Inspiration Board - Yellow

Yellow is an extremely bold colour. It is seldom applied in Asian weddings because somehow, the Asian skin tone does not seem to take well to this colour. A Singaporean friend of mine recently planned her wedding around a yellow and white theme. "Why?", I asked. Here's her reply: "My fiance is American and I am Chinese. So yellow and white is kind of symbolic to our skin tones".

















Row 1: Bridesmaid's dress via J Crew, Mums by Erin Hearts Court, Stationery via Invitation Consultants, Sweets Display by Erin Hearts Court
Row 2: Pom poms by Erin Hearts Court, Shoe via Anne Klein
Row 3: Boutonnieres by Erin Hearts Court, Wedding cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, Bouquet by Erin Hearts Court

Inspiration Board - Plum

This shade was discovered before Roman times through the use of harvesting and treating of a sea snail known as a mollusk. This tedious task provided very little dye, making the color very difficult and expensive to produce. Thus, plum was seen only amongst the noble. Today, we often hear about the colour plum in the context of makeup - lipstick, rouge and eye colour, but very seldom as a colour used in weddings. Perhaps it's time to explore this inviting and charming shade.

















Row 1: Gown by Eadwine, Gown via Vera Wang, Stationery via The Knot
Row 2: Ring pillow via The Knot, Shoe via Christian Louboutin, Flowers via brides.com

Pew Decoration

Many would think of wedding pew decorations as of less importance than the altar flowers - after all, after the bride marches into the chapel, all eyes are on the main action which takes place up front at the altar. What we often fail to remember, is that wedding pew decorations, though, frame all the wedding pictures of the bride coming up and down the aisle.

It doesn't have to be extravagant. Sometimes, simple arrangements work just as well. Important note to make: If the decorations are going to be put up the day before, skip hydrangeas as they need lots of water through their blooms (not stems). But if you insist, spritz them with an abundance of water on the morning of the wedding.






















Via Charles Maring















Via Joanne Lee















Via Style Me Pretty













Via Wedding By Color

















Via Kristin Studio

















Via The Knot

















Via The Knot

















Via Alliance Photography

















Via The Knot

















Via The Knot














Via Wedding By Color

Hair

When it comes to choosing a hairstyle for your wedding, there are several hard and fast rules. The one golden rule to follow, says Martha Stewart Weddings editor Darcy Miller, is to select a hairstyle that reflects your personality. Just because it’s your wedding, it doesn’t mean that you have to try something drastically different. Go with what you’ll feel most comfortable in.

If you’re more of a casual, carefree person who usually wears your hair loosely or in ponytails, you’ll be better off avoiding the formal, coiffed hairdo. Similarly, if you’re typically poised and one who places lots of emphasis on the upkeep of your hair, then your wedding is certainly not the occasion to try something more cursory.

You should also take into consideration your overall look and wedding theme, while selecting a wedding day hairstyle. Long, wavy locks are perfect for a casual wedding by the beach or in the garden. Upswept styles show off bareback gowns. Sultry ringlets complement the slip or sheath dress.

The upswept style is popular amongst brides. They are appreciated for their elegance and versatility. What's more, an upsweep best reveals the bride's face, so guests can glimpse her eyes and smile as she walks down the aisle.



















Source Unknown















Via Best Haircut Styles












Via Myrakim's Shop















Via Brides.com















Via Best Haircut Styles

Ideal for curly or wavy textures, the soft sweep option has the casualness of hair that's worn down but the grace of an updo.


















Via Make Up By May
















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Via Model Bride

A single conspicuous flower or an array of delicate blooms adds a romantic flare to your wedding-day hairstyle. In general, use larger blossoms with simple styles, smaller ones for more fancy looks. Opt for flowers that are resilient - you do not want them to look tired during the course of the day. Speak with your hairstylist about what kind of flowers would best complement your preferred hair-do.
















Via Martha Stewart Weddings

Inspiration Board - Burnt Orange

Burnt orange is a deep hue of orange. It was widely used in interior design in the 1970s, and also symbolizes the abundance of harvest. It is typically used in fall weddings, and has been gaining popularity with weddings in Asia. You may want to incorporate other autumn colors to complement the burnt orange theme, such as jungle green, gold, deep red, muted yellow, rust, and chocolate brown.






















Row 1: Creme Brulee by Edward Allwright, Oranges by Kevin Summers
Row 2: Pumpkins by Jacqueline Veissid, Dahlia by June Hunter, Boutonnieres via Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: Fish by Don Farrall, Poppy by June Hunter

Allison & Rodney's Wedding

Think posh. Think luxury. Allison and Rodney's wedding was all that and more. Their wedding celebration was planned around a few key elements … a white, black and gun metal colour palette, luscious blooms and classic charm. Their church solemnisation was held in one of the oldest cathedrals in Singapore. Their guests then proceeded to a specially erected marquee at Fort Canning Park where the evening's festivities continued until the wee hours. Dinner was a western-styled 4 course meal catered from Les Amis.
Photography: expressively jOhO
Bride's Gowns: Vera Wang and Alberta Ferretti
Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Fort Canning Park

Budget Bouquets

Row 1: Purple Hydrangea Bouquet - Source Unknown, Black Carnation Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: Blue Hydrangea Bouquet via Free Wedding Flower Guides, Pink Carnation Bouquet via Credit Crunch Bride

The simplicity of the above hand-tied style bouquet might tempt you to try constructing your own. You may like to think twice. As it is, the few days leading up to your wedding day are guaranteed to be nothing less than crazy, so the unnecessary stress of finding the freshest, hardiest blooms, removing thorns and leaves, actually arranging the stalks as well as proper storage of the bouquet, can easily be done away with, just by engaging a trustworthy florist.

However, if you happen to be a budget conscious, low-maintenance or a DIY-loving bride, then I'd say go for it - but with lots of luck. Here are some practical tips:

A month before the wedding
1. Drop in on the flower wholesaler (I'd recommend going to Far East Flora because it carries a big selection of flowers). Place an order for the kind of flowers/leaves you intend to use. Definitely order back-ups (in the form of alternative varieties) as you do not want to be stressed if the shipment of flowers that arrive on the eve of your wedding day do not look like what you had imagined. Set the delivery date of the flowers for 2 weeks before the wedding, and another, 1 day before the wedding. Remember, you need to practice making the bouquet!
2. Shop for ribbons or twine or whatever you need to hold the stalks together.

1 week before the wedding
1. Call the wholesaler to check on your order
2. Make a mental note of where you will be storing your flowers. Remember, the family refrigerator is usually stocked to the brim with drinks and snacks for the wedding day itself. So if you do not have an air conditioner in your place (which is pretty rare for Singaporean homes), make sure you find a friend with one.

1 day before the wedding
Try to collect your flowers and construct your bouquet before you get your mani and pedi done. You do not want to get your lovely nails ruined by thorns!

On the day of the wedding
Brief your bridesmaids to spritz the bouquet frequently. During the down time before the start of the dinner reception, place bouquet in a pail of water to hydrate the flowers.

Having said all that, I still say you're best off leaving the stress of preparing a beautiful bouquet to a professional. You need to spend your energy and time on other more important things, like looking your best on the most important day of your life.

May Li & Desmond's Wedding

I have known May Li for 13 years now. And I have always known her to be in control. But when it came to planning for her wedding, she seemed to have transformed into a totally different person. Not to say that she was not in control, but it seemed like she had almost relinquished helm of the tight ship which most bridezillas would be crazily piloting. She and Desmond wanted a wedding where "guests could relax and have fun", and so they decided to do it the unconventional way. Their choice destination: Krabi, the place where they first holidayed as a couple. The solemnisation ceremony was held at dusk by the beachfront, followed by cocktails and a buffet-styled dinner reception at a nearby pavillion.
Photos: Lighted Pixels
Bride's Gown: Olive Suite
Venue: Centara Grand Beach Resort And Villas Krabi










































For guests and relatives who were unable to make the trip up to Krabi, May Li and Desmond held an intimate dinner reception at the Raffles Hotel.
Photos: Lighted Pixels
Bride's Gown: Dang Bridal
Venue: Raffles Hotel

The All Important Hand Bouquet

A wedding without beautiful flowers is as sad as a marriage without love. A bridal bouquet should do more than complement the bride's outfit. It should also be a statement in its own right.

In Singapore, the wedding bouquet is often 'thrown in' as part of the bridal package. The bride-to-be is made to choose from a small collection of 'standard arrangements' and more often than not, ends up walking down the aisle with the boring conventional hybrid tea rose which has been used to death in the '90s.

To navigate around this: Ask the person at the bridal salon if you could exchange the value of the flowers for add-on embellishments to your gown - additional lace, longer train, etc. Then knock on the door of professional florists to discuss your wedding bouquet needs. Let the florist know exactly what kind of flowers you want in your bouquet, and also give her a back-up list just in case the flowers you want are not in season. Do your research beforehand, so that your expectations could be managed. This could save you a lot of frustration if you set your heart on one type of flower only to find it is out of season during the period you are getting married. The good news is that many flowers have a longer or even year-round season these days. This is due to imports from warmer climates, and commercial growers cultivating the flowers under glass, out of season. Nevertheless, always be an educated bride. Here's a quick reference guide:

More conventional flowers that should be available all year:
Roses
Orchids
Lilies
Gerberas
Anthuriums
Hydrangeas
Eustomas

Other seasonal blooms:

March - August





















Row 1: Sweet pea via Mooseys Country Garden, Daffodil via flower-garden-bulbs.com
Row 2: Hyacinth via Patty Hankins and Bill Lawrence, Peony by Crystal Eng

June - August





















Row 1: Poppy by Ian Britton
Row 2: Iris via Horticulture Update
Row 3: Calla Lily by John D Williams

September - November





















Row 1: Zinnia via Gardens Ablaze
Row 2: Dahlia via Salt and Pepper
Row 3: Ranunculus via Katie K Design

November - February
















Row 1: Forget-me-not via How Stuff Works
Row 2: Amaryllis via Flower Gardening Made Easy

Apart from the list of flowers, also discuss the type of arrangement you have in mind. Consider shape, proportion, and style. Calla lilies, for example, suit a clean-lined dress better than rotound roses. And dainty Amaryllis blossoms complement a refined, delicate gown. My 2 favourite styles are the beidermeier and the hand-tied.

Biedermeier: The shape of the beidermeier is also round. The biedermerier is quite unique because flowers of the same type is arranged in a circular pattern. Each ring will represent one type of flower.





















Via The Knot

Hand-Tied Style Bouquet: Made popular by Martha Stewart, these are sometimes called European hand-tied bouquets or Roundy Moundies, and when done properly, the stems spiral at the bottom and they can stand on their own. For bridal bouquets, however, the stems are usually bound with ribbons or twigs.
















Via Martha Stewart Weddings

Yujun & Joon Jae's Wedding

Yujun and Joon Jae first met when they were medical students in London. After a long courtship, they finally tied the knot in Singapore last year. Their hectic schedules as doctors made it difficult to plan for the wedding from across the Indian Ocean, so they relied on Yujun's mother to do most of the organising and running, from booking a venue for the dinner reception to sending out the wedding invitations.
Photography: Benny Ang Photography
Bride's Gown: Margaret Brides
Venue: St Andrew's Cathedral and The Ritz Carlton Millenia