By Ann Martin

Cutting the wedding cake is a symbol of unity and “oneness” between the bride and groom. Why not let the choosing of your cake serve as an act of unity as well? As you plan your music, flowers, choose the dinnerware, dress, and centerpieces, here are some helpful tips on choosing a cake that will bring your special day to a sweet ending.

Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on your cake, and stick to it. Agreeing on a budget before you begin is important, so you don’t tempt yourself with confections and features that are outside of your price range. You’ll want to order the cake about 6 months before the wedding, and going in with an idea of what you can spend is a great way to start, and will ultimately narrow down your options and provide a framework for your search.

Number of Guests
The guest list will influence the type/size/cost of your cake. For example, a small wedding does not required a three tiered cake, which is better suited to about 150 guests. If you have a large guest list, keep in mind that square cakes will feed more than round, and that it has become popular to include a supplementary dessert such as wedding cupcakes. You don’t want to have to reduce your guest list because you are stressed about cake! Take the time to shop around and talk to many different bakers until you find the right person that will accommodate your price and guest list.

Design and Color
Make sure you’ve chosen your wedding colors and theme before you even think about the cake! This will make your cake search invariably simpler. Once you’ve selected your baker (or even if you are still in the process), grab everything you’ve got! Bring along photos of your flowers, dress colors, or anything related to theme. If your Noritake colorwave has the perfect shade of blue you are looking for, bring along a picture! The more the baker can visually experience, the better – as opposed to just describing. Your idea of “coral” might be different than his or hers. Bring visuals. Work together to create a look that is special and particular to your wedding – there are endless options – contemporary cakes, unique shapes, bold colors, flowers, fruit, etc. Do your research before you meet with the baker and get an idea of the things you really like – or really don’t!

Flavor, Filling, and Frosting
Sample away! Find a baker who will let you taste various fillings, frostings, and the cake itself. There are lists upon lists of options, and the main thing to consider is finding a combination of flavor, texture, and practicality that wins your sweet tooth and is accessible to the majority of your guests. Don’t rush yourself -allot enough time to make your tasting and deciding an enjoyable experience so you aren’t pressured to say “yes” right away. Also, keep in mind the location of your wedding – do you need to stay away from a particular kind of frosting that melts easily, as your wedding is outdoors?

Accessories
Again, there are countless options when it comes to flowers, cake toppers, and other accessories for your personalized confection. Before making any decisions – learn all your options. Look at pictures, talk to friends, and generally educate yourself so that you are able to make a well informed decision, instead of settling on what is popular. It can seem overwhelming to have so many options, but enjoy it! Use the experience to explore all the little details together. Picking out the cake is an activity that should be enjoyable, exciting, and delicious!

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Wedding has become increasingly personalized where many aspects of a wedding are custom designed or made to order for a distinctive air of luxury, intimacy and with a touch of stylish elegance. Armed with an arsenal of information, The Wedding Book is a beginner’s guide for those ready to take the plunge into matrimonial bliss. It encompasses every aspect of a wedding from romancing the bride to picking a wedding theme, styling the look, personalizing your special day and tying the knot without breaking your bank account.

This issue, The Wedding Book helps you put together a team to plan your customized dream wedding with its comprehensive planning guide together with checklists for every aspect of the wedding. The ‘Planner’ of this fourth issue is organized according to corresponding categories of wedding vendors, from the region, for your convenience. Most importantly, the Book follows the sequence to plan your Big Day!

All the pages in this book are ‘the’ inspiration and guidance you need to plan your wedding well.

Note: The Wedding Book is available at all major bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore at RM25/SGD14.

By Dawn Meisch.

If you are having your winter wedding, incorporate the beauty of the season’s weather into your reception. No matter what your wedding’s colors are, it’s simple to elegantly combine them with wintery hues. Whether your reception is a sit down dinner or something with a more modern twist, you will love the romance that winter can bring.

Here are some tips for creating your own Winter Wonderland:

Colors
In areas where it frequently snows, the color of winter is white. However, silver and blue or red and green are also appropriate colors to use during this season. If your table linens and decorations are mostly white, use accent colors in delightful and unexpected places to bring interest and to your reception. Some winter foliage or brightly colored mistletoe would help to create a classic romantic atmosphere.

Cakes
One surprising idea for adding color is your wedding cake. Against a mostly white backdrop, any color of cake will pop out and dazzle you and your guests. Your cake can be totally white with colored additions to match your wedding colors or can be a totally non-white color. Ask your baker about creating some edible snowflakes, flowers, or winter foliage for your cake.

Décor
Hang snowflakes from the ceiling and also have white holiday lights or white tulle strung across the ceiling. Ice sculptures add a certain “wow” to any reception while seasonal plants like poinsettias or holly can lend themselves to a more low-key event. Silver or blue ornaments placed in simple white bowls or hanging with the snowflakes contribute to an enchanting d?cor. Add dark red or green bows tied to the ends of your table for a more festive traditional look.

Menu
During the winter, our culinary tastes turn to warm comforting food. Soup is a good appetizer or first course, warming your guest without filling them up. For an entr?e, consider something hardy like white Lasagna or Braised Chicken with Garlic and White Wine. White Chocolate desserts are a great choice for a wintery reception. After dinner hot chocolate or mulled cider would be a warm alternative to cold and icy punches.

Dinnerware
Consider the dinnerware as another place to add some color. Set your table with fashionable dishes like Noritake Colorwave, which come in a wide range of hues that will match almost any wedding colors. Mixing classic with modern elegance, Colorwave dishes, which are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe are also an excellent choice for dinnerware for your new household.

Centerpieces
A centerpiece will also add to your romantic winter reception. Consider flowers that match your bouquet or wedding colors placed in large crystal vases. Bold red roses accented with pine cones or small tree branches help add charm to the picturesque table scene.

There are many ways to add the alluring experience of charming winter scenery to your reception. By using some of these ideas to spark your imagination, you and your spouse will have the enchanting fairy-tale wedding reception of your dreams.

GROOMING FOR BRIDES

“What every bride must know”

Organised By:  MY BRIDAL GOWN

Calling all brides to be!  Let us create your ideal bridal image in just a day!

Door gifts & complimentary body assessment for each participant!

Gown fitting opportunities, overcome skin challenges, sooth stressful skin, tips & quick make up fixes, bridal nutrition and diet plan, body treatment, walk down the aisle practical session, handmade jewellery, bridal etiquette, wedding cakes, cake tasting …
All happening at Aster Spring KLCC on Saturday, 24 October 2009, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Averine, Dermalogica, My Bridal Gown, Wonderful Cake House)

* Selecting the right gown design that flatters your body shape is very important as it affects your appearance and image.  The right cut will enhance your figure, features and hides the flaws.
* Gown fitting opportunities.
* Bridal Etiquette, do’s & don’ts
* Learn how to create the ideal bridal image that suits your personality and portray the bride you aspire to be.
* Bridal diet plan & nutrition to shape up & treatments for problem areas
* Walking down the aisle with confidence and poise, the proper way to sit and descend stairs.
* Step by step practical skin care session, tips & quick fixes for stressful skin.
* Make up demo, bringing out your best features.
* Learn about the different types of wedding cakes for your theme, the advantages of wedding planning and how customised handmade bridal accessories can enhance your image.

Concept

The workshop is limited to 20 participants per session to provide individual attention.  The concept is casual, fun and interactive with activities, practical learning, role plays, skin care and make-up demo and theory.

Registration Fee

* RM 150 per pax
* The fee is inclusive of Refreshments & 1 Healthy Lunch

Venue:  Aster Spring Centre

4th Floor, Suria KLCC
Kuala Lumpur

Date:   Saturday, 24 October 2009
Time:   11:00 am – 5:00 pm

For more information or to reserve a seat, kindly contact Samantha at 017-2239951

10:30 am    Registration

11:00 am Creating Your Ideal Bridal Image by My Bridal Gown

Personality & Image Match

• How to create The Perfect Look for That Perfect Day
• Self Assessment
• What bride are you?

Body Shape & Gown designs

• Know Your Body Shape
• Select the Right Design That Flatters
• How to Enhance and Camouflage
• Customised Handmade Bridal Accessories

Etiquette in Wedding

• The Do’s & Don’ts in wedding
• Bridal etiquette
• Body language

Deportment for Brides – Practical session

• Gown Fitting session
• Making a Presence down the Aisle
• Bridal Posture
• Descending With Grace

1:00 pm   Lunch

2:00 pm Wedding Cakes & Themes by Wonderful Cake House

Types of Cakes

2:30 pm Shape up and stay energetic on the Big Day! by Aster Spring

Face the Fact! – Know your body

• What can I do?
• Pre Wedding Shape up Diet Plan

3:15 pm Secrets to beautiful bridal glowing skin by Dermalogica – Practical session

• Identify skin type
• Daily & weekly skin care regime
• Quick fixes to unpredictable skin disasters
• Soothing stressful skin
• Overcoming bridal skin challenges
• Facial treatments for brides to be

3:45 pm Tea Break

4:00 pm Naturally Beautiful Bridal Make Up Demo by Averine

• The right colour blend for the perfect bridal look
• Selecting the right base
• Identify details
• Downplay flaws
• Quick fixes & touch ups

4:30 pm   Bridal Hair Style

• Finding the right hair style
• Hair style that enhances your features
• Hair style to match your face shape, gown & theme

5:00 pm   End

For more information or to reserve a seat, kindly contact Samantha at 017-2239951

and Your Wedding Bloom

Start your wedding plans at the Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur’s Bridal Fair, a fairyland of wonderful wedding ideas and advice. Have a chat with our wedding planner and find out how we can personalize your wedding just the way you envision it to be. We know and understand that no two couples are the same; therefore no two weddings should be either.

Learn more about Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur’s 2010 wedding packages and get inspired by a wide array of wedding essentials and options from favours and flowers to photography. Mock wedding set-ups and a fully-dressed ballroom will also be available for viewing during the Bridal Fair. Relive the magical moments when you fell in love with each other as you gear up for the most important event in your life.

A wedding is the first day of your marriage and this is where it begins!

Date : 21 & 22 November 2009
Time : 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Venue : Level 2 Foyer

Featuring:

Wedding favors: Favors Essence, Wicked Wax, Simply Cakes

Health & Beauty: Lancôme, St. Gregory Spa, Serene Nails Studio

Gowns: Carven Ong Couture

Jewellery: Tomei Gold & Jewellery

Floral: Wishing Tree

Décor: Aspra Events

Beverage: Asiaeuro Wine & Spirits

Photography: Catchlight Photography

Here at Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, we know how much your wedding or that special get together means to you and those close to you. We also understand you’re probably working within a budget and don’t want any unexpected expenses creeping in to spoil the fun.

Perks & Packages for 2010 Wedding Day Bookings include:

· Current year pricing for weddings held between 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2010

· Design your own Chinese, Malay or Indian set menu

· Complimentary 60-minute massage for two at St. Gregory Spa

· A special choice of a pearl necklace from Rafflesia Pearl Centre OR a perfect pair of his and hers 18K white gold diamond wedding bands from Tomei *

· A special choice of a raised dais (pelamin), a pearl necklace from Rafflesia Pearl Centre OR a perfect pair of his and hers 18K white gold diamond wedding bands from Tomei for Mutiara Kasih package

· Chinese Wedding packages from RM998++, Malay Wedding Packages from RM750++ & Indian Wedding Packages from RM750++

* Available for selected packages only

And if you’re a UOB cardmember, additional perks include:

· UOB Instalment Payment Plan (IPP) with 6 or 12 month tenure

· Complimentary pre-wedding reception canapés and refreshments for 100 persons (based on a minimum of 30 tables)

Other terms and conditions apply.

For enquiries, please call Amy Wong (Wedding Planner) at (603) 2782 8385 or email wong.amy@kul.parkroyalhotels.com.

Simplicity and Elegance through blending lighter shades of natural colors.

The classic ivory donned by the bride accompanied by pastel apple green of the bridesmaids to create a lively and refreshing theme. Lightness of apple green simply enhances the uniqueness of the organdy wedding gown, without overpowering the gentleness of ivory white. The decors and cakes were of natural’s shades of milky white with subtle pastel green highlights to complete the theme.

Photography by Kurt An’ perhapslifemoments.com

Wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses by MERMAID

Florist and cup cake by Leanne

wedding heels by Keera Kate

Make-up and hair styling by Kres and Li Wei, all by MERMAID

Your dream of a pastel wedding comes to life with sweet blooms of roses in all its glory; accented by exotic orchids and hints of purples to anchor the sugary hues.

Ingredients for this theme:

Floral Designs & Decor by Mulberry Floral Studio;

Favours by Cupcake Chic;

Photography by Avicenna Studio;

Venue by Hotel Equatorial Bangi-Putrajaya.

The wedding reception table decorated with a lush setting of roses that rim the row of centerpieces in earthy clay bowls that hold tealight candles add a charm of warmth to the sweet ambience; making it a reception to be remembered by all.
Adding a personal touch to the décor are little cupcakes with the guests’ names placed on each plate doubling as placecards which can be eaten as well.
To highlight the setting, butterflies of muslin are scattered around the blooms for a fairytale finish.

Concept & Colour: Perfect for a small wedding party of less than 100 guests.
Stationery & favours: The clever use of personalised cupcakes as placecards with names of guests adds a memorable personal touch.
The Venue: The choice of venue is important for this cosy and intimate wedding theme.As such, a location away from the hustle and bustle of the city is always best.
Editor says:
The sweetest concoction of pastel hues create a light and airy ambience. Blend these colours with some stronger-hued flowers to anchor the theme and you have yourself the fairytale wedding of your dreams. Little details like butterflies and candles add to the charm of this very personal and intimate setting.

Bangsar Village II’s “No Ordinary Affair” – an ultimate wedding showcase.

CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR THAT ‘SPECIAL DAY’

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the bridal couture gala show by famous local designers Eric Choong, Beatrice Looi and Jovian Mandagie, unveiling their latest collections jointly presented by www.weddingsbyEternal.com . This marks the first time that these esteemed designers are showcasing their creations together.

Eric Choong ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Jovian Mandagie ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Beatrice Looi ‘No Ordinary Affair’ showcase picture

Completing the line-up are other fashion shows targeted at groomsmen and bridesmaids as well as the latest collection of clothes for special occasions. Participating brands include Coast and Ted Baker from the UK and Raoul. Following this is a very special lingerie show just for the ladies from Bruttal.

“No Ordinary Fair” also has a series of notable workshops conducted by the ‘movers and shakers’ of the wedding industry such as Pak Abu and Stephen Foong sharing pointers on wedding designing and wedding planning’s respectively. Photographer extraordinaire Zung of The Photoz made a rare appearance too to give tips on how to capture endearing memories for keeps. Some of the other workshops were:

International make-up brand Lancome on bridal make-up;

Eric Choong Brides on choosing bridal gowns;

Jean Yeap of House of Presentation on wedding gift registry;

Eric Choong Flowers on flower arrangements; and

Celebrity Fitness on pre-wedding fitness.

Bridal couples experience first hand the calibre of Pak Abu’s expertise as the décor in the hall is inspired by him and his team. With soft drapings and chandeliers in classic colours of black and white, it serves as a great canvas for creative expression. An ethereal pelamin adds to the grandeur of the festivities. For that final touch, do consider the special fresh flower arrangements on display by Eric Choong Flowers, which are exquisite.

The vendors are as follows:

- Celebrity Fitness (fitness packages)

- Bangsar Seafood Garden (event venue services)

- Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers (event venue services)

- Emma K (personalised invitations and stationery)

- Hammam (Turkish Spa – beauty and wellness packages)

- Bella Skin Care (beauty and wellness packages)

- House of Presentation (house ware and gift registry services)

- Bruttal (lingerie)

- The Delicious Group (catering services)

- Village Cellar (wine)

- The Blooming Cake (wedding cakes)

- Lancome (bridal make-up)

- Laura Mercier (make-up)

- C’est si Bon (jewellery)

For registered bridal couples attending on the first day, they stand a chance to win a honeymoon package sponsored by Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, a luxury hotel at vacation hotspot Chiang Mai. The package is for two nights with daily breakfast in a Deluxe Colonial Suite complete with champagne and flowers on arrival – what a honeymoon that would make!

Other privileges that registered couples get to enjoy include food and wine tasting sessions as well as special packages courtesy of participating brands and selected Bangsar Village tenants.

Members of the public are not left out as they can get a free makeover at the Laura Mercier counter just outside the Event Hall and take their photos in a grand setting by The Photoz team for a small fee.

“No Ordinary Affair” is a collaborative effort to showcase the most creative resources available from our very own shores! The event is proudly brought to you by Bangsar Village II in partnership with www.weddingsbyEternal.com and many others.

Your wedding reception is probably the most important part of your wedding – it is the official celebration of your union with your family and your friends! With endless choices of wedding reception themes and styles, why not try something new and different instead of going with a “ traditional” one?

An “unconventional” reception done properly will have your guests talking about it long after it is over – a sure sign that it was a memorable event. You can be as creative with your ideas as you want, and to help you get inspired, here are some great suggestions :

● Garden reception in the morning with a delicious picnic spread
● Pool side barbeque
● Buffet-style reception with servings of food from all over the world, probably in memory of places you have been together
● Light cocktail reception with great entertainment and lots of mingling and interaction

Things to remember when planning your reception

Your reception style and venue should be one of the first things you decide on. Simply put, no venue means no wedding, and if you are choosing a venue that is very popular for weddings and other events, remember that you will need to make your reservations around 12 months in advance. Before you sign on the dotted line, go through the checklist below to help you decide on your venue :

● Size of your wedding ceremony (will it accommodate all your guests?)
● Price versus your budget.
● If your wedding ceremony takes place on the same day as your reception, will it be convenient for you and your guests to move from one venue to the other?
● Will the venue be exclusive to you, or will you have to share?
● Payment policy (e.g. deposits, full payment, when and how much?)
● Cancellation fees.
● What is included in the wedding package?
● Can you dictate or design the menu?
● Is there a menu sampling?
● Corkage fees, alcohol and related policies.
● Is a wedding cake included in the packages?
● Are reception decorations or flowers included?
● Are you allowed to bring in your own vendors for flowers, cakes, etc?
● Are entertainment and audiovisual systems provided?
● Time limit for your reception and extra charges for running overtime.
● Does the venue offer off-peak rates?
● If you would like to have a dance floor, do they have the space?
● Parking availability and policies.

Tips for cost-cutting :

● Hold your reception on a weekday.
● Cut out a course at your reception and serve your wedding cake as desert instead.
● Keep your guest list to minimum; intimate wedding receptions are a trend these days!

Taking Singapore and Malaysia’s best to the fashion runway

Weddingsbyeternal.com, a successful wedding online portal presents Runway Brides 2008, a spectacular fashion showcase of white magic, amazing wedding dresses and gorgeous gowns.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia-International Fashion Week, the country’s most prestigious annual fashion event, the exclusive bridal showcase will highlight key pieces from renowned bridal couturiers from Malaysia and Singapore – Eric Choong, Carven Ong, Keith Kee and Frederick Lee.

Get a sneak preview of never-seen-before designs and what’s hot in the bridal scene for 2008 at this highly anticipated, vibrant bridal fashion show. From contemporary creations to classic designer bridal gowns, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re planning to tie the knot soon, Runway Brides 2008 is one designer fashion show you won’t want to miss as it’s the perfect opportunity for you to choose a designer gown to pull off your dream, fairytale wedding.

Bridal wear expert, Eric Choong will pull out all the stops to create romantic, whimsical designs with a touch of extravagance and flamboyance. Wedding specialist, Carven Ong will make every bride’s dream come true with fashionable and elegant wedding dresses tailored to perfection. A key player in Malaysia’s fashion industry, Keith Kee will present a collection of haute couture wedding attire for your viewing pleasure while Singaporean bridal gown designer, Frederick Lee will showcase a parade of bridal gowns that depict sophisticated elegance, eternal beauty and timeless style.

Runway Brides 2008 is part of Weddingsbyeternal.com’s objective to organize activities and events for bride-and-grooms to be, as well as to promote the brand to boost and add advertising mileage to all their advertisers. Following the staging of Runway Brides 2008, Weddingsbyeternal.com will soon launch its second issue of Weddingsbyeternal.com. The trendy wedding guide-cum-coffee-table book will be out in popular bookstores near you come January 2008.

This comprehensive wedding planner guide offers an extensive display of pictures and expert advice on how to organize a wedding reception and the dos and don’ts of weddings. The publication also contains a wide-ranging directory on the best places to find your gown, beauty services, wedding cakes, event planners, photography services and many more to help you plan the perfect wedding.

Venue : KL Convention Center | Date: 16th November 2007

The sweetest thing about weddings (apart from the bride’s smile) is definitely the wedding cake. Sculptured to perfection, it sits centre stage for all to marvel and adore. Tiramisu, chocolate or even vanilla are usually the traditional choices of wedding cakes as they symbolise the sweet beginning of a lifetime’s journey.

The highlight of the reception is usually the cutting of the cake which takes place just before dessert is served. Guests are sometimes allowed to sample the wedding cake and traditionally, the top layer is preserved by freezing. This is so that on each anniversary, the wedded couple will have a small piece of their original wedding cake to enjoy.

Useful Tips:

· Cakes come in all shapes and colours. So it’s always best to do a bit of research before hunting for the best deals. Most important of all, do inform your cake designer of your wedding theme.

· Bear in mind that wedding cakes are tedious to design. Depending on the size and frosting of the cake, it might takes weeks maybe even months to complete the cake of your dreams. So book in advance and consult your cake designer before making your final pick.

· Do make a confirmation of the number of guests who’ll be present at your reception as the size of the cake depends on the volume of the crowd.

· Before giving the thumbs up sign, see what your cake designer has to offer and don’t forget to sample a piece of it.

· Once you’ve made the perfect selection, do remember to make the necessary arrangements for the delivery of the cake to your chosen venue.

Make sure you have fabulous food at your wedding – no party is a successful party unless the food is well-prepared. You want the menu to please as many people as possible without going over your budget, so finding that perfect caterer is an especially important part of planning your wedding.

When discussing the details with your caterer, here are some things to consider :

● Does your caterer provide sampling of the menu before you decide?
● Will the menu appeal to a wide variety of people?
● Pricing and packages.

For an outdoor wedding, you will need to put in a little more effort in the planning as there are a few more factors that could put a damper on your party :

Space – Is there enough for the whole set up and guests?
Parking availability – consider providing shuttle services if there isn’t enough space.
Terrain – This is important for your gazebos, tents, platforms and dance floors.
The weather – Do check your local weather forecast for the day(s) of your wedding.

Have your wedding cake and eat it too!

It’s all about individuality and customizing your wedding cake, these days. You can design the cake of your dreams – every size, shape, type, style, colour, flavour and design. Here are a few things to consider when talking with your cake designer :

Number of guests – This will help you decide how big your wedding cake should be. Your baker should be able to tell you the size of the wedding cake you should get.

Style – there are 1-inch pillar cakes, a 3-inch pillar cakes, stacked cakes, even flat cakes baked in an interesting shape or meaningful pattern. Also consider the number of tiers for your cake.

Filling – It can be anything from chocolate, cream, jam, frosting, curd, icing, mousse, fruit, to cream cheese and more. The choices are endless!

Frosting – There are 3 main types of frosting used in wedding cake decorating – butter
cream, whipped cream and fondant.

Price – The piece of your cake is calculated per slice and according to the number of guests.

Cost-cutting tips :
Get a smaller but elaborately – decorated cake, or consider a decorated dummy wedding cake for the display and sheet cake(s) for actual guest service.

Serve wedding cupcakes! Have individual cup cakes stashed up in one magnificent tier cake, decorated with embellishments from your wedding theme. It’s also easier to serve!

So you have agreed to marry him, now what?

Whether you’ve had your fairy-tale wedding planned since you were five, or want to plan a wedding with the latest trends, we’ll keep you calm, focussed and even smiling throughout the process ! Let us show you how to get started :

1. IMAGINE YOUR WEDDING
Before you announce your engagement to the world (and suffer the risk of having everyone assume that they are invited to your wedding), discuss some of most significant details of your nuptials with your partner, such as style, size, day, time, and guest list. These should reflect your tastes as a couple. For inspiration, visit our Who Are You section to get a sense of your bridal style, then browse through the wedding flowers and wedding cakes galleries for the latest in stunning wedding looks.

2. YOUR BUDGET
The fact is, all the wedding glamour and glitter cost money, therefore setting a realistic budget will save you (or your parents) from a nasty shock on your wedding day. So get your calculator out, call your folks, and work out a realistic budget. But set your priorities before you start number crunching! Are having all your guests present more important than having your wedding in an exotic location? Once you know what you cant live without, you will have a much clearer idea on how to allocate your money.

3. YOUR GUEST LIST
Separate your guest list into two categories ­ a must have A list and a would like to include B list. As most of your guests may have a spouse of significant other, an invitation will count for two people. Remember to mail the invitations early !

4. START A SCRAPBOOK
Pictures tell a thousand words. Whether printed from the internet, cut out from wedding magazines or collected from actual weddings, these should inspire you for themes, settings and any accessories you might want to recreate for your own wedding. Your wedding planner may also understand you needs better, making the process easier.

5. CHOOSE A DATE
Choosing your wedding day should be thoughtful. If you are planning an outdoor wedding in Malaysia can be a little tricky, the last thing you want for your beach wedding or a garden reception is bad weather, neither raining nor too hot and humid. Some research on the weather in the wedding venues is a good idea! Do prepare to fork out some extra budget for mist fans and etc to make sure your guest is comfy throughout your wedding.

Also check your city calendar to make sure there isn’t a holiday or a major sporting event on your desired wedding day so that you and your guests do not end up with scarce or more expensive hotel rooms and services. Select two tentative dates ­ it is important to have a back-up in case your first choice isn’t available.

6. CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION
Botanical gardens, historic buildings or poolside party with food stations : let your imagination run wild when selecting a location. But remember, the best place is one that is accessible and able to accommodate your guest count. You’ll want to find out how many events each location hosts per day, and if there are hidden fees and charges.

7. SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY
She’s been your best friend since kindergarten; it’s a no-brainer that she will stand up with you on your big day. But what about everyone else? Ask valued friends and family members to do a reading, be an usher or oversee your guestbook table. The point is, don’t worry! There is a role for everyone and no need for an awkward situation.

8. SHOP FOR THE WEDDING DRESS
Be aware that most bridal houses or designers need at least six months to order or make your wedding dress, so start early! Bring along any printouts from our fashion section to your fitting sessions so that the experts can get a sense of your style and preferences. Remember to bring stockings, shoes, a strapless bra and a hair clip to your appointments! (Now is also a good time to start a fitness programme and get into shape to look your best!)

9. BOOK THE BASICS
Top wedding locations and vendors are booked as early as a year in advance. So, as soon as you have agreed on the date and the type of wedding you want, make your bookings! Reception sites go particularly fast but many will allow you to put a courtesy pencil hold on the date, for two weeks without deposit. Finding your ideal location isn’t easy, so, if a site meets 80% of your requirements, reserve it !

10. SET UP YOUR GIFT REGISTRY
In this shopping frenzy, remember that your guests are going to want to buy gifts for YOU. You will enjoy the convenience of viewing your gift registry and making changes any day or time, and your guests will be thrilled to have one place to find all your gift choices. If we may suggest, you will have loads of fun at www.mychocolatemousse.com. (a gift registry is the way to not end up with endless supplies of cutlery sets, 2 hair dryer or 4 irons)