Project 2010 - ABC OF WEDDING PREPS

**Project 2010**

Steps to planning a wedding..... my OWN wedding (preliminary)
1) Choose a wedding date
2) Shortlisting wedding venue
3) Establish a simple flow of event -> aka Itinerary
4) Shortlisting Bridal Studio
5) Shortlisting AD Photograhper/Videographer (not inclusive in JB BS package)
6) Shortlisting AD MUA-> make-up artist (not inclusive in JB BS package)
7) Purchase wedding bands (already gotten way before my ROM)
8) Guest List -> estimation of pax for selecting wedding venue
9) Simple draft of Budget & Expenses (hehe... so i dont work over my budget!)

That's all i can think of at the current stage, anyway its just the beginning...

Most Importantly, prior to step #1-9, seeks a help of a buddy who dont mind helping you, beside offering sound suggestions and advise!
Do not expects 200% assistance from the hubby-to-be. Its just doesnt work that way, and there will be less frustrations and arguments.

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After a few drama on date selections, I finally pick a date out of convenience, and fits the basic requirement of everyone.

Mom & Dad: Nothing on Lunar 6th & 7th Month
Emma: Prefer somewhere from mid 2010
In-laws: Nothing on sunday as there is no church service

So after going through the above, Its gonna be 16 October 2010!
Nearest to my own ROM/anniversary date -18 oct. Good!,

1 date to remember for all events, less hassle har... wq will love that,

as there is only 1 gift to buy (See this is what i meant by lazy bride & groom)

Next, moved on to Venue.
I know i will be called a KS but i dont care. I dont live in JB so its always good to be well prepared and well informed right? Just in case...

Shortlisted a few venue in JB and have already requested for quotes. Pricing for 2010 is not out yet, however expect minor changes unless economy pretty bad by end 2009

1) Puteri Pan Pac ~ Package not very attractive, but Menu is not bad
2) Pulai Springs Resort ~ Price okay, more rooms for Bargain but my hearts goes for the Ambience
http://www.pulaisprings.com/pulai_springs_gallery.htm
3) Hyatt Regency ~ Currently under major reno, shall wait and see

-Schedule for a site vist on 14 Mar, hopefully its gonna be PS!

Then Im most excited to when it comes to Photographer! Believed me after my last ordeal with a lousy photographer on my ROM, I know this is not something I want to pinch on.

I have come out with the a summary on how important a photographer (PG) is

1) A good studio PG may not be a good AD (Actual Day) PG

2) Cheap PG may not be the best deal you think you got, wait till you see the horrendous picture they took

3) Cheap and lousy PG + horrendous lousy picture = photo albums w/ "Eeeh effects"

Therefore after 1 week of endless searching through all the wedding forum and Google, I've shortlisted a few and requested for the quotes. So far, these are the few that do have the style that i like and a portfolio that made me went "wow wow wow"

Louis Pang -> http://www.louispang.com/blog/category/weddings/
Great style, great reviews, and also the 1st to respond to me. But when i saw his quotation
my 1st reaction was stunned! No wonder people are saying have to get through the psychology barrier of his charges before you engage his service! Seriously I cant afford a 5-figure sum for PG...even if its in RM

Sam Wong -> http://www.samwong.fotopic.net/
He is the only local among those I approached, and also the 1st. Seen him and his works personally.. quite good. Reasonable charges and nice guy but he rejected me. Cuz dont feel safe to venture into JB. Can understand his difficulties, but still I have recommended his service to Peng

Kok Wei & Partner -> http://www.mrandmrs2.blogspot.com/
Actually spotted their webby last, but was also most fond of their work and portfolio.
Very responsive and friendly, charges within my acceptable range thou also consider abit high-end.
But I trust they are worth every single penny. Yet to revert w/ confirmation but i guess its 80% that they are the one. In fact was really grateful when Kok Wei actually offer alot of suggestions on travelling issues, and even trying to help me save cost on accommodation etc!
Feel excited just thinking of working with them!! :P

Robin Ng ->http://www.robinng.com/newblog
Hmm, read alot good reviews about him, but wasnt that impressive with the T&C (abit calculative in my opinion) that comes along with the charges. Consider high cost for engaging him, portfolio consider good but maybe not my fave. So I just KIV w/o further discussion.

Jon Low -> http://www.idealwedding.net/
One of the PG that I went "WOW & WoW" beside Kok Wei's portfolio. Send two requests for quotes within a week. Alas, not possible to consider as there wasnt any reply since then. Abit disappointed thou... as Jon does have some impressive collection that attracted me.

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After a week of interesting researching, I realise M'sia do have a alot of unique, talented and outstanding PGs. Do not underestimated them, if you think s'pore too have alot of top -notch branded PG, you be in for shock when you view their portfolio. Trust me!

Anyway, thats all for the week, im counting down to my vacation!.In another 4 hours time I'll be @ Changi T1, on my way to Bangkok!! yeah yeah... BKK here we come.....woohoo