Hello all BTBs!
Am trying to housekeep the pages that I have bookmarked previously and chance upon this page. Would love to share my experience since this is what BTBs would always like to hear/know!
I had my wedding back in November 2012, in the Ballroom. Coordinator was Wendy Ng and I would say she's superb! We committed our dinner with a previous coordinator in August 2011 and he left in mid of 2012.
We signed for the standard package and of course tried negotiating for some freebies, all I can say is they all pretty straight forward, all I got was 2 additional meeting rooms during AD for tea ceremony and another for sword bearers' changing. I managed to nego for an anniversary dining voucher of $200, which initially I was pushing for anniversary stay. Lastly, additional VIP parking lots. Haha.
The previous coordinator also threw in the promo they had for wedding show, which we didn't attend and suppose to be over. That consists of Martini Cocktail and Canapes or Macaroons during cocktail, which I think originally we can only choose 1 out of 3, now we got 2. Printing of invitation cards was also included under the wedding show perks. Miscellaneous standard stuff they would 'upgrade' will be additional complimentary corkage, invitation cards, food tasting for 10 instead of 8 and parking coupons.
As for their service, I was really grateful that they assisted with my last minute ROM ceremony, which was around 3 weeks before the date. They managed to get a function room for us and have them set up nicely, without any additional charges at all - which I think they usually charge a fee for doing it on a separate day. For this ROM, Priscilla was the one who assisted and at the same time we were introduced to Wendy, who will be taking over our 'account' since then. We were about 5 months away from our AD then.
Wendy was really helpful and patient towards all my request - I admit I am quite a fussy bride, or maybe I will say most brides are fussy since we do not want anything to go wrong. I requested for additional cards, requested to trade the FOC wine per table to additional barrel of beer, increased additional corkage, etc and all these was granted even after the contract was signed a year ago. I even requested to customise my wedding favour and she made arrangements for me to do so in the hotel, which definitely requires additional effort since they will have to set aside these customised one for my AD.
My AD went really smooth, was really thankful for that, except that it started a little late for a Saturday dinner, around 8.40pm. We ended the morning session and the hotel actually called us at 2pm asking if we are heading over soon, I told them we are on the way and I didn't expect the front desk manager on duty together with 2 other staffs was standing at the main entrance waiting for our arrival. To my understanding, most of my friends didn't have such a 'service' provided to them. We got off the car, the bell boys assisted with my gowns and barangs, and we were led to our room directly, instead of the usual checking-in at the main lobby.
To my surprise, Wendy was there in the evening, assisting us and making sure that everything is in order (montage, arrangements etc) and she didn't leave till after my cocktail, which I thought was quite late since the wedding coordinator don't usually appear on AD, banquet manger is the one who will assist on AD. I remember I was STILL making changes to table arrangements during cocktail since there is a handful of last minute appearing/disappearing guests. The tough part about planning for table arrangement for Fullerton is because of its individual serving, which we can't easily slot someone in if that guest is to bring a partner along. We have to reshuffle the whole seating arrangement.
Don't worry about the stairs!! That was one of my biggest concern back then too, especially I wanted a long train-ed gown. Be slow and steady and all will be good - their stairs is one of their 'uniqueness' too. I remember asking if any brides had trip while marching-in. Haha!
Food wise, I have mixed reviews. For aunties, they typically commented it was okay but not worth the price. For friends, we received very good feedbacks for the herbal duck and Foie Gras rice from quite a handful of them. There was even a couple who went back to Jade a few months later for their fried rice, which I thought was really surprising.
Lastly for payment, we were told to settle the bill immediately after the dinner (just in case we 'run away' in the middle of the night). It was almost midnight then. Although it was pretty late, I was happy that they did not rush out the last few dishes, everything was still in an orderly manner.
Alright I just realise I am writing a story. I shall end here and hope this helps a little! Good luck to all and happy planning!! =)