My dearest beloved sister got married last year. The reception was held on the 2nd October 2011.
The family was kept busy for the wedding. There were many details to look into:
a. Sleeping arrangements
The 2 sisters shared a room while the 2 brothers had a room each as I don't like to use the aircon when sleeping. Arrangements had to be made for the bride to be to have a splendid looking room before the wedding.
We engaged Roslan Renovation Contractor to do the renovation as:
a. he had done our renovation work back in our old home in Yishun
b. my sister wants a the same wardrobe that my parents had back then in Yishun and it is easier to explain to him on it
c. his office is very near to the caterer that we engaged for the wedding.
d. his price is reasonable as there were hacking works to be done too.
All the rooms was given a new look:
1. my parents master bed room
As the aircon pipes running around the place leaks in my sister's room, we decide to take the opportunity to look at it. As the assessment given that it is likely the pipes needs to be change due to wear and tear, it affects my parent's wardrobe as the pipe runs under their wardrobe too and therefore, there was a need to tear down their wardrobe.
2. my sister's bedroom
The study table / cabinet was hacked. During the assessment we informed the contractor that is likely to be a space under that window and we would like it to be replaced align it to the window. We were right and after the hacking, a sliding door cabinet was built. The old wardrobe was tear down and a new wardrobe was built.
3. my brother's room
His room has a 5 door wardrobe shared with me and a study cabinet/table.
The cabinet table was hacked and replace with a sliding door cabinet was built in. I move my things out of the 2 door wardrobe and my youngest sister occupy it . The 1 left was shared between the 2 of them
4. my bedroom/study room
I am having the smallest room. I had a study table/cabinet which was hacked and replaced by a built in. Mother built a 2 door wardrobe for me attached with a study table.
I moved my clothes there. I shared the wardrobe with my grandma's & aunt's items as they do come over once in a while and they left their clothes and items here for convenience.
As there are a lot of pictures, i have prepared them in flickr:
Click here for :
Before
Home Renovation Pictures
And
After Home Renovation Pictures
We spend close about $9,000 on the renovation which we think is a fair amount.
Roslan Renovation has a good reputation and they understand what we want. There will be a Phase 2 of the renovation that will take place sometime next month and we will pass this next phase to Hamid & Sons.
So guys, remember this is the FIRST arrangement if you come from a big family to look into. Contact Mr Roslan for a good deal!
b. The Caterer
The search for caterers came after the official proposal hand in marriage. It was in April 2010 when the family of my then future brother in law came to propose for my sister.
I was asked by my mother to check out the prices - from expos to magazines to every single wedding that both my mom and i attended to check out their exquisite menu.
We found anything from $5000 to $50,000.
We were wondering too, how we can cope if indeed the final bill do come to that amount - however we put our faith in Him and believe that all will work out fine.
True enough, in 2011, my mother was walking around Joo Chiat Complex and for some reason she was attracted to this small corner shop on the 3rd floor - Salmah Manap Bridal Boutique.
The friendly nature of the matronly lady - Puan Salmah herself put my mother at ease. To my mother, Allah has answered her prayer. As this was the first wedding in the family, she wanted to give this business to an experienced caterer cum planner.
We arranged for a food tasting session - at Clementi where a wedding was ongoing, and we were sold! The ayam masak merah is well cooked, quite a sizeable portion for each guest, the entertainment that was provided, the various deco to choose from and simple wedding favours for the guests.
We placed a $2,000 deposit to secure the date and we had to meet up with them a few times to finalize the whole menu. It was finalized a month before the wedding and after another $10,000 payment. Herewith is the menu:
1. Wedding Dais
aka Pelamin
10ft Wrought Iron inclusive of chandeliers
2. Decorations
Bride & Groom Table with Fresh Flower
20 Round Guest Table with skirting
160 Seat Cover with Alternate Ribbons
Potted Plants (Palm Trees)
20 Fresh Flower Arrangement for Guest Table
Buffet Line with Fresh Floral Arrangement
Reception Table
Artificial Floral Arch
4 Aisle Stand with Fresh Flower Arrangement
Red Carpet
DJ Table + Cake Table
Ceiling Setting
Total: $2500.00
3. Solemnization - Menu for 100 pax
Nasi Putih
Ayam Lemak Cili Padi
Sambal Goreng
Beef Steak
Ulam
Salted Fish
Teh O
Bone Steak & French Loaf
2 types of kuehs
Blueberry Cordial
2 helpers for dish washing
Total $900.00
4. Main Wedding Reception - Menu for 1000 pax (buffet)
Nasi Putih
Nasi Briyani Dam (Kambing)
Dalca
Ayam Masak Merah
Sweet Sour Fish
Black Pepper Prawns
Sambal Goreng Pengantin
Rojak Melayu
Acar Buah
Bubur Pulut Hitam
Mee Hoon Goreng
Grapes
6 different types of kuehs/desserts
Ice Bed for the cold dessert
Candy Corner
Blueberry & Orange Cordials
Kopi O
Teh O
plus 100 packets of prepared dishes for guests to take home.
Wedding cake
4 helpers for dishwashing
Total: $13,100.00
5. Miscellaneous Charges
Kendarat - $550
Music Panca Irama (11am to 5 pm) - $850
Gubahan - $250
Berkat aka Wedding Favours - $1500
FOC: Bunga Rampai 30 pieces
Total: $3,150.00
Caterer Final Cost: $19,650.00
We were very happy with their services and menu that was offered and prepared. Those who came, i appreciate very much if you can testify to their menu in my blog comments! :)
No amount of picture can justify their fabulous menu and i regret very much that i did not take time to snap some pictures of the food :(
But here is the link to their facebook account. Click
HERE
The Mak Andam - Make Up Services + Photo/Video
I had wanted to do this for my sister very much but after she persuaded me not to as she told me that I am not an UP TO DATE pak andam and since i am the eldest in the family, chances is majority of the guests will LOOK for me after my parents.
Hence we look around again for mak andam and we settled for the famous Chantique Bridal.
My sister and I would prefer Abang Zul himself to do the make up but i understand that it will cost my sister more and furthermore, he was not available on that date.
On that day, Kak Salmah came instead and did the make up for my sister.
Here are some pics of the happy couple:
 |
| Solemnization Outfit |
 |
| Kak Salmah |
 |
| The Couple |
 |
| The Last Costume |
I can't remember their exact cost but it would be something close to $5000.00 inclusive of photography & videography.
6. About 3 weeks before the event, my mother have this wanting to desire to have a nasyid group to perform for the wedding which is from 11 am to 1 pm.
I knew she wanted that "A Romzi Group"
It's additional $650.00. Unfortunately, it's word by mouth only so whoever is interested, please let me know so i can pass you their contact.
(no, the charges for the panca irama which we engaged with the caterer was not reduced)
Total Cost: $34,300.00
This does not include, what we have spend on our own:
a. flowers for bride ($300.00)
b. vehicle rental for Saturday whole day + driver + Sunday morning ($350.00)
I don't drive hence i have to do this.
c. the back drop for the bridal room ($1000.00)
d. Family costume for the 2 days ($1000.00)
Alhamdulillah, He has been kind to us and we manage to clear all the expenses by the next day to the caterer.
I hope this entry has helped in an anyway to future brides & grooms and their families that it is important to have good support when you want to get married. At the end of the day, everyone wishes to have a great time.
