Raffles Hotel

lyons · Dec 4, 2006

hi lilo, I think it's a separate doc cos I haven't signed it yet. Think they'll let you decide somewhere around the food tasting period so that you can always change your mind if you don't want a real cake from outside source at the last minute. Think there's no website for Sir Charles.

Sure.. can have table. I'll do it but I need your details. How about the below? If have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know!

<table border=1><tr><td>Nick</TD><TD>AD</TD><TD>Venue @ Raffles Hotel</TD><TD>Florist</TD><TD>Wedding Cake Caterer (if any) </TD></TR><TR><TD>bride (lyons)</TD><TD>27 Oct 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>Sir Charles</TD><TD>Pine Gardens / The Pattisier </TD></TR><TR><TD></td></tr></table>

bliss77 · Dec 4, 2006

Hi gals,

Sorrie for interrupting this discussion... I'm meeting Pauline this Fri, and am wondering what additional perks they can do.. Basically FH and myself are poor negotiators, and I'm so sian that I missed the Oct wedding show altogether.. did any of u sign up after the Oct wedding show and still manage to get the perks offered at the show? Or u can drop me an email at [email protected] to share...thanks.

lyons · Dec 4, 2006

hi Jul, you can try asking Pauline to extend the wedding show perks to you. Cos if she doesn't, raffles very very difficult to negotiate for more perks one. but don't worry, pauline's a very nice lady

lilo_stitch · Dec 4, 2006

bride, me still thinkin wan real or dummy cake. thanks for e table, my details 28/12/07.

jul, what perks u askin? i tot their packages consider very details.

bliss77 · Dec 4, 2006

Hi bride & lilo, thanks, i'll see what i can get from Raffles then. =)

lyons · Dec 4, 2006

hi lilo, where will you be having your wedding? the lawn, main ballroom or straits room etc?

lilo_stitch · Dec 5, 2006

bride, my wedding will be main ballroom at 28/12/07

lyons · Dec 5, 2006

<table border=1><tr><td>Nick</TD><TD>AD</TD><TD>Venue @ Raffles Hotel</TD><TD>Florist</TD><TD>Wedding Cake Caterer (if any) </TD></TR><TR><TD>bride (lyons)</TD><TD>27 Oct 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>Sir Charles</TD><TD>Pine Gardens / The Pattisier </TD></TR><TR><TD>lilo_stitch (lilo_stitch) </TD><TD>28 Dec 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>TBA</TD><TD>TBA </TD></TR><TR><TD></td></tr></table>

iceberg005 · Dec 5, 2006

Hi ladies,

I am looking into having my wedding in Raffles Hotel. Can someone share their wedding package with me? In addition, can I also find out the type of perks they provide at the wedding show cos I missed it.

Thanks a million.

vanadis82 · Dec 6, 2006

wah, I went overseas for a few days and the forum is lively again!!! Add me to the table too! Mine is 2nd Dec 2007, Main Ballroom. Guess will use Sir Charles as well and probably dummy cake.

btw Bride, you are getting married on the same day as my buddy! too bad i cant attend her wedding cos of the 3-mth thing...

vanadis82 · Dec 6, 2006

Btw Jul and iceberg,
I don't think they will extend the perks from the wedding show because you had to sign the agreement by 31st Oct 2006. Thats one of the reasons why i rushed to confirm with Raffles by then.

lyons · Dec 6, 2006

<table border=1><tr><td>Nick</TD><TD>AD</TD><TD>Venue @ Raffles Hotel</TD><TD>Florist</TD><TD>Wedding Cake Caterer (if any) </TD></TR><TR><TD>bride (lyons)</TD><TD>27 Oct 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>Sir Charles</TD><TD>Pine Gardens / The Pattisier </TD></TR><TR><TD>minmin (vanadis82) </TD><TD>2 Dec 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>Sir Charles</TD><TD>Using Dummy Cake </TD></TR><TR><TD>lilo_stitch (lilo_stitch) </TD><TD>28 Dec 07</TD><TD>Main Ballroom</TD><TD>TBA</TD><TD>TBA </TD></TR><TR><TD></td></tr></table>

bliss77 · Dec 7, 2006

Hi gals,

Thanks for all your advice...Checked already, they can't extend the show perks to me... =( I hope to firm up on the wedding venue soon.. Actually, one of the main considerations is the capacity thingy, we'll hit 25 tables and I'm abit worried that it may be squeezy in the main ballroom..then now i got additional input that we may hit more than 25 tables...duh duh.

vanadis82 · Dec 7, 2006

Hi Jul,

Your guest list already hit 25 tables? Is Raffles the only venue you are considering? What about Four Seasons? Realised that most people I know who considered Raffles will most likely have considered Four Seasons. FS takes min 25 tables.
I saw the ballroom setup for 25 tables at Raffles ballroom. It was like just nice. Wont be able to fit more than that already.

lilo_stitch · Dec 7, 2006

jul, me also might have more than 25table (like 28table), will ask parents or reduce guest if not will have another day for friend only, still go ahead w raffles

bliss77 · Dec 7, 2006

Hi ladies, yes, i'm considering between Raffles & Four Seasons. Its a tough choice; i'll get to meet both coordinators soon and see how it goes.. keep u gals posted!

lyons · Dec 7, 2006

hi jul, I would suggest, that you try four seasons because if your tables are already 25, chances are that they will increase by the time of your wedding next year. Unless you're willing to be like lilo, where you split your friends on another day. If not, cutting back tables can be really tough...

ladyk · Dec 7, 2006

hi ladies!!

i'm considering to do wedding luncheon @ raffles hotel. any comments? or anyone has the package for it? can share with me? thanks so much...

email: [email protected]

iceberg005 · Dec 7, 2006

Thanks for all the advice, ladies.

Do you know how much is the rental of the lawn? Is that a separate charge in addition to the wedding package?

yelody · Dec 12, 2006

Hi Iceberg005,

Its not a seperate charge. Its with the wedding package.

I had my ROM at the lawn of raffles hotel in oct06.

The place is really nice. You wont regret it.

lyons · Dec 13, 2006

hi yelody, do you have pics to share? if you do, can you send to me please?
[email protected]

sweetpea_lee · Dec 15, 2006

Hi Ladies
Does anyone have recommendations for wedding coordinators at raffles? I have met up with one of them but she doesnt seem so good, never get back to us!

vanadis82 · Dec 15, 2006

Hi yelody,
I asked my coordinator, they said I had to top up $1000 to use the lawn on the actual day before the wedding dinner. I think somewhere in the earlier thread Vez mentioned smth like that too.

lyons · Dec 15, 2006

hi sweet pea, my coordinator's pauline. hopefully she isn't the one you're talking about

she's ok for me

drusilla · Dec 20, 2006

Hi everyone! I've just decided on Raffles

Mine would be in late June 07. Will be signing the contract sometime next week. Is there anything I should look out for before signing? Are there any perks that could be negotiated?

So glad one problem has been settled! The next hunt would be for bridal studio

vanadis82 · Dec 20, 2006

Hi drusilla,

you managed to sign the dinner package even though you only have 6 more mths to go for your wedding? Were you on waiting list at all?

I think as with most of us, we agree that Raffles already provides a very comprehensive package. Things that are most important are what will be stated in your contract. Just make sure whatever you and your coordinator agreed upon is in black and white. We revised ours 4 times before we signed!

serapheve · Dec 20, 2006

Hi there Minmin!

How ya been? Just got back to Singapore after being away for some time. Happy to see that this thread has been very active

Wow, you signed the contract already? I dont think Ive done that as Ive only paid the deposit during the wedding fair in July. No news from Raffles since. Thought they should be contacting me but no news so far.

Any advice on the stuff I should look out for before signing the contract? And also what sorta stuff can be revised?

Think I better get down to it soon as fiance would be going overseas for a 4 month posting soon!!

drusilla · Dec 20, 2006

Hi there!

Nope, we were not on the waiting list ... only contacted Raffles for the 1st time last week and yes, we managed to get a date ('cos we are not too particular about the date as long as it falls on a Sat/Sun) ;p

Thanks, will look at the terms carefully before signing. I must agree that the package is already quite comprehensive. On top of the package, we managed to negotiate for corkage waiver on 6 bottles of wine/hard liquor and free use of the jubilee lounge for our tea ceremony before the dinner. Everything else that we need is already in the package so I *hope* there will not be any other hidden costs.

Is there a need to top-up cash for the florists, you think? The flower arrangements in the pictures shown to me by the coordinator looked really decent compared to the other hotels.

The coordinator offered one of the smaller function rooms as the cocktail receiption area if it is not booked up on the wedding day, but I am still considering whether to take up the offer 'cos I thought it might be confusing for the guests who would probably be gathering outside the ballroom itself. Hmm...

Anyone else having tea ceremony at the hotel? I am wondering what time the tea ceremony should commence. Am wondering if it is just before the dinner, whether I would have enough time to make-up and change. But if it is in the late afternoon, then I don't know what to do with the guests during the time between the ceremony and the dinner. Hmmm...any suggestions?

vanadis82 · Dec 21, 2006

Hi Vez!

Good to see you back! Hmmm, you mean you weren't given the contract before paying? The contract should include in black and white whatever you have negotiated for, etc for mine, i asked them to state down even the special room rates that will be given to my guests in case there's a hike again next yr. think better contact your coordinator to ask.

drusilla,
i think the floral setup is quite simple, but enough to decorate the ballroom. anyway i was thinking that its only for that one day and we wont get to bring back those flowers, so we'll probably keep the cost low. btw how come you are not having tea ceremony in the morning? i feel that if you want to have your tea ceremony in the hotel in the evening, you could do your make up and have it in the suite or the function room just before dinner commences.

serapheve · Dec 21, 2006

Hi Minmin!

Thanks for the warm welcome and prompt reply

The only thing we saw were the handouts in the package that was given out during the wedding fair. Then we were given a official receipt as we put down a $3.8K deposit. That's all. She said she'll get back to us...and that was in July...sigh...Been too busy since then to actually sit down and think of what's missing. Finally settled my projects at work so can pay a bit more attention to wedding details. Assumed that the wedding coordinator would know best.

Tried calling her this morning and heard that she is away till Tuesday. Will contact her then I guess. She better remember that Ive booked the lawn too or else I think I'll TOTALLY flip!!

Other than room rates, any other stuff we should put into the contract? Im thinking of exchanging table centre pieces for something else.

Drusilla,
If Im not wrong, there's 3 different floral arrangements we can choose from. Found them rather simple too. Those which looked nice required us to top up lotsa money. As such, I'll also go with 1 of the 3 standard setups. We can decide on the colours and flowers though, as long as it's in season.

drusilla · Dec 22, 2006

Hi there, girls!

My solemnisation is this Saturday (1 day away!!) and I went to do mani+pedicure with nail art today. So happy

Anyway, that's besides the point. Heh. Vez, care to share what were the perks given at the wedding fair?

Minmin, I don't feel like doing tea ceremony in the morning 'cos I don't like to wake up early. Hee, so am looking at only doing the tea ceremony just before the dinner then attend the dinner. Simple as that, I hope. Nothing elaborate going on in the early part of the day, so I won't feel stressed out.

Have you girls decided on your gowns yet? I've shortlisted a few studios, but haven't really gone down to try out the gowns. Hope there'll be enough time to do a make-to-measure one. Anyone going for the D'sire wedding show? I thought the vintage ones might be apt for a Raffles wedding

serapheve · Dec 22, 2006

Hi there Drusilla,

You must be really excited! Congrats on your big day tomorrow!

I wonder if I'll be able to sleep the night be my wedding! Haha!!

Perks given out at the wedding fair were
1) 6 extra bottle of wine OR 1 extra 20l barrel of beer
2) waiver on corkage for 12 bottles of alcohol
3) anniversary dinner
Hmm, cant recall what else...that's all I remember. Hope it helps!

It shouldnt be a problem to have a MTM gown. I'll only be going for my first fitting on 11th Jan. The bridal studio is also in Raffles hotel. Decided to get everything done there.

sweetpea_lee · Dec 23, 2006

Hi Girls

For those who did not sign up at the wedding fair, do you mind sharing what you managed to negotiate for with the alcohol? I really love the raffles to bits, but the potential cost of the additional alcohol at the raffles is putting my fiance off

The package gives 1 bottle of wine per table, but we estimate we would need at least 2 bottles of wine per table. It seems to be the have the highest charge for the alcohol amongst the hotels so far as wine corkage is 35+ per table or 50+ per bottle of house wine...

vanadis82 · Dec 26, 2006

Hi sweet pea,

we managed to get $20 per bottle of wine corkage. thats the lowest they could offer us. We also changed out the barrel of beer for additional bottles of house wine cos think most of our guests would prefer wine. maybe you could do that too if wine is essential for your dinner?

drusilla,
how was your big day? Must have been very exciting!!

Vez, Bride,
I finally got my rings!! Its the pair I had been eyeing for 3 mths, has got white gold, yellow gold and row of diamonds. almost gave up hope having it cos previously FH thought it was on the ex side, and he preferred something simple. Last fri he brought me to buy it! So so happy! now its my turn to look forward to my ROM.

esther_c · Dec 26, 2006

hi minmin,may i ask who is your coordinator?tx

vanadis82 · Dec 26, 2006

hi meimei,
my coord is annabel.

sweetpea_lee · Dec 26, 2006

Hi Min Min thanks so much for your comments! Thats such a gd idea! How many bottles of house wine were they willing to exchange for the barrel of beer?

vanadis82 · Dec 26, 2006

hi sweetpea,
i managed to get 8 bottles of house wine. but think depends on your coordinator and how you negotiate. they dun really have fixed thing. my MIL very good at bargaining thats why.

serapheve · Dec 26, 2006

Hi there Minmin!

Your ring sounds lovely!! Im sure it's gorgeous!

So coincidental!! I also got my rings recently...but it was yesterday, Christmas day. But somehow I feel that it isn't the one I truly feel comfortable with...thinking of going back to change mine...

I got it as it matches my engagement ring but I'm unsure now as it looks kinda odd on it's own. It's a good thing I've not engraved anything and they have a 30 days exchange period!

Hey Minmin and other Raffles brides,

Really seek your advice and views on whether a fine thin wedding ring or thicker wedding ring would look nicer? I'm thinking of exchanging my Tiffany band (pointy thin band) for the Lucida ring (either the 3mm or 6mm)...My FH chose the 6mm Lucida for himself. Think u would be able to see them at the Tiffany's website. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!

lilo_stitch · Dec 27, 2006

wow.. nice to see more raffles bride

who will e 1st 2007 bride to have dinner at raffles?

vez, thickness i thk depend on ur finger, mine was 6mm thk as i dont like n also dont look nice for 3mm

vanadis82 · Dec 27, 2006

Hi Vez,
I think its all up to personal preference. I like thicker rings and those with more weight. Cos I want to wear my wedding rings for lifetime and want to get those that will last. Both mine and FH's rings are about 6mm. Scared thin ones will break or bend easily.

Ultimately also depends on whether you wear other rings on your fingers often. If you like to accessorise then maybe thin band wont look too complicated and easier to match with other jewellery. I got a more complicated design for my wedding band because i think thats about the only jewellery i will wear other than earrings.

btw, Tiffany website cant load cos internet is affected by taiwan earthquake.

Maybe can send a picture of your rings to my email? [email protected]

jcolas77 · Dec 29, 2006

Dear gals,

I don't want to break your bubble with Raffles Hotel but I've just had my wedding last weekend and it has been a terrible experience, from the time I booked the banquet to the day of my wedding. If you have already booked with the hotel, you can use this as reference. If you have not, you might want to reconsider.

Booking of Banquet
I booked the banquet with Agnes. She served me okay, just rather slow in replying emails, but still good. However, after I paid the deposit, I did not hear from RH until 2 months prior to my wedding.

2 Months to Wedding
My wedding coordinator was suddenly changed to Pauline. My goodness. This is where my nightmare starts!

Firstly, I must say she is so inattentive to the needs of her customers and it had caused me so much distress!

I have repeatedly ask to view the suite as my husband had to fetch me from the hotel (my family don't live in Singapore). I asked to view it after my food tasting as my family will be around. But she was nowhere to be found and she did not even bother to reply that the suite is not available.

AFter the food tasting...and after giving my comments to the chef, I had to repeat my choice of dishes all over again (off my head) as she did not get the list from the chef after the food tasting.

I booked an additional room and requested for a double-bed room for my parents and sister but upon checked-in...i was given a king-size bed room instead. My poor sister had to suffer the sofa cos my request was not communicated by Pauline to the front desk. And I could not get the room changed as all the double-bed rooms were booked.

On my wedding day, all the request and event flow I've communicated to Pauline was not given to the Banquet manager and I had to REPEAT everything to him again!!!

My goodness! Talking to her is as good as not communicating at all. And the worst thing is this...please read on...

Conrad hotel offers reservation of carpark lots for their guest coming for wedding dinners. I asked Pauline if Raffles hotel offers the same. Guess what she replied me. These are the exact words "Raffles Hotel is a reputable hotel. We only do carpark reservations for guests at ministerial level. We don't reserve our carparks for any Tom, Dick or Harry."

That was of utmost insult and I was completely overwhelmed and too stunned to reply. Never had I expected staff of a reputable hotel, at the front line of service, to utter words of such condesending nature to their guests!

On the Wedding Day
And if you think the worst is over, nope. Their banquet manager is equally bad. He was late for the briefing before the banquet and I had to go round looking for him by asking the staffs in the ballroom. When he finally appeared, all he did was to introduce the AV guy and the captain to us..and poof...he disappeared again.

My goodness!!! This is such contrast to the service offered by Conrad. I had witnessed my friend's wedding (as a helper). The Banquet manager was punctual, polite, helpful. The one at RH is COMPLETELY OPPOSITE!!! My poor friend acting as my event coordinator had to run around coordinating with the waiters for the banquet.

After the whole event, I was simply shoved the bill to sign. No feedback was seek. You pay, you check out, and off you go.

So we, Tom, Dick and Harry, are not welcomed in Raffles Hotel. This is the worst hotel I had stayed in and its totally not worthy of its fame.

sweetpea_lee · Dec 29, 2006

oh dear jacqueline, i am really really sorry to hear what happened. its terrible that you are being treated so shoddily on and before your big day, especially since you are dropping tens of thousands of dollars by having a banquet there. no bride to be deserves to have this type of stress before the wedding day. we are seriously considering the RH but your comments certainly do scare me. i also had some problems initially with getting responses to my queries from the coordinator who seemed quite detached and 'transactional'and did not get back when she promised to tho i have since given her the benefit of the doubt and attributed that bad incident to the busy festive period.... but your comments are really making me reconsider now....

vanadis82 · Dec 29, 2006

Hi Jacqueline,

Did you feedback whatever that happened to manager of the catering department? if it were me, I would have asked to replace a coordinator and feedbacked the attitude of the staff immediately already. I would not expect such a service from Raffles hotel.

So far my experience has been quite pleasant. Annabel had been very courteous and helpful. I think you would have a right to ask for an explanation from the management if your experience at Raffles hotel caused any unhappiness.

jcolas77 · Dec 29, 2006

hi sweet pea and minmin,

I have tried to find the addresses of people at the top management to get my feedback across. Cos if I just send a email to the general email address, I think the comments will just be thrown out of the window. But Raffles Hotel's website do not have a single email address except the one for the general feedback.

I think this is so disgusting. If they dare call themselves a premium hotel, then they must be ready to open to feedback...whether good or bad.

drusilla · Dec 29, 2006

Hi girls, I am back! We took a short rest in Bali after our marriage solemnisation last week. It was a really good break after all that planning for the solemnisation. Now, back to planning for the wedding dinner. ;p

Jacqueline, I'm sorry to hear about what happened on your wedding day. It must have been awful, but I guess what's more important is that you and your significant other are now happily married, no? Congrats!

I have confirmed the date with RH, but have yet to sign the contract. So far, the service I have been getting from Annabel has been wonderful, which was one of the reasons why I am so keen on RH. I was put through to Pauline (on the phone) when Annabel was on leave last week, and I must say that she doesn't give me the same warm vibes as with Annabel.

vanadis82 · Dec 29, 2006

hi drusilla, welcome back!! wah i also want to go holiday... but now money now, need to save for wedding.

jacqueline, guess drusilla is right that most importantly you are happily married. At least your banquet managed to proceed smoothly despite the hiccups between right?
As for the bad experience, i think maybe its just the particular coordinator. I would strongly agree letting the management know about your experience and see what they can do to justify the treatment you received. After all we are still paying customers, and on top of it we are particular about the quality of service, hence we chose Raffles hotel. Maybe you could call the main line and ask to speak to the catering manager, and it is imperative that you speak to him/her because it concerns the reputation of the Hotel? - smth like that

I am sure that if more than one of us have experienced smth like this and bring it up to the management, they will do smth to improve the service quality.

serapheve · Dec 31, 2006

Hi there Drusilla,

Welcome back! Great to hear that you enjoyed the break!

Bali must have been fun. Yup Annabel is really nice. She also covered for my coordinator Agnes when she was away and she struck me as being very warm and sincere.

Hi Minmin,

Thanks for your advice on the rings!

In the end, I took them out of the box and stared at them..decided to stick with the tiffany band. So problem settled.

Hi Jacqueline,

I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. It truly sucks! Especially for your family members who were inconvenienced as a result. Nevertheless, I must say thanks for letting us all know about your experience. This way, we can all grow smarter!

I'm guessing that on the actual day, the food was as expected? Only the banquet manager and waiters' service wasn't up to mark? It'll be really helpful if you could let us know if there are any other areas we should look out for so that we can pre-empt our wedding coordinators! Personally, I'm quite worried about the food as that is important to most guests and I want them to be happy at the end of the dinner.

Nevertheless, I echo Minmin and Drusilla's sentiments that you are now happily married and I wish you a lifetime of blissful marriage

You could try contacting the hotel's main line and ask them for the person in charge. Agnes is the assistant director of catering. But I think there was a Caucasian guy who oversees it all? I spoke to him at the wedding fair and saw him being interviewed on TV regarding the IMF but didn't take down his name. Well, there are always other avenues to air our concerns and attract the necessary attention if Raffles does not respond.

jcolas77 · Jan 1, 2007

Hi all,

thank you for your advice. I have tried to write into ST forum but they refused to publish my letter. I have emailed the Raffles Hotel main feedback section but nobody has got back to me yet. Seems like they are immune to feedback, especialy negative ones!

Anybody else knows of other alternatives means? Its really a means of fighting for justice in this case. Sigh....

vanadis82 · Jan 3, 2007

Hi Jacqueline,

I think the best way is just to call. Emails may sometimes be lost or they can choose to ignore the negative feedback. If you are on the line, I am sure they won't just hang up on you. Maybe like Vez said you could call to ask for Agnes and see what she could help you with?

Raffles Hotel

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Similar threads