Singapore Weddings | Bridal Style, Tips and Ideas

Kebaya Wedding Dresses Contemporary Looks

2011-05-17T19:11:00.006-04:00

The sarong kebaya wedding dress has been gaining popularity in Singapore ever since Peranakan culture was put in the limelight with a popular Chinese drama called The Little Nyonya. The sarong kebaya is a typically Malay ethnic dress worn by women. It was adopted by the Chinese immigrants to South-east Asia. The sarong (the bottom skirt) is made of one long piece of cloth called the batik. It is usually brightly colored with prints on them. The top blouse (kebaya top) is made of intricate lace, and can be short or long. The top is usually made of silk material.

Peranakan Chinese brides used to wear the sarong kebaya dress at their weddings. These days some Peranakan Chinese brides are inspired to go back to their roots when selecting bridal dresses. Some of the pre-wedding photo shoots (pre-wedding photo shoots of the couple are common in Singapore) for these brides include nostalgic Peranakan wedding re-enactments. The sarong kebaya wedding dress is making a come-back with a contemporary and modern look!

The traditional Peranakan wedding dresses tended to be cut loosely for the brides. These days, modern brides prefer a form-fitting cut to show off their shapes.

Check out some of the designs for the contemporary sarong kebaya wedding dress.

Peranakan Sarong Kebaya Wedding Dresses | Modern Looks

Traditional Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya on the Right
(Loose-Fitting Cut)
and the
Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya on the Left
(Form-Fitting Cut)

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya
Long Lacy Kebaya Top
Reminiscent of Wedding Train in Western Bridal Dresses

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya
Short Lacy Kebaya Top

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Modern Peranakan Wedding Sarong Kebaya

Great Video of a Staged Peranakan Wedding
Check out the Clothes!

Hotel Wedding Packages Singapore

2010-10-31T08:41:00.008-04:00

Hotel Wedding Packages for Muslim Couples in Singapore

Some Singaporeans couples tend to hold their weddings at hotels. For the Muslim Singaporeans, their choices are sometimes limited because not all hotels have halal kitchens to cater for Muslim food that would be served at a wedding.

However, there are several hotels now that cater specially for Muslim couples looking to hold their weddings at a hotel. They have wedding packages that are specially catered to Muslims.

One hotel, the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, is holding a special Muslim Wedding Show next month.

Nestled in the heart of heritage Katong on the East Coast, Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel offers the ideal wedding or solemnisation hotel venue in a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city in Singapore. The hotel’s ballroom settings together with special and affordable packages, a large variety of wedding favours and choice of themes, provide a memorable experience for couples fulfilling their dreams of a blissful wedding with us. Grand Mercure Roxy can also serve Halal food from our Halal kitchen.

You can get Details On Their

• Wedding Packages
• Wedding Planners
• Wedding Dias
• Photography
• Bridal and Make Up
• Henna Art
• Travel

Participate in a Lucky Draw
• Attractive lucky draw prizes of accommodations and dining vouchers to be won! T&Cs apply.

Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel
Muslim Wedding Show
6 November 2010, 2pm to 6pm

Enquiry
• Call the wedding team now at tel: 6340 5637 / 40 / 41 / 42 or email: H3610-SL9@accor.com for any enquiry.

Muslim Wedding Hotel Package Singapore
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Wedding Package Themes

Timeless Elegance Solemnisation Theme
Bask in an array of lovely, rich pink roses in timeless setting of pure elegance.
Note: This theme is only available for solemnisation.

Glamour Bliss Wedding Theme
Majestic and stylish in an lavish setting, dazzle your guests with classy metallic silverware, shimmering crystals and glowing candles to make your special occasion a glamorous and unforgettable event.

Cupid's Garden Wedding Theme
Celebrate your special day in the romantic Cupid’s Garden under the stars by the pool with the adoring god of love, adorned with luscious foliage and a stunning adornment of fresh, blooming floral.

Beautiful Blue Wedding Dresses

2009-11-09T08:30:00.006-05:00

Here are some fantastic ideas for blue wedding dresses. This is perfectly unique choice that would be good for the fall season. Everyone chooses to get married in a white gown, or so it seems, if you visit the many bridal boutiques. Many of the white wedding gowns are simply lovely, but if you are looking to make a statement at your wedding, why not consider choosing a blue wedding dress?

Check out some of the lovely designs.

Blue Wedding Dresses Perfect for Fall Weddings

Blue Silk Long Sheath Wedding Dress

Soft Flowing Blue Wedding Dress

Blue Wedding Inspirations

If You Want to Stick to An All-White Dress
Trying Pairing it with Spunky Blue Wedding Shoes

Blue Full-Skirted Wedding Dress

Perfect Bridal Shoes

Kiera Knightly Poses in
A Blue Wedding Dress

Blue Themed Weddings
Real Life Wedding Inspirations

We recommend you visit BridalSkinCare.Com
for Bridal Weight Loss Tips and Ideas
so that you look your fabulous self on your wedding day!

Wedding Favors Tips

2009-09-14T08:42:00.012-04:00

Should you be giving out wedding favors at your wedding? A lot of brides battle with this very question, be it a small or large wedding they are having.

For as long as I can remember, all the weddings I've attended had wedding favors for guests. Somewhere in ancient history, someone must have thought it would be a great idea to give their guests a token to remember the wedding.

The wedding favor was created precisely to thank the guests who attended the wedding. It started with simple thank you cards, and progressed to little gifts that serve as a wedding memorabilia.

When it comes to wedding favors, there are so many options to pick from. Here are some tips to help you select a great wedding favor.

1) Keep in mind the theme of your wedding.

2) Wedding favors doesn't have to be expensive.

3) Memorable wedding favors are those that have been personalized with your own personal touch. A personalized favor may include monograms, names, photos, dates, messages and other wedding details.

4) Purchase wedding favors in volume.

5) Shop online. Online products are much cheaper as online store usually have lesser overhead charges compared with local stores.

Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding Favor Scented Candles

Wedding Favor Chocolates

Wedding Favor Stainless Steel Cake Knife

Wedding Favor "Cake Slice Favor Wheel"
Attention Grabbing!

Wedding Favor Eco Friendly Bamboo Coasters

Get Your Memorable Wedding Favor Today!

Modern Muslim Wedding Dresses | Stylish Colourful Bridal Hijab Dresses

2009-07-28T02:55:00.007-04:00

For Muslim brides wanting to wear something other than white at their wedding, they should gain some inspiration from these elegant, stylish and colourful bridal hijab dresses. The selected styles are from South East Asia - Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia - where the Muslim brides do not shy away from colour.

Inspiration for Modern Muslim Wedding Dresses

Modern Muslim Wedding Dress - Indonesian Designer
Photo

The groom matches his wedding outfit with the bride's.

Photo

Photo

Photo

Nyonya Kebaya - Peranakan Bridal Wear Ideas

2009-01-27T11:08:00.006-05:00

Peranakan Bridal Wear Ideas

Recently, the popularity of the Chinese tv serial in Singapore, Little Nyonya, has brought the Peranakan culture into high focus. Everyone is abuzz about the little known culture - the Nyonyas and the Babas. Apparently, the Peranakan Musuem is also getting a lot of visitors who are interested in exploring the culture. I also noticed an increase in the number of people I know describing themselves as Peranakan when before they were just Chinese! All of this brings out an interesting dimension to our varied culture.

A recent Straits Times report publicised a family of women who all decided to dress in the traditional Nyonya Kebaya for Chinese New Year. I wonder if this trend will go into the wedding scene.

I certainly think that the Nyonya Kebaya is an elegant ethnic dress that exudes feminity, suitable for an engagement or wedding reception event.

So this blog today pays tribute to the colourful Nyonya Kebaya - in the hopes that it inspires Singaporean brides :)

Little Known Facts About the Peranakan Culture:

According to the Peranakan Musuem in Singapore, traders from lands far away settled on Southeast Asian lands and married the local women (the Malays). The descendants are the ancestors of the Peranakans.

In the Malay-speaking parts of Southeast Asia, the term Peranakan means "child of" or "born of" and is used to refer to people of mixed ethnic origins. While the focus of the recent buzz is on the Peranakan Chinese community who form the largest number of Peranakans in Southeast Asia, there are other communities of Peranakans such as the Jawi Peranakan (Indian Muslim) and the Chitty Melaka (Indian).

Nyonya Kebaya Designs Suitable for An Engagment or Wedding Event

The top is usually made of sheer cotton, silk or organza material with elaborate and intricate designs at the borders. The top is paired with a batik sarong.

Close Up of the Edge of a Kebaya Blouse

Beautiful Red Wedding Dresses

2008-11-14T23:29:00.002-05:00

Be Different, Stand Out at Your Wedding

Everyone chooses to get married in a white gown, or so it seems, if you visit the many bridal boutiques. Many of the white wedding gowns are simply lovely, but if you are looking to make a splash at your wedding, why not consider choosing a wedding dress with some colour? Gwen Stefani got married in an Armani dress that was white with a sweet pinkish (almost a light mauve)border (see the picture) - that was certainly a different look that will stick in the mind.

Red tones are a lovely choice for complementing with a white wedding gown.

But for those of us who are more daring, there are also totally red wedding dresses that would be perfect. It takes a certain type of attitude - you need to be sassy, chic, confident - to carry off a red wedding dress.

In the Singaporean traditional culture, red is also looked upon favourably by the Chinese, Indian and Malay communities. Many traditional ethnic wedding costumes are red in colour, so it would not be culturally inappropriate for you to pick a Western styled wedding gown that is also red.

What fun it is to be different!

I've picked out several wedding dress designs with red tones, and those that are fully red. Hope you are inspired by them :)

White Wedding Dresses With Red Tones

I've seen many white wedding dresses with the striking colour emanating from the back of the gown (like in the first picture, see above). But this one has the colour emanating from the front, with red coloured embroidery on the bodice, which I thought was rather unique.

Sometimes, you want to make a subtle impression. You would do this by adding a coloured (red) sash to your white wedding gown, as shown above.

Beautiful Red Wedding Dresses

A stylish red wedding dress, paired with a white veil.
Source:RedHotBrides.Com

This one is really great - a red wedding dress, with a white lace skirt peeping out from the red.
Source:RedHotBrides.Com

Indian-inspired red wedding lengha
(blouse and skirt outfit) with gold embroidery.

Chinese inspired red wedding dress with gold
floral embroidery in the inner sheath dress piece.

Planning for a Traditional Chinese Singaporean Wedding

2008-10-03T12:12:00.003-04:00

Traditional Chinese Wedding Customs & Practices

The modern ethnic Chinese Singaporean bride may not know the traditional Chinese wedding customs, as they are not always adhered to fully these days. So it was good when we came across this article while researching for information on traditional weddings. The article was originally published in the Straits Times, some of the excerpts are below.

In this article, you will find all you need to know on how to arrange for a perfect traditional Chinese wedding - an event that your elders will be proud of!

GUO DA LI or Betrothal

This is usually done one or two weeks before the wedding. Gifts and cash are delivered to the bride’s home by the groom’s family. The bride’s family will take some of the items and return the rest to avoid the impression that they are selling their daughter. The significance of GUO DA LI is to show the groom’s financial dependability and assure the bride’s family that she will be well taken care of after marriage.

Must-have items: Pin Jin (money in red packets), jewelry for Teochews (si dian jin), dried seafood for Cantonese, pig trotters for Hokkiens, oranges, liquor and dragon and phoenix candles.

Symbolism: Pin Jin is given to the bride’s family for taking care of her. Accepting the dragon candles signifies that her family accepts him as a son-in-law. Offering the phoenix candles to the groom’s family symbolises the giving of their daughter’s hand.

Dowry

This is done on the same day after offering the GUO DA LI. Gifts are presented from the bride’s parents to their daughter and future son-in-law. The gifts are to bless the couple and to show that the bride is ready to take the new roles of wife and mum.

Must-have items: Baby bathtub, potty, basin, sewing kit, tea sets, bowl set, lamps and towels.

Symbolism: The baby bathtub, potty and basin are to encourage the couple to have children. The sewing kit signifies a capable wife, the wedding lamps a bright future and the bowls abundant food.

An Chuang or Bed Installation

This is done at 8.30pm on the eve of the wedding. Items are placed on the marriage bed and the couple is not allowed to enter the room until the wedding ceremony is over. This symbolises good health, abundance of fortune and offspring for the couple.

Must-have items: Eight types of auspicious sees and grains, oranges, red packets, metallic discs (da yuan and xiao yuan).

Symbolism: The discs signify a blissful marriage while the foodstuff is to bless the couple with children early.

Hair Combing

This is done after 11pm on the eve of the wedding. In the Chinese calendar, any time after 11pm denotes the next day. The bride and groom’s hair are combed by their parents. The father recites the blessing while the mother combs the hair three times. Each stroke holds an auspicious meaning for the various stages of life after marriage.

Must-have items: Combs, sewing kit, mirrors, red string and ruler.

Symbolism: The red string, which signifies a blessing, is used to tie the bride’s hair. The ruler is to remind the couple to cherish the relationship and take care of the family.

You didn't know about that before, now did you? Well, now you do!

Outdoor Bridal Photography | Cool Places to Take Your Bridal Photoshoots

2008-10-03T11:17:00.007-04:00

Places You Can Go To For Outdoor Bridal (Wedding) Photoshoots

In addition to taking pre-wedding photoshoots of the bride and bridegroom in the photo studio, outdoor shoots are gaining in popularity. Many bridal photography boutiques actually offer great packages and rates that include both indoor and outdoor photo shoots.

Now, you will want to have a memorable backdrop (that is, a view or scenery) for your outdoor bridal photography. Most probably, your photographer will have his own choices, but your input will also be important in determining the type of outdoor environment you are most comfortable working with. For instance, a photo shoot in a field with tall grass (lalang) may look rather romantic, but if you are allergic to grass, get rashes easily, then getting out into the grass may not be suitable for you. You may instead opt for an urban backdrop for your outdoor bridal photoshoots.

Here is a list of cool places to take your outdoor wedding photography that we have compiled with some of the more popular locations in Singapore.

Nature and Natural Landscapes

Changi Beach
Changi Boardwalk
Sentosa Tanjong Beach
Pulau Ubin
Punggol Lalang Field
Punggol Beach
Mount Faber
Southern Ridges

Parks

Botanical Gardens
Fort Canning Park
Kent Ridge Park
Labrador Park
East Coast Park
Jurong Bird Park
Singapore Zoo

Urban Landscapes

Tanjong Pagar Railway
Asian Civilization Museum
National Museum
CBD Area
Shophouses at Telok Ayer/ Neil Road
Fullerton Area
Clarke Quay
Boat Quay
Vivocity
Chijmes
Airport Terminal 3

Traditional Places

Alexandra Colonial Style Bungalows
Sultan Mosque
Arab Street
Chinatown
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Serangoon Road
Sri Mariamman Temple

Nikkah Wedding Dresses | Indian Muslim Wedding Dress Designs

2008-09-02T12:23:00.006-04:00

Bridal Dresses To Wear at Your Muslim Wedding

Indian Muslim wedding dresses for Muslim brides usually feature lots of bright colours, and traditionally red is the colour of choice. Most Indian Muslim brides tend to wear the Indian saree or the Indian lehnga (a two-piece top and skirt outfit). Some Indian Muslim brides also wear the salwar kameez (tunic blouse and pants outfit).

Indian Muslim brides tend to cover their heads using the dupatta (long scarf) during the actualy nikkah (wedding) ceremony, such as the pictures below indicate.

Photo By Magusita

Photo By Ashley Dinges

Click here to view designs for:

Malay Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Arab Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Nikkah Wedding Dresses | Arab Muslim Wedding Dress Designs

2008-09-02T12:00:00.004-04:00

Bridal Dresses To Wear at Your Muslim Wedding

Arab Muslim cultures, and hence their wedding outfits, can vary from region to region. Here are some of the more interesting wedding dresses I came across. There are from the Moroccan culture.

Arab Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Click here to view designs for:

Malay Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Indian Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

We recommend you visit BridalSkinCare.Com
for Bridal Weight Loss Tips and Ideas
so that you look your fabulous self on your wedding day!

Nikkah Wedding Dresses | Malay Muslim Wedding Dress Designs

2008-09-02T11:20:00.009-04:00

Bridal Dresses To Wear at Your Muslim Wedding

Muslim brides have a tough time finding a suitable wedding dress that would be fitting for an Islamic wedding. Many of the options available today at the trendy bridal boutiques showcase many wedding outfits that are not suitable for a Muslim wedding.

Based on email responses to my last post on Malay Muslim Wedding dresses, I decided to compile in this article some more lovely and modest wedding dresses for Muslim women. I hope you are happily inspired by these designs that I have categorised by three Muslim cultural traditions: Malay Muslim, Indian Muslim and Arab Muslim.

Malay Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Photos By Puteri Najwa

The Malay Muslim wedding dresses above are based on the traditional baju kebaya design. The traditional baju kebaya is actually worn fitted to one's body shape. But today, more Muslim women are opting to wear it looser in keeping with Islamic rulings on clothes, so the looser version of the baju kebaya is called the baju kebarung.

Nevertheless, the designs for wedding outfits are absolutely beautiful - attention is paid to beadwork, embroidery and vibrant colours that makes the bride stand out.

Click here to view designs for:

Indian Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

Arab Muslim Nikkah Wedding Dresses

More wedding dress designs can be viewed here:

Modest Wedding Dress for Nikkah

Bolero Jacket Adds Pretty Coverage To Wedding Dresses

2008-09-02T09:02:00.009-04:00

Stylish Bolero Jacket Styles for Your Wedding Dress

Brides who are looking for more coverage than the slinky offerings at most of the bridal boutiques in town should think about adding a pretty bolero jacket to their wedding gown design. If you find a lovely dress that you really love, but it shows more skin than you are willing to, then ask for a coordinating bolero jacket. If the bridal boutique does not have a coordinating bolero jacket, then you can think about tailoring a suitable matching jacket to fit the dress you've picked out.

A bolero jacket is simply a cropped shrug with short or long sleeves, but more tailored in its style. The bolero jacket covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is more tailored than a shawl.

I have compiled a list of wedding dresses that incorporate the bolero jacket look. While I do not see many brides opting for bolero jacket wedding dresses, I think this could be a lovely trend to set in your own wedding. Afterall, most brides these days are opting for the standard a-line skirted, or fishtail skirted wedding dress that is strapless. It gets kind of boring after sometime.

Check out these fabulous bolero jacket wedding dress styles, and you'll see what I mean.

I like lace on wedding dresses because it exudes a soft and romantic look. This wedding dress is paired with a three-quartered sleeved lace bolero jacket.

This wedding dress is paired with a flip up collar bolero jacket made with shimmering material of satin. The embroidery on the bodice is the only detail on the dress - a very simple and elegant look, but the flip up bolero jacket adds a regal look that is very eye-catching.

This wedding dress has an elaborate embroidered design on the bodice and the full skirt, and paired with a simple bolero jacket that has a less tailored look, and more of a shrug look. This lends a look of simplicity and innocence.

Even the flower girls can get in on this lovely bolero jacket look. How cute is that!

We recommend you visit BridalSkinCare.Com
for Bridal Weight Loss Tips and Ideas
so that you look your fabulous self on your wedding day!

Wedding Gown Styles With Long Sleeves

2008-08-19T04:19:00.005-04:00

On the left is a picture of a 18th century wedding dress. Before Queen Victoria made white wedding dress a fashionable choice, brides had a variety of colours to choose for their wedding dress. Furthermore, the wedding dresses then were also designed to be modest in look, so that the bride exuded a demure beauty and grace that were becoming of brides in that time period. Brides were not required to project an overtly sexy image. In fact, it would be considered taboo.

Today's modern brides, however, want to look sexy. It is a challenge indeed for the bride who wants to be modest and yet appear sexy (in a subtle manner). Such brides would not choose sleeveless gowns, or plunging necklines. But many of the wedding dress designs today are geared towards an overtly sexy image. Not at all church or temple friendly! Baring all, and leaving nothing to the imagination is not always a good option.

So I decided to research the Internet, and I came up with some choices (ideas) for beautiful wedding gowns with long-sleeves. These are designs that are inspired from an era past gone, but modernized and updated to look elegant and not frumpy.

Enjoy :)

Satin Mock-Coat Wedding Gown

This one has slightly flared long sleeves, a wide stand-up collar and buttons on the jacket, and a long chapel train. Notice the beautiful beadwork all along the collar, down the middle of the dress. Incredible intricate design indeed.

Three-Quartered Lace Sleeved Wedding Gown

This is a demure, yet subtle sexy wedding gown. Intricate embroidered work on the hemline of the fitted skirt coupled with lace on the bodice attentuates the overall look.

Princess Long Sleeved Lace Wedding Gown

This is a wedding gown fit for a princess! The long sleeves are done in lace that continues on the bodice of the wedding gown. The full skirt is adorned with simple embroidery, so that it does not overwhelm the lace work on the sleeves and the bodice.

Inspiration Board for Malay Wedding Dress, Wedding Gown

2008-08-19T02:03:00.007-04:00

I have always loved attending Malay weddings because they are such colourful affairs. The bride is always decked out gloriously in an elegant and elaborate wedding dress. She changes her outfits several times during the wedding event - one for the actual wedding ceremony (called the nikah) where the marriage contracts are signed in front of witnesses, and another wedding outfit (or weddings outfits) for taking photographs with family and friends after the nikah ceremony, and another outfit for the lunch or dinner wedding reception.

I compiled some photographs of Malay bridal dresses and gowns for a Malay wedding into an idea inspiration board. Hopefully, readers will be inspired!

Inspiration Board for Nikah Wedding Gown

Most Malay Muslim brides today choose to incorporate the hijab (Islamic headscarf) for their nikah (wedding ceremony) dress. This is because the nikah is an inherently Islamic affair - the wedding ceremony during which the signing of the marriage contracts are performed involves praying as well, and women, including the bride, should be modestly dressed. The wedding gown styles above show how a bride can look beautiful, modest and respectable with the hijab on!

Inspiration Board Malay Wedding Gown

Malay Muslim brides like to change their wedding gown outfits after the nikah ceremony, so as to take memorable photographs on the pelamin (wedding stage) with family and friends. They can change their outfits three or four times during the photo-taking ceremony. Above are some beautiful wedding gowns worn by Malay brides. Notice that the bride and bridegroom wear matching wedding outfits, and that their outfits are usually colourful and cheery.

Inspiration Board Malay Fashionable Wedding Gown

The above contains ideas for wedding gowns that would be suitable for lunch or dinner receptions. Notice the beautiful play of vibrant colours, which are typical in Malay wedding gown designs.

Click here for more wedding dress designs:

Modest Wedding Dresses for Nikkah Wedding

Why Do Brides Wear White Wedding Gowns?

2008-08-19T01:42:00.003-04:00

I never thought to ask myself this question - why do the majority of brides wear white wedding gowns? I have noticed that many Western brides choose white wedding gowns, and I thought it served to signify the purity of the bride - that is, the bride's virginity before marriage.

In non-Western cultures though, traditional wedding gowns can be a variety of colours. Chinese brides have favoured yellow and red colours, and Indians also favour red. Malay brdes choose colourful and bright colours. However, over the past decades though, in Singapore, more brides are choosing to be wed in Western-styled white wedding gowns over their traditional wedding gowns that are of a variety of colours. I think that is such a shame so I thought I'd write about why white wedding gowns in the first place, in the hopes that non-Western brides will revert to their colourful wedding gown traditions.

Well, it turns out that the appearance of white wedding gowns was not started to signify a bride's virginity. It actually started as a fashion fad - imagine that! And this fashion fad started relatively recent - wearing white wedding gown is not an ancient tradition.

Wearing white wedding gowns gained popularity when Queen Victoria of England married Albert of Saxe-Coberg in 1840. She wore a white gown to incorporate some lace that she owned. At the time when she did that, a white wedding dress was extremely uncommon, and was not a sign of purity, but a sign of wealth -- for only very wealthy women could afford a dress that could never be worn again (cleaning a white dress was not so easy in 1840).

After her wedding, many rich women copied the queen's style for their own weddings. Still, it did not catch on until the mid-20th century when white came to dominate the wedding dress market - I suppose cleaning white became easier for people, and white gowns became accessible to people.

So the white dress was more a symbol of fashion than virginity. Before Queen Victoria, Western brides married in any color except black (the color of mourning) and red which was associated with prostitutes. Brides who wanted to wear a symbol of their purity wore blue.

Hopefully, brides will want to start exploring different colours for their wedding gowns. Especially in Singapore where we have such a rich and colourful tradition.

Great Exercise Shape-Up Tips for The Bride-to-Be

2008-08-17T12:02:00.002-04:00

You are busy planning your wedding - every little detail is accounted for. You have chosen the caterers, the flowers, the wedding decoration and so on. Now you have just settled in on your dream wedding dress or wedding gown. But do you look incredible in your dream wedding dress? Have you been planning to look great? Yes! I do mean that exactly.

Many bride-to-bes focus too much on the minute details of the wedding, but do not take the same time or effort for themselves. For instance, to look great in many of today's wedding gown styles, you need to have a good body. And you cannot shape up in a few days, it takes months of training! So I have compiled a list of shape up exercises that will help you tone your body so that you will look incredible on your wedding day. The focus is on the upper back and the area under the arms, the shoulders, and the core region.

60-Degree Static Sit-up

This exercise shapes up your abdominal muscles. Having a toned abdomen, and a smaller waist consequently, will make you look good in most styles of wedding gowns, particularly those fitted at the waist, like a corset wedding gown.

Procedure: Sit with your knees bent and lean back so that your back makes a 60-degree angle with the ground. Your abdomen should be drawn in, shoulder blades drawn down, and arms kept across the chest. Ensure that your back is kept straight, not rounded or bunched up, and that your hips are up, rather than slumped. Hold the position for 30 seconds at the beginning. Then build up to 2 minutes.

Single-Leg Static Squat

This area tones the hips, legs and calves. These are areas of the body that are important if you decide on a wedding gowns that are more fitted, like wedding gowns with a fishtail style.

Procedure: There are two positions for this exercise. The first is the high position - the thigh and calf of your grounded leg should form a 120-degree angle. In the tougher medium position, the angle should be 90-degrees. Your head should be up, back straight and butt out. Viewed from the front, your ankle , knee and hip should be aligned. Your free leg should be ahead of the body. Hold each position, once on each leg for 10 seconds at a time. The goal is to hold the position without any ankle, knee, hip or trunk distortion. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of recovery between each position attempt.

The Bridge

This exercise builds up your core area, which helps in your posture and overall look. Having a strong core will help you stand straight and tall during your wedding photography sessions!

Bridge Tips: The bridge is the basic building block of core strength and stability work. Start off holding each pose for 30 seconds and build up to two minutes - a target that should take about three to four weeks to reach. For all poses, your head should be in a neutral position, lower abdomen drawn in, gluteus activated and shoulder blades retracted (down and back). Ensure that your body always forms a straight line. Your hips should not be too high or low and your back should not be rounded.

Procedure: Begin in the front bridge position, with only your forearms and toes touching the ground. Next is the side bridge. Turn on your left side and support your body only with your forearm and left foot. Your support arm should be at 90-degrees to the body and your free arm by your side. Repeat on the other side. The final pose is the supine bridge, where your body is facing up, with only your arms and feet on the ground.

Once you reach the target of two minutes for each exercise, you should take each pose to the next difficulty level by starting at 30 seconds and building up again to the next target level.

Do the poses with straightened arms for a tougher exercise. Or lift one leg in the air for added difficulty.

Click here for another article Exercise Tips for Fit Brides.

Lovely Wedding Cake Designs for Smaller Wedding Receptions

2008-08-04T07:19:00.003-04:00

If you prefer smaller wedding cakes that are suitable for small receptions, for instance, the solemnisation ceremony at the Registry of Marriages or even engagement parties, then take a look at these lovely wedding cake designs I came across.

Simple white rose designs perfect for a small reception.

Got to love that elegant floral design that is so simple yet exquisite.

This one is an ethnic inspired wedding cake - the red borders are like the simple henna patterns on hands of Indian or Malay bridesmaids. The designs on the bride though would be far more elaborate and more suitable to be placed on a larger wedding cake.

Alternatively, you can go with wedding cupcakes for a smaller reception party.

Ethnic Inspired Wedding Cakes

2008-08-04T06:53:00.002-04:00

One of the more important pieces of 'decoration' in your wedding will be your wedding cake. Most people do not view the wedding cake as a piece of decoration, but if chosen carefully, the wedding cake can play an important role in the overall ambience of your wedding. Of course, the taste of the wedding is also important!

Here are some ideas for beautifully crafted wedding cakes inspired by the multi-ethnic nature of Singapore!

Lovely embroidery-like design on the sides of this wedding cake gives it an ethnic Indian flair.

I love the vibrant colour on this wedding cake inspired by the ethnic Chinese red dragon.

This is another wedding cake with a vibrant and striking colour inspired by the ethnic Malay Muslim designs. The embroidery designs on the wedding cake are reminiscent of Moroccan-Arabic royal motifs

Who Should You Invite To Your Wedding?

2008-08-02T12:33:00.004-04:00

I read with amusement an article at CNN which had a list of questions a bride should ask her potential guests so she can trim her inflated guest list. Some of the sample questions include gems such as "do the guests know names of both bride and groom" and do they know "where she went to college" and so on.

I agree that the list can be helpful to brides wanting to trim their guest lists, but I wonder at the practicality of it all. I can just imagine a bride sitting before a potential guest, and sneakily asking these questions to determine whether or not he or she qualifies to be her wedding guest!

Truthfully, not every of your guest will be able to answer the list of questions that CNN came up with. But should that be the yardstick by which you qualify a person to be your guest or not?

In Asia, family is big (and important). And family can be your blood relatives and your close family friends. It is unheard of not to invite your uncle (and I don't only mean your blood uncle because you can have many 'uncles', that is, your parents close friends etc) because you are not close to him.

Weddings are mainly for the family - the more the merrier. It is a way of announcing your new chapter in life to 'society' - be it whether they are close to you or not.

In this issue, sometimes, it is important to go by your gut feeling. And to help you with that, consult your parents - they'll tell you who is important to invite and who is not ;)

Here is what CNN came up with:

Here are 10 questions couples can use to trim that guest list and weed out the people you really don't want at your wedding.

1) Name the city I'm living in now (Good one to weed folks out, especially if you have moved a lot. Don't use this if you've lived in the same place for 10 years).

2) Name at least two of my closest friends.

3) Name my current employer and my past employer (Again, if you've remained in the same job for 15 years, this does not apply).

4) Do I have any kids?

5) Do you know the name of my fiancé? Bonus question: Where and when did we meet?

6) Do you know where my parents are and whether they are still alive? (Imagine a friend at your wedding asking how long have your parents been married when they divorced years ago).

7) Name at least two of my hobbies.

8) How old am I? (My favorite is when family friends would query, 'Are you 28 now?" Imagine their surprise when I proclaimed, 'yeah, 10 years ago!')

9) Where did I go to college? (Some people might not remember whether you attended college or even graduated.)

10) Name my last boyfriend before this engagement. Bonus question: if you can name the last two and why we broke up. If you get the bonus question right, that might automatically get you in.

Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline

2008-08-02T11:16:00.001-04:00

A Useful Checklist to Help Organize Your Wedding

We pre-suppose that you have a year from the time of your engagement or wedding proposal to plan your wedding. Even if you do not have a year to plan your wedding, all hope is not lost, you can simply use the information below and do the items within a shorter time frame.

Soon After Your Engagement or Wedding Proposal

Start by determining your wedding date - get an idea of when you want to get married - is it during June (usually the hottest season in Singapore) or December (the rainy season in Singapore)? For instance, an outdoor garden wedding during the rainy season may not be a good idea because you have a higher probability of being rained out! You should also start to think about your wedding theme - indoor elegant dinner reception, outdoor garden or pool lunch reception etc.

12 Months Before the Wedding

Know your budget. If you are not sure of your expenses, start creating a budget as soon as you can. It will help you in keeping within your limits and not overspending. Select your wedding venue. Begin shopping for your wedding bridal gown(s) and groom's suit. If you need to, you can always hire a wedding planner to help you organize your wedding - if you choose to, this would be a good time to select a wedding planner.

If you want to look your radiant best on your wedding day, start yourself on a facial regime. Also be sure to exercise regularly to keep yourself in shape. Watch what you eat. We tend to get a lot of unwanted calories through snacks and soft drinks. If you need to lose some weight, you can engage a fitness trainer to help you achieve your target weight.

8 Months Before Your Wedding

Place a booking with the Registry of Marriages (ROM) in Singapore to confirm your wedding date. Decide on your wedding gown - if you are getting it tailored, then you should start working with your designer now.

Send out "save the date" cards to your intended wedding guests, and see how many are available to attend. Be sure to send them to your oveaseas guests as they need time to plan a trip for your wedding.

Make a booking with your photographer - if possible, ask for a trial photo shoot to see how comfortable you are with your photographer. If not, be sure to see sample wedding photo shots - both studio ones and actual wedding day shots.

Book your vendors - make-up artist, florists, videographers, musicians, wedding car, decorators etc.

Select members of your wedding entourage - best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearers.

5 Months Before the Wedding

Confirm your wedding invitation designs, and then begin printing them. Your wedding gown should be fitted and ready for studio photo shoot. Confirm your wedding venue decoration theme and be sure to confirm supplies needed for decoration, such as the flowers, wedding favours. Confirm the menu for the wedding reception with your caterers.

3 Months Before the Wedding

Prepare your wedding guest list and mail out wedding invitations. Set the RSVP to three to four weeks before the wedding day. Plan your honeymoon.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Finalise the RSVP lists and seating arrangements. But thank you gifts for your parents and wedding entourage.

2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Email guests to confirm attendance, and finalise any last minute seating arrangements issues. Arrange for a wedding rehearsal no more than a week before the actual wedding day, or else people will forget what they are supposed to do. Finalise the honeymoon details with the travel agent or hotel.

1 Week Before the Wedding

Collect the wedding rings, and be sure they are the correct size. Have your final facial, do not do anything new to your skin now, as you don't want to have an allergic reaction to any new product - stick to what you know works.

Pick up your wedding certificate and documents from the Registry of Marriages at the scheduled date.

2 Days Before the Wedding

Get yourself and your bridal entourage a manicure and pedicure. And Relax!

On the Wedding Day

Leave all the last minute issues to someone else. You don't need to pull out hairs on the very day you are supposed to be at your happiest. And enjoy yourself - you are Queen for the day.

Singapore Wedding Planning, Tips and Ideas

2008-07-30T04:07:00.001-04:00

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2008-07-29T04:11:00.000-04:00

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