Smoothly progressing..

Hello dear readers,

Bare with my super duper long post.. update jua banar bah ahh on progress..

Time passes so quickly without even realizing we’re nearly on the middle of March! Less than 7 months! I’ve been busy helping out my best friend wedding preps so I set aside my preps. I’m pretty much confident now that I have few items out of the list leaving me some bits and pieces.

Venue: Alhamdulillah, I’ve made a deposit to block the date. The manager offered me a new set of pricing i.e. $3 extra for each person i.e. $3.00x 1000 = $3,000! Freaking $3,000 is a lot! But I had to query back since I made the booking last year. Initial plan was to pay the deposit early but the manager went off for a long break so it’s not my fault right? Anyway, VENUE IS CONFIRMED!

Wedding Dais: So far I only liked two vendors out of the five recommended ones. I went for a consult at the vendor sometime last year or sometime in January. Received the quotation too and reasonable since the caterer & venue covered $600 of the pelamin cost. I just have to add few hundreds to get the dream pelamin and few more hundreds for pelamin at home. I did go to other vendors but I don’t have that “click” relationship with them so I settled with this particular vendor. The other half pelamin is also under the same vendor for easy transaction and communication. I feel it’s more convenient that way. What I love about this vendor? This person is so good and friendly; they have nice fake flowers and original design. Gave me good discounts too and packages! Eheee =) WEDDING DAIS CONFIRMED!

Sanding & Berbedak Door gifts: Done and ready for collection. Contacted the vendors in Jakarta and everything is complete that includes the door gifts for the Majlis Malam Berbedak. Its confirm that I’ll be going to Jakarta in 2 weeks time to collect them and sort our the shipment from there. I contacted my friend to check and probably sort out the shipment soon but he told me not to worry since my wedding will be in October! Long time lagi~ hehe

Photographer: This is such a relief~ Paid my photographer full and noting left.  I just love staggering payment or do the month-to-month thing. Didn’t realize that you finished everything months before you’re wedding.

Videographer: Deposit half the amount leaving me to pay half upon completion of the video.

Make up Artist: Done too. Though I need to reconfirm with them just in case they lost the bookings and everything. Scares the hell out of me when I met one of the MUA at my friend wedding who will be doing my Nikah asking me “Eh adakan?” So yea, need to double triple confirm with all of them!

Majlis Muleh 3 Hari Attire: I received some recommendation by few friends that Aaliyah Asmara Boutique in KB makes the best Indonesia kebaya. So I went there, made an appointment to seek for consultation on the fully beaded lace I bought in Jakarta last December. Deborah; the manager emailed me recommend design sketches with quiet reasonable price too. Well I did some research beforehand contacting few Indonesian designers I know asking for a quote. But rethinking that I need to spend few hundreds to buy a ticket there to collect and the hassle to book hotel set a new budget for another Jakarta trip just balances out the cost making one in Aaliyah Asmara. Traveling to Kuala Belait isn’t as far compared to traveling to Jakarta; to go for frequent fittings will also be easier. I’m still thinking of making my solemnization attire at AA but I need to get the perfect fabric or lace in Jakarta soon!

Wedding Attire: Technically had the appointment end of January but we delayed it to maybe after the Jakarta trip. We decided on the colors already so no more color searching and arguing. Deal with this next month of sometime in June.

Invitation: I am yet to visit another company that I heard made cheap invitations but I have one flagged already since they gave me a very good package deal. Will deal with all this like 3-5 months before the wedding. Now is still early.

Tents: I haven’t follow up with this one and only company yet. They promised to visit my house last time but maybe she’s extremely busy and forgot all about it. Need to get the new pricing with them soon.

DIY Projects: Corsage? Not yet. Haven’t think about it. Guest book? Not yet. Bought the materials, paper but no initiative to start yet. My one and only flowergirl flower? Half way done and still hanging unfinished.  

The Hantaran: This is so exciting because we’re almost there! Alhamdulillah!

It is agreed that we’re going for the 15-15 dulang. I wish we could go 7-7 but that’s just impossible.

For him:

1.     Al-Quran, Tasbih & Sejadah: Checked!

2.     Workwear : Checked! Bought last year.

3.     Shoes & Sock : Check for shoes but not for socks.

4.     Watch: Fuhhh such a relief that we finally receive what we ordered! This is the most anticipating item we have been waiting for! Just received them last week!

5.     Grooming Kit: Checked for the perfumes, aftershaves but not the grooming kit yet.

6.     Towel & Toiletries: Checked! =) Good deals at Dubai.

7.     Wallet & Belt: NOT YET! =( Still thinking what to select.

8.     Stationary Set: Checked! =) Bought last year.

9.   Cara Melayu + Tenunan + Sinjang = NOT YET! Relax-relax dulu.

10Chocolates: NOT YET! Relax-relax dulu karang expired!

11Food: Obviously uh-uh!

For Me:

1.     Al-Quran: Not yet. Very picky I am.

2.     Sejadah: Checked!

3.     Telekong: Checked! Bought in Indonesia very cheap!

4.     Jongsarat: NOT YET =( Been planning to go arah kedai tenunan but haven’t had the time.

5.     Watch: Again the most anticipating item. CHECKED! Bought is last year knowing the price of the watch will increase yearly. I can’t wait to wear the precious!

6.     Toiletries & Towel: Checked!

7.     Perfume: Bought only one because it was on clearance Christmas sale in London. More to come..

8.     Make up: NOT YET. Torn between few brands. I might rethink on this. Probably few of the face products that I’m using and less make up.

9.     Shoe: Checked! This is the first thing that we bought for hantaran!

10. Handbag: NOT YET. Waiting for summer sale.

11. Kain: NOT YET. Waiting for new arrivals and new designs.

12. Tudong: NOT YET. Waiting for new arrivals.

Wedding Band: Grrr this will take ages! The other half doesn’t like wearing a ring. So to get the platinum would be such a waste. He recommends silver, I’m cool with that but I am yet to search for my wedding ring and definetly mine will not be silver *LOL* We set a budget but haven’t start searching. Still early don’t you think?

We’re almost there insyALLAH..

Take care all bride to be. =) 

Cut Some Slack

The DIY Pomander rose turned out lovely i.e the colors but failed to complete. I bought the styrofoam to big and the roses were insufficient to cover half of it. 

I'm too lazy to go to hokko with due to payday and many reckless crazy drivers on the road so I will go there sometime next week to commence back where I left of. 

If I'm not mistaken it was last two weeks that me and my girls went to visit two wedding boutiques to search for the perfect color to wear on our sanding day. We all went with our fiance to get their opinions and what color suits them best and we girls went together to prevent any color clashes. The first boutique we went was in Kiulap. Load of varieties of songket to choose from and what i like about it this boutique, it's arranged accordingly to colors. However, we had a small argument there with the person in charge and cancelled out that boutique. We're now down to two choices. Then we went to the well known boutique in Mabohai, all of us came out happy and content. =) I found the perfect color for our morning reception ceremony and booked the songket for further discussion with the personals. 

Then the wedding preparation just stop there. Last week I did not even flick through my wedding book, did not go to google and search for inspiration. Noting. Just blog hopping on brides to be blogs. 

Eh wait, well I did a little. I went to Miri, Sarawak on Sunday and bought flowers for the decoration on my guest book corner. I hope the "guest book" corner will be utilize efficiently because you know our culture don't really get the "write down a note for the bride and groom" bit. Well, that's not the point, i went to Miri in search for the Foam flower roses. Cinta, situated at Mega Hotel do sell foam rose flower but it's not what i expect, noting near to what i bought in Hokko nor what Wedding Tiara bought in Sabah. Set aside those foam flowers, they do sell very nice artificial flowers too, lilies look great and real. Trays? saw this new arrival trays which i assume is the "in" thing now selling for RM$65.30 each. I will update on the picture soon after I sync my phone. But damn, that's expensive for a tray. At Miri, me and the other half went and browse for bedroom sets, mattress and lighting. Love some, hate few so we will decide along this few months either to execute the plan or continue searching. 

I'm cutting some slack with this wedding preparation simply because it has caused a lot of stress to me. I'm not the only one feeling it but my girls too. Thinking about the planning process, the financial issues.. yea talk about how expensive wedding nowadays are got into us madly! To a point where I told the other half, "Can we not talk about wedding?" and Alhamdulillah, I feel better and at ease. 9 more months to go and out of that 9 months I don't wish to talk about wedding everyday right.. there will be at least a week or two that sums up to around 1 month you've got to cut some slack. I'm not sure if other brides to be is feeling the same way like I do. I'm as excited as all the brides to be too. We all want our wedding to be near perfect right? 

I'll stop my ranting. 

Wishing all the chinese our there Gong Xi Fa Chai! Happy Wabbit New Year  =) and have a lovely holiday.  

Videographer Anyone?

I'm searching for affordable videographer for my Akad Nikah and Majlis Bersanding.. i know it's considered way early as my wedding will be nearly the end of next year... but i need to prepare early..

I concentrate too much on photographers that i forgot all about videographer and now I'm still searching for one...

I don't know much on videographers except two professional ones that is way beyond my budget.. *sigh*

So anybody? Recommendations? Links?

=(

Btw, Thanks dinda for the great help! appreciate it so much *hugs*

Discussion of dates.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Parisi

The MOST vital issue is your wedding date! because everything revolves around it from venue, make up artist, photographers, videographers, pelamin, catering, tents etc. etc.

Discussion should also be made among your family and the other half family with acceptance to some close relative and never ever take account what distant relatives or friends views because what i understand and heard from past brides, accounting to people needs = you can never have your wedding because there will be hundreds or possible thousands of reasons for e.g. your relative neighbor son's is getting married sometime next year.. then there's "i'll be very busy at that month because its the peak hour at work" and loads of other reasons. That made you postponed and more like accounting to their needs but not them accounting to your needs. Besides, it's your wedding. 

Sure i took account of my best friend's and friends wedding date to avoid any clashes of guest. Another thing is relatives who are like my first cousin who plan on getting married but, since we're only left two who is still single waiting to be hitch that is not a big issue to discuss. Holidays, will people be available by then? exam season? o levels? a levels? summer holiday? minor stuff that yes, can actually give a huge impact. For example, your cash flow. Say, you were saving for 18 months and on a tight budget, the next thing you know, your wedding is being fast forward 3 months early, Every month your saving is like around $2000... with that just 3 months i.e $6000 you could pay off your rent at the wedding boutique or your photographer. See the huge difference?

Anyhow, enough ranting. Alhamdulillah that my family and the other half family have discuss on our wedding date. We were asked to list out three options that we both preferred and comfortable with. My brother and sister in law being my advisor to maintain the date with reference to the available cash by then because I'm avoiding personal loans. The other half family understands and taking into account festive season, the starting of semesters in UK this and that. Fist option was middle of october towards the end october. Second was the 1st week of november. Third option was end november towards early december. We scrap off the second option because Hari Raya Aidiladha falls on probably the 6th November or 7th November. Risky i suppose. Then the third option is a little too far and very close to my best-friend's wedding, entrance for masters in UK is also past due by then. So we go along the first option! A balance! from rough discussion to have it on early november is being forwarded to end of october. No objection from both sides of the family and cash flow is safe!

So... InsyAllah.. badan sihat murah rezeki... OCTOBER 2011 it is... 

You know at one point, this wedding thing is all about the money!! No money = no talk with vendors = no business with venues = no talk with photographers etc. banar inda? 

I hope and i wish that there will be no amendment of dates. We tried our best to avoid that 11.11.11 date because we know everyone is going for that~ we sacrifice not having a beautiful date for our wedding~ just as long as we're married and both of us is happy. That's all that matters the most. 

One of the reasons why I hope and wish there are no changes is simply because..

I've booked the venue+catering for my reception.. Alhamdulillah they still have slot for october. Deposit to be made next month and by then, i have a promised venue and catering. 

I'll start on the MUA soon, still browsing.. 

Photographers will be after my Jakarta Shopping Spree.. 

My fiance told me... 

Times wait for no one.. 

Banar jua tu ah.. mun kan mensatisfy orang lain punya needs..anak si atu lah kan kawin jua... sibuk kraja lah.. peak time lah.. this and that...  tani pun inda kawin sampai bila bila.. Now just let them sync with you and not you sync with them... agree? 

And also one thing.. about times wait for no one.. if you take this discussion of date lightly... and if you decide to have your wedding elsewhere apart from your home would be so hard and stressful because searching for the perfect place  that can fit the perfect invitation is hard~ then your MUA might also have other clients to attend, your vendors, your caterings~ ALL ABOUT TIME! 

Emerald Green Theme

My previous post was about Dark Purple Theme that is suited for evening reception and obviously, I have to think about what theme shall we pick for the morning reception i.e. Majlis Bersanding. Then someone drop me a suggestion on writing on green color theme.

Coincidently, I was thinking on picking up green for the wedding reception except that I’m torn between choices of shades available! With the varieties available i even got mixed up with blue! *knocks head*

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Green, it is a very subtle color to choose because it will not necessarily fit into everyone. So the shades of green are very important. Green is fresh and warm! I do believe that choosing theme color for wedding reflects the character of the bride and groom too. I’m not sure how far would you agree me on this but couple of my friend told me, family members that I tend to choose bright vibrant colors compared to dark earth tone colors because of my character being lively, animated and bubbly. In my wardrobe I only have few dark shades attires and most of them comprises of green, red, shades of pink and white. I seldom splurge on dark purple or any dark colors. It all has to be bright and lively. Besides, color does play a little in your emotions too. On a day when you’re feeling down, you wear dark gloomy clothes, it will and do have an impact to your emotions too, you tend to sulk and pampered that gloomy feeling. However, when you wear bright color, it will get out the positive aura in you. Anyhow, not sure how far you agree with me on this but I believe in it quiet a bit.

Gorgeous! Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Back to the green theme, if I were to cover the shades of green it would be a lot so I’m concentrating on the shades of green that I personally love!

EMERALD GREEN – TEAL!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Look at the above picture! OH SO GORGEOUS! suites with white, deep purple and many more! 

I’m always confused between emeralds green with teal! Thanks to the power of Google that gave me visual aids on differentiating!  But both colors are elegant, classy and just beautiful!

I guess we don’t really have to worry much when choosing green because, green is a natural color and fits to ABSOLUTELY ANY! Pink? Red? Silver? Black? White? Suites all. We also don’t have to worry much because most of Malay wedding dress will have highlighted sequence and bedazzled by the swarzaki crystals embedded on the fabric so without a doubt you will be the beautiful bride walking down the isle.

If I were to choose emerald green/teal for my wedding a combination of white with it is lovely! And not forgetting hints of hot pink too! The pink will bring out the contrast of the dark color and makes it even more vibrant and lively! So imagine the hot pink embedded on the dark green fabric. It will naturally shine! That I am lost for words now!!

THE COMBINATION OF COLORS IS JUST NICE! EARTH TONE for those who likes dark elegant color!
Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Let the picture explains everything and how beautiful emerald green is..

More next time InsyALLAH… For now.. I'm off for an invitation to celebrate eid by Baiduri Bank and Maher Zain will be performing! Whoopiedu!!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Looking at more pictures makes it even harder to choose a theme color! Why do colors comes in a lot of shades! 

Did you know pastel green or sage is very beautiful as well? Suites best with pastel colors like pink, purple, yellow! 

Visit this site for more info on color combination with respect to season, not that in Asia there is 4 season but we can always use the winter colors for evening reception right?! CLICK HERE 

Deep Purple Theme

Photo Courtesy of Afloral.com

Imagine this.. Black Shimmering Beaded French Lace of black and hints of white with Deep Purple Silk Satin evening gown for an Evening reception.. ♥ You walk down the isle with the other half wearing a white suite with deep purple silk tie, hints of black thread sewn on his suite.. accompanied by bridesmaid having the contrast color of your gown, spot lights on you and there you are, walking elegantly in a deep purple shimmering evening gown. *dreams* I've been thinking on what color of evening gown will be suitable, observing friends wedding on their color theme in the evening and as recommended by MOST of the bridal boutique; evening reception theme color is usually darker shades that brings out the brighter aura in the bride and groom. Usually blue will be the choice for some that includes my brother's wedding years ago, my friends; yes 3/5 of them choose blue for evening reception.. so no more blue.. 


So I find DEEP PURPLE elegant and classy. 


It appeals to both masculine and feminine side and I bet the other half will not complain much since he likes pink too. Darker versions of color can also integrate with a Fairy Tale Wedding theme. Not that I want a fairy tale wedding unless I want to fork out thousands for it. But i want it to be simply elegant. 


Purple can be combined with pinks and green for the dramatic and stunning effect. I tell you, purple and pink fits in perfectly~ Just see the below picture! Hot!! Black will go on well and white too, even more elegant and classy. For a modern and contemporary; silver and chrome works well. 


" Purple is a lavish, sultry and sophisticated colour, so make sure to include it in favours, table confetti, balloons and decorations, not to mention the flowers. Elderberries, blackcurrants and grapes spread around the venue also make a natural and tasty way of showcasing your colour scheme." 

Photo Courtesy of liweddings.com

I also came across this website named weddingsday that gives varieties on flowers with the color scheme. Such as the picture shown below and many many more famous ones like lily, lilac, orchid, roses, tulips... 


Hmmmmm... tempting! 

Anemone 

Dahlias 

Aster

Fressia 

Hydrangea

Hyacinth

Gladiola

2011 Wedding Dates

Good day all brides to be..

It will be another week till be bid farewell to the most holy month; Ramadhan before stepping to the festive season; Syawal where working hours will be long and back to the normal days. Hopefully this year Ramadhan will be more meaningful than previous and even more meaning in later years InsyAllah. May Allah accept your every Doa and shower his countless blessings upon you and your entire family. *amin*

So it just struck me that calender days in 2011 will have quiet a number of BEST DATES to be getting married. I was browsing through my calender roughly thinking what date is best for the wedding on november next year. Then! If i were to have my wedding on 11 November 2011, it'll be like 11.11.11 the SIX one's. As nice it may sound i bet a lot of wedding will be happening on those dates!

Here's what i came across that coincidently falls on peak days:

• January Wedding, 1st January 2011 (1.11.11) - Saturday
• November Wedding, 20th November 2011 (20.11.2011) - Sunday
• November Wedding, 11th November 2011 (11.11.11) - Friday

I have two choices, either to have a wedding with a date that is easy to be remembered knowing that there will be a lot of clashes and weddings happening around OR just set any dates and no crowd clashes. 

I like the idea of ANY dates is alright. Would you even believe that me and the other half don't remember much on our anniversary? and YES, that ticker on the dashboard is really helpful after I had to find my old diary remembering on the day the other half proposed! We became a couple in a different way, he proposed and i gave him an answer after quiet sometime later~ yes, the wait is long.. so we didn't really get that exact date and just roughly estimate~ Upon anniversaries, that most of the time me and the other half forgets! either one of us will go "Ouh! January~ its the day we met again after so long! Happy Anniversary!" We were schoolmates back in primary, then years later we went into a situation where "hey, your are familiar? have we met?" kind of thing and starting keeping in touch with each other and one leads to another and this is what we end up..  

So what I'm trying to imply for myself here is that, It would be nice and lovely to have a beautiful date on the wedding to remember by but then again, after thinking hard... any dates would be alright... Gahhhh... I'm rambling here... panic on the thoughts of having clash weddings with friends or family members! 

I'm still feeling blur and not having that Festive Season Vibe yet? Is it me or there's anyone feeling this way too? =( I haven't even start baking when I did plan of making Kek Lapis and some biscuits. Purchase some brownies. Probably bake profiteroles or eclairs for 1st day hari raya, red velvet cupcakes for guest. BUT why oh why I don't have the vibe yet.. No vibe = No mood = No baking! 

I want begawan solo biscuits...  

You’re Répondez s'il vous plaît

Photo Courtesy of Van-G

I was discussing with my parents about wedding venues and my dad insisted to have a wedding in a hotel. Yes, the past few months I’ve been contacting hotels banquet manager on the maximum capacity they can occupy, food & beverages prices and the packages included. So far I fell in love with only ONE out of the number of hotels however, it can only occupy up to 900people only. I will be having an appointment again this Friday morning with the banquet manager in one of the hotels that can fit more than 1000 people. This process takes a longer time because I need to widen my options and calculate the budget simultaneously thinking if it’s worth to pay thousands for a banquet.

By Friday, I might and maybe settle for a venue. I just need to visit this one hotel and get a peek on it and discuss. If the deal is good then I might just take it and tutup mata. Personally, small number of guest say around 500 people or 600 people is rather enough but my parents insisted me to search for a hall that can occupy 1000 people! I’ve made my guest list and sums up to 250 people that includes +1. So if I were to select the 900 maximum capacity hotels; that give my parents 325guest to invite with their +1.

Something interesting to know about most people who attend the wedding is usually a +2 instead of a +1 or even a +3. That leads to no seats available for the other guest to be seated and enjoy the wedding. It’s risky and tricky too, some say from the number of invitation you sent out subtract 20% and that will be your real guest. Say 500 invitation sent out only 400 will attend with +1 and you have like an extra of 200 seats available. However, if you were to make your wedding in a hotel that offers BND$25/head or above will certainly be wastage to pay extra empty tables don’t you think? That is what I’m afraid of!

So I merely suggested my parents to have a R.S.V.P. Confirm guest will be allocated to their seat husband and wife. Mixed seating. Due to circumstances that the guest is invited with their family then they will have to reply text or call to tell the number of family members they will be bringing even if that guest decides to bring the maid, still included in the guest list. Well no matter what, all the invitations will be provided with a RSVP card or maybe just text or call to confirm their attendance. No wastage in invitation cards and also you know how many guest will be coming to witness your wedding reception. Say if a guest is not able to come to the wedding, and you forgot to invite someone, they could replace that empty seats. You also can confirm to the hotel how many guest will be coming and not paying extras too.

My parents replied? “kadang-kadang orang ani menyaya bah.. durang bagitau tah 2 orang sekali datang nya seraban” and my dad just nodded with agreeing what my mom told. I once attended my relative wedding in Malaysia and they have this R.S.V.P thing and she told me that it’s just great plan. We were seated accordingly with family members and not with strangers and I find it very pleasing. Anyhow, They didn’t object nor agree with my suggestion but, I just hope I can make that plan work! And hope that as we step in a modern era, people perspective will change towards attendance of wedding invites and be more professional by... replying to R.S.V.P... *amin*


By the way,

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT BULAN RAMADHAN to all Muslim’s around the world. Di dalam bulan yang penuh mulia ini. Semoga puasa kita mendapat keberkatNYA.

Fasting starts tomorrow!

Pre-preparation : Surveying.

I’ve discussed with my mother on what favors that I will give during the occasion and she agreed on most of them. I also told her that I would like to go to Jakarta, Indonesia end of this year just to survey stuff, get the pricing correct, quotation for invitations, door gifts and arranged on the family and bridesmaid attire. I heard from my cousins that Jakarta is just the place for wedding preparations and I stumble across a Malaysian lady blogger; Fiza who is very informative in giving rough estimated prices and where to go and what to do there. My mom did told me that going to Mangga 2 is the place to buy stuff because its really cheap and there’s this one more place I’m not quiet sure where it is.

So I’m setting my targets what to look for if my trip is confirm, I’ll seek for:

1. Invitation cards
2. Laces or fabrics for family and bridesmaid.
3. Wedding day favors.
4. Majlis Akad Nikah favors.
5. Bebedak favors for the ladies and gentlemen.
6. Evening Reception i.e. appreciation dinner.

Which I hope I won’t go overboard in surveying for wedding stuff!
Since Tun Mahatir Musical theater will be on at Istana Budaya, Malaysia from 24th September 2010 till 4th October 2010 & Natrah Theater will be showing from 25th November 2010 till 5th December 2010. I might be watching one of the musicals. I’ve missed the chance watching Tan Sri P.Ramlee musical and I wouldn’t want to miss watching Tun Mahatir Musical or Natrah! Tickets are on sale now and I’m left to ask the fiancé if he’s available on either date for a short vacation in Malaysia. Not only to ask the fiancé but also friend(s) willing to tag along because to go on a vacation with only two of us is a big no-no. If this plan going to Malaysia is also confirm then my mission there would be:

1. Searching designers for my Solemnization ceremony.

• (Recommendations from readers is very much appreciated in this one. I've read there are some blacklisted designers as well and i'm afraid that i went into the wrong one so it would be great help to e-mail and inform which to avoid and recommended)

2. All those arts and crafts items such as ribbons & flowers.
3. Alas for the hantaran i.e. the modern gangsa if that’s even possible to get.
4. Trays for the hantaran i.e. the modern English theme trays, cages.
5. Pay a visit to this place I found that offers beautiful pre-wedding photos and ask for the price!


I’ve discussed with dear fiancé and he agrees on buying stuff either from Indonesia and Malaysia IF that can save cost! There’s no confirm dates when I want to go to Jakarta but I told my mom that we just booked our tickets first and if the fiancé parents wants to tag along after they come back for good from elsewhere they could purchase the tickets last minute. I am aware that items may need to be shipped and I hope it wouldn’t cost as much. If shipping to Miri, Sarawak is cheaper then I may use my relative’s address, that’s my plan B.


I seriously need to buy more bridal magazines! I’ve just purchased my very first bridal magazine “Pengantin” hehe and got overly excited already looking at Pelamin, Chairs, decorations and all for sale like borong! I felt like opening up a boutique hehe.

Any recommended magazines that I should purchase? Informative ones? & places that sells wedding items i.e. hantaran trays, ribbons and the arts and crafts stuff in Malaysia preferably around Selangor?

The Room: Planning

The initial plan is to extend the guest room on the ground floor for my future room. My current room is very cramp and relatively small with built in furniture’s and loads of stuff toys! When one comes into my room, they will definitely think it’s my niece or little brothers’ room. Hence, when the time comes that I going to get married, I need to be out of that room and let my little brother have my room. Then my parents told me to get their room and they will take the ground floor room. Soon when my brother found out that I’m planning to get married he told me to get his room instead because he’ll be moving out end of this year. Personally, I prefer to get my brother room because of the fair space. My parent’s room is too huge for me and I don’t like really big rooms! Big rooms = more space = you tend to buy nonsense stuff and to do even more shopping now and in future and most of all is that big room doubles the effort to cleaning it as well.

Anyhow, I don’t know exactly how much it would cost for room renovation. Say if I were to inherit my brother room which is currently fully carpeted in light with hints of dark blue color! Should I just stick with it or replace it with new carpets? The current condition is still alright, colors still in place but you know, it’s been there for almost 10 years and there’s few spots from liquid spillage and all. The furniture is still in excellent condition too. I’m in a dilemma to either buy a new set of furniture or just stick with the current one. I would love to have new furniture but then again, good and modern furniture set would cost roughly around BND$3000 am I correct? I did browse through furniture shops around Brunei and I have to say GUCCA @ Neometro situated at Batu Besurat or Delima Complex (behind tyre mart) has one of the best mattress and modern looking beds. Mattress price? *pengsan* ranges from above a thousand to many many thousands! The quality and comfort? Also pengsan, it’s so comfortable to the core that you just want to lie down there forever. I might exaggerate a bit there but yes, they’ve got one of the best mattresses by far. Framix (beside Maju Motors, Telanai) has also one of the best bedrooms set too but expensive!

I’m so curious to know roughly how much would cost me to renovate a room. With new bedroom set, new paint and get those decorations as like a backdrop, probably replace old carpets with new carpets or wooden flooring design, some minimal decoration to make the room beautiful for the occasion. The dream room would be having a walk in closet where I could stack my shoes beautifully; my handbags neatly arranged just like in princess diaries! It’s to die for! I bet all ladies out there would love to have a walk in closet too right? Anyway, back to reality! That’s not going to happen until I decide to design my own house to build! So I’m thinking is it possible to get the room renovated below BND$5k?

I’m also wondering if asking a quotation to the entire interior designers available in Brunei is FOC or we have to pay a fair amount of money to get them design. Hmm...


Now where’s that measuring tape?

The Hantaran Deco Inspiration.

So me and the other half discussed on our hantaran almost all the time. We even argued on what to give each other with the budget we’re in. I love handbag and shoes; he loves expensive watches so that sort of made the cash flow goes out faster. Budget! Budget! Kept telling ourselves that! I hope by the time we go shopping for hantaran stuff, our rezeki pun lebih InsyALLAH. We're money crunching right now! Dining in restaurants pun nda exclusive lagi just to try to save more money! Anyhow! I stumble across a lot of Malaysian wedding blog with pictures of their hantaran and most of it is absolutely gorgeous! They tend to go to simplicity design and single item for example a pair of shoes, a handbag, everything single, I told the other half about it and he sort of agree on it and not over do it. I would love my hantaran to be single item with simple design yet elegant.


I would like the design to be a lot of white and red with touch of black too. I planned on having my Solemnization dress to be in white chiffon or very light design white lace with embroidery and diamond sequence of red, black and white. So I want it to sync. For the other half, I would love his white attire to be sewn in red thread too as a contrast. For his hantaran design I’m not sure what color theme he would prefer yet because the other half is very picky in color codes with the item to be placed. Having his hantaran of the same design is no harm too, we could invert the colors, I have the white he can have the silver. I would really love the idea of having apple green pastel with pastel light pink as a combination, it looks so natural too.

A lot of inspiration of how to design the hantaran came from Arma Couture Collection and White Lace Tale Wedding. The idea of Arma Couture collection to keep the colors simple is elegant. I love the cushion they used for placing the items too but I bet that’s custom made, I can’t get any information so far on where to get those items. How I wish that my wedding is in Malaysia! Make preparation simpler and faster too. Not to mention its varieties of modern design and its elegancy. I want a neat design. Red and white roses is very much preferable, not necessarily fresh flowers. I think I could get affordable plastic flowers that look real in Miri, Sarawak or Happy Star Trading in Batu Besurat. I haven’t’ been able to wander around to bridal boutiques or shops that sells wedding favors yet. I have a packed weekend full of weddings to attend.

On a brighter note, I have my bestlady to help me out on decorating the hantaran. It is the initial plan because if we were to buy stuff form Malaysia or elsewhere and get the glue gun working, I bet we can manage to pull off more like similar design. Just  Maybe. She decorated my sister in law hantaran and was so beautiful. Thanks for her creativity. There are some boutiques that specialize in decorating the hantaran I browsed here in Brunei Darussalam cost me BND$25/gangsa so imagine me and him having 10 each i.e. total of 20 x $25 = BND$500 for just that! No way am I spending $500 on a decorating tray that I need to return back to the boutique. Though, I sort of love how they design, very creative too. Sigh. Anyhow, I’d rather save that and rent it for others in future, who know one day I become a wedding planner too? Hehe...

For the time being..

My hantaran design inspiration..

FIRST : Arma Couture Collection

- It was love at first sight..

SECOND: While Lace Wedding Tales

- This is very simple and I love it too! It looks modern ethnic.

THIRD: 4 wedding ku

- Now they have loads of varieties that you wish your wedding is in Malaysia!

 AND...

More to come i think.. =)

Financially Prepared : Part II

To continue on my previous post, for this I will be concentrating more into the amount you were to spent on the events. Just roughly, noting serious or over the top.


Before I enter you in the financial calculation I would like to address to everyone that this is my wedding estimation. I don’t want to shock others that you’re wedding will cost similar like this, it’s 100% entirely depends how you want to celebrate your day and how much are you willing to splurge. Some wedding can cost you even less than BND$30 grand, so I emphasize; this depend highly on you personal needs and wants for your wedding day.

NOW, to start calculating on you wedding expenses you may need to:

1. List the number of events you’re indulging.

o We Bruneians have a number of tradition events that we ought to obey. Some parents didn’t really mind when we decide to skip one of the few traditions just as long as we don’t skip the most important event which is the solemnization ceremony. Skipping events means less money spent! So if you want to have a complete and just nice wedding, one thing you’ll have to do is negotiate with the parents. Provided with the credit crunch now days, I’m sure they will understand. So the number of events for I know the time being are:

• Berbedak Mandi
• Akad Nikah (Solemnization ceremony)
• Malam berbedak (Night of powdering)
• Malam Berinai/Berpacar
• Bersanding
• Ambil-Ambilan
• Muleh 3 Hari

Taken from Wikipedia

2. The number of guest for each event.

o You will need to estimate roughly or have a fixed number of guest for caterings, door gifts, wedding favors for some even that need the individual guest to come and give their blessing, the number of tents, You either don’t want to left out guest with no gifts or have no seats for them right? Yes, it’s true that our parents will say more is fine but less is not good. But, to have a well managed wedding and not to have that variation order, it’s best to keep the guest list minimal.

3. List out the number of bride and grooms gift to each other which is most likely to be known as the hantaran.

o Plan on what you want to put in the tray. This is one of the most famous sections in a wedding because people would really love to know what you’ve got in that tray. Expensive gifts shows pride and money the couple have. My honest say on this is that, this is unnecessary and overrated now. Just because your cousins or best friend has a Manolo Blahnik or a Christian Louboutin and the Chanel classic flip handbag on the tray, you have to beat them to it because your other half works with much higher pay then your best friend husband. It like a quiet feud happening on who affords what. This is just giving pressure to the soon to be wedded couples. I hope the mentality of people would change and spend wisely and don’t make a huge hole in your pocket for reasons of showing off. No point. You would want to wish to have a happy life together with your other half and not forking out his money to splurge on way expensive stuff that you may or not use it always because you’re afraid you might spill wine, fizzy drinks or whatever. Always remember, make sure that your other half can afford to get you that stuff you want, never forced them to buying because of love. Men’s also have their wish list that they wish you would buy them too but you couldn’t afford. E.g. a Ferrari? So think about it and compromise. Don’t pressure your other half.

4. List out the attire you want to rent and get tailored. Most bridal offers package for all events with the stage decorations and all sorts.

o Most brides would love to get their solemnization dress tailored to their own needs whilst have the other attire rented. For the well-off brides, they may get everything tailored. But anyhow, try to keep this as nice simple and clean. I’ve come across to some that came up with different colors! Just to symbolize uniqueness in their solemnization ceremony. My question, how many times in your life would you wear everything white? A white dress? Let it be unique in your life but not to others.

5. For the ladies, you’ve got to get a rough estimate for the bridal make up services.
o For all the i know make up services now ranges from BND$150-$200 to even $300 per session and much cheaper if you take a package. Since the make up services is blooming like mushrooms similar like photographers, remember to try this make up artist first before any of your occasion. Bring it on a test drive and see if it's suites you. Some professional make up artist does a perfect job and turned a bride to her most beautiful moment but some just don't work. Give it a try first!

6. List out the events you would love to use fresh flowers.
o Usually there are only two events that use hand bouquet. Solemnization and Sanding ceremony.

7. The wedding cake!
o Yes wedding cakes especially the modern fondant and air brush cake doesn’t come cheap like icing. They’re pricy and to have a quality cake, ready to fork out hundreds!

So what are you waiting for? Get a piece of paper and list out what do YOU want in your wedding and estimate them.

Always, think about the flow of the occasion on that day from the arrival of guest, to being the bride to being the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, Be Everything so you won’t miss out of minor details that we tend to overlooked and forget.

  

GOOD LUCK!

I do have an example here based on my imagination and experienced attending weddings..

Solemnization ceremony. (I’m only going to cover up for the ladies side)


o THE BRIDE

1. Your solemnization DRESS: this is entirely up to you, either to get it tailored to your likings or rent it from the bridal boutique.
2. Your solemnization SHOES: I’ve always loved a white strappy heels looks sexy. Wear stockings makes it nicer.
3. Your solemnization SCARF/VIEL: some forget that we need a nice bling brooch or pin to clip the scarf. You if you’re planning on wearing the normal scarf that requires brooch and pin. You need to purchase them in textile shops. For those who use the new trend scarf that needs you just to slip it in, noting to be worried about.
4. Your solemnization ACCESSORIES: Crown, bracelet, rings, and necklace. You either use your own bling collection or hire from the bridal boutique. I’ve always prefer no rings on the left hand because I want the wedding ring to be the only one in the finger. Makes it more distinguish in pictures and special.
5. Your solemnization HAND BOUQUET: Some would like to hold something while sitting down waiting for the soon to be husband be your husband! It would lovely to have some fresh flowers to hold on too, breaks down the nervous feeling too.
6. Your solemnization MAKE UP: now this has always been the 1st thing to think about on a wedding so I don’t have to elaborate into this right? Just make sure that when you use heavy fake eyelashes, when taking pictures... Make sure you open up your eyes. Especially ones that has small eyes. You wouldn’t want most of your pictures sleeping right?

o THE ROOM

1. FURNITURE & DECORATIONS: May or may not need new furniture but you know the rest, get the bed area decorated. Reason? Your wedding photo.
2. LIGHTING: make up purposes and photographers. *No cost just a reminder
3. KEYS: Now, when everyone is busy witnessing the bride solemnization ceremony, whom will take care of the room? So always make sure to lock the room and give the keys to someone you trust that won’t do any harm. No keys? You’ve got to get them locked no matter what. *No cost just a reminder
4. TEMPERATURE: Since there’s people going in and out the room, populated and crowded, you may need to set the air conditioner to the lowest temperature earlier on. *No cost just a reminder

o THE EVENT

1. CATERINGS: Always do food tasting before hiring a caterer. Enough said.
2. DOOR GIFTS: Every occasion has a door gift that you need to prepare. Solemnization ceremony door gift is usually simply and noting over the top. Remember, have of give something that you can afford and not bebankan yourself.
3. GUEST: Have friends, cousins, siblings and parents to help the guest seated and let them socialize; don’t worry too much if either the tents is already full or half empty. Nevertheless, you will still enjoy your wedding.

o THE HANTARAN

1. MEN GIFTS: Prepare and numbered the items. Place it in a very safe place, away from kids running around, away from crowds as item can go missing. Decorations? That’s entirely up to yourself to DIY or hires some people to decorate them for you.
2. LADY GIFT: So before the solemnization ceremony start, there will be this “Hantar Berian” ceremony that took place where both side will exchange gift. Items received from the men’s side, have some people, friends or cousins to help them bring up to your room and arranged them. If the items being placed just beside you on the solemnization ceremony, its fine. As long as someone keep’s an eye on those trays.

o THE CEREMONY

1. PELAMIN/ STAGE: It’s always nice to have the stage prepared early for photo taking purposed between the bride and groom. Enough lighting and don’t overcrowd them with organza running from one pole to one pole, some might trip on it during photo session. Keep it simple, hazard free.
2. LAPIK: When the solemnization ceremony took place, the bride will have to sit behind the groom. I’ve seen this arrangement and it’s lovely, the bride will be able to see her soon-to-be husband Lafazkan nikah and everything. The groom will have his Lapik and four candles but always, the ladies forgot that they will need a lapik too for her to sit down to witness the ceremony.
3. SOUND CHECK: Have the family members or who ever is in charge of the sound system to check thoroughly. Make a sound check so everything is clear and there will be no glitches that will interrupt the ceremony.
4. RING: Prepare and make sure you assign someone to hold the ring that you will need to place on your husband’s finger. Soon after the ceremony, there will be “batalkan air wudhu” so soon after that will be the exchanging of ring followed by a kiss in the forehead (optional).

From here you could just get a rough estimate on how much one occasion will cost you and of course, wedding management! =)