How To Find A Wonderful Venue For Your Wedding Banquet

There are so many wonderful places to have a wedding banquet in Singapore – but it’s easier if you know where and what to look for. While hotel ballrooms certainly make posh and elegant wedding venues with exquisite menus to boot, they are all insanely expensive, which may cause a strain on the budget for couples who are getting married soon.

For those who are getting married soon, and who want to find other cheaper alternative wedding venues, there are 7 places to cut your cost for the wedding banquet in Singapore to make it less painful financially. Most of the wedding venues would also suit your every need and style.

1. Two or Three-Star Hotels - Fewer stars might reflect differences in rooms and facilities, but food quality alone may well match a five star hotel.
2. Banquet Halls- Banquet halls are cheaper, and they’re designed to host weddings. Your guests can get as loud and rambunctious as they want; it’s expected.
3. Country Clubs - Many country clubs are now open to the public.
4. Gardens and Parks - This is one of the cheapest options you can find. If your guests are into nature and scenery, there are places like the Botanical Gardens.
5. Beach - This is pretty much the cheapest option. East Coast Beach is romantic, spacious, and almost free.
6. Community Club - This is less romantic than the beach, but the cost is just as low, and it’s more practical. Caterers and florists are up to you, and the space is yours to do with as you like.
7. Restaurants - Naturally, the area in which restaurants really shine is food. Over the past five years, restaurants have become increasingly popular choices. It just makes sense: guests are going for a meal and a chat. That’s precisely what restaurants are for, and their prices are a lot lower.

Some factors that can greatly influence the cost of wedding venue include the location, number of expected attendees, whether it is held on a weekday or weekend and if your banquet is held during lunch or dinner. For couples who prefer to spend more money on their future home, they may feel that they don't need a five-star venue to celebrate their love.

It's more about the people you are surrounded with rather than the pretty venue! Your wedding day is the most memorable day of your life. Signing up for a wedding photography package is the best way to capture and compile the priceless and memorable moments that every wedding couple wants to treasure.

There is nothing like looking back at your wedding photography and being able to re-live all the sweet memories your special day.

Romancing Around the Globe

Being head honcho of a top-notch bridal studio is no walk in the park; that’s why we chose to get an insight into the hectic yet satisfying world of bridal planning by asking the founder of WhiteLink Kerano Heng how she does it. By Alicia Nikkolette Lee. 

Every masterpiece always has a spark of genius behind it, and WhiteLink's clear goal from the beginning was to make every type of dream wedding come true. From ornate, opulent brocade gowns to layers upon layers of floaty tulle, WhiteLink Bridal is one of the sources of some of the most magical gowns the industry has ever seen.

Browse through their endless aisles of beautifully whimsical day gowns to the sleek, sexy allure of their evening gowns. Let your fingers slip through acres of silky smooth fabric, play around with the layers of soft gauze and tulle and let your eyes be treated to the assortment of designs in a rainbow of colours that's their immense wardrobe. Pair the gowns you choose with their range of sparkling accessories and have your shoot effortlessly planned out anywhere around the globe, with your very own professional camera crew.

Although this sounds like an easy enough enterprise to set up, WhiteLink started out from a humble bridal shop and has since grown into a professional, one-stop bridal boutique that holds up to more than two decades of experience in the bridal industry.

One of the pioneers in the area of Korean pre-wedding shoots, Kerano Heng started out by working for her father at a tailoring shop and so started her love for gownery. Since then, she has been dabbling about in the bridal industry for more than 20 years now and as fruit of her labour, now possesses a vast amount of knowledge and experience in regards to the wedding industry. Due to her incredible foresight, WhiteLink became one of the first bridals in Singapore to promote overseas wedding photography, which is all the rage now.

Kerano is also responsible for WhiteLink's Korea Photography trip, which has been immensely well received. What is the secret to her success? What’s next for WhiteLink? Your burning questions shall and will be answered here:

What inspired you to go into the bridal business?

It was a dream for me to go into the bridal business. I have always thought since young that marriages were a happy and joyous occasion and from there it lead to me heading into the bridal industry hoping to help all the couples have a happy and joyous journey for their wedding.

What is WhiteLink's philosophy?

We at WhiteLink believe that a wedding is more than just beautiful wedding photography, stunning gowns sewn with exquisite details and glitzy accessories. We believe in making your special day the most memorable day ever, with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Having been in the bridal trade for more than a decade,

WhiteLink has established a constantly good reputation as a full-service bridal boutique in providing one-of-a-kind bridal wear and wedding essentials by focusing on delivering a wide range of fashion forward gowns that are designed by our team of in-house designers.

Tell us more about your job and what you do.

My job is to make sure that Whitelink is running smoothly and making sure that our brides-to-be have beautiful wedding gowns which are trendy and fashionable to wear for their wedding as this is their once in a lifetime event. My duty is to make sure that they are decked out in the most stunning gowns that will wow their guests and have the couple the center of attention on that day.

Do you ever look at the gowns and wish you could wear them.

When designing and conceptualising the gowns, of course we would look at it and wish that we could wear them ourselves. We imagine ourselves in the gown and how it will turn out on our brides-to-be. I do that by putting myself in the shoes of the brides, thinking of the possible designs that would delight our couples.

What's up in WhiteLink's future? 

WhiteLink’s future.... We are looking to provide our brides-to-be the most beautifully designed and handcrafted gowns, all done by our in-house designers. We are looking to bring WhiteLink to the forefront of the bridal industry with our gowns and our team of professionals who will create a memorable experience for the couple. Also we will be looking into providing wedding planner services to couples.

Finally, tell us what keeps you going from day-to-day? 

The thing that keeps me going from day-to-day is the joyous look on the face of our couples when the come to collect and return their gowns, hearing them talk about all the compliments on how beautiful the bride was, and how the gown really makes them stand out. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I see couples who are embarking on their next phase of life enjoying the process of the marriage planning.

Also, I want to use all the experience I have racked up over the years to help couples in whichever way possible. Helping them to create a special moment where both of them can talk about for years to come keeps me going.

4 Important Questions to Ask to a Wedding Planner in Singapore

A wedding preparation can be overwhelming with so many details to think of and several vendors to get in touch with. If you want to skip the hassle of the preparation, there’s one simple solution: hiring a wedding planning service in Singapore. A wedding planner can help relieve you from all the stress and make sure everything is properly handled. While all the decisions will still come from you, the planner will be the one to perform the works for you.

However, picking the right wedding planner can be a task in itself. You need to find the best one who can truly assist you and devote time with you to plan out every detail of your wedding. Once you found the right one, you can entrust everything to her/him and you can just relax.

To help you choose the right wedding planner, here are some important questions you need to ask on your initial meetup.

Question #1: Are you available on the wedding date?

Don’t waste everyone’s time from the start by asking if she is available on the day of your wedding. If she isn’t available, then arrange a meet-up with another wedding planner. You should be direct to the point. If your wedding date is still not final, ask the wedding planner’s availability so that you and your fiancé can consider the schedule when you finalise the date. If the planner is available on your wedding date, then you should also ask how many weddings she manages concurrently to yours. You need to know if she can completely focus on your event and not think of other events.

Question#2: How many weddings have you planned in the past?

Never forget to ask about the wedding planner’s portfolio. Ask how many wedding events she has handled in the past. This will justify the quality of the wedding planning service. A good wedding planner is surely in-demand and gets lots of booking. Aim for a planner who has been in the industry for quite some time or who has solid experience in planning and organising a wedding.

Don’t hesitate to ask for names and contact information of previous clients so that you can verify the service. A reliable planner will be very happy to give you a list of references and will even encourage you to talk to her/his past clients.

Question #3: What is the scope of the services?

While you can find the scope of service in the planner’s website, it is important to verify it during the personal meetup. Will the wedding planner take care of the design and coordination? Will the planner do a full-time service and contact all vendors required for your wedding?

But remember, even the term “full service” might mean different from one planner to another, so you should discuss this with her/him and ask about the services included in the package. Some planners offer full service, meaning everything will be in their hands, and you just need to pick and approve.

Question #4: Are you familiar with the wedding location?

This question might sound less important but is advisable to ask the wedding planner if she is familiar with your choice of the wedding location. If the planner has managed an event held in this venue, then she already has an idea of the policies, procedures and layout of the venue. It will make the task easier. And best of all, she already has a contact person in the location so it will be less hassle.

In fact, she might even give some feedback regarding the location. You can also ask photos of the wedding planning service she has done in this particular venue so you’ll have a better idea of how it will look like during your big day.

Why I Love Being A Wedding Planner!

People often ask me, “Why do you like being a wedding planner?” I wanted to tell them that I was inspired by the movie “The Wedding Planner” by Jennifer Lopez and hopefully, I’ll end up wearing a beautiful wedding gown walking down the aisle towards my groom who's as charming as Matthew McConaughey.

Okay, I am over imagining. Seriously, there are many reasons why I love my career as a wedding planner. Yes, it’s never an easy job. You should be passionate at what you are doing and you must be willing to sacrifice making long term personal plans.

I can’t remember how many vacations I have cancelled or postponed due to emergency meet-ups with clients. After years of being a wedding planner, negotiating prices have become a specialty of mine. In other words, I have mastered the art of deals. But the question remains, why I love my job? I’ll share three reasons that make this career truly rewarding.

Reason #1: Witness Different Love Stories

So I am a hopeless romantic individual. I love reading romance books that feature cute love stories and end up in a wedding. Being a wedding planner, I am not just limited to stories on books. I actually talk to real couples who are in love - just like in books. And the best part is that I am part of their story - the ending part, though.

With so many clients I have handled over the years, I get to witness several love stories came to a happy ending wherein couples exchanged vows and wore their wedding rings, at the same time see the couples as they start a new milestone in their life. And it’s not only a client to planner relationship, as the days pass working with the couples, some of them even became my friends who eventually shared their stories, e.g. how they met, how the guy proposed, etc.

In fact, I could write several books out of the love stories I have witnessed.
 

Reason #2: Passionate about Every Aspect of Wedding 

One quality of a good wedding planner is being passionate at every aspect of the wedding. So I love seeing wide varieties of flowers, I love listening to music, I like cute items that make perfect wedding favors, I have an eye for stunning wedding bands and of course I love food tasting. I am also interested in wedding photography.

All these interests are critical qualities of a wedding planner. If you lack any of these, you will never become a successful wedding planner. If a planner isn’t genuinely excited about a particular aspect of the wedding planning, the client will notice it immediately. As a result, the wedding planning might end up less satisfying or worse, the client will back out from your service.

But hey, I have all these qualities so I’m sure my clients were all happy with my service.

Reason #3:  Excellent Attention to Detail 

And finally, the last reason why I love my job is the fact that I have a great attention to detail. It may not sound like a real reason but it’s a quality I am proud to have. Clients pay me for my eyes and ears, so I need to be able to spot problems before they will happen.

As I have said, it’s never an easy job to handle different vendors, manage a large group of wedding guests, maintain a timeline, and make sure that everything looks great at all times. Even the vase on the wedding banquet will bother me if it’s not properly positioned.

I am very particular even the smallest details to satisfy my clients. That’s me and I love my job!

Lessons For New Couple

Love doesn’t conquer all when it comes to your moolah – here’s how to make the right financial decisions as a couple, as advised by professional financial advisor, Joseph Tan.

For some couples, talking about money is taboo. But financial experts like Joseph Tan agree that mapping out your financial status before tying the knot is important; a solid money education is one of the best tools to pave your way to a successful marriage.

Joseph Tan from OO-GEN Planning Services, an authorised representative of HSBC Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Limited, and his organisation run financial literacy workshops regularly for soon-to-weds. He shares some tips on the value of a buck and the impact on marriage.

Manage Your Budget Every Step of the Way

Does having the most delicious menu, the most beautiful gown or the best rendition of a love song from the groom to his bride constitute a dream wedding? Some things can be bought with money and some things are simply priceless. Your budget would be the reflection of what you and your spouse-to-be value most.

Some couples would even go to the extent of reallocating their budget from the wedding banquet to their honeymoon, which is only possible with the blessing of the parents and in-laws. It would a great chance to foster the spirit of unity by having a heart-to-heart talk with your partner on what makes your wedding unique, and gives an identity to your own ideals.

It is a conversation that would gives you a focus on what areas you can put your money in – those which can enhance the experience – rather than going for the best, and usually the most expensive – for all the details of your wedding. The purpose is to have a realistic wedding based on your current financial situation and budget, and not end up with an empty bank account or a bucket-load of credit debts.

Financial Happiness After Your Dream Wedding

Fortunately, the unity in marriage is more ubiquitous than the wedding dinner that precedes it. However this sense of unity is prevalent during discussions on issues like the upbringing of the children, and how to manage relations with the in-laws, and not so much when couples are talking about the purchase of big ticket items like the car and house. 50 per cent of the couples Joseph has met prefer to take separate stands in financial matters.

Couples who make decisions on financial matters together subscribe to the age old adage of “two heads are better than one”, where choices are made with more informed considerations. These pairs also do well to appreciate the size of each partner’s portion of financial responsibilities in any monetary commitment. 

There is a popular notion that the ultimate expression of love is in the self-sacrificial act of taking on hidden financial commitments. Some people feel that shielding their loved ones from their worries, is love. Joseph begs to differ and proposes the more grounded idea of love where couples move towards financial freedom together.

How To Help Others Help You Move Towards A Better life

There is certainly evidence where harmony breeds profit. Imagine having a more cordial relationship with your In-laws where all parties can live peacefully in close quarters and one of two houses could be rented out for extra income. Or having concerned grandparents to take care of your children which eliminates the cost for a nanny or maid.

Human relations have always been about how much you can give and what you can take. Money does inspire people to have a more charitable spirit and forge a thicker shell of tolerance. The said examples will greatly influence how you may decide to structure your inflows and outflows of financial resources.

Taking on the multiple roles of a loving spouse, a caring parent and a filial child to our ageing parents can be daunting. Add financial management to the intricate efforts of building inter-personal relationships, and you will surely have your hands full. It is, therefore, wiser to delegate the task to a professional wedding planner. Here is a list of questions that will help you give a definitive acid test to find your principal advisor.

1. Does the advisor ask about your relationship with your immediate family?
2. Does the advisor focus on your immediate concerns that often involve cash management?
3. Does your advisor provide value to you even without utilising a financial product?
4. Has your advisor devised a structured way for you to receive competent advice for your long-term plans even in event of his or her demise.

Much like how your tailor makes a suit which fits your body perfectly, or your facial therapist who keeps your skin flawless and radiant, a great financial advisor should be one who is holistic and comprehensive in his approach to assist you in mapping out your financial plans of your wedding.

What Are The Things A Wedding Planner Does For You

A wedding planner often hears this remark from brides - “Oh my goodness, I don’t know what I would do without you!” It was from those brides that were not even sure if they needed a wedding planner at first. It was mostly just because they did not realize all of the things that a planner *really* does and can do.

1) Planning Checklist & Schedule – Having a wedding planner Singapore creates a custom checklist and schedule for you and remind you when it’s time to get cracking on the next task are awesome. Besides, they have experience in planning a wedding before.

2) Budget - A planner can help you create and stick to your budget.

3) Vendor recommendations. A wedding planner can give you solid vendor recommendations of people that they know and trust.

4) Vendor communication & contact - This includes contacting vendors to find out availability, emailing, phone calls, texts, and most likely a meeting or two.

5) Your wedding design - Not all planners are experts in wedding design. However, no matter what he or she will most definitely help you figure things out when it comes to your wedding’s design. They will be by your side to guide you.

6) Meetings & Consults - He or she can deal with scheduling your meetings. They help to figure out the right time and place for a meeting or consult to take place. That’s time- time that you might not have!

7) Etiquette - You do not know about whether or not to invite so-and-so’s new girlfriend, dress code, or maybe even how much alcohol to serve. A planner knows the etiquette for all things wedding

8) RSVPs - Some wedding planners will keep track of your RSVPs for you. This is SUCH a tedious task- meals, seating, guest counts, etc.

9) Reminders - Chances are that you might possibly forget about something –a wedding planner will most definitely be able to give you little reminders about things that could have potentially been forgotten!

10) Vendor Confirmations - The week before your wedding is going to be craziness. You do not want to have to deal with emails and phone calls back and forth with vendors to confirm times and places. Your planner will handle that.

11) Wedding Day Coordination - You definitely don’t want to be the one dealing with coordinating all the wedding matters on your wedding day – like making sure the cake is delivered, not only that, but what about when it comes time for your wedding to *actually* happen? Who’s going to tell you when it’s time to leave for your ceremony, or when to cut your cake? Of course your wedding planner Singapore will tell you.

What Are The Decisions To Make In Choosing A Wedding Venue

Wedding venue in Singapore is increasing in numbers now and the options are infinite. Couples need to go through a lot of details before the go ahead and select their wedding venue. Choosing a wedding venue in Singapore might seem like an easy task, but in reality there is a seemingly endless stream of decisions to make. A lot of consideration, compromise, research and hard work go into picking the wedding venue that will flatter your guests and make you feel happy and content.

Here are a few tips which can help make your selection of a perfect wedding venue in Singapore worthwhile.

What is your budget size 

It is important that the couple make this very important decision together. Set a realistic target. Costs will most likely be as a result of the capacity, location, and other amenities offered by the various venues.

How many guests to invite 

Couples most often don’t stick to the size they initially decide on. But it shouldn’t stop you from having an idea of how many people you want to invite. Do you want a big wedding or a small one? This singular decision puts a peg on the size of hall to go searching for.

Choose a theme 

A wedding theme is beyond just picking your favourite colours. You have got to choose the right wedding palette that works for you and your spouse. Would you prefer an outdoor or indoor reception? Have an evening wedding? A fairy tale or beach-vibe kind of wedding?

Research 

Now that you have a budget, a theme and an estimated guest list, it’s time to do some research. The most frustrating part of finding a venue is the initial research. This is most likely the hardest part of the entire process. Browse through blogs and sites and be patient. The right venue will speak to you. As the prices vary, so does the style of the venues. Be sure what you want, and be flexible as well. Now that you have done your preliminary research, you are all ready to narrow your options and do some site visits.

Transportation 

No doubt your wedding is all about you but you won’t exactly be very comfortable if your guests aren’t. How close is the venue to town? Is it easily accessible? Will there be ample space for their cars for those who drive. No matter where you choose to do your wedding, you need to think about the logistics of getting everyone to the wedding venue Singapore.

What Are The Choices For A Suitable Wedding Venue To Fit Your Budget

Weddings are significant events in people's lives and getting married is a big thing in Singapore, and it is not just because it is one of the biggest decisions in your life – it is also about the money!

Anyone who has gotten married in Singapore or is preparing to get married will be able to tell you about the level of stress they go through. It is also a time-consuming affair and some couples may engage a wedding planner in the management of their wedding to ensure that it is well organized.

The services of a wedding planner can include:
1) Interviewing the couple and the parents to identify their needs.
2) Budget preparation
3) Event design and styling
4) Venues scouting
5) Planning detailed checklist (before and after the wedding)
6) Attendee list preparation

While wedding costs and budgets are largely determined by the couple and their parents' wishes, wedding venues in Singapore typically take up more than half of the total cost. This is why choosing a suitable wedding venue which fits your criteria and your budget is the key to managing your overall wedding costs.

Some factors that can greatly influence the cost of a wedding venue include the location, number of expected attendees, whether it is held on a weekday or weekend and if your banquet is held during lunch or dinner.

Wedding venues for the budget conscious

For couples who prefer to spend more money on their future home, they may feel that they don't need a five-star venue to celebrate their love. It's more about the people you are surrounded with rather than the pretty venue or the food you are eating! For those who do not want a very extravagant venue, there are some nice restaurants, event halls or country clubs to choose from instead of the usual hotel wedding venues.

Other than these, there are many other ways to keep your wedding affordable, such as having a church wedding with lunch reception or just going with a solemnisation ceremony with a smaller reception only for close family and friends.

Choosing hotel as a wedding venue
For couples who prefer a hotel wedding for its convenience and grandeur, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from that can offer a different atmosphere for different budgets. Certain hotel wedding venues require a minimum number of tables to fill, so the number of attendees must be determined to meet the requirement.

What You Need For Your Wonderful Wedding

Wedding Band

An important factor to getting the right wedding band comes down to hearing them perform. If you are lucky you may pick a band that do functions that you could attend, or local gigs which are open to the public. Seeing them perform is the ultimate test but if you can’t watch them live, the next best thing to do is to hear a demo or a recording of them on their website. Combine this with checking them out on YouTube to see how they perform and if it suits your idea of your wedding.

Is the Price Right?

Understanding the price and value of the band is key if you are on a budget. Talk to the agent or band member about their pricing and discuss the packages on offer. You should be able to find out about the various services on offer as well as particular requirements from the band such as including refreshments in the cost. This is the opportunity to ask for a breakdown of the cost. Consider asking any of the following questions:

• What will the total cost be?
• How much does each member cost?
• How much am I paying in travel fees?
• How much does the sound engineer cost?
• Are you willing to take a playlist for music between the sets?
• Can I see the set list?
• Do you take song requests on the night?
• Am I paying for an agency fee?
• What is your most popular package?

Deppin’

Not many wedding planners ask about it, but finding out if the band have depping musicians is really important. Depping musicians are musicians that are on call to cover any of the band members in the case of their absence. If one of the members didn’t turn up on the day this could be a detrimental if there is no depping musician in place. Would you like the band to be separate from the party in between sets? If so then you need to think where the band can relax and get changed in the gap between sets. It is these particulars that will make your day run more smoothly.

Wedding photography

Besides looking for a wedding band or a wedding banquet, wedding photography is also an important element for your wedding. Look for the wedding photography in Singapore package most appropriate to your needs.

What Elements Enhance a Perfect Design Of a Wedding Gown

The wedding gown is an iconic piece of clothing, one associated with joy, union, celebration and hope.

The wedding gown is only as grand as the total sum of its parts. Every version, no matter what its shape or size, is the result of several dynamic elements working together to enhance the wearer in a particular way and to create unique vision. Below are the following 12 gown elements, each of which must be correct on its self individual design, and must complement each other to form a perfect union of a wedding gown Singapore.

The 12 elements of a perfect wedding gown

1) Silhouette
Silhouette refers to the overall shape of a gown. It's the most essential element to assess, because a gown's shape is its bedrock and it's what sets the mood for your entire look.

2) Neckline
The neckline is very important for two reasons: Not only is it the part of the dress people notice first, but it's also the one that sets off the face. The right neckline can add character to a gown, show off an accessory, or highlight a unique figure feature, be it a long, graceful neck, daring décolletage, or a strong set of shoulders.

3) Waistline
Technically, the waistline of the wedding dress is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice and skirt. Along with the neckline and sleeves, the waistline works to add signature style to a particular silhouette. It's also the element responsible for bringing shape and balance to the gown. The waistlines also dictate how a dress works on your figure.

4) Sleeves
Wedding dress sleeves can add extra interest to a bodice and provide balance for a skirt. Once closely linked to season, the selection of sleeve style is now largely a matter of how much -- or how little -- skin the wearer is willing to show.

5) Hemline
The hemline of a wedding gown refers to its length. The length of your dress can be used to dictate the formality of your wedding. Generally speaking, the longer the dress, the more formal the affair.

6) Fabric & Finish
Style, cut, texture, drapery, and season are all important factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. The style of the same dress can look and feel quite different in a different fabric. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Some are cherished for their crispness, others for being light as air. Each material is designed to produce a distinct effect.

7) Lace
Subtle yet strong, and rich with history, lace is the perfect parallel for the bride herself. It covers while it reveals, and adds a touch of centuries-gone-by grace while remaining utterly current. Today, lace is so widely used in wedding gowns.

8) Embellishment
Embellishment is like icing on a cake; done right, it adds glamour and individuality to a gown. Elaborate beading and embroideries are used to add richness and texture to plain fabric.

9) Skirt Details
The skirt is where much of a gown's personality can be found. A few well-placed details can make the difference between a gown that's average and one that is outstanding. They can add length and volume, romance and depth. Other skirt details - strategically placed slits or pleats can add to a gown's sex appeal.

10) Bodice Details
In addition to embellishments like beads and embroidery, wedding gown bodices can be constructed with decorative details that add romance and individuality.

11) Train
More than any other element of the wedding dress, the bridal train, with its elongated back portion of the gown that lies on the floor and trails out behind the bride as she walks, giving her a majestic appearance.

12) Color
There is no other tradition as synonymous with marriage as the white wedding gown. Though increasingly, designers are using other shades for weddings, ranging from metallic platinum and gold to soft rose and lavender to pale blue.

How to buy the perfect wedding band

1. Zero in on the band

The wedding band is the piece you will shop for together and wear it every day. Therefore, it is logical to make preliminary choices such as metal material, whether to match the material of the watch or do you want to include diamonds or gemstone. Make a decision beforehand so you can zero in on exactly what you are looking for before you start shopping.

2. Search early

Once you have a basic idea of what you like, it is time for the wedding band shopping.  Give yourselves at least two to three months before the wedding date as you need this time to browse through, research prices and revisit rings that catch your eye.

3. Matching pair

The key to finding something that you both love is picking wedding bands that reflect your individual styles. But whatever you decide, some aspect of your rings (and it can be as simple as a mutual inscription) should match to make it feel like a true pair.

4. Budgeting

Adding embellishments, like diamonds or engraving, will quickly add to the cost, so factor that into your budget if you plan to personalize your rings with any of these extras.

5. Your lifestyle matters

You are going to wear this band every day, so the goal is to choose something that becomes a part of your life. If you play sports or an instrument, look for a “comfort fit”. If you work with your hands, avoid wearing wedding bands with gemstones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt. A super-active person, you will go for platinum, which is extra durable.

6. Style and comfort

Once you get to the store, try some rings that are not on your inspiration board. You may end up loving something you never thought you would. As you consider different styles, don't forget about comfort too—some rings may look really pretty, but when you put them on, they are just not a good fit.

7. Think long term

While you should not be afraid of being trendy, make sure the style you choose is something you will want to wear for a long time.

8. Maintenance

To keep a wedding band with stones clean and sparkling, you'll need to wash and soak it in warm water, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush (too much pressure can loosen the stones from their setting), rinse it and pat it dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

9. Right size

Most people rarely take off their wedding bands; they wear them all the time.  So you must find the right size that will best weather all the physical and environmental changes.

10. Quality check

This applies to all rings, not just your wedding bands. Make sure the ring has two marks inside the band: the manufacturer's trademark, and the quality mark.

Strife Against the Knife

Graduating from the mass plastic surgery fad that came with the K-Pop wave, non-invasive surgeries are now hotter than ever because of their lack of downtime. Alicia Nikkolette Lee cuts further into the issue. 

As of late, non-invasive surgery has been all the rage; no knifes, no potential scarring, little to no downtime… everything sounds like a dream, but what lies beneath the surface? We speak to Dr Martin H.S. Huang of The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic about the pros and cons of going under the knife… or not.

In your opinion, what are some of the procedures that should be done invasively VS non-invasively? (E.g. eyelids, nose job, chin / jaw augmentation, fat removal, etc.)

Although continuing advancements have provided us with many effective tools for non-invasive enhancement of the face and body, there remain certain issues that are still best addressed surgically, e.g. narrowing and refining the tip of the nose, lengthening the tip of the nose without widening it excessively, increasing the height of the bridge of the nose without widening it excessively, optimal chin augmentation, correcting eye bags, achieving an optimal facelift, and removing excess fat from the cheeks.

For some issues, surgery is not just the best way, but the only way, e.g. creating double eyelids, correcting droopy eyelids, reducing excessively wide cheekbones, reducing an excessively wide the lower jaw, and chin reduction.

Could you share what are some of the more popular non-invasive procedures that are in trend right now? 

Botox, fillers, skin rejuvenation and skin-tightening and lifting treatments (such as Thermage) are the most popular treatment right now.

What are the more popular treatments that are being demanded by the youth of today? 

Surgical: double eyelid surgery by the stitching technique, rhinoplasty, facial contouring surgery (cheekbone reduction and lower jaw reduction), chin augmentation, breast augmentation.

Non-surgical: Botox, fillers, acne treatment, and acne scar treatments.

What are the usual concerns expressed by your patients? 

Young patients usually want to change their facial features, such as their eyelids, noses, chins and facial shape. Older patients focus more on addressing the signs of aging in their faces and bodies. Mothers are mainly concerned about addressing the damaging effects of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Patients are always concerned about downtime, which is a major reason why non-invasive treatments are so popular.

Is it good enough to maintain a certain face shape or even figure with non-invasive procedures these days? And how long do the effects last?

Depending on the nature and severity of the condition, it is often possible to achieve significant improvement in facial shape and body contour using only non-invasive treatments. However, repeat treatments are usually required to achieve the desired results and to maintain them.

The interval between treatments varies among the different treatments, e.g. weekly for some fat reduction and body contouring treatments, monthly for skin rejuvenation treatments, 3 to 6 months for Botox, 6 to 12 months for fillers, and 1 to 2 years for Thermage.

With invasive procedures like eyelid surgery, nose jobs or even breast augmentation, how long will the effects last and how soon can one see results? 

Surgical results are often very long lasting, and are measured in years or even decades, e.g. eyelid surgery, facelift surgery, liposuction. Sometimes they can even be lifelong, e.g. rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, facial contouring surgery and breast augmentation. Surgical results are sometimes visible immediately after the procedure, but are often at least partially masked by postoperative swelling.

The result then gradually becomes more visible as the swelling subsides, and final results are usually seen about 6 months after the surgery.

Would you be able to share how much should one set aside for the various surgical procedures and perhaps the downtime needed for recovery? 

The downtime for surgical procedures of the face ranges from around 10 days (eyelid surgery) to two to three weeks (facelift surgery). For the body, the range is less than 1 week (breast augmentation, minor liposuction) to 2 weeks (major liposuction, tummy tuck). There is a very wide range of costs depending on the procedure.

For example, procedures that are under $5k are: double eyelid surgery; $5k to $10k: eyelid rejuvenation surgery, chin augmentation, simple rhinoplasty; $10k to $20k: complex eyelid surgery, complex rhinoplasty, facial contouring surgery, facelift surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation, Designer Laser Vaginoplasty; above $20K: complex facelift surgery, major liposuction, tummy tuck, other complex procedures or revision procedures.

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TeaTox - Sipping Benefits

Touted for their weight-loss effects and endorsed by celebs, teatoxes are gaining popularity amongst busy brides as a holistic remedy. Is the hype legit, or just a product of smart marketing? SERAPHINA LEONG finds out.

Liquid diets are often subject to controversy, as solely consuming drinks for daily energy and nutrients tends to do more harm than good. A teatox (tea detox), however, differs in its approach by acting as a supplement to your existing meals. It’s an option that allows you more flexibility with what you choose to eat, while still retaining the advantages of a traditional detox.

Die-hard fans swear by its slimming properties and revivifying qualities. But can a few cups of leaf-infused water truly be that effective? We take a look at some of its most well known claims, as well as assumptions, and expose the truth behind them.

“Drinking teatox beverages without making any changes to your current lifestyle or diet will reap its benefits.”

False. Naturally, there is no such thing as a magical solution that will make you shed pounds by merely ingesting it. If you desire a svelte and toned figure, you will still need to eat healthily and be disciplined in establishing a weekly exercise schedule. This also means cutting down on your sugar intake and staying away from junk foods. Remember the golden rule of weight loss, which is to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.

“Teatoxes will help you lose weight and gain a slimmer figure.”

True. The components of teatoxes can combine to have a substantial appetite suppressant effect. Our modern diet is saturated with refined carbohydrates and lacking in sufficient amounts of protein or fibre – a feature that is attributed to our tendency to eat on the go, choose cheap and easy instant options and have meals in restaurants and hawker centres. This causes us to feel hungry faster and more often. With a teatox, we can successfully subdue these unhealthy hunger pangs and get by with less food without sacrificing comfort or health.

On top of that, we may experience increased metabolism through the thermogenic nature of certain teas, which simultaneously burns and decreases fat storage. Green tea is especially famed for this quality, and has the backing of scientific studies to prove it.

Nevertheless, you have to be careful that you are not mistaking water weight for fat mass when you notice the kilos disappearing on the bathroom scale. Caffeine and diuretics, as well as natural ingredients that double up as laxatives, can considerably deplete your body’s fluids.

“It is completely safe as the blends are made from all-natural ingredients.”

False. “Natural” does not equate to “wholesome”, as many of us might blithely assume. Just as how we should consume different types of foods in moderation, we also need to drink our teas judiciously. Newbies will probably be surprised to hear that some herbs commonly used in the tea mixtures can produce toxic effects.

Senna is a laxative that pops up frequently in the ingredients list. When taken over an extended period of time, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. On a more serious note, it can even result in electrolyte imbalances and elicit muscle spasms or heart rhythm anomalies.

Caffeine and guarana induce an energy boost, which could interfere with sleeping patterns and prevent you from getting enough shut-eye. In turn, this will possibly lead to weight gain through excessive eating and slow metabolism – which defeats the whole purpose of why you are on a detox in the first place.

Other examples that you should try to avoid in large quantities are bitter orange – a contributor of heart attack deaths, Siberian ginseng – which is affiliated with blood-related conditions, and seaweed varieties that are rich in iodine – these can lead to hyperthyroidism.

If you are on medications, check with your doctor if the teatox you are planning to take will affect them. For example, some tea medleys can hamper the effectiveness of birth control pills. Another vital thing to be aware of is to refrain from prolonging any teatox diet beyond 28 days. Serious potential side effects are usually attributed to long-term use, and it can also make your internal system reliant on stimulants to function as per normal.

“A teatox will improve your overall health.”

True. At the end of the day, even the sceptics cannot deny the health benefits of teatoxes. Herbal teas generally have a very positive impact on your system. They can aid digestion by speeding up waste removal from the colon and calming a bloated stomach; flush out toxins by boosting liver enzymes; and improve your internal defence system against illnesses.

Since the array of benefits is so diverse, you have the liberty of choosing them by selecting the appropriate materials. Chrysanthemum, loved for its fresh and uplifting flavour, is primarily used for cultivating energy and immunity while goji berries brim with anti-oxidants and vitamins. You will find that Asian varieties are very prominent in teatox blends so you might come across ingredients such as oolong and pu’er, which are both renowned for eradicating fat.

Other prevalent types include dandelion tea which is full of minerals and vitamin C, white tea that is loaded with anti-aging elements and fennel that boasts anti-inflammatory recompenses and high amounts of essential oils.

The Big Question

Is teatoxing a wedding-worthy investment? If done correctly, while paying heed to the right precautions, the benefits are astounding. See it as a little much-needed TLC for your wellbeing. It may not result in a supermodel bod but you will most definitely be able to enjoy your special day while looking – and feeling – absolutely radiant and energised.  

Three Months

Is the recommended break in between teatoxes.

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Contraception 101

Pregnancy prevention products have grown in both number and advancement in modern times. Let this list be your starting guide for choosing the right one. By SERAPHINA LEONG

The average woman in Singapore may not know much beyond the basic condom, patch and pill when it comes to contraceptives. In reality, there are numerable options accessible to sexually active couples seeking to prevent unwanted pregnancies – each with its own unique package of pros and cons. 

With the exception of condoms (and cervical caps, albeit to a certain extent that is hardly substantial), it is vital to be aware that contraception devices offer no protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Furthermore, contraceptives are never foolproof as they are subject to human errors such as foregoing due applications.

Barrier Methods

As its name implies, barrier contraceptives work by forming a physical wall that blocks off the sperm’s route to the egg. The one we are most likely to be familiar with is the condom, which is designed for both male and female usage.

Diaphragm

Made from soft latex and silicone, this is a small dome-shaped object with a malleable rim that is meant to be inserted into the vagina. It is obligatory to use it with spermicide, a sperm-elimination solution that comes in creams or gels. 

Due to its small size, it is convenient to carry around in your bag, and is generally comfortable and cannot be felt during sex. However, some may find it tricky to insert, worry about its “flimsiness” (it can be accidentally pushed out of place thought that very rarely occurs) or experience vaginal irritation.

Hormonal Methods

More extensive in variety, hormonal methods depend on the release of additional hormones to prevent a woman’s ovulation. Without the presence of an egg, pregnancy cannot transpire. In converse to condoms, these require a doctor’s prescription and are only available to females.

Birth control pills and patches

These types of contraceptives are popular due to their “non-invasive” ease of use. Pills are taken orally every day, while patches are stuck onto the skin and replaced at certain intervals. Ironically, this is what makes it arguably harder to use as there is a very strict schedule to comply to; missing just one application is enough to render the product inoperable. 

Still, if administered diligently, they are extremely effective in preventing pregnancies. They dispense estrogen and progestin into your system, hence freezing the eggs’ movement while thickening cervical mucus that serves to block impregnation. 

Experiencing side effects are uncommon but it is possible to have irregular periods, mild nausea and headaches. Interestingly, some women have been reported to attain clearer complexions, fewer cramps and health benefits such as a heightened defence to ovarian cancer and anaemia.

Vaginal Ring

This lesser-known substitute is placed into the vagina to transfer estrogen and progestin into the body. After three weeks, the flexible article measuring two inches in length will then be taken out and replaced again after a 7-day break. If you are concerned about it getting “lost”, rest assured that will never happen as your cervix prevents it from traveling into your uterus. 

Vaginal rings should be avoided in certain cases for a different set of reasons, and that comprises those who have recovered from specific illnesses and those who consume herbal medicines and antibiotics, which reduce the contraceptive’s efficacy.

Alternative Methods

Intra-uterine Devices (IUDs)

The austere T-shaped IUD might look slightly obtrusive for something meant to reside in your uterus for at least three years. In actual fact, it is quite small and its exterior has been improved drastically over the years since its beginnings in the 19th century. The hormone-free variety incorporates copper coils, hence increasing its effectiveness as the element’s ions disable sperms. 

Another type contains levonorgestrel and may cause lighter, shorter menstruations. Both possess strings for easier removal. Unsurprisingly, IUDs necessitate clinical insertion but only takes about five to ten minutes. A potential side effect is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), though the risk lowers exponentially after 20 days.

Emergency contraception

As the term implies, this method should only be used in the case of emergencies such as if your condom breaks or you missed taking your pill. Also referred to as the “morning-after pill”, it is unsuitable for long-term protection against pregnancies due to its high amount of hormones. One dosage is equivalent to downing multiple birth control pills. 

As a result, you may experience discomfort in the form of vomiting; upon which you might have to re-ingest it (an additional tablet, not the vomit), breast tenderness and dizziness.

Sterilisation

This medical procedure is irreversible and consists of closing the fallopian tubes, which are the bridges between the ovaries and the womb. It can be done through the essure technique – whereby small inserts are implanted in the tubes to cultivate blockages of tissue growth, or by tubal ligation – which seals the tubes using a variety of instruments like rings or those that ultilise electrical currents.

In tremendously unusual cases, an ectopic pregnancy might develop in the fallopian tubes themselves – a potentially life-threatening risk. Nevertheless, if you and your partner have decided not to have any biological children in the future (this can stem from heath issues or an individual’s history with hereditary diseases), sterilisation can truly value-add to your sex life as it is convenient and does not interfere with your natural hormones.

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