Banquet Venue - Checked!!!

OMG! It’s already August!

It’s been a long while since my last update. It has been hectic so far with colleagues clearing leave through June and July, and us young people have to take over their work when they disappear for a week or so. And also for the fact that I’ve been an extremely lazy bum! Ha….
Anyways, back to important things. Seng and I have confirmed out banquet location. Yay!! But I did promise the insight of our hotel hunting. It’s just to keep the suspense going until I reveal the venue. Haha!!

Seng and I went hotel hunting over the previous weekend. We went to a handful if hotels as we were rather restricted due to the amount of tables we were expecting. We were looking at something between 40 to 50 tables. Yesh, I know, that’s alot of tables.

We went to the following locations:-
1) Novotel
2) Furma RiverFront
3) Grand Copthrone RiverFront
4) The Legends @ Fort Canning
5) The Hilton
6) Bliss Garden @ The Expo

Novotel was nice. I absolutely loved the reception area. It was big and roomy and cozy. With couches and a lovely bar. The ballroom was big, but I was doubtful about it being able to hold 50 tables. It looked like it would be extremely cramped. Then Grand Copthrone, I absolutely absolutly loved loved loved that ballroom. It was huge and grand, and the ceiling was super duper high. I walked in and I was just awed. My jaw dropped the moment I stepped in. Seng was like, oh crap, she likes this place and its going to cost me a bomb. The reception area was nice too, just that there were pillars all over, looked abit like a maze. But the place was super extremely grand.

We’ve been to Furama RiverFront before and we wanted to go back there to have a second look, after we’ve viewed some of the other hotels. And lucky us, there was a wedding going on that evening, so we were able to have a look at how the ballroom would be set up. They wedding had about 42 tables and to be honest, it looked cramped. Much to me and Seng’s surprise, but their package by far was THE most comprehensive. But we have gotten comments from friends that the food there is lousy.

The Legends @ Fort Cannings was not a bad place for an outdoor wedding, if the the breeze blew continously. I’m serious! Otherwise, you can consider an outdoor wedding there because the view is really nice and the space. My goodness, the place is huge! Seng and I popped by the Hilton one evening to have a look, the place looked grand, but the reception area was not all that fantastic. I loved the ceiling of the ballroom, but there were three pillars in the middle of the ballroom. Eek!!! So, Seng and I kind of struck that place out of our list.

Bliss Garden @ The Expo. Seng and I have been there before, and we’ve eaten there as well. It’s not a hotel, but a restaurant, and I think the food there is rather good. I’ve got the thumbs up from my parents and sisters, and I think we’ve got the thumb up from Seng’s parents as well. His sister thought that the vegetarian food there wa snot too bad. I thought it was quite well done. The place does not look all that fantastic, nothing that florist can make better. The place is pretty big as well, being able to carter up to 52 tables or more if we require.

Thus in the end, we chose…..

*drumroll
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Bilss Garden @ The Expo!

There are some details that Seng and I will have to g over for this venue, but I think we will be able to make the best of it. Well, we’ve put the deposit down, and set the date.

Which by the way, I’ve not yet announced our actual wedding day. Haha! Check out our wedding site, which will be updated soon!

Another wonderful news!! We’ve gotten our invitation to selece our flat on 18 August 2010, which is the week after next. Will update more on that once we have that done. This is so exciting!! Can't wait for that day.

Meantime, take care peeps! I should be updating on a more regular basis, since it is already August. Haha!!

Love y’all!
Qiuru xx

Gold / Family Potraits

It’s been awhile since my last update. I’ve alot to tell you all about but not sure where to start.

Let’s see..

Gold. Gold jewelry to be exact. I think I’ve brought this up before, about the 4 types of gold. Well, we’ve got 3/4 of that done. We’re still missing the gold chain, of which Seng and I have both an eye on a particular piece. The total price for all four pieces are still within budget. Whew!!

Just last weekend, my family went to Poh Heng and got the tea ceremony gifts. I got a bracelet and a gold chain from my aunt. A ring, necklace and a hard bracelet from my parents. It was really fun as my aunt and uncle came along to help choose the jewelry. After which we went to Tonkichi for dinner.

So we’ve got the gold part, on my family’s side. Still got Seng’s side of the family.

It’s almost June! Wow, the year is passing by so quickly.

Did I mention that both sides of our immediate families will be going along with us to Taiwan for our photoshoot? Yup, it’s happening. As it so happens, Ivy Bride were in town recently, and they were at Tampines Mall. Met up with Jojo and talked about family potraits. I thought since my family will be going along to Taiwan, more so for a holiday, we might as well take another family potrait. The first one was for my sisters’ graduation.

The package came out pretty comprehensive so my Dad got the potrait package as did Seng’s mum. Yay!! Sort of like another item off the list.

We’ve also recently met up with a geomancer and gotten some dates for the actual wedding day. Of all the dates, Seng and I like 3 of them the best.

1) 25 September 2011
2) 22 October 2011
3) 27 November 2011

Seng sort of worked his schedule out and is hoping to book the hotel by the end of June. It will be off to visiting hotels in the month of June. Sounds exciting but it will be tiring. Well, at least by end of June we will have another important item off the wedding list.

There are other things I want to tell you all about but I’ll save them for next time. Meantime, take care y’all.

Love,
Qiuru xx

Wedding Bands

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

The photos do not do justice to the rings. Bleah…

Ok, ok.. I know what you all are thinking. Didn’t I say we didn’t want the same looking type of wedding bands? Yes, I did. But for once, Seng and I actually liked the same ring, and they fit perfectly. And also they were the last pair. And they were going at an affordable price, for a solid piece of metal, with diamonds, embedded in the ring, all around.

So yes, we got them.

Practically a year in advance. The ROM is in April next year.

But!!! One item off the list, one less thing to think about. Hah…

Qiuru xx

Pressies from China

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

Flowers/4 types of Gold

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

Updates updates...

Happy New Year!! Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Haha!! Late greetings to everyone! Anyways, the first quarter of this year is alomst over, we are at the end of March already. Let’s see, it is going to be another year to our ROM and our actual day wedding. Ok, the AD is still some time away, but once we return from our photoshoot in Taiwan, it is going to be full swing all the way.

What updates do we have for everyone? Hmm…

We had previously applied for the Punggol Ripples and Sails BTO, which well, did not turn out very well. Haha! We were not selected to choose a flat. We have recently applied for a BTO in Sengkang. Seems like not a bad place, but thre is going to be another exercise in Apr for Punggol. So we will see how it goes. We are even considering the option of getting a resale flat. My Dad spoke to me about it before, so we’re looking around as well.

We are now currently looking for our banquet location. Lots of places, but limited options. We have an estimated number of about 45 tables for the dinner. Whew!! That’s alot of people. Haha! And we hope not to spend too much on the wedding. I’m more concerned about the cost of the tables that Jeremy will have to give my parents.

Jeremy proposed on Boxing Day. That was a surprise for me. He came up with an excuse to go back to our secondary school with some of our closest friends to take photos and look around the school. It turned out that all of them were in it together. We walked around school and took photos, and headed back to our Sec 1 classroom. It was where we first met and fell in love. He came up from behind, while our friends were distracting me with taking photos and joking around. I turned to my left and there Jeremy was, on one bended knee with a bouquet of flowers. It took me a few seconds to realise what was going on. It was really sweet. And now I wear the engagment ring everyday. = )

We’ve our ups and downs of late due to our work and the limited time that we have wth each other. I’ve changed jobs recently, and he has taken on more projects and stuff. But we’re working out everything as best as we can. Of course together with the help of my bestie Pris. Many things are coming together, although not yet in cast and stone.

The ROM date has been set on 23 April 2011 at St Hilda’s Secondary, with aguestlist of about 30 odd people. Close friends of ours, who will be helping us out that day, and of course our close families. We can’t invite everyone that day, as I want to keep it small and intimate, so that both sides of the family get to mingle and get to know each other better. The ROM is coming today, but there’s still alot of toher details to look into. Not forgetting the meeting of our parents. Jer and I discussed this and sort of like decided that by 3rd quarter this year, his parents will meet my parents to ti qin. Propose marriage.

Benn looking around for banquet locations, printed some stuff for reference for our parents perusal. Hopefully we can come to a decision soon. Haha! So far, I feel like I’m still not doing much. Especialliy for teh most important thing. LOSE WEIGHT!!!

Man, I’ve got to suck it up and get right down to it. Sigh… I wish I were not such a lazy ass sometimes. I wonder where I got all that determination from previously. Maybe it was because I was studying, so I had more time on hand. Work has taken it’s toll. The promotion for the agents is over, and things are slowly going back to normal. Hopefully, I can take the time out to swim and run. I should try to get up earlier in the mornings for a short run. Hmm… I’ so not a morning person. But working out in the evenings had its positive results previously, so I’m going to suck it up and get right down to it. I’ve only a year to lose weight and get into shape for the wedding shoot. Argh… Someone get me into action already!!!!

So far, that’s the update for now. The next update would be on the banquet location.
For every other brides-to-be in 2011, jia you!! It’s hard work getting everything together, and there will definately be disagreements, but things will work out, and the wedding day will be perfect.

Love,
Qiuru xx

New BTO application

Whew! It’s been awhile since I last wrote in here. Let’s see what we have been up to….
Seng and I have gotten our queue for the Sale od Balance Flats exercise. Not good, looks like we can trhow this application out the window. As it the sale of balance flats, there were ot many flats to start with, 16 in total for 5-room/executive units. We are number…

*drum roll

73!!!

So, it looks like we won’t be choosing a flat anytime soon. But!! No fear! We have applied for anotther BTO exercise in November for Punggol Sails and Ripples. We are looking a the 4-room units. Well then, round two of luck for us!! Haha! Results will be out in January 2010, and we keeping our finger crossed on this exercise. Hopefully we will be able to choose a flat of our liking. = )

But on the down side, it looks like we do have alot of work ahead of us for this flat. Like the logistics and where to stay when we are waiting for the flats to be built, the finances and the main event, the wedding. Wedding is still tentative in 2011, not to mention the wedding shoot in Taiwan. That’s going to be another cost. The wedding will be a killer, did I forget to mention the dinner as well? Shoot! 40 tables and counting. OMG!! I’m wondering where all the extra people come from.. Sigh.. Do we really have to invite some many people?

Sometimes I wonder, if weddings are for the family and close friend or for the whole wide to watch us like animals in an enclosure. Negative thoughts.. I need to wipe them out. But when almost half f the 40 tables are people whom you did not invite, its kinda hard not to think that way.

Anyways, Christmas is coming!! I can’t wait. It’s a 3 and half days week this week and next. Ok, I’ll end here for now.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!!