Any Brides whose HTB is 'Ang Mo'?

[mrs_n]

Hi freaky, you're really into crafty things eh? Me too. Although I was quite busy last year, I managed to make my own veil ... only just! Put the finishing touches the night before the wedding.

Hee! Hee! Now that I'm a bit more free (jobless at the moment) I'm making ring pillows from the remanents of the cloth leftover from my wedding dress. Hoping to sell them on ebay or something.

Yes its unusually cold for spring at the moment. It was snowing last Thursday but not cold enough for it to settle. My hubby has taken the week off to tidy up the garden. We were out yesterday chopping off the bushes. Was cold at first but became warmer as we got our arms and legs to work. My hubby's 4 year old niece and her 7 year old brother came over to 'help' us, which was to build a jungle in the middle of our garden with all the branches we had chop off.

I'm opposite to you. I've never really travelled around the south much.

Went down to Worthing for a wedding last year and that was the most southern I've been to. Been to London but probably won't be stepping in there for a long time yet. My hubby is not very fond of London at the moment because a few weeks back he went down there for work and his car got towed away for illegal parking while he was on site. Had to pay £200 to get it released. He was pretty pissed off as he paid for the parking and asked the locals for advice on where to park. Unfortunately they gave the wrong info! Oh well, but good news is he spoke to his boss and his boss decided that it wasn't really his fault so the company might reimburse him! What's Hertfordshire like? That's quite close to London isn't it? If you're in England, you're most welcome to come up North and visit us.

Jessica, welcome to the thread. Yes, ICA didn't let me remove my original name from my i/c. I think if you want to do that, you need to go to the lawyer's. But you can add in your married name. So for e.g, if the name in your old i/c is: Jessica Tan, then the name in your new i/c will be something like this:
Jessica Tan
Mrs Jessica marriedname

My passport also has 'also known as Mrs xxx marriedname' stamped in it. Just bring your old i/c, passport, marriage cert and $60/- to ICA and its all done within the space of 2 hours.

I also informed banks, CPF, insurance etc about the addition in my i/c but they told me as long as my original name is still in it, I don't really have to make any changes. Quite useful really to be able to have a choice of using either. In S'pore, I left everything as it was originally but in England where I am now, my bank etc are in my married name. Funnily enough though, the british home office put my original name in the visa but addressed the envelope in my married name! Talk about consistency.

 

[jessicatan]

Hi Mrs N n Freaky

Thank you so much for your help.. well I am feeling more relief now. At least I don't have to change all the particulars. I am fine with just adding his name. a little intro - we are living in HK and having a beach wedding in 3 weeks time in Sentosa Tanjong Beach. Kinda worry and am keeping my finger cross.. worry about the weather and all set-up.

 

[cuclainne]

jessica

Welcome ..

Wow! A beach wedding - that is super nice! I went to a beach wedding there several years ago - my English friend married a Taiwanese lady. He was also into jazz so he had a jazz band playing all night .. and everyone had lighted sparklers .. it was really nice but should be really expensive too. Way to go girl .. your event of a lifetime!!

freaky

Will you be moving to England after the wedding??

Mrs N

I love how you've described the place you're living in .. makes me want to travel there now. The hubby and I had plans to travel back to Stockholm to celebrate his birthday with his family and stay for two weeks or three in June but I doubt that I can travel then.

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi Mrs N, I love doing crafts! When I was little, I used to make dresses for my dolls hehe I tried making teddy bears as well but had to stop since it's quite an expensive hobby. Sounds really nice wearing the veil you made! Was it stressful finishing it off the day before the wedding? I'm thinking of baking some cookies as favours hehe but not sure if I'll start getting stressed out.

I'm not too keen on London either apart from the once in a while weekend shopping there. Driving there seems really awful. Once a friend decided to drive around London at midnight and we got lost...was supposed to drive to the palace but half way through London, the sign post disappeared. There were loads of trucks dropping off stocks at shops. I've only been to a few towns in Herts, quite a nice place mostly but some can be a bit dodgy. My FH's uncle stays in Yorkshire I think and it sounds like a nice quiet place.

Hi jessica, so nice to have a beach wedding! I was looking at having mine at Sentosa too but it's a bit too far for me. The weather has been quite good for the past few days (apart from today) and I think you'll be fine. Are you planning to have it in the morning?

Hi cuclainne, Oooh! Do you have any contacts for the jazz band? I'm looking for one for my wedding as well. I heard that there's one called A Little Dream and they're quite good.

We're trying to stay in Singapore for at least a year depending on if my FH is able to get a PR or a job here. My mum isn't doing too well and I'm a bit concern about being away if something bad were to happen. But hopefully we could start a family in England, it's too stressful for me here hehe

 

[cuclainne]

freaky

Unfortunately I don't have their contact number and I doubt that my friend actually remembers cos his wedding was about 4-5 years ago.

Hahaha - I understand what you mean. My mom would be more than happy to have me move to Stockholm (so she can have the excuse of coming to visit!) but the hubby thought it would be better for us to be settled in one place first before moving back. Cos there would be a lot of paperwork to be completed and processed before I can come up to Stockholm and we didn't like the idea of commuting back and forth, just so we can spend time together. So he managed to find a job in Singapore, and started work last December.

 

[jessicatan]

Hi freaky and Cuclainne

Hmm.. my wedding will starts at 545pm. And we will exchange our vow at 615pm.. follow by cocktail till sunset. Is kinda expensive and am now slightly over budget cos of the champagne and wines. The logistic for the tents, chairs etc.. are really ex but have no choice cos he doesn't want a ballroom kinda thing. As for me I love beach wedding. Just keeping my finger cross and prefer to rain now so that by April it will not wet. Having Lavish as my caterer so I asked them to serve some finger food with the cocktail and then buffet. They were very accomodating when I requested for a chocolate fountain. Is only the wines and champagne that I am worry now as guests are all drinker. And also I didn't expect most of my guests to be able to attend but now 80% of them will be flying in from HK to attend which is very good for us

I m going back to Sin the day after tomorrow to try my dress. kind of excited becos mine is not a wedding gown but a 2 piece sort of evening dress and is champagne in colour. Lace top so I am worry that mum will scream at me when she sees it. As for the bottom the designer is going to make me along skirt with a abit high slit on my left thigh. I am feeling kinda of worry becos of all the arrangement. Somehow I think it will not turn out to be what we want.... sigh.

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Jessica, you're welcome. Better to get it done while you're in S'pore as its cheaper. Well, at least for me it was cheaper than doing it through the High Comm in London which was why I waited for more than 2 months until I was in S'pore to do it. ICA also updated my marital status at the same time as I did not get married in S'pore. Good luck for your beach wedding though. It sounds like fun. You must be terribly excited.

Hi Cuclainne, long time no see.

Have you had your wedding banquet yet? You have to tell us about it. Ha! Ha! It took us quite a while to clear up the jungle. Altogether there were 18 large garbage bags of plant material and we still have a few more trees to chop and bushes to give a 'haircut'! The hubby got carried away with the 'chopping' though. Before we could finish clearing up the back garden, he started on the front until I had to stop him. Mess at the back and mess at the front ... Mana ada system!!!

Told him better clear up before the wind starts blowing leaves everywhere. Gosh men sometimes don't think properly!

Hi Freaky, I finished the main part of the veil few weeks before the wedding. But left the fine details to the night before (after the rehersal).

Was a bit stressful when I couldn't get the ribbon to stick properly (wrong glue) so my bridesmaid and I had to use clothes pegs to hold it in place overnight. It was fine the next day. Actually my mother was a bit worried when I told her I was making my own veil, so she borrowed a veil from a BS in S'pore! But it was the wrong colour!

Yes the Yorkshire countryside is very beautiful. Lived in Sheffield for about 4 years and people there were very nice and friendly, though it takes a while to get used to their accent which is very different from southerners. Have to admit, I didn't like Sheffield at the beginning because it didn't look too nice but after a while the city grows on you and it is pretty in its own way as its surrounded by hills with the beautiful peak district right at its doorstep. In fact we live very close to the county borders of South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. We are thinking of going to the Yorkshire dales one day next week if the weather is nice.

While my hubby says he likes S'pore and could probably live there quite happily, he did tell me that he was no city boy so he would miss the countryside and all the mountains and hills he loves climbing. And of course, his 'baby' the house we're living in now which he built practically from scratch. But yes, can understand your worry about your mum when she isn't too well. There are times I wish, England was a bit closer to home.

Alright, I'd better be off to give another bush a 'haircut'!

 

[cuclainne]

Mrs N

Yup - had to take some time off to get better, I was ill last week.

Well, we finally finalised the venue for the dinner and it's really going to be informal because our guest list suddenly shrunk to about 16 people, including me and the hubby, family and close friends. So we just made a normal dinner reservation at a middle eastern restaurant in the city - the hubby is never comfortable with formal dos so I suppose this will work out fine with us lot. Hahahaa! I just realised that we didn't remember to order the cake and when I found out how much it's going to cost us, the hubby said NO so we'll be doing without. So much improvisation, our events will be. Hahahah!

Oooh ... that sounds sooo lovely to have all that space! I wish we could have that, once we have kids.

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi cuclainne, Wow 4-5 years is a long time ago hehe I don't think I'll be able to remember things that happened such a long while ago either.

Is it still very costly to have a wedding cake for 16 people? Sounds like such a cosy dinner you're going to have. You'll have to take good care of yourself. Rest well!

Hi jessica, hehe I'm planning to have my soleminsation the same time as yours. Initally I wanted to have it around 3-4pm so guests wouldn't have to leave too late but my florist said it'll be too hot then and it wouldn't look nice on photos. Yeah, tents itself are so expensive! Are they charging you a lot more for the logistics?

I like having a chocolate fountain as well but my FH thinks it can be quite messy. I came across this stall selling the fountain and huge bag of chocolate, I was so tempted to buy it haha.

Your dress sounds so lovely! Goes well with the beach theme with the slit!

Hi Mrs N, Is there any direct flight to near Sheffield from SG? Once I was on the flight with this lady whos staying somewhere up north and she was on a holiday from Australia, took a transit in Singapore, flying to London and taking another flight again! I could only just manage the flight to London from here haha

Your hubby sounds like my FFIL hehe. He likes to fix things himself and we'll see him working on the car in the morning and while he's taking a break in the kitchen, he'll move on to fixing the kettle or some other stuff before finishing off with the car!

 

[cuclainne]

freaky

Yes, it would cost us about $360 for a two-tiered butter cake (incld. decorations) and about $410 for brownie. We decided not to have it but I just spoke with my maid of honor who insisted that I should have one, even if it's only a single layered cake, just to be symbolic. Hmm .. decisions, decisions.

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi cuclainne, I think it'll be nice to have a cake too. The thought of having brownie cake makes me drool hehe Where did you ask the quote from? I've heard that Pine Garden does nice cakes and the price are quite reasonable.

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Cuclainne, your dinner banquet sounds rather nice & cosy with just a small group of family and friends. Since you don't need a big cake for a small group, maybe you could buy it off the shelf and decorate it yourself. Cake prices usually shoot up because of the decorations. Anyway, hope you are much better.

Hi Freaky, when I go back to S'pore I would go by Manchester Airport, don't really know if there's a direct flight from there as I've never taken one. Manchester isn't exactly close as its on the opposite side of the pennines from us. We have to go via Sheffield and then through the peak district. The nice scenary of hills and valleys along the way kind of makes up for the long trek. Though I suppose if you had an uncomfortable long journey on the plane it doesn't really help if you got a 2 hour drive ahead of you.

The closest airport to us (& to Sheffield) is the Doncaster-Sheffield Airport (aka Robin Hood airport). It was just opened last year and at the moment, flights which operate from there are mainly on the european route but we are hoping in time to come that is might operate international flights to the Far East.

I salute all professional gardeners! My hands are aching after pruning and trimming hedges and trees and packing all the cuttings into garbage bags (I lost count of how many)! But at least the robins are happy, and seem to appreciate our hard work. They are busy exploring the 'new' ground for food.

 

[cuclainne]

freaky

I got the quote from The Patissier (http://www.thepatissier.com.sg) We wanted to get a cake from Coffee Bean but they need 3-4 days for processing (for a cake?!!!) so the earliest we can get it is Sunday. So we're crossing our fingers and hope we will be able to get a cake from Secret Recipe. Have to call them today.

Mrs N

Yes, I'm feeling much better this week and I hope it will continue to be this way for the rest of the experience. Hahaha!

 

[gottliebt]

Hihi gals

I posted a message a few days b4 but think it didn't appear, cos maybe the connection ate it up.....

Anyways, how are u all? Well nothing much happening at my end. Its like suddenly when wedding preparations are over, dunno what to do with all my spare time.... hahhaz.

Been swimming and tanning a lot - against my wishes though...cos dont' like to be too tanned. One of the 'tour-guides' commented that I look like a thai from a minority group which lives in the mountains....don't know whether to take it as a compliment or not.....or just as a comment.

Anyways, wanna ask Mrs N and whoever else who is married....How's married life during the first few weeks? My honeymoon is almost 3 weeks and really dunno how ppl can actually spend so much time with 1 person.... i'm a very people person, its getting really hard not to be able to see my frens and meet up with my church mates for such a long time....reminds me of the time when I'm going to move to Germany...when won't have any frens for a while at least.....

A lot of ah-mohs here....Swedish mainly. Met up with some pretty nice ppl during the boat trips...The weather has been pretty cloudy and not a lot of sun, but it still hasn't prevented me from having sun burn....my face hurts like crazy.....

Mrs N - u're amazing, trimming bushes...the closest experience i have would be cutting thorns off roses???? That's like super hard work already..... took forever to go through a bunch of roses. Good thing purple roses are thorn-less! For anybody who wants to DIY their own roses....

cuclainne - u geting a cake? Well,we did away with the whole cake thing....cos no point....dont' see the need in having a cake and also, the dummy cake (provided by the restaurant) would only be for photos. So we didn't use it in the end.....replaced cake cutting with the waltz instead....

anyways shd go for breakfast now....see you girls...keep the posts coming in

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Priscilla, I more or less plunged right back into work after my wedding in October as I had to meet my thesis dateline for submission. And then after that, I was so busy studying for my exams and preparing to go back to SG for the second wedding plus honeymoon cum christmas etc. So I guess it was only in January when I didn't need to go to uni, think about my thesis etc that it more or less sunk in. The village is quite isolated and yes there are times I miss my friends (both from uni & church) in Sheffield, which is why I got chatting to you lovely ladies on SG brides and count it as one of God's blessings.

My hubby & I spend quite a lot of time together (this week is one of them) but not every waking moment together. I think its important for us to have our own space and pursue our own interest sometimes. For e.g. he likes gliding, so every other Saturday he goes to the gliding club to fly while I like to spend my time at home cooking, reading or doing something (or nothing

). But no matter what we do, we always try to make it a point to have one meal together everyday and also to pray together. Don't worry about it though, every couple have their own way of 'time management' and in time to come you will find your own feet. Aren't you going back to studies soon? Once your course starts, you'll probably spend less time together so make the most of this time while it lasts.

Cuclainne take good care of yourself. Or better still, tell the hubby to take good care of you!

 

[charmaine22]

hi i'm rather new here and am based in UK but arranging a wedding in SG!!..I was just wondering if your parents and in laws sat down to discuss dowry and bethoral gifts? ..

 

[gottliebt]

Hihi Mrs N

May I know what's your email address? Would like to send you an email... =) Thanks

Welcome Charmaine! I'm singaporean and my hubby is german. we just got married end feb. Well, my in laws and dad did not discuss dowry and bethoral gifts...cos my inlaws only came 1 week before the wedding....my hubby and i discussed with my parents.... but actually I did most of the 'ground-breaking' cos I talked to my parents months before the wedding to 'thrash' things out and hear their expectations and all....it turned out ok in the end. We gave my dad a small token of money as dowry....

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Priscilla, its [email protected]

Hello Charmaine, I'm in UK too.

Where are you? We didn't have any discussion about dowry or bethroal gifts in my case. So can't help you on that one.

 

[charmaine22]

Hi priscilla, that's a good idea... i think that's what i'll do too... his parents are planning to be in SG about 1 week before wedding to help out and meet everyone so... i'll be in a similar situation! We've pretty much settled the 'tables' issue and now just have to hear what my parents expect re: dowry/ bethoral ...

Hi Mrs N.. i'm based in Oxford but working in London... what about you?

 

[mrs_n]

Oxford... interesting place. Been to the city only once but the surrounding countryside is nice. Used to go to the Carmelite Monastry in Boar's Hill (near the scouts camp) for 'Choice' weekends (sort of church retreat kind of thing) a few years back.

I live in a village in Nottinghamshire about 35 miles East of Sheffield. Still looking for work. Not much up here, I'm afraid as most jobs are down south and close to London.

 

[charmaine22]

Mrs Nyep.. i've heard that there is comparatively more jobs around here... have you been here long?..

 

[cuclainne]

Hi ladies! Just came back from the dinner. It went great - everyone was well-fed and we had loads of cake. The hubby bought two cakes and everyone just lapped it up .. we then headed to the pub for some drinks before calling it a night. I am glad that everything went well and I hope everyone there felt the same. My feet hurts from the heels but it was well worth it. Hahahaha...

 

[mrs_n]

Well done Mr & Mrs Cuclainne!

Glad everything went smoothly for you. Hee! Hee! Remember you've got to put up photos of yourself in that wonderful 'galaxy' dress you got.

Hi Charmaine, was in Sheffield for about 4 years plus and in North Wheatley for slightly over half a year already. What about yourself? Is your fiance from Oxford?

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi everyone

Wow, so much post to catch up on! Work has been so crazy this week and I didn't get much chance to pop in here.

cuclainne I like the cakes from The Patissier! I've tried their tofu cake and yogurt cake so far and they're both really nice but a bit expensive. Glad you hear that you've got some cakes in the end and that it all went great haha

Hi Charmaine Can't help you there as well cos we're doing away with the dowry and bethoral gifts. When's your wedding? Is it quite difficult planning for your wedding while away? I've been to Oxford for a day hehe it's a nice place.

Mrs N Yeah seems like most of the jobs are in London. My FH's cousins who lived in Yorkshire have all recently moved down to the south to look for jobs.

 

[gottliebt]

hello girls!

Its my last day of honeymoon today....very good trip. Looking foward to going back to singapore too, starting YWAM on 30th march. Hubby's packing clothes now and I shd join him so will have a short post now....

Charmaine: yeah it'd be good to talk to your parents about it first. From experience i find that parents can say one thing and mean another. So better to get this settled asap....if not can cause frustrations.

Cuclainne: Congrats! Your wedding went off smoothly... yupz yupz..photos photos!

Mrs N: Heez, haven't got time to write that email yet...but its work-in-progress!

Ok, got to go now.... keep the posts coming in!

 

[de_luxe]

Hello everyone
Welcome Charmaine

Sorry for the late reply. We're getting busier & busier in the office. Been working almost 24/7 and turning into a panda soon! Just bought some eye masks from Guardian. Supposed to reduce puffiness & dark eye rings - hope they help, my eyebags are getting really bad!!

Considering how little time I'm spending on the wedding, the preps r going along quite ok. Just collected my shoes from leapin' lizard, very pleased w them & also bought a pair of gold 9 West heels for the evening gown - din plan to buy shoes dat day but it was on sale & i couldn't resist! Invitation cards are finally in the printers & now just gotta tidy up the guest list. Our photoshoot is coming soon in May, gotta think of locations to go to - any suggestions?

Charmaine I talked to my mom abt the dowry, etc and we agreed on the dowry b4 i told FH. Mostly am the message pigeon btwn her & FH. Kinda stressful but better than for them to have conflict directly w each other. I think for those of us here who have to deal with this, usually it's the dowry that causes the most tension cuz it always appears like our parents r selling us or like profitting from the wedding. It's very unusual for Westerners to hear that parents want compensation for bringing up their kids and my FH was upset at first cuz he tot his parents had to give my parents $$$ as his parents are not well-off & are already paying a fair bit to fly over. Anyway I had already set aside the amt in our budget & it's just gonna come from us to my parents. Priscilla is right abt how parents say 1 thing & mean another. I have issues w my mom on how she wants to do all the other traditional stuff & it's irritating that she seems to think that FH & his parents would adhere to Chinese customs.

Pris hope u enjoyed ur honeymoon. U guys looked great in the photos.

I agree w Mrs N that a couple need their own space. I used to live w a x-bf while we were working tog in a small village during an internship so that basically meant that we spent almost every minute tog + had the same social circle. I really felt stifled after a few months & was quite glad when the internship ended & we could go back to school, hang out w our own friends & have some space.

BTW, I noticed that ur bridemaids wore the same dress. Did u get it for them OTR or MTM? I'm not sure if I'm supposed to pay for my bridemaids dresses. Is there any etiquette to follow?

cuclainne Glad ur dinner went well & u guys had fun

Have a good week! Hopefully I'm alive enough in the coming weeks to touch base with all of u.

 

[cuclainne]

Charmaine

I initially had some problems re: the dowry with the hubby too. It's quite unheard of in Western weddings and he just couldn't understand what it was for. But after talking it out with him, and attending the marriage course and having a talk to my parents, he was fine with it as it was more of a symbolism for us (my parents didn't take my dowry; they returned everything to us after the ceremony for our spending - that was their intention all along}.

In Malay weddings, the dowry is used to spend on decorating the bridal bedroom, MUA/ costume/ photography on the couple and the catering for guests at the typical Sunday void deck lunch. But we didn't spend any money on the bedroom cos I moved out from my parents', we spent our own money on the MUA/ etc and my parents had wanted to host the lunch out from their own pockets (of course, all angpaos we received were given to them too - it's only right) so everything worked out well.

The hubby was a bit concerned that his mother (she was present at the solemnisation ceremony in Jan when the dowry was presented) would be 'alarmed' at the amount of money being given so he did tell me not to make a display of it and we didn't. But luckily for us, though both his parents enquired after the meaning of the dowry for us, they didn't seem bothered by it.

Mrs N

I totally agree with you on having your own space. Sometimes I think the hubby just goes overboard with his hugs and wanting to do things together. His dad got a little upset a week ago because he had flew all the way here from sweden and the hubby didn't spend some time with him. I was telling him that he shouldn't be with me all the time (he called me like a gazillion times when he finally went out with them; and finally left them at the Merlion Park just so he could come get me though I was out shopping and having fun with my maid of honor before the big day).

So the few days before the wedding was kind of hectic because 5 of his friend flew in; 3 from sweden and a couple working in HK at the moment. We had to plan every evening such that we spent time with all of them including his family so everyone doesn't feel left out. The couple in HK left immediately after the wedding lunch yesterday and after the day's proceedings are over, we had to rush home for a quick shower and out the door we went to meet up with his friends from Stockholm who left early this morning. We're spending this evening with his family and they're returning home tomorrow so I've got to go get gifts for them today! Let's just say that we'll be glad to have our weekends and our sanity back again. Hahahaha.

de_luxe

How have you been? Long time no see.

Yes, we are very happy that all our events were a success .. well, they were to us anyways. Even though everything that could go wrong did yesterday at my parents' function;
1. they measured my first costume wrong so i couldn't fit in the top (the buttons would pop open) and they had to do some last minute adjustments,
2. the hubby brought down my bouquet in the ceremony when he was not supposed to (someone handed it to him even though we already told him not to carry it for me),
3. they gave me the wrong bustier top for the second costume which meant that the back of the top was left gaping open but it was covered by the lace top and veil,
3. the husband's suit was a bit small for him but it worked out in the end.

But anyways they managed to salvage everything which made us very very happy and we got plenty of gifts which made us even more happy. Hahahha.

 

[squeaks]

Hi everyone!

I feel like I haven't been here in ages! So far I've managed to get my photographer and emcee booked. So happy! Now all I need is the decor, cake and music... heehee.

I'm glad everyone is having great experiences with their own weddings. I have to say as a westerner it is hard to understand all the customs but I've taken the approach of "If it doesn't bother me and makes the elders happy, why not?" lol.

Next quest is to find a really good wedding cake designer. I've been given a few contacts but I'm really picky since I design wedding cakes myself. (I'd do my own but its considered bad luck.)

I wonder if I should bother having a live musician or just have a dj. We really want all our guests to dance (we're taking classes especially for it!) so do you think a dj would be better?

 

[mrs_n]

Hi de luxe & Squeakers haven't seen you around for a while, hope you're ok. Sounds like your wedding plans are taking shape.

Squeakers we had a dj, but only a handful of people stayed on to dance as most people left as soon as the last dish was served. Guess they had transport to catch etc but those who stayed enjoyed themselves. It was a different story for our English wedding as we had a ceilidh band (barn dancing). The band came with a caller who was very persuasive and managed to get people to go to the floor. The caller talks people through the steps but as usual not everybody will get it right, which is really part of the fun. But don't think they have this kind of dancing in S'pore.

Though I think its the mindset not so much the dj or live band if people stay to dance. Maybe if you put a note in your invites and let people know that there is dancing after the dinner more might stay.

Freaky, that's true most people move South as there's more opportunity down there but also house prices are higher as are most things. If all else fails, I'll be a fruit picker on the farms around here.

Cuclainne, you certainly had a very busy weekend bet you are glad that's its all over. Anyway, sounds you had a good time inspite of all the niggles.

That's ok Priscilla, glad you had a nice honeymoon. BTW, happy belated one month anniversary.

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi Squeakers, I find live music nicer than a dj. I think they can be quite expensive though. I'm thinking of getting a jazz band but haven't really looked into it yet.

Do you work as a cake decorator?

Hi Mrs N, I wish I could have barn dance for my wedding! I tried it once and I'm hooked haha. I've not seen anywhere that does it in Singapore.

 

[squeaks]

Hi freaky,

No... I don't do cakes professionally.. I only design for friends and family. Don't have the confidence to start my own business. I've been told I could if I wanted to though.. but that's family and friends so might not be that good!

 

[mrs_n]

Ha! Ha! Freaky that's one reason why I had my wedding in England.

Yes, its such fun and brings people who don't know one another together. What a great way to build the community spirit. Are you having a post celebration in england? Maybe you can have one then.

Squeakers, sometimes family and friends can be more critical than strangers. Do you keep a portfolio of all the work you've done? Businesses usually start based on the recommendations of friends and family. If this is your interest, maybe you can do it as a sideline and see how it goes first?

 

[squeaks]

Hi Mrs N!

Thanks for the encouragement! I've attached a picture of one of my first cakes for you guys to see and critique. (I don't particularly like the design but oh well.) As for the sideline business, I'll be moving to Singapore by the end of the year and things are kinda different there. I've never had to deal with heat & humidity for starters. These things can spell disaster for a cake! Plus I'm not sure about the availabilty of ingredients since cakes are that popular there. And the fact, if I had to 'work' at my hobby, it might take the fun out of it! lol.

 

[jessicatan]

Hiya freaky

Just arrived from LAX this morning. Wedding day is a week from today. Very panicky now.. going back to Sin on Tuesday to get everything done. Well I took all the packages from Sentosa and just the logistic for tents, tables, chairs n lighting is around 5k. (100 guests). Where will you be helding your wedding?

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Squeakers, pretty good effort for one of your first attempts but have to admit that I wouldn't have gone for one of these myself. Wedding cakes are pretty subjective as you've got to work with input from the bride & groom. The lady who made & decorated our wedding cake told us that she didn't like half the cakes she decorated as some couples ask for weird things but she just does the job and give people what they ask for. She liked ours though because we hadn't a clue what we wanted so it was pretty much her own intiative.

Did you make all those flowers yourself? There is a shop in Sembawang MRT station which specialises in stuff for baking cakes, ingredients, untensils etc. Quite a big one, haven't been there in quite a while (so not sure if its there now). I think most ingredients are available in supermarkets in S'pore. Do you usually decorate with icing sugar or dough? Yeah the weather could be a potential problem. We used to order cakes from Conas and the guy used to say that the icing usually doesn't harden as quickly if it was rainning. But hey don't give up, take your time to experiment how things go with the S'pore weather and take your cue from there! No hurry. Once you get your footing who knows? Maybe oneday we'll see you advertising on SGbrides!

Jessica, you have been busy travelling round the globe! Not long more for you. Don't panic, keep calm and everything will be alright. And even if the unexpected happened, well, you'll be too excited and happy to notice it anyway.

Whatever you do, relax and enjoy your day.

 

[gottliebt]

hi girls!

Squeakers - really love your cake! very elegant, love the colours and its a lot of layers....everything is gonna be edible? wow....that seems a lot...how many guests u gonna have?

Well started school last thurs, just orientation...but looks like its gonna be a very eventful 5 months!

ok, got to go sleep... church had open house today where we invited dover community ppl = ppl who stay around the church to our premise for a day of carnival, food, games and performances....quite tired but very enjoyable day.... Thank God for that.

 

[squeaks]

Heehee. That wasn't my cake. I don't even like that cake actually. I made it for a friends wedding. I've never liked cakes with flowers on them but what can you do? If the bride wants flowers, you make flowers!

Yes, everything is edible including the flowers put I wouldn't recommend eating them! There weren't that many people at the wedding, everyone went home with a piece and the rest was thrown out I think?

Oh well. Thanks for all the information Mrs. N! Maybe one day I will be advertising on this forum.. heehee. I'll give you guys special discounts.

 

[jessicatan]

Hi Mrs N

I am trying to relax but seems like it is rainning cats and dogs in Singapore. It will be very dreadful should it rain that day. Still stuck in HK.. hope to get back tomorrow. Flowers are not confirm.. have to meet up with a florist. Want to have Ivy leaves hanging from the underliner (tent). Well.. talk to you guys again when I come back end of the month. Have a nice time everybody....

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Jessica, weather is something which is out of our control so don't let it dictate your mood on the day. I can tell you honestly that it isn't the end of the world should it happen.

It also rained quite heavily on my wedding day. Like you before the wedding, I was hoping for sunshine and thought I'd be disppointed if it didn't happen. Well I didn't get sunshine but we never noticed the rain either. Yah it was wet, windy and all that but it didn't stop us from enjoying every minute of it. Anyway, the priest who married us told us that there is a saying that its suppose to be lucky if it rains on your wedding day - its a sign for brighter days ahead.

Good luck and whatever happens hope you will have a really nice, happy and memorable day.

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi Mrs N, did you have your wedding in Singapore as well? I wanted the wedding in Gretna Green actually with horse-drawn carriage haha but my mum isn't able to travel that far. I guess it's easier for me to plan the wedding here and I can get things done cheaper as well. Nah, not going to have a post celebration in England but we might meet up with some friends who couldn't make it for dinner. Maybe I'll save the barn dance for my anniversary!

Squeakers, where do you learn to design cakes from? I've been wanted to do that hehe but it seems so complicated with all the different type of icing and fondant... I bought a book on decorating cupcakes but haven't got around to starting it yet. Everytime I baked some, half of them would be gone before they're even slightly cooled oops... I like the 5 tier cake you did there. Looks very classic. Have you decided on what sort of decoration to go on the cake yet?

I know there's another shop opposite Newton Hawker that has baking supplies too http://www.b-i-y.com/ I tried to go there one Saturday evening but it was closed.

Hi hijessica, hehe I'm planning to have around 100 guests for my wedding too but it would be a standing buffet dinner at Burkill Hall. I wanted to have it at Aloha Changi chalet but they're doing some renovation on the same week. I guess you must be pretty nervous now! My wedding is about 3 months from now and I'm starting to worry lots now. Still have to get a caterer, band, chairs, JP, etc... At least my FH is arriving SG this Friday! I hope he wouldn't be too jetlagged this weekend ha
It has been raining quite a bit here in Singapore but mostly for a short while in the afternoon or evening. Hopefully it'll start to clear up on your wedding. Are you still sourcing for a florist?

 

[squeaks]

Hi Freaky!

All I can say is: practice, practice, practice! And if at first you don't succeed, eat all the evidence that you even tried!

It does take a lot of time, dedication, and some knowledge of physics. I wouldn't recommend someone trying to make their own wedding cake unless they have the time to practice. I'm making my own cake for the second reception here in the States and I'm already starting to practice the design! I've had many cake mishaps, including some toppling over or the decor sliding right off the cake. (yikes!)

Too bad I won't be in Singapore for your wedding or else I would have made your cake for you!

 

[mrs_n]

Hi Freaky, yeah the actual wedding was in England the post was in S'pore. Decided to do it this way as the trip was too long for my PILs plus BIL and SIL has 7 children between them so they couldn't come either as it was too expensive. Didn't want hubby to be alone on the wedding day.

My parents came up instead. I think the real expense came from the legal registration of our wedding, to get the home office approval (since I'm a foreigner) costs more than my wedding dress itself! Had our reception in the village hall so DIYed most stuff even to the extent of growing our own flowers for decoration. In terms of costs I don't think it was any more than in S'pore, in fact I think it was less as we kept things quite simple. But yes, generally things in UK are more expensive and even more so if your wedding takes place during the summer months. Hence why we got married in autumn when things were slowing down.

Oh! you should get a barn dance sometime. Hee! Hee! My hubby's 4 year old niece enjoyed herself so much at our wedding especially at the ceilidh that she asked me on Sunday if we were going to have another wedding again this year. Kids do come up with the funniest things.

Are your ILs coming down for your wedding? Bet you can't wait for Friday.

Squeakers, the name of the shop is called Phoon Huat. Didn't realise they had shops all over the place, I only knew the one in Sembawang.

Anyway, for all you cake decorating/baking enthusiast thought this might interest you:

http://wineanddine.asiaone.com.sg/news/features/20051204_001.html

 

[freakyfairy]

Hi Squeakers, haha that's what I have been doing! The last time I made some venetian biscuit with swirly pipping bag, it turned out looking so horrible, I gobbled everything up with my FH. He looked so happy to be allowed to eat everything all up

I wouldn't even attempt making my own wedding cake. I think I'll end up buying a backup cake in the end if I were to do that hehe. That's very nice of you to want to bake me a cake!

A silly question here, how does one cut a multi-tier cake? Wouldn't cutting the top tier mess up the icing on the lower tier?

Mrs N, Yeah I saw the charges for fiance(e) visa and spouse visa which is ridiculous! I'm actually quite scared of going to UK without a visa. I nearly got deported once cos they wouldn't believe I'll be heading home after the holiday haha! I've always wanted a wedding with barn dance and may pole! They just look so fun. My FH is thinking of getting a croquet set for the wedding but it might be too dark to play for the evening though.

My ILs and my FH's sister, brother and his wife are coming down for our wedding. One of his good friends is definitely flying over with hotel and flight all booked. Some of his friends are probably not going to make it though. I guess I should be singing to The Cure's Friday I'm in Love right now

There is a Phoon Huat near my place too! Never realise quite how many outlets they have

 

[squeaks]

Hi freaky!

Its not a silly question at all! In fact there are diagrams created for kitchen staff so they know how to cut it properly. They actually take the cake apart in the kitchen, removing the non-edible stuff first and then they take down the layers. (Assuming it is a tiered, or high stacked cake with cake plates... if its just cake stacked onto cake then they cut it on a stool. LOL) Most cakes especially the tall ones have 'dowels' or wooden sticks on the inside that support the structure. This is where physics kicks in because you have to figure out how much weight the dowels can support and more importantly the centre of gravity.. or else its splat!!! Haha.

 

[montcalm]

Hi there , I am new to this thread. I think Pine Gardens in Ang Moh Kio really do have a wonderful selection of wedding cakes

 

[mrs_n]

That's very useful info to know Squeakers. You can be our resident cake cutting decorating expert.

Ha! Ha! I always thought you cut the bottom layer first because its the biggest and that's what the guests gets.

Hi Shantair

, want to tell us more about yourself?

 

[mrs_n]

Yah Freaky, visa fees are just ridiculous. But its cheaper to apply for your spouse visa via the British High Comm in S'pore than to do it through the Home Office in England.

 

[montcalm]

Hello Mrs N , I am getting married in September to a French Canadian who lives in London . Trying my best to cope with all the wedding preparation myself cos due to work constraint my FH can only make it to Singapore end of August.

 

[squeaks]

hi shantair!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Let us know if you need any help or just give us wedding details. I feel like we're all friends here even though we haven't met in person. The more the merrier!

 

[montcalm]

Hi Squeakers , thank you for the welcome. I will definitely share my wedding preparations cos I have many doubts and I hope that some of you will be able to shed some light on things