Hi JCK,
Think the couple you were talking about using the roses and lilies is probably me, assuming you visited the East India Rooms. I held my wedding solemnisation there in mid Dec and I must say I still had fond memories of the whole affair.
My wedding coordinator was initially Melanie and like what most of you stated, she is really friendly, professional and accommodating. When we finally decided to meet up to discuss on the wedding details, we realised that she had left the company and Sharul took over.
The first meeting with him was really quite frustrating. Every little detail we discussed was ultimately about topping up extra money. Suddenly the good impression I had of the hotel went puffed!
I had my solemnisation at The Lawn and thereafter western buffet lunch at East India Rooms. The initial agreement between myself and Melanie was such that if inclement weather sets in and The Lawn could not be used, she would use the smaller Casuarina Room for the solemnization. And I only had to pay for the rental of The Lawn in that case. But when we spoke to Sharul, he claimed that should it rain, we had also to pay for the alternative room (on top of paying for The Lawn)since it will also be reserved for our affair. We stressed that it would be unfair on our part and that this wasn't what was agreed upon earlier when I had the contract signed. After which during our next meeting, he backed down and said we needn't pay for the other venue.
Another thing about Sharul is that he is not quite forthcoming when it comes to decor. As the only album for reference to the decor has only that limited type of floral arrangements and types of flowers, I would seriously advise you to single out any type of floral decor you see in magazines and bring it along to show him. Also, insist that you see the materials for the table cloths and chair covers. The name of the colour (Tiffiny Blue) may sound fanciful but ultimately may not be what you like. The best is also to look at set-up weddings. It's the best way to know what materials look good in what type of setting and lightings.
The initial meetings with Sharul was pretty frustrating and it's REALLY difficult to reach him over the phone. He is usually not at his desk and he doesn't return calls ! But must say he made everything so perfect on that actual day; he was there every step of the way to ensure that things were ok (But actually having a good coordinator makes a difference too. I had a close gal pal of mine to coordinate things with the hotel while I tend to other things about a week prior to the wedding). So must give him that little credit too lah !
Otherwise, everything was good. I had my invitation cards printed at America Wedding Treasures and the lady there, Ginger, she is hilariously funny and very friendly. Many paid compliments that my card is very 'sweet' since I also included a prose in the beginning. And I requested for 100% for the cards as we wanted to invite more people though we are quite sure some will not turn up (it's Dec and many will be away for hols). Oh...my lunch venue requires a min pax of 100 though it can seat 120. It's small and narrow no doubt but if you are looking for a cosy affair, it's a pretty good place.
Everyone paid compliments about the food on our western buffet menu esp the desserts. My mother-in-law usually doesn't have a sweet tooth but she kept complimenting about their desserts and food. Other friends loved their roast lamb, seafood in pernod sauce, soup and others.
Friends and family who attended our solemnisation had nothing but praise for the ambience, food and service. Though the older folks may think that it is a bit on the pricey side, but we felt the hotel made everything turned out just the way we wanted...or even better. Actully it's the ambience that will stick to a person's mind though I must add Singaporeans also love to compare standards of food. Luckily RH did not disappoint in the two areas. I will definitely recommend RH to others.
As for the timing for your solemnisation, anything beyond 10.30am will be HOT, HOT, HOT ! So try for the evening say after 6pm which is much cooler though I must add that day pictures actually look better since The Lawn is not very well lit up at night.
My lunch package is pretty standard: cards, decor along aisle and stage, wedding favours, model wedding cake for cake-cutting purposes, champagne popping, free flow of drinks and mixers for the whole event and cocktails for the pre-solemnisation at The Lawn, Discounts at Amrita Spa, car passes, wedding car to be parked at the front hotel. Pretty standard items though must say the dinner package got more freebies lah. But i managed to negotiate during Melanie's time for a night's stay (since accordingly to Melanie "these are items at no cost"). We loved the night's stay and breakfast at Tiffin's Room was fabulous !
Hotel is just one part of the wedding, the rest is very much left to your planning and having a keen eye for details. Fortunately we had a bunch of good friends who took a lot of effort to ensure everything went right.
Anyway, hope my little piece of advice helps and have fun planning for the wedding. Rest assure, it will turn out just the way you want to though it may not seem that way at times.