, you read right, crockery – another popular take on the guestbook. Order a big plate and have your guests sign all over it with a waterproof and smudge-proof marker. After your wedding, custom-make a stand and use the plate as a decorative item in your home.

Polaroid Guestbook

This idea is a personal favourite of mine. What you’ll need is a Polaroid camera accompanied by someone to man it, lots of film and funky guests that are willing to pose for your enjoyment (I would throw in a couple of props just for laughs). Once their photos are taken, the guests will keep a copy while the other is stuck in a book where they can write their messages next to it.

The Time Capsule

This is probably the most sentimental type of guestbook and here’s how it works… You need blank pieces of paper and ribbons. Have your guests write down their messages on the pieces of paper and then tie a ribbon around them. Store them carefully, then each time you celebrate your anniversary, you and your spouse can read a few of them and smile fondly at the memories of your wedding day :)

There it is, folks, hope these ideas have got your inspiration sparked and creative juices flowing! Now, whoever said the guestbook was boring? :)

A Christmas Wedding

Samira Albana — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:00:32 +0000

We have readers from all over the world here at WGA, so it seemed appropriate to have a post on Christmas (a.k.a. winter) weddings for your perusal, especially now that we’re nearing that magical time of year. If you’ve always dreamt of getting married in the season of snow, then the following tips may be exactly what you’re looking for…

Location

If you’re looking to have an intimate and private function and are able to acquire an inn or a lodge, then there’s no two ways about it. Imagine a quiet ceremony in front of a fireplace with the snow falling outside; oh so romantic! If you’re going to have a bigger crowd, then a hotel or private club are options to consider; you could recreate the wintery feel with the decorations!

Decorations

If you want to keep in tune with the winter “Christmas” wonderland theme completely, then think of using silvers and whites, but if you want to add an extra Christmas flavour, then throw in some reds and greens as well. Decorate the hall with miniature Christmas trees and ice sculptures. You can have a lot of fun with your deco (snow in a can, anyone?). Candles, mirrors and small flower arrangements make for simple yet beautiful centerpieces!

The Dress

Your dress needn’t be too different from an ordinary wedding gown if you’re planning on having the whole wedding indoors and have very good heating. However, if you do intend on venturing outdoors and don’t want to conceal your beautiful dress with a winter coat, consider a faux fur wrap. To add a Christmas touch onto your outfit, choose a dress which is richly embellished with sequins or have a red silk sash wrapped around your waist.

Flowers

Start choosing your flowers once you’ve decided whether you want to go for a silver and white elegant look, or celebrate the season with reds and greens. For those who like silver, baby blue eucalyptus look beautiful mixed with white flowers such as roses, crocus and lilies. If you’re looking for a brighter bouquet, consider red roses with holly and pine-tree greenery. For a less expensive selection, try to work around seasonal flowers such as tulips and roses.

To sum it up, you have the option of either completely embracing the Christmas theme, whereby you’d be using lots of reds and greens, or keep it minimalistic with silvers and whites. After all, both make for breathtaking winter wonderland weddings. Remember folks – ’tis the season to be merry, and perhaps get married while you’re at it :)

Wedding Theme Ideas

Samira Albana — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:00:16 +0000

You may have noticed that here at WGA, we tend to talk about wedding themes a lot, and with good reason too! Your wedding theme is your stepping stone; once you have that settled everything else should have a smooth flow to it. It’s never easy choosing a specific wedding theme because let’s face it, you’ll be spoilt for choice as wedding themes are endless, you can really have anything under the Sun. Here are a couple of themes that are timeless and one that is, how would we say… different?

A Cinderella Wedding

Ladies, let’s not deny it, shall we? You’ve probably imagined a Cinderella-themed wedding at one point or another, the ballgown-esque wedding dress, the elegant updo and lest we forget, crystal slippers. I think Disney had a profound effect on all of us. If the years have passed and you’re still fantasizing about being whisked away in a horse-drawn carriage (yes, literally) then go for it!

A Valentine Wedding

If you look forward to Valentine’s day every year and if you’re fond of red roses (and I mean lots of red roses) then how about considering a Valentine-themed wedding. Think red, pink and white and maybe throw in a Cupid ice sculpture too. You can opt to be super extravagant or keep it simplistic with this theme.

A Golden Wedding

Golden tones add a sense of warmth and comfort to any venue, not to mention a hint of luxury. Gold is a sign of prosperity and opulence for many cultures so it’s no wonder why it has been part of bridal traditions for centuries. Gold and white make a lovely combination, think gold drapes hanging from the ceiling and golden ribbons around the chairs, but don’t overdo it. If you’re looking for something classy, simple yet elegant, then this theme is for you.

A Butterfly Wedding

If you’re fascinated by nature and well, butterflies, then consider having a butterfly-themed wedding. This theme works particularly well in garden weddings. Now we’re not saying release 500 butterflies on your big day; minute details like a butterfly hair clip, or incorporating your theme into the cake, centerpieces and wedding favours can automatically lend a fairy-like magical feel to your wedding. Interestingly enough, butterflies symbolise the transition from an old life into a new one (aka the single life to marriage). Cool huh?

A Superhero Wedding

Ladies and gentleman, a superhero-themed wedding. I mean seriously, how much more awesome can it get? (I am obviously not even trying to conceal my excitement hehe). This wedding theme is definitely not for the weak-hearted but if you and your significant other are really adventurous and are looking to have fun with your theme, then this might be just the thing for you! Of course, an immense admiration for superheroes is probably a prerequisite in this case.

At the end of the day, your theme can be anything you want; the possibilities are endless but perhaps try to stay within the realms of your capabilities (and reality). You don’t want to choose something that’s going to give you a headache later on. Do plenty of research and choose the theme that represents you and your partner the best. Heap loads of luck from us here at WGA! :)

It’s All About The Bling

Samira Albana — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:00:23 +0000

Put a ring on it :)

My heart skipped a beat (okay… several beats) while I was writing this article; I couldn’t help but ooh and aah each time I came across a picture of a beautiful wedding ring, which happened very often. Here at WGA, we’ve decided to do a little post on wedding rings because unlike the dress or the shoes, you’re likely to be wearing it for the rest of your life. When you first venture out in search of the perfect wedding ring there are a couple of things to keep in mind to avoid feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Know your type

The choices are endless and with all that variety you’re bound to get confused so it wouldn’t hurt to do your research before heading out in search of the perfect wedding ring. If simplicity is your style then you may opt for a traditional wedding ring which consists of a plain wedding band. If you like your bling then try to narrow down your preferences before you go shopping, after all there are so many different diamond cuts you can choose from.

Courtesy of mycustomjeweler.com

Get creative

We’re all about personalizing things here at WGA, whether it’s the invitation cards or the deco so we’re definitely up for personalizing wedding rings. You can choose to have your rings engraved with initials, pet names, really anything you want (as long as it fits).

Stick to the budget (well, try to…)

We know this is a big challenge especially when you’ve found the perfect ring and it’s unfortunately out of your budget. First things first, weigh the ups and downs and see whether you can afford to spend a little extra dough on the ring. If you can’t, then fret not; diversify your search and you’ll most likely end up with a lovely ring that is well within your budget.

Courtesy of More Than Diamonds

Know where to shop

Here’s where we come to the rescue! For our loyal Singaporean readers and those willing to make the trip down to Singapore, do check out one of our very own vendors, More Than Diamonds. Rumour has it that they’ve designed rings for a certain celebrity we interviewed a while back (okay I’ll give you a clue – It’s Shan Wee!!). The Carat Club is big here in Malaysia and so is Habib Jewels but if you want to have completely custom made rings then check out WendyLorArtisans. For our Aussie readers, I did a bit of research and found Simon West to have a pretty nice collection.

Well, there it is, folks – all the tools you’ll need to equip yourselves with before entering the big beautiful sparkly jungle! Just remember that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t got a Neil Lane or Harry Winston on your finger as long as you’re happy. Have fun shopping! ;)

What To Give Your Bridesmaids And Groomsmen

Samira Albana — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:00:16 +0000

They have been at your beck and call for the months leading up to your wedding. They’ve helped you make essential wedding-related decisions, they planned your bridal shower, hen’s night and bachelor party, but most importantly, they’ve tolerated your antics when you switched into bridezilla gear (yes ladies, you may not have noticed, but they sure did)! It’s only natural that you would want to show them your appreciation, but how? The tips below may give you some ideas!

For the Bridesmaids

1. The simplest gift you could get away with giving them is something they can use on your wedding day and even later on. Of course, you could consider their bridesmaid’s dress as a gift but customised earrings, a charm bracelet or even a shawl if you’re having your wedding in chilly weather works as well.

2. This is my favourite idea, make your bridesmaids goodie bags filled with their favourite things. This works especially well if you’re planning a destination wedding. Imagine this: a care-package filled with suntan oil, a lovely wrap, a beach-read (although I highly doubt they’ll have time to read), or a travel guide if you’re having your wedding somewhere exotic.

3. If you’re running on a tight budget or if you’re really creative you could always make the bridesmaids’ gifts yourself. Photo montages from the wedding preparations to the ceremony and everything in between make for really sentimental gifts. If you’re good with words, you could compose a poem or if you’re an amazing baker and she has a sweet tooth… well you know what I’m getting at!

4. If money’s not an issue but you’re facing time constraints then consider the following easy options. If one of your bridesmaids is a music buff, then theater or concert tickets will definitely bode well. If she’s an avid reader, then a generous book voucher at her favourite bookstore is gonna make her love you!

Courtesy of lusterstudios.com

For the Groomsmen

1. We know that boys like their toys but you can’t possibly get your groomsmen cars and boats (unless of course you’re swimming in greens). Still, there are always alternatives that will keep them satisfied. Once again, your gift could be something they could use both on your wedding day and keep for the future such as cufflinks or a tie.

2. An executive pen is also something to consider when you’re looking to buy a gift for your groomsmen and it doesn’t necessarily have to be Montblanc. To personalise the pen, try asking whether you can have it engraved with his initials.

3. If your groomsman is a frequent gym-goer then how about getting him a membership at a fitness center?

Courtesy of telbert.com

Always keep in mind though that at the end of the day, however big or small your gift is to them, they’ll appreciate your token all the same. After all, it is the thought that counts. On a lighter note, who knew there were so many perks for helping out at a wedding. I know what duty I’ll be volunteering for the next time a wedding comes my way!

How To Buy Wedding Favours

Samira Albana — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:00:44 +0000

Let’s face it, whenever we attend a wedding, there’s a little part of us that’s just as excited about the wedding favours as we are about seeing the bride and groom… right? Or is it just me then? If you’re planning a wedding, you might want to start thinking about wedding favours because as small as they may be, they play a massive role. When purchasing your wedding favours, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind; observe the following tips.

Keep to your theme

If you have a distinct theme then keep it mind when you’re buying your wedding favours. I once attended a wedding where both the bride and groom were Middle Eastern and the wedding favours were these really exotic looking mini oil lamps wrapped in beads, so pretty! Of course if your theme is more general then you have a lot more freedom of choice.

Buy in bulk

If your guests are numbering in the hundreds (as is in the typical Asian wedding) then you can save loads of cash if you buy your wedding favours in bulk. Find a supplier offering what you’re looking for and place your order. Buying in bulk has been proven to be cheaper and if you’re planning on being economic with your expenditure, then there’s no two ways about it!

Think green

Going green is the newest trend in wedding planning nowadays and it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you considered a green wedding or at least green wedding favours. Think favours made using recyclable materials or placing ornamental plants as your centerpieces, which can be taken home by your guests after the wedding.

Buy something practical

You don’t want to be getting something that your guests will chuck into a corner once they get home so how about getting a practical gift? If you’re having your wedding outdoors and you know the weather will be warm, then a fan or something to help cool them off is a nice idea. Food is always a practical favour and has always been a favourite at weddings because it’s yummy and it is my belief that everything yummy is practical.

There you have it folks, no need to worry about what you’re gonna get as wedding favours now. Always keep in mind that whatever favour you’re considering is something you yourself would be happy to receive at a wedding. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to shop! :)

Where To Buy Your Wedding Dress

Samira Albana — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:00:59 +0000

If you thought you answered the most important question ever when you said yes to “Will you marry me?” then it may be time to think again. That question seems to almost pale in comparison to “So… Where are you getting your dress from?” After all those years of playing ‘bride’ in front of mom’s mirror, it’s finally time for you to venture out there and find the perfect wedding dress. Here at WGA, we’ve come up with a selection of go-to places for you! That’s right, ladies, you can fret no more!

The bride in a Duchess Satin Celestial Wedding Gown by Pretty In White

Pretty in White

What better way to start than with one of our favourite vendors, Pretty in White. In this amazing shot by renowned photographer C.M. Leung, this elegant scoop neck, bare-back Duchess Satin Celestial Wedding gown, which has a 4-foot-long multi-layered tulip skirt, looks incredibly regal. Drop by their boutique and you’re likely to find one (or more) dress that suits your fancy!

Make-up and hairstyling : Angie Ng

From L to R : Elie Saab and Pronovias

Designer Bridal Room

Next on the list is none other than Designer Bridal Room, your gateway to the designer wedding dress you’ve dreamed of for years (they also happen to be one of our vendors). You name it, they’ve got it, from Christian Lacroix, Elie Saab, Pronovias (my personal favourite), Monique Lhuillier to Karl Lagerfeld. So if you are willing to loosen up the purse strings when it comes to your gown then drop by their boutique and be prepared to feel like a princess!

Wedding dresses by Eric Choong

Eric Choong

Eric Choong is a name most Malaysians are familiar with; in fact he’s made quite a splash in the international arena as well. With a collection of unique, exquisitely detailed gowns available at his boutique, he is well-equipped to impress even the pickiest of brides! If Swarovski crytals are your thing, then the fine embellishments on Eric Choong’s designs are sure to sway you.

A Jovian Mandagie gown

Jovian Mandagie

Ning Baizura and Erra Fazira all donned Jovian Mandagie gowns on their wedding days and you can too! With an incredibly extensive collection that will appeal to all types of tastes whether it be simple and elegant or outrageously extravagant, Jovian Mandagie’s boutique in Bangsar (very near Eric Choong’s in fact) is definitely one stop you won’t want to miss.

A wedding dress by The Bridal Veil

The Bridal Veil

It’s now time to take a little trip down south to Singapore where this next bridal boutique is located. The Bridal Veil by Michelle Huimin specialises in individually designed wedding dresses. That’s right, your dress will be one of a kind! The Bridal Veil ensures the use of high quality imported materials and Swarovski crystals to boot! So what are you waiting for? If you have your dream wedding dress in mind, pay The Bridal Veil a visit and your dream may very well come true!

I had an absolute blast writing this article as I had the chance to spend hours looking through photos of beautiful wedding dresses; in fact I saved quite a few for future purposes (ehem ehem)! Just remember that you’re probably only going to get to do this once so enjoy it to the fullest. Happy shopping! :)

The Legal Side Of Weddings

Samira Albana — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:00:30 +0000

When I think of a wedding, the first thought that pops to my mind is the glowing bride in a beautiful white wedding dress, the groom by her side, dressed to the nines, turning heads because he has cleaned up so well! Well that’s the side of weddings that almost all of us are accustomed to, what many of us don’t imagine is the effort involved in legalising a marriage.

Be prepared to hear lots of oohs and aahs

In Malaysia there are generally two types of marriages – Muslim and civil (for non-Muslims). However, before I get into the details on registering your marriage and obtaining the crucial marriage license, here are a couple of things you need to ensure you have settled:

1. Find a future husband or wife, it may sound trivial but you can’t do any of the below without a partner :) Unless of course you’re Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City…

2. Blood tests are mandatory for Muslims in most Malaysian states and compulsory in some other countries so look into whether or not you can or want to skip this step.

3. To get married in church, you’ll have to go for a course at church which usually takes about 3 months in Malaysia and is held on weekends.

4. For Malay couples, it’s time to brush up on the Pendidikan Islam (Religious Studies) you learnt in high school and attend a course on marriage the Islamic way (yes it’s compulsory)! Click here for the locations of these courses.

Now, onto the actual process of getting your marriage registered. There are several requirements for a legal marriage ceremony in Malaysia. The couple must obtain a marriage license from the Registration Office and supply all necessary documentation.

The documents involved are :

Passports / IC
Birth certificates
Passport size photographs
Application form “Borang JPN KCO1″ for a normal or special marriage.
Affidavit of marital status
Application form “Borang G” for marriages performed by parish or temple priests.
If your previous marriage ended in divorce (choi choi), both parties must submit original or certified copies of final or absolute divorce decree.

The most important document you will ever sign

The normal procedure involves submitting an application at the District Registration Department, the condition being you’ve resided in the district for a minimum of 7 days and the license then takes up to 21 days to process. On the day itself, you and your future spouse need to be present alongside 2 witnesses. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, if your condition doesn’t permit you to carry on with a normal registration you can opt for an express registration. This involves you meeting the Commissioner of Oath (Encik Rahmani) at the Registration Office and giving him valid reasons as to why you can’t go through the regular procedure.

If you’re planning on jet-setting off for a destination wedding, make sure you get your license before or after you come back, otherwise your marriage won’t be legal! Try to avoid the mistake Giuliana and Bill made when they got married in Italy and forgot to register it in America.

Giuliana and Bill's wedding in Italy

At the end of the day, getting married is a legal affair, it doesn’t matter what race or nationality you are, you’ll have to undergo certain procedures to get that very sought after certificate of marriage – the document that you should laminate and store respectfully, away from dangers such as floods and fires. Once you have that settled, stress levels reduce tremendously and you can concentrate on looking absolutely breathtaking on your big day!

WGA’s Top Wedding Invitation Trends

Samira Albana — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:00:14 +0000

Handing out invitations are an integral part of any wedding planning process. In fact once you have your theme decided upon and number of guests finalised, wedding invitations should be given out, preferably 2-3 months beforehand. Here at WGA, we’ve selected the top invitation trends of the moment for your perusal because we know how difficult it is to choose the perfect invitation!

Simple yet elegant

1. The Traditional Invitation

What better way to start than with the all-time favourite traditional invitation card. This simple card is made up of a single rectangular sheet of white paper with all the details of the nuptials printed on the front in a scripted font. It may seem simple but it’s elegant and very classical.

Flower Power?

2. The Floral Invitation

No no, not 60s flower power themed invitations (unless you have a 60s themed wedding of course!) – this is more like a single pressed flower. If you have decided on the flowers for your wedding then carry that theme forward onto the invitation cards to give the guests a glimpse of what to expect on the big day. These cards can be home-made and lend an eco-friendly feel to the wedding as well.

Striped Invitation

3. The Stripy Invitation

Whether you go for monochrome or colourful, striped wedding invitations are always trendy. This is because they’re simple and sophisticated at the same time. In fact why stop at stripes, give polka dots a thought as well. Now, we’re not saying combine the two because that would be far too distracting and we don’t want the guests to overlook the important details!

4. The ‘Branded’ Invitation

Yes I know your mind has floated onto the likes of LV and Chanel but this ‘brand’ is more like your names intertwined in your very own logo which will then be branded onto the invitations. Imagine how fun it would be to design your very own logo and how unique your invitations would look!

Old School

5. The Vintage Invitation

If you’re planning a vintage-themed wedding or any other type of wedding for that matter then consider vintage-inspired wedding invitation cards as they have been making a comeback in the recent years. Lace, ribbons (all vintage inspired) and even old photographs add a lovely touch to a simple invitation card.

If you think ordering really extravagant invitations may be out of your budget, you can always gather some friends and family around and spend a day making your own – it’ll be a lot more personal and just as beautiful. Also, if you are intent on saving trees, e-invites are becoming quite popular nowadays (plus it’s easier for guests to RSVP). Hopefully, you’ve been inspired by some of the ideas here and have gotten your creative juices flowing! Good luck :)

The Story Behind the “Somethings”

Samira Albana — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:00:20 +0000

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

I’m sure you’ve heard this saying before. The first time I heard it was on Friends, when Monica and Chandler wanted to secretly get married in Vegas and searched high and low to fulfill this wedding tradition for good luck. I thought it would be interesting to explore this tradition a little more and see what the old, new, borrowed and blue symbolise.

Something Old

Here, the bride usually wears something old on her wedding day to act as a reminder from her past. It serves as a way to link her to her family even though she’s going on to start her own one soon. Another reason the “something old” tradition is practiced is to pass down family values to the bride. So many things can be used for the “something old”, if you like, you can wear mom’s old wedding gown, or if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about sewing a piece of the wedding gown creatively onto yours? Grandma’s necklace or great-aunts pearl earrings work well too. In fact, something like an old handkerchief folded cleverly in your bust carries the same sentimental value.

Something New

This tradition is the easiest one to satisfy. The gown, rings, shoes and even flowers can be counted as “something new”. This tradition is fulfilled to ensure that the bride and groom enjoy a union overflowing with happiness, optimism, success and most of all good luck.

Something Borrowed

The bride customarily has to borrow something from a family member or friend who has enjoyed a happy marriage. Borrowing something from someone shows you have great admiration for them and is usually considered an honour. The borrowed item also signifies that the bride can always depend on her family and friends. The “something borrowed” can be anything at all, from jewelry to the veil, really anything appropriate goes.

Something Blue

The “something blue” is usually the toughest tradition to keep with unless you have a wedding theme that is related to the colour blue. This colour symbolises fidelity, modesty and love (I’d say the most important elements in a marriage, no?) A blue ribbon tied around your bouquet, a blue garter, or blue gems to adorn yourself will all work.

This tradition used to carry great importance during the Victorian era, but couples still practice it nowadays – some for the fun of it and others because they truly believe in it.

I don’t know for sure how this tradition helps with luck in a marriage, but it wouldn’t hurt to try! I know I’m already thinking of my something borrowed and have made mighty plans for my cousin’s turquoise ring hehe. Good luck finding your special “somethings”!