Dramatic Entrances

While not very appropriate... but how cool would it be to walk down the aisle to:

Carl Orff - O Fortuna


Bach - Toccata and Fuge in D Minor


Very Bridezilla songs, but they are some of my favourite pieces.

Recycled Bottle Vases

I will need clear, vases for my centrepieces. (Peony - Short Vase, Goldfish - Tall Vase)

I've looked around, The cheapest I've seen is in Ikea for $20, but they were very big which would mean more foilage than I wanted to buy. I tried retail and its amazing the prices you have to pay for a bit of glass!

So I needed Alternatives. I had to think about the weight and fragility factor, also buying 10+ of the same style vase seemed a bit extreme, so I thought Versatility - I could get some tall storage jars which could be reused later... Or use Plastic, which would have them light and durable. So there are many options but none of the items I've found are within my budget. :(

Despair? No!

Eva! BrainStorm!

(around 10pm) My Jove! I may have cracked the case!!

Recycled Bottle Vases

Calculations
Ask friends to keep Clear Wine bottles: $0
Bottle Cutting Kit: $50
Environmentally Friendly Action: Priceless

On that note Friends! Please keep your clear wine bottles for me. I'm after the Bordeaux ones, not the fat burgundy ones.

Also does anyone have any experience in bottle cutting?

Luncheon Pubs around Carisbrook

Sweet!

Luncheon Pub location found! And we've been here before!

They can hang here or go shopping in Westfield Chatswood. and its a short walk over to the reception IF we have it at Kam Fook Chatswood.

Chelsea Hotel Chatswood
10-14 Railway St .
Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia

Pebbles for Vases

Hooray! I've found the pebbles! These will be needed to add weight to the centrepieces so they don't topple over.

And because they're clear, the LED that will light up the centrepiece from the base. (I wouldn't mind some fire polished ones if there are any out there!)

They could also be the base of the Message Marbles I just posted about!
Now. The question is quantity. How much? 10kg? 20? A truck full?

Message Marbles

I saw this entry on Style Me Pretty. One of the BEST wedding blogs ever! Althought its based in US, its full of ideas for us people down under.

This bride had made some gorgeous scatter pebbles to throw around the tables for added decoration. They are incredibly cute and it a similar idea i want to use to decorate the cuff links for the boys!

I think my version will be a little more asian, with colours of gold, cream and red using images of wedding words (chinese, english and french) and goldfish as well.

Scouting

Saturday, Steph and I drove over to Lane Cove and visited Carisbrook House. So we have a few firsts.

First time we've ceremony venue hunted
First wedding blog entry by steph!

Read it here!

And finally, this blog has been linked to our normal blog!

My Thoughts:

Loved Carisbrook house!!! I really want to have the wedding here! But as always a few concerns.

• Size. Its will be a bit squishy if all 150 guests arrive (But who cares?)
• Noise, its right next to Burns Bay Road, which is a busy thoroughfare.
• Hire - They don't have stuff so I'll need to hire signing table & chairs
• Guest Entertainment: Where to I ship them all off to while the bridal party have their photos?
  

Steph said he wouldn't mind another few look arounds but I think my heart is set on this place.

Can I saying the Vows here?

Wedding Ceremony Locations

Well, joys of a slow day at work mean more time to research for wedding :D

I'm about 80% sure the reception will be in Chatswood, so that means having the cermony close by. No point in spending most of the day in transit!

So theres the location issue. There are also other things to consider: Weather (Rain Option), Chairs, Celebrant, Music, Red Carpet, Photography, Also the Ceremony will be around Lunchtime, so I need to send the guest off somewhere to fill their hungry bellies.

So far I've picked the following:
Cremorne Point Reserve - Cremone Point


Carisbrook House - Lane Cove

Clarke Point Reserve

Vincent's Photos

But knowing me... There will probably be more

its coming off

Okay we are approaching a milestone.

I have nearly lost 10kgs! I'm 800g away!

I'm aiming for a size 14, so another 15kilos or so to go!!!

Bonbonniere

This is a cute idea. Cookie Cutters as Bonbonnieres.
Buy Here

Table Centrepieces Part III (and then some)

This just keeps going and going...

I've toyed with ideas, flicked from tall styles to fresh flowers, hiring or buying. Fairylights to candles, batteries to power, Jars to Vases.

Bamboo was out, Pak Shu was out. Then last weekend, the importers yearly clearance was on, and Steph and I popped in, hoping to find something for the wedding. Thankfully we did. We've pick up some glitter grass sprays in red, and some gold glitter branches, I also picked up some Asian dangles in red and black. All up $93.00. All that is required are Vases, throwies, glass pebbles and ribbon fish.

Or I start again and get vases, peonys and butterflies.

Style Sirens

I adore fashion. Some styles are just pure class. Being able to dress, to accentuate your assets, to empower and flatter. To bring out the sex kitten but be untouchable at the same time.

Think of the styles of Audrey Hepburn (who doesn't adore THAT black and white), Sophie Loren, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, some of the more modern people, Scarlett Johansson, Miranda Kerr, Claudia Schiffer...

Sadly most fashion these days is just about bring out the slut, and removing all the fences. Girls! Youre making it too damn easy! Last Saturday we went to the Verandah Bar, after a birthday party. The girls there were young and more undressed than dress! I suppose in this competitive age where a girl need to get the attention of MORE than one boy, to be noticed you need to focus appeal on a baser nature.

Anyway in the SMH Essential was an excellent article about dressing as a Style Siren.

Maybe 2009 will bring back the aloof sirens...

One can only hope.

LATER: I know its unrealistic but some manga artists do draw some amazingly stylish girls.

If only I had the figure...

Trashing the Dress - On A Horse!

Hooray

I spoke to a manager at the Centennial Stables. They are familiar with doing these sort of shoots and the cost is only $100 for one hr with the horse and handler! And includes boot and helmet hire.

The only catch is you must have a helmet on when you are on the horse. Which makes sense, but it is a pretty big drawback. However they have black ones, so maybe they can fuzz it out or as the lady described, let the powers of Photoshop do their magic.

And if you do the shoot on the weekday and you can wander around the stable for some other shots as well :D bonus!

Actually it would be great for pre-wedding shots too.

The Plot Thickens...

I'm putting this here so I don't forget. They are $20 bucks from Dick Smith! Much cheaper to buy than hire!

Link

Is that...

...a flower on your lapel?

or a cabbage
on your shoulder?




ponders...
I wonder if it comes in broccoli? I like broccoli.

HEY there's a thought! Brocolli as the bouquets! hahaha!
Cheaper than roses, it will be in season - And you can stir-fry afterwards. How Practical!

Making Corsages

I would like to make some of these...

I wonder if ill have time?

To Throw or Not to Throw

Girls!

Do I Toss the bouquet?

Will you catch it? If you don't plan on diving for it. I don't want to mangle the flowers.

Another Photographer

This guy is linked to facebook. And hes really upfront about his fees which is nice.

But I'm not sure that hes done Asian weddings.

CatoandPado - he also does trash the dress shoots which I really want to have done :)

Because I'm forgetful, I'm writing a list of the things I need to consider.

High Res Digital Shoots on Disc
Turn Eva into a pretty bride through a camera. (no small feat!)
Capture all the special moments
Candid Shots
Be able to handle from start to finish (7am through to 11pm)
Custom to Asian Weddings, including Tea Ceremony, Door Games, Roast Pig, Gold and Red Pockets, Garden Ceremony, Garden Shots, Sunset Shots, Reception.

Options

Another Table Centerpiece idea.



















I quite like the Table naming method.
There's also the option of these too.

Found the Lace

Woohoo! Ive purchased the lace for the dresses. its a beautiful off white with delicate beading. Just gorgeous! And only at $45/mtr. Thanks to Hurstville Fabric Shop on Forest Road :) But theres more!

I know my daughter/cousins/ nieces will never make use of my wedding dress. But it would be nice to pass something down to them. So I've been looking at making my own veil. And I did find the fabric i was going to purchase. But at $170/mtr and it would still require stitcing so I was having second thoughts... then i found this...

Wow! its perfect, the silver thread adding highlights. there's a very faint pink in the lace and the beading is just beautiful! Totally adored it. And best thing? it was only $13/mtr! Add 1.5 mtrs of tulle, and some small stitching and hooray a unique veil to pass onto the next generation.

Centerprieces

The Reception will be all silver serviced on the side. So that means no turning tables! AKA centerpieces.

I promise they will be very simple! A Branch of something, with a few ribbon fishes and some battery powered fairy lights. Would be nice if I could find a way to convert AC fairylights into DC... I'm still searching Google. I might have to hire but that ruins the DIY effect.

I just remembered for my engagement I came up with this as the centerpieces.

Red and White heart shaped balloons
with red and gold curling ribbon

Which was good considering I had 2 days warning! That we were actually going to do something!

Seat Allocation

I've decided that we will only organise table allocation, and leave seat allocation up to the guests.

ADV:

• No friends running around putting down guest name cards
• First in best seated arrangement

I hope everyone will be grown up enough to move around, should we end up with a couple that have to sit apart...

Pep is going to help me with some lovely guest lists which will match the rest of the stationery.

Another name

I'm searching for a photographer to capture our wedding day...

Looks like I can hire myself :P

Eva Ng Photography Site || Blog

Unfortunately she's based in LA... but the coincidence would have been fun

Invites

Today I spent the day with Pep working on the invites for the wedding.

Its going to so totally rock!

Sydney Olympic Park Wedding Photos

I found a stack of photos taken of weddings and ideal locations around Olympic Park

Site: Your Wedding
(Click on the photo)

Kuwait Cakes!

God Damn!

Jen sent me this by email. At first I thought the cakes would be depictions of a horrific war scenarios. But I now know otherwise...

These guys know how to "Build" a wedding cake... No ones going to pay attention to the bridal party with these creations standing around... Makes my dream cake look almost insignificant...

More photos can be found here

Going away Dress

is ordered!

The dressmakers have come back to me. no change in the cost of making the other 2 dresses.

so now i have to send over the measurements!

Cloak Fabric

Ive found the perfect wool fabric for the bridesmaid's cloaks! it was at spotlight for $40 per metre. a bit exp but the fabric is used to make baby wool blankets so the girls should be toasty warm in them.

Convincing Required...

In Chinatown, next to Gelatissmo on Sussex street, there is a Chinese wedding shop. In the shop window is one of the coolest most flourished suits I've seen for ages!
The three piece was made from silk embroidered fabric, and a gold chain holds the jacket together.

I flicked Steph a questioning look, to which he replied with an adamant No. Wish me luck ;)

Swatch Book

hooray! I got my swatch book!

now i know which shade of chocolate and champagne gold i'll get my dresses in. and also which type of fabric! so exciting!

Now decisions decisions.

Oh and i've picked the going away dress! I did ask them to make another one but i think its safer to stick to a pattern that they have. Otherwise theyll invent something.

They dont have the style of bridesmaid dress i have been thinking off. but fingers crossed theyll agree to something for me.

A Pearl of an idea

With the leftover pearls, from making the bridesmaid's necklaces and earrings.

I'll make a bunch of earrings drops for the Aunties and close girlfriends

Cake Dolls

They're done!

Pretty cute! I am rather pleased with them.

Most of the ones I've seen on the web were made with fimo, which is a bit heavy for a cake, so I've used paper mache and polystyrene balls and shapes to make the couple.

The paper mache is a bit textourous. but overall its pretty cute.

I bought some paper flowers at the $2 shop. (favourite craft shop), The veil is made from an old organza bag, and the little bride will be carrying a single red rose.

But why stop at one??? I got a bit carried away and now I have 3 pairs to play with.

I did a chinese couple, using red and gold japanese paper. She looks just as pretty as she did in white and Steph? Well doesn't he look as pleased as punch!

From Cake Dolls

The last couple are the big ones, using the same head size, this is the full bell, the minis use half an Easter Egg as their body and the Chinese couple use a bell with the bottom cut off. Eva also has her hair up in a bun, which her veil is pinned to, using a jewellery pin head.

Since taking the photo, I've updated the veil and added diamante sequins. I'm thinking about trimming the base of the bride with lace.

Photo Album

Anyway tell me what you guys think?
Should I make more?
What about the texture? I think if I use plaster of paris, I might be able to smooth out the texture.

Ribbon Fish

Its been AGES since ive made these, and I have to admit even now its a bit of hit and miss!
Theres 2 parts to the making the fish, first half is the first 4 squares. the 2nd half (still stuffing up) involves fleshing out the fish into a longish body. If i find some translucent red and gold ribbon, I'll stick some led and batteries in these so there's a bit of light.


Instructions
Ribbon Fish 4 (Base) - Best description of first step
Ribbon Fish 1 - Complete instructions
Ribbon Fish 2 - Complete instructions
Ribbon Fish 3 - Best description of 2nd step

Funny Memories

Its funny when memories spring back... A conversation I had with a Greek cabbie. The conversation turned to nationality, and I answered that my fianacee was a Gwai Loh...

"Bah! you need to find yourself a nice European!"

Which popped a lid on an old memory. Of a time when I was first going out with Steph, Dad's good friend Taki had popped by and was chatting with Dad, when the topic of my dating came up. Taki said to me "Go to Greece, you will meet a nice Greek Boy"

I remember frowning and thinking "What am I going to do with one of those????"

Well Taki I'm glad to say I've found my boy - there's not a spot of Greek in him, but he's lovely and very "nice". He looks after me, laughs with me, and shares with me.

And I love him as he is.

Bridal Bling

I picked up these earrings at the Treasury Room in Sky Garden. According to the owner, these are very Marie Antionette! They were on sale (ie less that the cost of the wedding dress) @ $150.00

The brooch came from a side shop in Wynard Tunnel, a lovely korean lady served me and gave me a discount too! Bonus!

This is going on my dress. there's a sash that goes under my bodice, and the mishap sparklies that have been stitched on.

The brooch will hide all of that and be something lovely to remember the wedding by much later on!

And I have enough so i wont have to bother with a necklace!

Its time to decide...

Which Earrings?

Both are made with Swakovski crystals and freshwater pearls.

Ornate or simple drops?

We're having Pig tonight!

We have decided (cos we like pork) that Stephs parents will have to buy Eva's Parents a suckling roast pig. The deal here, is Stephs parents are getting a new daughter, and to compensate my Parents get a pig...

A poor trade off i reckon. but them the traditions.

We'll get to munch on the pork the following day. :)

I'm not sure how this will fit in. Normally its brought over to the brides house after the tea ceremony at the grooms house. But we're having the tea ceremony all at the brides house, i guess it can come over with the door games.

Tea Ceremony

This is a great article about why Tea is an important part of a chinese Wedding Ceremony.

This bit was taken from this article which gives more intricate detail...

Man on the left and Woman on the right, RIGHT?

The bride will stand to the right of the groom. The male elder being served will sit facing the bride. The female elder will sit facing the groom. The bride and groom will bow to the elders and greet them by their formal title in the family while serving them tea.

(putting it here so i remember for later!)

Pak Shu ( Pak Tree ) WTF???

Those who are chinese....

Do you know what a "Pak Shu" looks like?

A while ago, I dreamed up centerpieces for each of the tables. and the for the greenery I planned on using was bamboo... Asian theme, pretty green yada yada...

Dad has since informed me that Bamboo is for Funerals!!! OMG! that was a sudden stop. So now I'm looking for an alternative route....

He told me that Pak Shu is what chinese people use in weddings. Cool! Dad, What does a pak shu look like? Well it has leaves you can pull off and put back on. WTF? Is this a real tree?

And there you have it. I am now looking for this Pak Shu and the english name for it, I cant rock up to an nursery and ask for a Pak Shu now can i????

DIY Wedding Cake Topper

Drew this up while Mum was having a Estee Lauder Facial in Myers Sydney....

Another project for me to play with

The Race is on!

Mum and Dad came up to finally have a look at wedding venues.

We've settled on 3 possible locatioins
Sky Pheonix, Rhodes
Kam Fook, Chatswood
Marigold Restaurant, Chinatown


Of the three SP is the leading favourite. But I have been given a list of question by Wise Lulu to ask each restaurant. I thought I would post them here, for future chinese brides.

Questions to ask your potential wedding reception venue

• Parking - Free? for BP (Bridal Party) for Guests? Level Access? Undercover Access?
• Floorplan proposed:
• Stage
• MC Speech
• Cake Table
• Dance Floor
• BP Table
• What comes complimentary?
• Tablecloth - colours
• Napkin - Colours
• AV Equipment
  
• Bridal Room - Lockable? Rack for Clothes? Mirror and seats for makeup
  
• Lighting
  
• Corkage (Try to aim for Free here)
• Additional Fees
• Service Charge
  
• Manager
• Earliest Access - On the Day? Days Prior?
  
• Delivery Access
• Storage Facilities
• Private Entrance
• Privacy Screens
• Arrivals Table

Wedding Shoes

hey bought the shoes!

Found some pretty pointys with low heel, they look good on. and they were only $25 bucks!

Will take photo later... They are white leather, with cross straps top, and an enclosed heel

Now I have the shoes I can organise the length of the dress!

Bridal Waltz Songs

Its all about the bride right?

This is a song that I adore. Its by a chinese singer - Jacky Cheung. Called 月半彎 (under a sickle moon)

Anyway I had the lyrics translated by some work friends. I've prettied up the words and here they are below.

月半彎　倚於深宵　晚風輕飄
A soft sickle moon glows in a sky of midnight velvet

一張俏臉泛著半點的醉意
The gentle breezes brushes your reflective face, our eyes met

夜已醉了　夜已醉倒了　讓它安靜到天曉
The night is full of hope and joy, the world is tipsy and in love,

我記得　與妳一起　我心高飛
Precious memories. Just being with you is all I can think of

會急促跳動說真需要妳
When I you reach for me, my heart sings with joy and pride
讓我看妳　讓我細賞妳　陪妳身邊
Let me be with you, appreciate you. Stay forever by my side

*〔今晚〕讓我靠著妳的臂胳
So Tonight, Love, lean your head on my shoulder
流露我熱愛心底說話
As I whisper my deepest feelings from the bottom of my heart
孕育美麗溫馨愛意　造夢　都是妳
Sheltered in our beautiful love, let dreams come true, its all for you

夜已深　我心思思　妳的豐姿
The night is nearing an end, my soul is filled with happiness
只想妳便是我的天使
Stay in my arms tonight and forever, my angel
未見半秒　便控制不了
Do you wish for time to stand still - Just you and me.
難以心安　於今晚
I don’t want this night to end

* Repeat

I'm actually now starting to think the song is a bit mushy... Or maybe my lyrics are. Also as a mix language wedding, would this be too much? Stephs Parents wont understand. Which is why i thought of translating the lyrics and having them flashed up, or on the program.

Other options?

Steph will probably want something by Richie Hawtin. - I refuse to waltz to doof doof.

Groom Collage

I'm not sure about a red rose corsage... it looks tacky... and for that matter I've seen photos of red and white bouquets and they look so 80's!!! might have a complete colour change!

Stay tuned!

How to fold a Pocket Square

Hey! First Groom Entry!

Pocket Squares - A good How-to site.

I think 2 points is enough... 4 Points and that Mountian Fold looks like the Sydney Opera House.

I also learnt that you shouldn't have the tie and pocket square from the same bolt of fabric, they compliment Ooh! Obviously I'm still learning!

For Male Readers: I like this site. Esp What the hell is a wedding registry?

Going Away Dress

Im thinking of getting this made in a champagne tulle silk as my going away dress!

but got to get my measurements right first!

Bridesmaid Collage

This weekend - Cloak Making

Im going to have cloaks made.

Ive got ideas about a cream cloak with light gold lining, white fur trim with hoods. Waist length for the girls and a full length with red lining for me.

I've got Kathleen's sewing machine, so I'll make one up for the doll first. See how that goes, before i upscale!

Exciting!!!

Short Cloaks

Okay I'm basically having a winter wedding.... The guys will have woollen suits, but the girls will be in little slips.

Time to get some warmth into the party

I'm going to source/make some short cloaks for the girls and a big long one for me.

Wedding Favours

While Surfing Ebay I found these little boxes!

Sooo cute!

Click Here to Buy

Wedding Band

I'm looking for a knife-edge white gold ring with 5 diamonds hammer set for a size R

Anyone who can find one please drop me a message!

Ethical Wedding Banquet

A Chinese wedding banquet without Shark Fin soup.

Its texture thing, I love it. And it is eaten sparingly.

quiet frankly its better than eating the adrel gland of the asian bear. or dog.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=571901

Fairy Lights

Ive bought some Rice Lights by Arlec.

They come as 4 sticks on a string. with 25 lights per stick.

My aim. Rather than paying $50 bucks per set of fairy lights, im going to cut and rewire the Arlec ones. turning a $30 purchase plus parts (30) and saving myself a few $$$.

Will tell you how it goes.

Bagged and Tagged

The dress is now safely packed away in a bridal bag at a cost of $35 dollars.

Tossing out the orange garbage bag now.

The Experiment - Results

Wow, its landed, Ive tried it on. And i have to say im very happy with it!

• The color is off white which is just right. (could be a bit more cream but at least its not shiny platnium.)
• The lace is really pretty.
• There's the mermaid curves, which look great
• And I have a decent train!

Only a few things need to be done.

• Needs to be taken in. A LOT. (If i need to grow my boobs up to a FF, I'm sorted.)
• Straight necklines do nothing for me. I have to turn it into a sweetheart
• A bit long. (I suck at measuring myself.)

Not bad for the price I paid.

Cap Sleeves

Note to self: Cap sleeves make great headbands. And I have one spare!

The Experiment has landed!

Its pretty!

So far I'm happy with it. I havent put it on. Mum is DYING to see a photo. and the girls get to see the dress on Saturday. I have decided the only people who can see me in the dress before hand will be Ed (to take the photo) and the dress maker.

Tough luck girls!

Its off white and from the looks of it well made.

Post: i changed my mind. I got freak out about getting Ed to help me into the dress, so I got steph to drive me over to Kathleens place at 8.00pm to try on the dress.

Table Centrepieces

What do you think? (I Like Picasa!) Orginally I was going to have live fish, but i got a quote from a supplier who was going to charge $60 per table! and I think I'll have at least 10 tables. It was too expensive.

The other option was orgiami ribbon fish, dangling on sticks. (Another DIY)
The Vase is an Ikea Vase - $2.95
Pebbles, (I have heaps from the fish tanks)
Flowers? Not sure - something red long stemmed and not gerbras.
Fairy lights are the most expensive thing. i think ill need 3m, 30 should do the trick. (Im also wondering if the battery pack will fit in that Vase!)
Bamboo - Dad has 4 big bamboo bushes in the front, I will steal some when i go home next time.

The Alternative

This is an interesting dress... If your into ruffles, this might be the way to go...

Wedding Photo Albums

Derr!

how can you have a wedding blog without linking it to all the weddings you've been too?

See Left

Experiment: Update 12th May

Looks like the Experiment will be shipped this Friday! That means I should get it in time for Steamboat!

On another note, last night i had another dream! (I don't think I'm going to get good sleep for a while) This time I dreamt the wedding was going to be next week!

OMG! The panic.

Invitations hadn't been sent out. The bloody dress hadn't even arrived. Thankfully, I didn't dream about the lack of a reception venue, or I would have woken up in a pool of sweat!

I was trying to get to the computer to inform my Ebay Seller of the need to get the dress to be sent over urgently, but i was constantly waylaid by people who wanted to chat! Talk about frustrating! I have work to do!

Then I woke up rather abruptly at 5am. And after some thinking, decided i was being ridiculous and talked myself back to sleep.

Wedding or House?

Sometimes I'm quite torn about what to do.

I know I should be looking at buying a house. Property Market is getting quite scary, and we are balancing on a fine line. but at the same time I need to plan and pay for a wedding!

Paying for the wedding is sometimes questionable.

I've already minimised costs, I have the experiment coming along. The girls dresses are very simple and I should be able to get them made very cheaply in China. I have a Kwah to worry about. The boys need to be frocked up. Ceremony will be a garden one, so only just some ribbon on some stakes will be needed. Flowers to order, Cake to order, Cars to Book, Celebrant? how much are those?

All so much money! I was moaning to Steph about it and brainstormed some of the silly ideas below:

• I have a red satin strapless dress (everyone has seen me in it) - Im thinking of embellishing and beading it to turn it into one of my spare dresses (or paint a dragon on it and use it as a Kwah.
• Civil and BBQ Reception (Marti approves of this idea!)
• Flowers - Ive seen one girl use origami flowers. An Option?
  

I doubt Dad will let me have a BBQ and hopefully he wont pick the most expensive banquet in town!

I guess I'll find out in August when he comes up.

Dream a little Dream of...

Shopping at Big W for bridesmaid dresses...

Do you think my subconscious is taking this wedding on a budget a bit too far...

I could coin a new wedding phrase... The 2 dollar wedding, or the Chickenfeed Wedding...

But back to the dream - Surrouned by mobile racks of dresses, we found some scary stuff (today's fashion) some summer dresses with huge flower patterns. But we (Kath and I) did find some pretty jewel-toned strapless numbers, with a crossover sweetheart necklines, but I thought the hemline was way too short.

Woke up shortly after, feeling a bit perplexed and a bit cheap.

FYI - I think I'll get the girls dresses made while i get my Quawh done in Shenzhen

Experiment Update 29th April

The Experiment is being over-locked today!

For non-sewing people, that means you use an expensive machine to stop the fabric from fraying.
Its getting the embellishments and beading tomorrow!!! Yay!

I'm looking forward to getting the package in May! *fingers crossed*

Bridal Salons

The bad thing is you have to leave a number with each and everyone of them.

Good thing is they have number sending, and I've stored all their numbers under Bridal Vultures.

Ole Ole Ole!

Planning a soccer themed wedding?

Here's the perfect dress and it will only set you back $1100USD.

At least you can string up the veil afterwards for a bit of a kick out during half time wedding.

Latest Bridal Fashion

This piece was the star attraction at the Turkey Wedding Fair

Source

Those clumps of white on the wings are actually feathers!

Actually, I can see the merits of this. Those wings could be used to intimate. EG. You can chase away annoying relatives like an angry chook, or a pissed off cobra. HISS!

More Photos

The Other Dress

I tried this on at Curvaceous, It looks gorgeous! I feel very diva in this, not too bridal but a veil could change all of that! But before I order it, I want to see how the Experiment goes first!

An Experiment

I've bought This and I'm expecting it in Late May...

I will either save $$$$ or have a very expensive dish rag...

Oh and here is the dress Retail.

Ill continue looking until August as well. just in case.

Make your own Wedding Veil

This looks like a simple veil to make.

Double Layer Veil

Now I just have to figure out what material to use...

I would love to have a veil that I can pass onto my kids... figured they won't wear my dress again so a veil is the next best option.

For knowledge, this is a great veil museum website

Trashing the Dress

This might be an option for the day after the wedding.

Trash the Dress

Not sure about setting the thing on fire... That might happen before the wedding!

But I think it would be cool to go to Luna Park and have some silly photos there.

Here's another website

Pretty Gown for sale

Ebay Delight

Pity its a size 10 and white (I'll be in ivory/cream)

The shiny-shiny is so appealing not to mention the lace work...

Stationary

I found this PDF from the M-Hotel in Singapore.

Now I wont have my wedding in Singapore, but I do like the design!

Its got a pretty floral silhouette in a brown gold. I would probably have it a deep red on a dark cream and a chocolate brown backing.

And the flourishes (squiggly things - just because) are so beautiful!

Place Cards

Combine two ideas and presto something new!

Roach Clip Memo Holder & Jewelled Place Cards

But I don't know how that will fit with the Table Names. and table allocation map.

Tea Set for the Tea Ceremony

I popped into Victoria's Basement to look at a water jug for the office, when I realized I need to get a tea set for the tea ceremony!

Traditionally the groom brings it over with the dowry, but im a bit picky with my crockery so i think i better pick it out.

I searched all of Victoria's Basement and the only one I liked was a Wedgewood! *insert heartattack* The design was called Celestial Platinum with a soft grey tone with woven vines around the rim, edged with silver. and a pretty grey trim. But at $46 bucks a cup! (excluing the saucer!) Holy Moley! Crossing that off the list!

I really like the off white and silver patten but I'm not sure about the colour coordination with the BRIGHT RED Kwah!

Maybe ill stick to something simple and cheap or steal something from Dad's Crockery supplies. or use Mum's tea set. I think she would like that.

Oh and 1 hour later, I walked out without the water jug - it was too small anyway.

Great Blog

I love this blog.

Style me Pretty - for the Style Obsessed Bride


Its full of colour ideas, great and unique inputs from DIY Brides. I adore the Place Card Tree! (not practical for my wedding but so tempting!)

I showed Lulu the website, and I think I might be in danger of making my wedding a DIY activity centre!

All around the world

Traditions are what makes things special. Here's a list of traditions from all over the world.

I think ill just stick to the Chinese ones and a few at that point! I don't want the wedding to last a week!

In England, the bride wouldn't allow her married name to be used before the wedding for it was considered bad luck.

In Finland there are a few wedding traditions (perhaps adopted from other countries) that have become quite popular recently:

To foresee how many children the newlywed couple will have, after the reception people count how many grains of rice can be found in the bride's hair.

Another way to predict the number of children: the bride's mother-in-law or godmother puts a china plate on top of the bride's head when the newlyweds begin their first dance (in Finland, it's usually a waltz). After the plate has fallen, the pieces of broken china indicate the number of children the couple will have.

For More, read it here...

Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

This is a good article about the Tea Ceremony and then explains how to modernise it.
The tea ceremony (dont mix it up with the Japanese one!) Is a formal tradition where you are asking for the parents and elders blessing on the marriage and respect that you are now grown up and on the verge of marrigehood. Its a solemn occasion and i guess it would be akin to a christening. Its pretty important. EMPHASIS!

It does say that the tradition is to have the groom's parents first... However I wonder if it would be better doing my side first, (im the chink) so the other half have an idea of whats done?

Wedding Games

You are to help the bride Jenny find her stuff. And make her day special.

But the wedding music can get annoying to use the Mute option.
To Play

Those who like it a bit more hectic try Wedding Dash. You can play this game through Facebook Too

Chinese Wedding Picture Book

I this this would be a pretty cool book to have on the shelf

Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding
by Leonre Look

Might make the explaining a bit easier...

Its hanging over his head

I have been threatening Steph with the dreaded Pom Pom (See Red Bow Ribbon over Grooms Chest)
The teasing is too much fun! But I don't think it will happen - I doubt I could last the ceremony without bursting into fits of giggles.

Your Chinese Reception

Vogue Forum: Chinese Reception
A good Forum on The Chinese Banquets on offer around Sydney

Chinese Wedding by the Knot
And this is a Chinese wedding shopping site and knowledge base (American but still pretty good)

Table Naming Ideas

The latest thing is to name your tables after famous movie stars, like Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren etc etc...

Thats okay if you've got one culture wedding, but when you've got more than one. its a little difficult. So instead I thought up a pretty neat way of covering table naming without offending rank.

I could use "happy wedding words" and their Chinese counterpart; here's the list so far...

• happiness, joy, laughter, blessings, fortune, success, good karma, delight, elation, well wishes, luck, contentment, light hearted, sensational, wonderful, amazing

I'll have to pick the brains of my more well versed Chinese friends (JEN!!!!) to find out the translations, and I'm sure theres Chinese characters I've missed and could translate back.

Chinese Traditions

Ive listed below some of the Chinese traditions we are thinking of following

• Buying Shoes for Eva's Bros - something about the chinese word for Shoe (Hai) means "younger members" (Hai Gee)
  
• My Mum buying a pair of Pants for Steph (Fuu Gwai)
• Stephs parents buying my parents a roast pig (just because)
• Steph and I buying a new bed - no we wont have kids rolling all over our new bed. Fertility isn't a core goal in this stage of our lives.
  
• Groom Games - Steph will have to work his way into the house
• Tea Ceremony - See link
• Bridal Party Games - A possibility dependant on time
  

No doubt there are more, but I think this is enough to keep us going for a full day

As pretty as a Cake

I really REALLY like this cake! and its the colours that I want! (Steph's concern is its a chocolate mud and isn't too Chinese - see previous post)

Hrm! That reminds me... I bought about 20 of those butterflies in red and white, just before Christmas! They were on special (1 dolla! Cheep Cheep!)
I have no idea where I've packed them - hopefully I'll find them before the big day!

Source: DeviantArt

Top stuff

I think I want to make my own cake topper. Looking for a reciepe I found this amusing cake topper.

If only we had it in time for Lu and Denzil's wedding.

Photographer: Vincent Lai

Lulu got me onto the guy, he and his mate take some pretty awesome shots!

have a look - Vincent Lai

Finally, a Magazine for Married Men

Sent by Ms Chan who only got married last year! Start the training at an early age they say!

Taking your Favourite Label to the Next Step

A Louis Vitton Wedding.