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.  

This and That

I don't know how brides to be managed to plan everything in less than 6 months! I have to salute those brides that can pull of her own wedding preparations in such short time!

I can't believe that my wedding will be this year! I kept mentioning at vendors, tailors, videographer that my wedding will be next year not realizing i am already in the "next year" i.e 2011! Less than a year to go for preparations and the other half is also starting to get the preparation vibes.

Bride's to be.. whatever preparations that needs to be done.. the one most IMPORTANT thing i can't stress more is WEDDING DATES! because all the business deals is all about time! Alhamdulillah we decided on a date so bookings can be made pronto without any hiccups *i hope*

For my Make up Artist, Alhamdulillah i've sealed the deal with few MUA as recommended by friends and family members. For my Akad Nikah & Hantar Berian is already booked! Leaving me two minor events for Berbedak Siang and Muleh 3 Hari..

As for the search for videographer..  Thank you so much to Dinda. I've found the one i love and managed to contact the videographer, sealed the deal. Deposit will be done this sunday! I even recommend the videographer to my best friend and she even sealed the deal right away. Thank you again dinda.

Videographer in brunei is still limited so i rely on dinda side toggle to search for one =)

1. Adam Groves  <3
2. Masamichi Studio <3
3. Cinematicpro  
4. Songket Tiara
5. Snowberry Studio
6. Rajul Adli

As for my wedding attire, I've bought textiles from Indonesia and will drop by the wedding bridal boutique soon when the other half goes on leave. =) 

• Majlis Akad Nikah & Hantar Berian - Still pending probably in March Jakarta trip
• Majlis Berbedak Siang - DONE! need to get quotation and send to tailor
• Majlis Berbedak Malam - DONE! need to get quotation and send to tailor
• Malam Berpacar - DONE! need to get quotation and send to tailor
• Majlis Bersanding - NEED TO GO BRIDAL BOUTIQUE SOON! 
• Malam Ambil-Ambilan - Pending probably buy textiles in Jakarta Trip.
• Muleh 3 Hari - DONE! need to get quotation and send to tailor

As for my shoes that i'll be using on the events... ALL DONE! *lol* See, this is the FIRST thing that is completed! Shoes! Alahai just when i thought that i won't purchase any shoes... well i did... 4 pairs to be exact! i have a total of 7 new pairs of shoes waiting for the perfect time~ So no more shoe shopping or shoe testing or whatever goes along shoe fitting. I bet you ladies understand the love.. the feel when the shoe just fits perfectly and for not buying it? Is such a pity to see the shoe being display not having an owner yet.. hahaha 

As for my Doorgifts... gahhh too much to talk about.. might talk about this when march comes along.. so  many!!! 

As for my Wedding Invitation... I'm still searching for a place in Brunei that offers considerable price. Yes you can call me Karit i.e Stingy. But I'm not spending more than B$1.00 for my wedding invites. I just feel it's such a waste to spend more than that when you know once your event is done, it will be thrown away to trash. Might as well use that money for something else worthy. Initial plan was to make the invitation in Jakarta. I even had the one that i love brought back with me BUT with the hassle of emailing, money transfers, the cost of ticket and all sorts. It sort of balances out don't you think so? Then had thought of making them in Malaysia but again, the excess baggage! 

Eh macam macam lagi kan d buat ani eh.. kepisan! 

Take care lovelies! <3

The Beauty

Alhamdulillah I'm progressing smoothly... 

Make up Artist 

I have tons of recommendations from friends, relatives and from my blog hopping on make up artist, going through their portfolios, checking out their make up under different lightning and I have finalize all my make up artist. 

Event 1: Majlis Bebedak Siang - Still searching.. thinking of getting trials because it'll be a simple function noting over the top.

Event 2: Majlis Akad Nikah & Hantar Berian - I try calling her but she ran out of credit.. text her but no reply... still no firm confirmation

Event 3: Majlis Berbedak - BOOKED! =) 

Event 4: Majlis Berpacar - BOOKED!  =) 

Event 5: Majlis Bersanding - BOOKED! =)

Event 6: Majlis Ambil- Ambilan - BOOKED! =)

Event 7: Muleh 3 Hari/7 Hari - Still pending because no confirm dates yet... 

I know I am months ahead on my wedding day but to get the best make up artist is tough now a days.. you have to booked them at least 1 year ahead to fit comfortably in their schedule.. 

Do feel free to contact me if you need any recommendations... =) I have a lot of Make Up Artist numbers with me.. It would be best to contact me personally for their numbers than me sharing it publicly because some make up artist wants their number to be privatize. 

Photographers

I believe in moments, photographers being able to capture the moment of happiness in the bride & groom eye's, the family members, guest and etc. I love looking at artistic sharp moments that by just looking at one photograph can explain how the environment in the wedding look like. So hiring a professional photographer is not a waste. Pricy it will be but the I trust the output from it will be very rewarding. 

My mom told me "It's once in a life time so no matter how expensive it is as long as it's beautiful and captured the moments" =) love my mom so much for being understanding and supporting! 

So, i've finalize my photographer for THREE Major events paying slightly premium. The idea was to hire a professional photographer to cover the two events that has me and the other half in it. Because the output i.e the album will have two of us in it instead of me alone which will be boring.. 

Alhamdulillah, I've paid the deposit for firm confirmation and date blocked for me on the three events. Paying by installment monthly with a handful amount and what's great about it that.. I'll finish paying them by April. Way ahead from my wedding date. Plus plus. <3 

For the minor single events such as Malam Berpacar, Malam Ambil-Ambilan & Muleh 3/7 Hari.. I have already a few top list photographers. Will have an appointment with them soon after the other half comes back from work. If I'm satisfied with their portfolio than i'll secure a deposit to block the following dates for the events. 

I'll update more on my attire &  doorgifts... attire that i'll be using for the following events.. fabrics bought for some major events.. leaving few things need to be done... and doorgifts.. sorted! Leaving a little more to do.. will update more on that soon? 

Perhaps this would be my last entry for this year.. 

Wishing EVERYONE a BLESSING HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011! 

To the BRIDE TO BE in 2011! Say hello to your wedding year~ =) 

To those tying the knot on new years day.. Selamat Menempuh Alam Perkahwinan and especially to Hazlynda.. Selamat Pengantin Baru <3 

CKG-BWN

I'm BACK from JAKARTA just today..

So tired yet fun...

I have LOADS to share... shopping shopping shopping...

From Jakarta to Bandung...

Definitely will be going there again in March!

Stay tune for my travel experience for wedding shopping in Jakarta-Bandung.. =)

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! 

The Hantaran Shopping

I and the other half decide to start buying out hantaran stuff. I can say that the fiancé mother is excited because she bought quiet a number of items already such as Majlis berbedak favors for the people membedaki. Semangat right? But it’s so exciting to listen to what fiancé’s mother has in mind too. Early this year, I overindulge on a shoe for my solemnization ceremony because it was love at first sight and had it shopped and sent to Brunei. Then just early this month when the fiancé’s mother came back, she showed me this beautiful ivory shoe bedazzled and simply gorgeous! She told me to use it for solemnization ceremony or place it in the hantaran. The shoe that I bought has a heel of 4” and slightly bigger, I’m having second thoughts about wearing them. I love the shoe that fiancé’s mother bought and the heel is 2.5”, I’m confident that I’ll wear them and confidently without having thoughts of toppling over. I’m torn between choices however I have like a year to think about it!

Enough rambling! Eheee

Back to hantaran items, at first we plan on buying it one time event. Go on a holiday shopping trip for hantaran items but then again, we thought it will be heavy for us; financially. So we came to a number of lists of hantaran to give and received. The other half and I decide that there will no gadgets involving so no laptop, phone, cameras, and game console. It will be just pure classic! I’m still unsure on how the rules play here but I heard the number of dulang must be odd numbers so 11 versus 13?


First task! Shop for my other half first. Since he’s on training overseas I told him to grab anything that doesn’t have an expiry date and is evergreen. I planned on letting him buy his own desire shoes, work wear that won’t go outdated, belts, stationary set and pen. I really wish I can be there to go shopping but work doesn’t allow me too. But anyway, stuff like perfumes and toiletries will buy next year on another shopping trip. With the list below I hope that we won’t go overboard in the budget *insyallah*

--
The idea is to buy barang sikit-sikit so inda kerasahan that the list is all done by the time on our wedding. Inda jua berat financially and that makes shopping everymonth! Nda jua membazir money splurging on unnecessary stuff because kitani buying stuff for wedding. Savings atu memang ada lah for paying the caterings, venues, bridal boutique, photographer, videographer etc. and the rest of the balance money from the payroll are items for hantaran. Personally, I think I’ll save more because if I were to have that extra money from payroll; I tend to shop unnecessary stuff. Eheee. So the mind set is “ALL FOR WEDDING”


Here is what I planned on putting in the Majlis Hantaran


The woman’s side:


1. The Holy Al-Quran will be designed with the Telekong Sembahyang. (dapat kan ne? it doesn’t have to go individually right?)
2. Wang Mas Kawin
3. Wang belanja Angus
4. Sebidang Jong Sarat
5. Sirih Junjung
6. Watch
7. A pair of shoe
8. A handbag and a wallet
9. Bathroom toiletries with perfumes
10. Make up set & facial products.
11. Sweets & chocolates.


The Men’s side


1. Watch
2. A pair of shoe
3. A pen with other Stationary set
4. Work bag.
5. Work wear.
6. Casual wear. (*still deciding to replace this because the other half doesn’t want casual wear to be in the list)
7. Bathroom toiletries & shaver.
8. Sweets & Chocolates
9. Fruits
10. Fresh from oven items.
11. Food
12. Food
13. Food

//edited - To replace casual wear will be Cara Melayu & Kain Sampin =)

With this I hope it will give other brides-to-be guidance too on what's essential and what's not. I'm still searching on this Hantaran information because it feel that now its overated. Any ideas? I think what's very essential is Mas Kawin & Al-Quran? Correct me if i'm wrong.

The Jakarta Trip

Photo Courtesy of Airlines-Airlines

I’m making it happen! Next payroll or probably later I’ll be purchasing tickets for both my parents and me to Jakarta with two of my lovely bridesmaid in December! My parents agree to go Jakarta as their pension activity and two of my bridesmaid is very much excited! What’s even more exciting is that my bridesmaid will be planning for their wedding too which is next year! We all have planned not to have any clashes in date but we’re yet to have everyone for dinner and discuss on the available dates but so far I heard no clashes yet.

Planning to go there this December before Christmas to browse or probably just shopped for few items on the checklist too to reduce the load. I stumbled across few bloggers that gave good reviews on where and what to find in Jakarta particularly Ka Fiza

 

Anyhow, from what I’ve read and what my mom told, the places in Jakarta that is worth going is:

1. Mangga Dua

2. Pasar Mayestik

3. Tanah Abang

4. Pasar Jatinegara *situated at bandung

Seriously I don’t know where all the areas are listed above. I’ve been to Indonesia couple of times during my childhood days but not as an adult so I assume it’ll be my first time!

Gosh I’m so excited that I can’t wait for the next payroll to come out! Need to purchase that ticket as soon as possible. Set aside the work leave I’m going to take, buy the ticket first that have the boss sign for approval whether the boss likes it or not!

So back to shopping areas in Jakarta, suggestions on the places I should visit is very much appreciated. Shops that provide printing of invitation cards, cheap laces, telekong, wedding favors and anything that I must visit!

HOTELS! Yes, due to conditions I don’t know how Jakarta is. I want hotels to be near with Mangga 2 because I heard it’s like a shopping heaven for wedding preparations. I goggled for hotels nearby mangga 2 and it looks like mangga 2 is huge areas so I got very confuse and afraid of security reasons too. My parents previously stayed at Batavia Hotel and when I read review that its sort of declining services, now that I’m not sure to trust or not. But anyhow, I heard Hotel Ibis Jakarta Mangga Dua Hotel & Apartment offers good price and also walking distance to Mangga Dua. I do want to know where else is advisable and recommended apart from Hotel Ibis. Please do e-mail me at z.inaza@yahoo.com for trips advisor or drop in a comment.

and of course I post my trip reviews and loads of photos around the areas for future brides in the near future! =)

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?