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What’s your bridal hairstyle?

March 11th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty | No Comments

bridal-hairstyles

The pitfall of too many brides when choosing their bridal hair is opting for something that has absolutely no bearing to their everyday look. While you understandably wouldn’t want to look like ‘everyday you’, you should never stray too far from home, so to speak. Go for a glamourised version of your normal look, so that you will still be comfortable with it, and not have a stranger staring back at you from the mirror! Do also keep your dress in mind when selecting your hairstyle; if your dress is long and dreamy, loose curls with flowers woven through them will not only suit the look, it will add infinitely more charm and beauty to the overall presentation.

Tags: Bridal Hairstyles

CAKE BOSS on DIY wedding cakes!

March 10th, 2010 by Samira Albana | Posted in Planning & Ideas, Wedding | 1 Comment

cake-boss-1

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive Discovery Travel & Living launch of one of it’s latest shows, Cake Boss. Cake Boss airs on Travel & Living every Wednesday evening, 7 pm (SG time) and follows the entertaining Italian Buddy Valastro, who runs the family cake store Carlo’s Cakes in New Jersey. So to get us all in the mood for the show, we had a free lesson in cake decorating!

cake-boss

For all the ladies who are planning their wedding and baking their cake at the same time… this is for you.

Here are some tips from Miss Loo, an experienced Malaysian wedding cake decorator who represented the Cake Boss.

1. If you want to DIY your wedding cake, one method is to buy ready made sugar flowers – so you just bake the cake then decorate it with these pre-made flowers. OR alternatively, take a class in cake decoration and make some simple decorations!

2. For a wedding cake, it takes approx 4 months as you need to make a lot of flowers – which need time to dry. With our S.E Asia climate, its very humid so it takes longer than say in colder countries.

3. Popular wedding cake flavours to go for – fruitcake (if your design is difficult). But usually buttercake as most ppl like it!

4. Remember to choose a common cake flavour, Durian is not a wedding winner!

Carlos-Cake

5. If you’re making a multi-tiered cake, make sure there is a strong support base. The heavier the cake’s weight, the stronger the bottom board should be.

6. Icing is important! Each tier should be equal, with the sides and top must be smoothly and evenly covered – don’t let any cake show through – which may happen if you don’t use enough icing. So be generous with the butter-cream icing as the cake absorbs some of it while it sits.

7. For a smooth (and quick) finsh, use a comb.

8. As we live in the hot tropics, you must be careful as to what butter-cream you use. If its too soft the butter-cream icing may melt or even slide off your cake. Tip: Bake your cake in an air-conditioned environment and if your icing turns runny just pop it back in the fridge till it hardens up a bit.

Last but not least – practice!!!

Why hello Bobby Chin!

Tags: Budget wedding, DIY Weddings, Planning & Ideas, Wedding Cake

How to choose the perfect Harry Winston ring

March 9th, 2010 by Sylvia Tan-Jong | Posted in Planning & Ideas, Wedding | 4 Comments

Harry-Celebs

“The rare, the exceptional, the utterly timeless”; this is Harry Winston’s legacy. Harry Winston diamonds have become an icon of international glamour from the possession of the Hope Diamond to the sparkles of the red carpet.

We all have no doubt that their jewellery is brilliant, but what makes HW unique is their impeccable customer service. Most of us may feel a little intimidated visiting the jewellers and for those men on the search for an engagement ring, the experience can be even more daunting. At Wedding Guide Asia, we recognise the stresses you may face have when choosing an engagement ring, therefore we contacted Harry Winston for some advice and here is what they have to say:

What makes a HW diamond unique?

At HW, each diamond is hand-selected by the world’s leading gemmologists with decades of expertise. We emphasize on quality rather than quantity. Each HW diamond must pass strict quality assurance criteria that consider not only the Four Cs but also meet the HW visual standards for beauty and brilliance.

HW Signature Ring

Why are designer rings such as HW dearer than local jewellers?

Every aspect of a HW engagement ring is of the finest quality – aside from the brilliance of the diamonds, each piece of jewellery is carefully designed and then meticulously crafted by hand in the Winston workshop on Fifth Avenue, New York.

What tips can you give a man who is planning to buy an engagement ring?

To start, it is important to have a vague idea of the design your fiancé may prefer i.e. solitaire, three-stone, emerald cut etc. The next step is look out for the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat. If you are still unsure, our experts at HW are available to talk you through the process.

What makes HW different from other jewellers?

The shopping experience at our stores is unique. We encourage our clients to take all the time they need to be educated and guided by our knowledgeable sales executives to select the perfect ring, all in the calm atmosphere of our salons. We aim to provide each client with a highly personalised shopping experience, from the selection process to after-sales service.

Micropavé ring

What are the most popular engagement ring styles now?

Every person has their own idea of what constitutes the perfect ring. Generally round brilliant, cushion and emerald-cut rings are the most popular. In particular, our cushion-cut Micropavé ring is a favourite. HW’s classic design aesthetic ensures that the rings we offer will never go out of style.

How does one match the engagement ring to the wedding band?

It is important to consider the setting and the shank of the engagement ring to ensure a perfect fit and balanced match. For example, a beautiful Micropavé engagement ring with a delicate Micropavé wedding band will compliment each other very well.

Last words:

Shopping for the ring should not only be about the diamond, the experience is just as important. You need to be able to trust your jeweller to guide you to the right choice. A loyal HW client recently shared: ‘HW made me feel at ease and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was to be able to ask different questions and how patient they were with me.’ This is how I sum up the Harry Winston experience.

Dedicated to my husband, who spent endless hours in search for the perfect ring.

NB: If you would like to visit a Harry Winston store in Asia then do check for locations here. For those of us who unfortunately do not have HW in town, you can always visit their online store!

Tags: Engagement ring, Harry Winston, Wedding Ring

Top five wedding planning mistakes to avoid

March 8th, 2010 by Samira Albana | Posted in Planning & Ideas, Wedding | No Comments

Planning a wedding is not easy business and in the whole frenzy, many potentially avoidable faux pas tend to be made. Here are a couple of common mistakes that tend to throw couples off track :

1. Partaking in last-minute beauty treatments.

Many brides think that scheduling a facial the day before the wedding will leave their skin looking angelic on their big days. Thinking of tanning the day before your wedding? Think again as you may end up with blisters instead of sun-kissed skin. Last-minute beauty treatments can lead to breakouts, mistakes or, even worse, serious infections.

2. Exceeding your budget.

It costs a lot of money to throw a wedding. Excited brides start booking vendors and making purchases without having a real budget and then are shocked to discover they’ve already spent all of their money (or parents’ money) and don’t yet have half the things they need. Planning a wedding is serious business. Make a budget and keep track of your expenditures so you won’t be walking naked down the aisle.

3. Ordering your wedding gown too late.

If your heart is set on a couture gown, be sure to order by the six-month mark since your dress will be custom-made and, many times, made overseas. In addition, most off-the-rack dresses will require alterations, so make certain that you have enough time to get the gown fitted properly. You’ll want to leave plenty of time for shipping and for your fittings. The same goes for the bridesmaid dresses.

4. Underestimating the importance of a good photographer.

Your wedding is potentially the most important day of your life and you will definitely want lovely images to remember it by. It’s always a good investment to hire the best photographer who can truly capture those priceless moments. At all costs avoid depending on shots from family or friends unless they’re professionals.

5. Taking your partner’s opinions for granted.

After all it’s his day too. Even if his requests don’t always conform to your vision, you want him to enjoy the wedding as much as you. Not only should you be willing to compromise, but also consider biting the bullet once in a while and telling him that you like his ideas. Even if you wind up with hot dogs on the menu or a Rolling Stones cover band, chances are good you’ll appreciate these quirkier decisions down the road. Plus, you’ll make him really happy – as he should be.

Tags: wedding dos and dont's, wedding mistakes

Win a Laurer Mercier giftset!

March 5th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Wedding | No Comments

If you would like to add this cute Laurer Mercier set to your make-up bag then get cracking! We’ve got two more sets to giveaway during March so keep logging on…

Simply answer the following question and email your answer to info@theweddingguide.com.my

How many cupcake flavours does Cupcake Chic carry? (Hint: Search through our past articles!)

Tags: Cupcake Chic, Laurer Mercier

Budget honeymoons in S.E Asia

March 4th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Honeymoon Ideas, Wedding | 2 Comments

One of the best things about Asia, is that not only is it a continent of exotic destinations, but traveling around is pretty affordable (compared to say a trip to London!). So if you’re a bride who wants a great honeymoon but on an equally great budget – then we’ve narrowed down a list of top South East Asian spots for you:

Vietnam

Phu Quoc island is a small teardrop shaped fishing island, where the locals seem a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Rugged in beauty, and surrounded by clear flat azure blue waters, and miles of empty beaches, you’d be forgiven for believing that you have stepped into paradise.

Nestled on the north west of the island lies one of Vietnam’s best kept secrets; a hidden boutique lodge called Mango Bay. While away your time with your loved one by snorkelling right in front of your bungalow, sipping a chilled Chablis on the remote beach, or renting a motorbike and exploring the naked coastline.

Mango Bay is eco-friendly, and there are no televisions or air conditioning. Just you and your loved one. Enjoy!

Daily Flights to Saigon on Air Asia.

Daily flights to Phu Quoc departing from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines.

Thailand

With a population of around 60 million people, Thailand is one country that offers a bit of everything and anything. You’ll find most budget airlines fly into Thailand and getting around is relatively cheap be it taxi, cab or local airline. If you’re heading there for the first time, I suggest stopping in Bangkok for a few days of shopping, massages & (interesting) nightlife. Whether you want to have a bit of a laugh at one of the infamous tiger shows (head to Patpong) or stop by backpackers hub Khao san road, you’ll find that you can have an amazing time having not spent much at all. Don’t miss heading to Wat Pho (renowned temple with the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace to get in touch with the Thai culture. Also make time for perhaps the BEST market in Asia, Chatuchak, which sells everything under the sun such as funky clothes, vintage wear, furniture, art and even pets! For cute boutiques, go to Siam Square and remember to bargain if it’s not an established brand name. Though you may be on a budget, put aside something for a drink at glamourous Sirrocco bar which sits on the top floor of the Lebua Tower. This is a must as it is perhaps the most romantic spot in town with a hard-to-beat view of the city.

Once you’re done with the city, make a trip to one of Thailand’s many beach destinations. My favourites are Hua Hin, Phuket (avoid Patong full of sleazy tourists), Samui (if you want to party it up together then go for the Full Moon party), Krabi and Khao Lak. There are many hotels to choose from so you shouldn’t have a problem finding something that fits your budget. To keep travel costs down, take the overnight bus from BKK down to the South. The buses are quite comfy (about USD 30 one way) and if you’re not a light sleeper you should be able to nod off.

Cambodia

What better way to spend a honeymoon then to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world – Angkor Wat. Found in Siem Reap, Cambodia, millions from around the world travel many a mile to make it to this mystic place. Though Cambodia has become a popular backpacker destination, Siem Reap has plenty of boutique guesthouses and resorts. This is the place to be if you want to zen out and meditate at perhaps the most iconic temple, Angkor Wat. Tip: Go to Angkor Thom to avoid the masses if you want to catch the sunset. It’s just as beautiful and you’ll have the whole temple to yourself.

Also, remember to treat yourself to the culinary delights of Bar Lane and lookout for some quirky Cambodia delicacies such as deep-fried spiders and snake blood!

Bali

The Balinese are known for their hospitality and peaceful nature, which is one of the reasons why Bali is so magical. A rather large island given it’s nine times the size of Singapore, don’t be fooled into thinking you can zip around everywhere in ten minutes! Bali has many different arenas that should fit any criteria for the honeymooner.

For cosmopolition chic, head to Seminyak with its funky restaurants and designer boutiques. Checkout Made Warung for good Balinese food at good (aka cheap) prices!

If you want immerse yourself in Balinese arts and spirituality, then trek into the island’s interior and stay in Ubud. This little hillside town has a bit of a hippie scene to it, there are art shops, cafes and one of the best massage houses, …..

Again, there are many beautiful beaches in Bali which you can make day trips to or even stay at. For a rustic adventure head to the Amed in the East Coast. It’s a sleepy fishing beach with volcanic black sand beaches – great to get away from it all (and everyone).

Tip: For bookings, we recommend agoda.com or your trusty tripadvisor.com for hotels. And for travel of course airasia.com, where now everyone can fly! xxx

Tags: Bali, Budget Honeymoon, Cambodia, Honeymoon Ideas, Thailand, Vietnam

Singapore wedding by Jack Images (Jackie Chan)

March 3rd, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Little White Book Blog, Traditional, Wedding | 2 Comments

Jackie Chan (no, not that Jackie Chan!) from Jack Images sent us this awesome pics from a wedding he shot in Singapore recently. The couple are Rongda & Lilac who had the traditional morning games with the ‘pick up the bride’ session, followed by their disco-themed evening reception!

It’s a Chinese wedding custom for the groom and his close friends to arrive at the bride’s house early in the morning to ‘pick up the bride’. It may sound like an easy task but do not be fooled my friends! The bridesmaids concoct an array of challenging (and funny) tests for the boys to do…

And you thought bananas were just fruit…

Still huffing and puffing an hour later at 9 am! But climbing the stairs can only mean the bride is in a room nearby…

Instead of the usual walk-in, this couple arranged a disco do and had the groomsmen, bridesmaid and themselves dancing down the aisle! It reminds me of this famous youtube video that we uploaded recently.

All in all some great photos by Jackie who captured the energy and fun of the wedding, good job! xx

Tags: Chinese, Chinese Wedding, Chinese Wedding Banquet, Jack Images, Wedding Photographers

Things to remember when… choosing your photographer

March 2nd, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Planning & Ideas | 3 Comments

Photog

1) Do your research and speak with friends who recently got married. Their feedback will be important in helping you create your shortlist

2) Check out websites and portfolios – different photographers have different styles; checking out their work will enable you to cull the ones you think are unsuitable and keep the ones you think are right

3) Make sure you meet all the photographers you are considering for a face-to-face. That way, you will know if you can be comfortable with them

4) Don’t be afraid to ask to preview a whole wedding to get an idea of the quality and creativity of the photographer’s work

5) Don’t be afraid to ask what you will get for your money. A little persuasion could land you a few extra stills, or even a bigger album!

Tags: Wedding Photographers

Wedding video by Mayad Studios

March 1st, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Planning & Ideas | 3 Comments

http://www.vimeo.com/8643013

If you’ve been reading TWG you would of noticed bride Wan Sim’s awesome articles on her weddings in England and Malaysia. This is her last entry – her wedding video! It’s a combination of shots from her UK Wedding (shot by Minty Slippers) & her M’sian one (shot by Mayad Studios)

Written by: Wan Sim Tan-Sainsbury (TWG reader & recent bride!)

We just love these guys and were no doubt happy we chose Mayad Studios (from the Phillippines). Their work is absolutely fantastic, full of creativity and definitely original. It is not a case of cheesy videos with cheesy love songs. They are just simply talented. I cannot plainly explain it, but do visit their website and watch a few videos (in fact they recently did a celebrity wedding in Boracay Island after ours). You will get the grip of all this excitement that we felt when we knew that they were available to be our videographers!

Courtesy of Andy Lim

Mayad Studios: Raphael and Cecilio were the ones who came to Malaysia for our wedding. They are such modest and humble people, and not to mention one of the warmest and friendliest people that you will ever meet. They gave their full effort and remained much focused throughout their shoot. Every wedding filmed by them is told in a different way. You just wonder what their boundaries are! They are all young, vibrant and bursting with ideas, which made them such a great team

Their diary is pretty packed, so better book in advance if you don’t want to be disappointed. (Their prices are upon request as they offer tailor-make packages). One word of advice, do inform your photographer if you are getting a crew of videographers. Photographers may not appreciate ninja-hopping videographers when they are doing their poses with the couples, and vice versa. If possible, it is a good idea to arrange a meeting with them prior to the wedding. A shooting pattern can then be agreed to avoid any miscommunication on your day. Glad to say, our Malaysian team, Mayad Studios and Andy Lim worked really well together. It was a blast!

Tags: Langkawi Wedding, Mayad Studios, Wedding Malaysia, Wedding video

Save the date now with Cupcake Chic!

February 26th, 2010 by Samira Albana | Posted in Little White Book Blog, Planning & Ideas | 3 Comments

It’s a Western custom commonly practiced by couples planning their upcoming wedding to send out ‘Save the date’ cards. These cards should be typically sent out about 3-4 months before the wedding in order to enable your guests to keep that special day free. However, this custom can be carried out as creatively as you wish, meaning you don’t necessarily have to send out a card. Even in Chinese culture, it is also tradition to send out a ‘little sweet’ with your invitation card, such as Lo Po Peng (wife biscuit). However in these modern times, what better sweet could there be, besides the classic cupcake!

Cupcake Chic, a well-known chain of cupcake stores in Malaysia, is offering their services in the form of ‘Save-the-date’ cupcakes. What better way is there to let your guests know your wedding date? They get to join in on your happiness and of course dine on scrumptious cupcakes (always a plus!) I personally get really excited when I see couples get creative and try something different… because that means the actual wedding day will be even more imaginative!

Cupcake Chic gives couples the liberty to customize the cupcakes to suit their fancy and goes out of their way to cater to requests. You could have the date embedded on the cupcakes, your names and perhaps even your faces! It’s a case of anything goes (within reason!).

Click here for more info!

Tags: Cupcake Chic, Save the Date, Wedding Cupcakes, Wedding Malaysia