Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

[iceglacier]

My coord is Zephyr, very nice girl. Could give you her contact if you want.

My AD is 6 Oct 2006. Still some time to the wedding but book early as we expect it to be a hot date.

Actually our intention was to have an outdoor soleminisation on our AD itself. So our we only considered hotels that would be able to provide such an outdoor event. We actually wanted Beaufort very badly, but decided against it cos it'll be a logistics nightmare and the ballroom was really too small. We liked the promenade at GWC, plus our co-ordinator was nice and gave us alot of stuff, so we decided to stick woth GWC.

I think the perks that can be negotiated are about the same for every hotel: free cockage for all hard liquer and wine, maybe an extra night stay, complementary day room etc. Can't remember all the free stuff but you can drop me a mail and i'll let you look at the soft copy of the contract.

 

[bugbear]

Hi Ice,

Is your solemnization at the Promenade free or do u have to pay for it? What is the arrangement like? Tables + how many chairs?

I couldn't send you PM. Can I take a look at your soft copy contract pls? [email protected]

Many thanks!

 

[bugbear]

Hi All,

Can i check if GCW has 1 or 2 projector screens? Do we need to bring in our own projectors or will the hotel provide that FOC?

 

[iceglacier]

Bugbear,

Can't remember how many screens there are, think there's only one. Projectors are not specified in the package but you can always ask them to give it to you at no charge (like we did and make them include it in the contract).

 

[bugbear]

Hi Ice...thanks. Will speak to my coord then

 

[peg76]

Hope i am not interrupting

Bugbear
FYI, there are two screens in the grand ballroom... there was no charge for using the 2 projectors too...

had my AD there last nov...was a great experience just that it was over too fast...

 

[bugbear]

Hi Peg76, thanks!
I thought there was only 1 screen

Ooh, good to hear that they will throw in the projectors as well.

Care to share more of your wonderful experience with me, pls? How's the food, portion, ambience, service?

Any photos to share??

Thanks loads!

 

[peg76]

good morning bugbear,

We used the 2 screens to show some pics and then also the highlights/pics of our choldhood, courtship, ROM, photoshoot and customery.

I think the eye-catching moment for the guests was when the hotel drew the curtains when we were on the stage for the toasting....

food was very good that night, better than the good tasting one.

service wise, differs from the various tables...some said very good, some actually complained....

what is your email address? I will try to send u the pics today or tomorrow..

 

[bugbear]

Hi Peg76. Good to hear that the food is good. My parents are quite particular about food.
My email is: [email protected]
Thanks in advance!

Also, can share with me roughly how much beer/wine did your guests consumed? How many tables you have?

 

[ayane]

Hi Peg76,

Could you pls share your pics with me too? Grand Copthorne is at the top of my list

but my parents need some convincing as i think the older folks are not familiar with this hotel.. any good comments about the whole process so i can "sell" it my parents, hehe! [email protected]

anyone knows if they are having a bridal fair soon? heard from divine that they were supposed to have it with GCW, but the dates din match, so they did it with pan pac in the end.. any idea how we can find out these things? tried calling them to ask but they just said no plans yet..

 

[bugbear]

Hi Peg76, do you happen to have the soft-copy of the ballroom layout? Can also send that to me, pls? Thanks.

 

[lourdes]

hi peg76,

can share your pictures with me as well? Thanks! [email protected]

 

[bugbear]

Hi hi...

Any of you thinking of bringing in your own beer? Any idea what the corkage is like?

 

[lourdes]

hi peg76,

it's me again if you don't mind, can email me the soft copy of the contract as well? Thanks alot!

 

[peg76]

hi ladies,

Just sent out the email...

 

[peg76]

Bugbear,
Think it is more advisable to get the beer from the hotel.

 

[peg76]

ayane
True, location of grand copthorne is not very good..we heard a lot of feedback from pp before the dinner. But we did not pay much attention, firstly, bec i like the hotel and it is our wedding, not theirs, secondly, too late to change.

One way to overcome this, is to print the location map for your guests or if you want can charter a coach for them also.

Bec there is a few copthorne hotel around (copthorne Orchid/copthorne King), there may be a tendency for your guests to go to the wrong hotel...so make sure, you tell them again when they RSVP.

 

[bugbear]

Thanks Peg76. I received already.

 

[ayane]

Thanks Peg76!

The backdrop of the stage is indeed very unique! I like it!

Was just wondering if the display/flower deco are standard.. i like those that have raised flowers on alternate tables (saw that at the intercon wedding show last week, very pretty!). do we get to opt for those at GCW, or do we have to pay extra?

Oh, do they provide a personal concierge that will be with us throughout the dinner to prompt us on when to go up and change for second march-in etc.. understand that some other hotels like Raffles the Plaza has that. I am really rather clueless and afraid that may get carried away and forget what i have to do during the whole dinner, haha!

sorry for my many questions! ;p

 

[peg76]

ayane
the flowers are done by june florist. we just chose the basic package, no top ups needed.

GCW will assign a captain for u that night, he will be the one who will prompt u when to go n change, when to march in, when to go outside and say bye bye to your guests etc. Everything happens very fast and it is very impt that you have someone to keep track for u. It would also help if you appt a co-ordinator to work with the captain.

I think this is different from what RTP provides, if i am not wrong, RTP's personal concierge helps u with almost everything from the moment u check in. This was the impression that they gave me when we were still in the midst of shortlisting the hotels.

lourdes,
sorry, cannot find the contract...

 

[bugbear]

Ayane, now GCW has 2 florists. Steffi and June. According to the coord, u can choose flowers between the 2 florists. Need not take everything from 1 florists. Can also go visit the florists and talk to them about the flowers or arrangements. The florists will then advice if additional charges is required.

GCW will not have the personal concierge. They will only have the banquet manager/captain who will remind u when u need to go change, how much time u will be given, etc. The captain will stay at the ballroom, he will not follow u like RTP concierge. Best to have a jie mei or a time-keeper to help u keep track of the time.

 

[odiey]

Hi Peg76
can i view your photos as well? [email protected]

I'm having my banquet in Sept, interested to see how Jun Florist's decor is like. So far i ve seen Steffi and they seemed quite nice.

 

[bugbear]

odiey, u have ur banquet in the grand ballroom as well? How's prep so far?

 

[peg76]

odiey
you got mail.

 

[odiey]

Tks Peg76. You look great! Like a princess =)

Hi Bugbear,
Yah, my banquet will be at the grand ballroom. Just started my gown design only. Not much prep done other than that. What abt yourself? when's the wedding?

 

[bugbear]

Hi odiey, mine will be in Oct, haven't confirmed the venue yet. Meeting the coord next week, probably will sign next week
So far, i have confirmed my gown designs already. going for first fitting in mid-apr. other than that also nothing done

 

[bugbear]

Morning Gals,

Any ex-brides here used the grand ballroom with straight march-in? Any idea what is the max number for L-shape march-in?

For those straight march-in, will the curtain be opened to show the garden? When will be the best time for that? Any floor plan can send to me for reference, pls?

thanks.

 

[peg76]

odiey
thanks for the compliments.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear,
My wedding was held there two years ago. I had a straight march. The curtain was opened after my second march.
The max table for L-March was 35 if I had not rememeber wrongly. You can check it out with yr cordinator. He or she will be the best person to advise you. All the best for yr wedding prep.

 

[honeydew]

Hi Peg76,

Can you share your photos with me as well? My email is [email protected]

Thanks.

 

[honeydew]

Hi floral,

We were told that we are not allowed to have straight march-in. So the coordinator suggested that we have a L-shape march-in instead....Frankly speaking, I don't really like it coz i prefer straight march-in.Are there any special arrangements or conditions in order for you to have a straight march-in?

May I know how many tables do you have? I only know that the min table for the Grand Ballroom is 35 tables.

 

[bugbear]

Hi floral, thanks. I checked with the coord. He say that if i want a L-marchin, the max is 50 tables...that would mean that i have to have a mix of 6ft and 5ft tables

Hi honeydew, we definitely can have the straight marchin. It actually depends on the number of tables u have. If more than 50 tables, can only have the straight marchin.

How many tables do u have? Is it bcos that your table number will look better with L marchin? The whole ballroom will look more filled.

 

[psmissyou]

hi ladies,

just to share my experience with grand copthorne waterfront.

i had my wedding last year dec. altogether, i had about 60 tables. coordinators were nice initially however be more aware of the actual day as the coordinator are only selling the package and not dealing with the events on the AD.

the after dinner complainats from friends is that they did not have enough waiters and waitresses for my 60 tables. probably about 1 to 3 or 4 tables. whatever they ordered, they really had to wait. you wouldn't feel it at the VIP tables as there is 1 waiter to your table.

the next think is that there is no dresser in the bridal suite therefore it is kind of difficult for your make-up artiste. after shower, you will realise that you have flooded the whole bathroom due to bad design.

during breakfast, the manager for the breakfast area was very rude to us as he stated that there was no seats left and most seats are for in-house guests. well, my friends were staying in another 4 rooms that night so we were quite offended. seems that they do look at the colour of our skin.

we parted unhappily the next day when the so-call 2nd in-charge tried to rebuke everything that we said. my husband was not pushy thus we ended paying the bill and go.

it is very sad to know that hotel highest management gives super bad service. the co-ordinator did try to give us extra stay, free dinner... but we rejected as i really do not feel like stepping back to the hotel.

grand copthorne was my first choice and very sad to say they probably did spoil my day.

 

[honeydew]

Hi BugBear,

It is confirmed that I am not able to have straight march-in. I only have 35 tables...so sad

So I think the coordinator had suggested a L-shape march-in because my no. of tables is less than 50

Hi psmissyou,

Sorry to heard abt your bad experience with GCW. I'm surprised that being a 5 stars hotel, they have dresses in the bridal suite!

My banquet would also be held at GCW this coming sept and I'm quite worried after reading your post.... is there anything else that i should look out for?

Thanks!

 

[bugbear]

Hi honeydew, maybe bcos u only have 35 tables...that's why if u take the straight marchin, the whole ballroom will look quite empty, cos the straight march can hold up to 60 tables. Actually, having the L-march is nice also...with the garden as the backdrop. I am looking at 50 tbales and coordinator suggest the straight...but i am trying to squeeze my guest list down to get the L-march

psmissyou, i am so sorry to hear of your bad experience and i am very worried as well. My banquet wil be in Oct. The room without a propoer dresser is also my concern. The suite itself is quite small. i also have a headache, dunno how to let my MUA work on me. Maybe will bring my own mirror?

Think i had better go talk to my coord regarding the waiters/waitresses.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear and Honeydew,
My wedding was two years ago every thing went well on that day. Before the dinner at around 5pm in the evening we met up with the coordinator and banquet manager as well as the team of staff to discuss the whole event of the night. The timing when to do the first march and ......
We also manage to meet up with the chef on that day.
All my guests and relatives gave very pleasant feedback. They love the food, service and .....
There is no worry that you need to bring a mirror along. There is a dresser in the suite.If you are worry ask yr coordinator to show you the room when you go yr next appt with them.
Btw I had 40 tables. I had a straight march.

 

[psmissyou]

hi bugbear and honeydew,

there is a mirror in the toilet and a long, movable mirror in the room. what i did was that i push the mirror to the 'business table' so as to facilitate my MUA. I was told by my co-ordinator that they had already given me an upgrade for my suite so if upgraded bridal suite doesn't hv a dresser in the room then i guess flora might might a better suite.

it is a must to get your friends and husband to co-ordinate with the banquet manager and co-ordinator. from what i gather from my friends, the hotel staff are not too accomodating. well, i waited quite a while for my 2nd march as the music did not start. the whole ballroom was in a shock when the music started suddenly and very loud during the 1st dish. all these were rehearsed earlier.

the food for GCW was still food but as for the rest.... it is good to let them know about the songs, march in and waitresses.... we really quite qing cai and sort of trust the hotel but i guess, it wasn't the same case for me. 60 tables and such bad quality. i guess GCW is probably only good in managing lesser tables.

 

[peg76]

Hi,
I also upgraded my suite..I dun remember there is a dresser in the room, but my MUA had no problem abt it...

We had 35 tables that night and we did a L-shaped march-in. The tables that they provided were also bigger than normal, so that the ballroom does not look too empty and my guests were very comfortable. Some of my guests did complained abt the service..the waiters were very slow. One of my relatives actually complained to my Mom and my mom brought it up to the Captain's attention, and then that table becomes a "VIP" table, special service. My colleagues did feedback to me also, but it was after a few days already, one of them was served the fish head and tail. I really got so mad on this that i called up my co-ordinator and complained to her...

Food wise...no complaints..better than the food tasting one.

Actually, I still must give thanks to the captain, as the night went on very smoothly (minus the complaints, which we did not get to know until the next morning). He was very prompt and he worked very closely with our co-ordinator. The march in was also done prompty with the music.

My co-ordaintor, Grace was also very accommodating, esp when my AD draws near. She even help us print our duty/table lists on the day of the dinner. hahha, we were still doing our table arrangements on the morning of the dinner.

I must also add that we did a sound and visual test the day before our dinner, with the technicans, to make sure that everything runs smoothly and to let them know, at what pt, u will march in.

Overall, I must add that the experience i had with GCW was a happy and enjoyable one.

 

[peg76]

honeydew,
just dropped u an email.

psmissyou
sorry to hear abt your experience.

 

[bugbear]

Hi ladies, need some help. I am kind of stucked in between the straight and L-marchin

With about 48+2 reserve, should i go for the L-marchin where i will need to have mix of big and small tables, or should i just go for the straight marchin and have all the same size table?

What do you ladies feel? Would having the garden as backdrop look better?
Thanks.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear,
I personally felt a straight march is more grand. Is really up to you. You can go down to GCW to take a look at yr ballroom when there is a wedding to see the L-march and straight march. In this way you will be able to visualize better. Hope this suggestion will help you to make a better choice.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear,
You can look back at the Archieve Jan 10 and Mar 01, 04. There is some pix of the bridal room that one of the past bride post. Her room lay out is the same as the one they provide for during my wedding.
For the ballroom L-march, you could look into Archieve Aug 18, 04 at the GCW ballroom thread if you did not manage going thru the past thread.

 

[honeydew]

Hi Peg76,

Received. Thanks!

You looks great!!!

Hi BugBear,

For my personal view, I prefer straight march-in. As what flora said, it's look more grand. But for me, I've got no choice, have to go for L-marchin.

 

[odiey]

Hi psmissyou,

quite concerned when i read your comments. Hmm... muz definitely feedback to my coordinator. As for the service, I have heard similar complaints before, but i thot min they are supposed to have 1 waitress to 2 tables? better confirm again.

As for the suite, i have viewed the Junior Suite (Bridal Suite) & the Riverfront Suite. The Junior Suite has a dresser but not the Riverfront Suite, but Riverfront Suite has 2 bathrooms while Junior Suite has only one and it's in the living room. So it depends on your needs. My coordinator did highlight abt the dresser to me. I guess Peg76 & psmissyou had the Riverfront Suite. Mebbe GCW shld look into having dressers in all their suites.

Hi Bugbear,
I kind of like the L-shape march in as the stage will be in front of the garden and it's nice when the curtain opens during the champagne pouring. Of course it will be ideal if it's straight march in and the garden is still behind the stage!

 

[bugbear]

Oh Odiey! Yeah, it would have been perfect if it's a straight march and the garden is behind!!

Flora, Honeydew, thanks for the feedback. I personaly also like straight march, but bcos of the garden..sigh

Flora, thanks for the link. Will check that out.

 

[bugbear]

Hi Flora, yours is a straight march? that means the garden is by the side? Can share some photos with me, pls? thanks.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear
Leave yr email add.

 

[bugbear]

Hi flora, thanks. email: [email protected]

 

[bugbear]

Hi Gals, now that i have confirmed the venue, was thinking of working on some kind of count down checklist/timeline. Any of you have one that i can reference to? eg: when to go prepare stuffs for GDL, when to select cards, when to do food tasting, etc.

Looks like i have a lot of things not done, but when i want to do it, dunno start from where.

 

[flora]

Hi Bugbear,
I will send you the photo tonight or tomorrow.