Choosing the wedding bands is every couple’s headache.
I say that because it was a headache for me and Seng. Looking at all possible designs from jeweler to jeweler, and the more we see the more confused we got. For one, we decided that we did not want to go to the mainstream jewelers, and two, we were on a budget. Well, Seng and I thought that we don’t have to spend alot for a wedding band. It had to be of a classic design, simple yet modern and elegant. And something that would last a lifetime, design and durability wise.
After looking at rings from various jewelers, we decided to go ala carte.
Why?
Very simple. Seng and I could not come to a compromise on the design of the rings. For example, if he saw a design that he liked, I would not really like it, and vice versa. So, we thought, why not try to find designs that were closely similar to compliment each other. But so far, ziltch.
It was until we went to a jeweler, and I found my dream wedding ring. But! There in lies another headache, we had to find one for Seng that would compliment the ring I wanted. After searching, we finally got really fustrated and decided, what the hell. It’s just a freaking ring that symbolises us being married, and any ring should work fine, as long as they don’t disintegrate 5 years down the road. So why not we just get what we like, seperately. As in totally different designs that totally did not compliment each other. And we did, and we were 3/4 way into getting them. Haha…
That’s when I got a nagging session from my parents.
I loved the ring that I wanted so badly, but I also loved the ring that Seng wanted to get as his ring. So me and my parents went back to the jeweler, where we saw Seng’s ring, and took a second look at the ring. Did I mention that they had the ring in Seng’s and my size? My parents actually like that ring, and commented that it looked and felt solid.
Thus, we decided that we were done searching.
Our wedding bands!
With flash
Ok, I know the title sounds weird, but hear me out. My parents had recently went on a short trip to China. Well, it was really to repritriate my Grandfather’s ashes back to him hometown in Sua Tao, but at the same time, who can resist shopping in China.
So, shopping they went and they came home with pressies for me. I thought, hey, what can they buy for me except foodstuff right? Wrong!!! They bought a bunch of wedding stuff!! I think they are more excited than I am. Haha!! Well, scroll down for the picture of they stuff they got for me!
The stickers and ribbons we will use on the actual day
Look at all the red packets!
Upclose of the red packets
A cloth to drape over a tray
Upclose of the design on the cloth
Don’t forget the tray which can be used for the An Chuan, Guo Dai Li or Tea Ceremony. The photo’s kinda off centred. Haha!!
Guess what these are!!
It’s a decor item. A ball of plastic flowers!! =P
They make a good flower hat too!! Ok, I look ridiculous!
And my favourite item of the lot!! The tea set!
There’s actually another item. A decorative item that is to be hung up, but I could not find a place to hang it up to take a photo of it. Haha!! And the best part of all, this is just the beginning. I think my parents will be going again, and have asked if I want to go along as well. They told me that the shop sells a whole lot of wedding stuff. Oh oh oh!!! Guess how much the lot cost. About 200+ RMB. Super duper cheap!!! And in case you are wondering, the quality is pretty good, not the cheapo stuff. Especially the tea set.
I was super duper excited when I saw the stuff. =P I can’t wait to go with them later this year to have a look and see what else I can get from there. Hehe! Shopping!!! Lala~
=P
Qiuru xx
As the title goes, I’m going to talk about flowers today.
Or rather, more specifically, corsages, the bridal bouquet for the actual day, hand bouquet for the ROM and car decoration for the actual day. Seng and I were talking about the wedding and some other stuff and the topic of flowers came about. The first thing that came to me were the corsages and flowers wristlets. So, being the kapo that I am, I popped by to the florist in Whitesands and asked for a quotation. I almost fainted there and then in the florist shop.
Corsages were going at $5 onwards. Flower wristlets were going at an average of $10. Hand bouquets were from $70 onwards, and car decorations were between $150 to $300.
The corsages, flower wristlets and hand bouquets are all dependent on 2 things:-
1) What kind of flowers are being used
2) The arrangement or design of the corsage/wristlet/hand bouquet
While the car decorations are dependent on 3 things:-
1) What kind of flower is being used
2) The design
3) Fresh or fake flowers
However, it then occured to me that flower are kind of a waste of money. I mean, I don’t think I’ll keep the flowers. The most for a few days, watching it wilt away. So I thought and chewed on the idea of the flower wristlets. Being the practical person that I am, the idea came to me when Seng and I were walking around Tampines Mall over the weekends, with the initial intention of dropping by to Poh Heng to look at gold jewelry.
As we were talking and discussing about the flower issue, we walked towards Chomel. This shop that sells costume jewelry. Then it occured to me that I could kill two birds with one stone. Instead of the regular flower wristlets, I thought of replacing them with a bracelet. One, it can act as the flower wristlet. Two, it can at the same time be a keepsake or momento for my bridesmaids. And!! They can use it in future as an accessory. It is going to cost me more, but it’s a two in one. So, I kind of save on the time and effort having to look for a simple gift for my bridesmaids.
Of course, my bridesmaids will all get the same design. My maid-of-honour obviously will get a special one, which she is allowed to choose, of course, within the budget which I set. Seng is agreeable on the idea and so is Mum. Woo hoo!! Looks like it might be a go ahead. I’m going to keep this idea in mind, as I continue to look around for other practical ideas.
I’m such a ‘salty olive’ when it comes to money. Haha!!
Anyways, I’m also looking for alternatives for the groomsmen. Hmm… Well, I have not thought of anything yet, but maybe something might come up. Eventually.
Then comes the tradition part of the wedding. The infamous 4 types of gold. I’m Teochew, so it’s part of my dowry. The four types of gold consist of a pair of earrings, a bracelet/bangle, a necklace and a pendent. All of them have to be gold. However, gold looks so old fashioned. Haha! I mean, the design can look modern, but the colour makes it look very old. As the jeweller had mentioned to me and Seng that nowadays alot of people buy designs that have white and yellow gold. Doesn’t look as old fashioned. Haha!!
In any case, Seng and I looked around for designs and stuff. We came across a particular design that we both liked. And I actually surprised myself, coz I actually liked the design, even though there was gold in it. I even saw a gold ring that I actually liked. The set is not cheap, partly that gold prices have gone up substantially. Why, 916k was going at $57.50 per gram when we were at the jeweller last Saturday.
We practically entered every availalble jewelry shop in Tampines Mall.
We were also looking for a matching wedding band for Seng. We have decided not to get those rings that jewellers offer as wedding bands. I’ve already found the wedding band that I want, now we have to look for a matching one for Seng. We found one at SK. But, it’s really pricey. Well, there are diamonds on the ring. But since we have a total budget for the bands, and mine is way under the budget per ring, he can use my portion of the unused budet to make up for his ring. But there is one thing we have realised, and that is rings for men so freaking limited.
Of course, we are still keeping our eyes opened for other options. But in any case, we still have time, so we will keep looking. = )
Qiuru xx
