Wedding Guide Asia

...and they will soon live happily ever after :)

Here at WGA, we have all been frantic with excitement about covering the Royal Wedding. But we have certainly not forgotten those of you who are still waiting for your own fairytale beginnings. Read on for WGA’s low-down on how to catch your ‘Prince Charming’!

See and be seen

Let’s be honest, the chance of you meeting your prince on a Friday night whilst watching re-runs of Friends in your sitting room is almost zilch! So get dressed and get out there. Hitting the town may not be your cup of tea, but from what I hear, polo matches and charity luncheons often do attract appropriate bachelors.

Catch his eye

Before leaving your front door, always check that you’ve dressed appropriately for the occasion. It’s not nice to turn up for afternoon tea in aide of the Children’s Hospital in skin-tight bodycon with half your cleavage on show. That said, you’d still like to catch Prince Charming’s eyes, so wear something bright and cheerful, but most importantly, hold your head up high and flash him that gorgeous smile.

Think ladylike

Watch your words

We may not all speak the Queen’s English, but we can certainly try to mind our manners and watch our words. Speak slowly and surely; needless to say, swearing is a definite no-no. Here are a few words you may like to swap whilst in a formal occasion:

Say, ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you’              Not , ‘How you doin’!

Say, ‘I’ll just need the ladies’                      Not, ‘I need to p*ss!’

Say, ‘Lovely pudding, isn’t it?’                   Not, ‘Bring Mama those Candies!’

Get Smart

Know your facts from fables before engaging in deep conversation. Men love nothing more than an intelligent woman (that’s why we know that behind every successful man, is a brighter woman).  On the other hand, if you haven’t got a clue on ‘The failings of Cuba’, just say, ‘How interesting! Tell me more! Don’t make things up and say, ‘Erm, Cuba; lovely island in the Philippines, huh?’ Faux pas. (more…)

Courtesy of Stories by Integricity Visuals

While we do embrace unconventionality here at WGA, we still believe that some things remain sacred. Your nearest and dearest may be cool with your modern decisions but you still have yet to get to know what his side of the family is really like. So in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises, here’s a quick little guide to the wedding rules you can and cannot break…

Courtesy of Stories by Integricity Visuals

Planning

Most parents are glad when their kids hire wedding planners to have headaches on their behalf. However, if you’re Malay, chances are this one is a no-no. Malay parents think of a wedding as a final gift to their child before someone else takes over the role of caregiver, more so if they’re giving away a daughter. Thus, they would be personally insulted if anyone even hinted at taking this very private joy away from them. Tread carefully if you still want to be stubborn.

Courtesy of Fifoto Photography

Food

This is fairly flexible but you have to really know who’s eating at the wedding. Your grandma’s friends may not be able to stomach sushi and sashimi, particularly if they were expecting nasi minyak (rice traditionally served at Malay weddings). If you’re having a strictly close friends only reception, then feel free to be adventurous! New rule: If you have a theme, make sure the menu sticks to it. That means no Russian stroganoff at a Chinoiserie Chic banquet ;) (more…)

Deborah Henry was a sunny bridesmaid at her sister's wedding

They’ve been there for the good times and they’ve been there for the bad (admit it; you had some bridezilla moments!). They’re your girls and most importantly, your bridesmaids. But besides throwing (the single ones) your bouquet, it is customary to give a little something to say a big thank you.

So what should you be giving?

Courtesy of People.com and Swarovski

According to Brides.com, Carrie Underwood went for the “all that glitters” theme and gave her besties a cross pendant necklace that featured bezel-set crystals by Swarovski. To complete the look, “they also got to choose a pair of earrings and a bracelet of their choice to wear – ooh lala! Some chose these chunky drop earrings for $75, while others fell for this glamorous bracelet that is currently on sale for $180 at swarovski.com.”

Hmmm, on that note I wonder what both the Kate M’s will be giving their bridesmaids? That’s Moss & Middleton if you’re confused ;)

For the rest of us though, here’s a few pointers from fab website theknot.com:

Cute gifts from Minz.com.my

How much to spend:

This really depends on (a) how close you are (b) how much your bridesmaids have spent thus far and (c) what your own budget is like! If they’ve spent say $500 on expenses then a $10 gift may seem a little al’ cheapo. However, if you’re really pushed for budget, opt for gifts that are meaningful and show that you are grateful. Try a photo frame with a photo of the both of you (no self-portraits plz ya:) or a handwritten note, dinner out on the town, or a bouquet of flowers.

When it comes to Chinese Weddings however, it is the norm to divide the money earned from your “pick up the bride games” amongst your Chi Muis (bridesmaids). Wedding planner Evan from Precious Moments recommends you share the ang pow according to how big a role each Chi Mui played. Simply pop it in a red packet and say “xie xie“!

Who's that dancing with your sister?

I’m not exactly sure but I suspect Wedding Crashers was one movie that struck terror in the hearts of brides-to-be everywhere. Still, as this movie showed, the crashers don’t always have it easy, either.

But if you’re like me and you can’t wait to see nasty people get what they deserve, then just try some of these suggestions should you have (God forbid) unexpected guests on your big day…

The Turnaround

Ever heard stories of immature people who crash weddings simply to embarrass the bride and groom? If you get one of these, be the bigger person and show nothing but exemplary kindness. Watch them leave almost immediately.

The Heartbreaker

Why do people need plus-ones? Don’t they ever worry about food shortage? Of course, a clever couple always prepares extra but remember you’re not obliged to re-think the seating arrangements (which took you months, by the way) on the spot. Too bad if they have to sit at separate tables – that’s not your problem.

The Invite Check

To save you the trouble, you could consider having invitations checked at the door. Celebs and their bouncers do it all the time for security purposes. Mere mortals follow suit to ensure none of the banquet goes to ravenous freeloaders.

Honey, I thought they were YOUR friends!

The Boss

You know the moment wedding vendors show up early and head for the bubbly? Yeah, maybe that’s the perfect time to introduce them to your intimidating mother-in-law… (more…)

Finally settling in at home as newlyweds, you start unwrapping your wedding gifts that’s been piling up and you think to yourself, ‘Have we actually said ‘Thanks!’ to those who have made our wedding day so special?’ After all, feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Read on for WGA’s tips on how best to say ‘thank you’ to your loved ones:

Courtesy of Ceci New York

Who to thank?

Ideally everyone! But with 1000 people on your guest list, it really is impossible to do so. Here are a few of those who should definitely be on your priority list:

Your family: After all, they were the ones who have been there for you through thick and thin

Your extended family: Especially those who have put in extra effort to help organise your wedding

Guests who’ve traveled afar: Not only for traveling across the globe to attend your special day, it’s the time and effort they make just to be there!

Bridal party: They were the ones to calm you down when you had that ‘bridezilla’ moment

Best/Grooms men: No thanks for getting your husband shattered after the stag-do, but at least they all made it to church on time!

Wedding planner, make-up artist, photographer etc.: They were the people laboriously working behind the scenes, to ensure you look and feel your best on that day

Courtesy of Ceci New York

When to say thank you?

As soon as you can. If you leave for your honeymoon straight after the wedding day, start writing those cards the minute you get back from your holiday. Don’t put it off for too long; sending a thank-you note six months after a wedding not only shows insincerity, it is also poor manners.

How to say thank you? (more…)