Chinese Wedding Planning Basics

Engaged? Congrats! Overwhelmed with the planning process? We've got you covered. Here, a quick run-through of ideas to inspire you, as well as a list of Chinese wedding traditions to keep in mind when planning your wedding day.

1) Determine Your Guest List

In order to make any other decisions, including your wedding date, you'll need to know how many people you're going to invite. Sit down with your fiance and make a list of everyone you want to attend your wedding (your fantasy guest list) then pare it down based on your needs. Whether it's a cozy affair for 50 or a large celebration for 200, determining your guest list first will help you focus on the rest of your wedding details. After you've chosen your guest list, choose your attendants -- that way, they can get started helping you plan.

2) Pick a Date

It is customary for a Chinese couple to consult a fortune-teller or feng shui expert to select an auspicious wedding date. Using the Chinese calendar, the date best suited for the couple is based on their birth dates and Chinese zodiac signs. It's considered good luck to marry on an even day and month of the year. Moreover, the time of the ceremony is traditionally scheduled on the half hour (because time is on the upswing). Nowadays, a consultant could be an uncle or a parent -- so long as the couple doesn't self-analyze (that's considered bad luck!).

3) Choose a Color Scheme

Choosing a theme really depends on your personal style and wedding season. Whether you want to have an all-out Chinese affair or infuse just a few details, color and motif are the perfect places to set the tone for your day. Be inspired by Chinese wedding colors: red (the color of happiness) and gold (the color of wealth) are not only traditional, but they make a beautiful combination when used throughout the wedding day details. And there's no reason you can't do a variation on these bright hues. Go burgundy for a formal evening affair. Or choose raspberry for a spring or summer fete. For a crisp, monochromatic look, choose varying shades of red, from burgundy to pink, to use in your bouquets, cake, and centerpieces. Not a fan of red? Do an all-gold-and-ivory scheme, for a level of sophistication and elegance that's hard to replicate.

4) Start a Paper Trail

For the couple with Chinese- and English-speaking guests, have your invitations printed in both languages. A Chinese printing press will often work with Western printers to produces multilingual stationery. 

5) Hire a Wedding Planner

If you want to have a Western ceremony, tea ceremony, and Chinese wedding banquet (not to mention other activities planned for international or out-of-state guests), you may want to consider hiring a wedding planner. A good coordinator will help you through all the steps, from etiquette questions to flowers and menu options. It may also be a good idea -- if not necessary -- to find a planner familiar with Chinese wedding traditions.

If you're up to the challenge of planning the day solo, you may still want to hire a day-of or on-site coordinator to help smoothly pull together all the day's events. Trust us, you don't want to have to worry about whether the favors made it to your reception site when you're about to get married! If you can't afford to hire a coordinator, ask a close friend or relative to help move the day along. Pick an organized person who wouldn't mind running around for you (perhaps someone who has offered to help already). Provide him or her with a timeline of events for the day to give you peace of mind.

What's Up Next? 

Now that you've set the ball rolling, you'll want to get started hiring your vendors and making detail decisions. Start with the elements most important to you. For picture-perfect memories, put your photographer near the top of your priority list. If you're planning a large banquet, get started scoping out venues and caterers. But first, take a deep breath, relax, and stop for a moment to envision the day you've always been dreaming of -- hao yun (good luck)! 好运！！！

Of course, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a wedding date. Work with your schedule, family, and personal style to determine what time of the year is appropriate for you. And if you do decide to consult the Chinese calendar, remember to include an explanation in your ceremony programs or save-the-dates.

 [ NOTE ] The period from the middle to the end of the seventh lunar month is considered inauspicious. Traditionally, that is the time of the Ghost Festival, when the gates of the underworld are opened and the lost spirits are allowed to wander the earth, making it a less desirable time for a wedding.

Your invitations can be personalized by your own style and wedding's season. For the modern couple, consider a bold foil-stamped dragon on the front of your invite packet, or a vibrant gold double happiness symbol cut out of the front with a bold red background. For a more understated yet elegant look, consider a light bamboo pattern printed as a silhouette at the bottom of your invites and save-the-dates. If you're marrying in the fall, stick with your theme. Choose a rust and olive color combination, but still include the double-happiness symbol next to an autumn leaf on the front of your invites. If sophisticated and classy is your game, then have your invites printed on thin cream-colored paper (think rice paper) and have them wrapped with a burgundy rice paper belly band and secured with a gold cord.

Source from: http://chinese.weddings.com/articles/chinese-wedding-planning-basics-tips.aspx

DIY Wedding Budget Calculator

Are you planning your own wedding and have no clue where to start?  Download your own budget calculator here.

>>The Little Canopy-Free Wedding Budget Calculator <<

Read about guidelines to affordable wedding planning to make sure you have a strong start to your long wedding planning.  There will be so many things you want to have in your wedding, and there will be so many things that you won’t be able to have in your wedding.  Think of the priorities and stay strong!

 >> 10 Steps to a Successful Low Budget DIY Wedding Planning  <<

Screen shot of the Wedding Budget Calculator:

Source from : http://thelittlecanopy.com/atlanta-wedding-inspirations/diy-wedding-budget-calculator

结婚新郎注意细节大盘点

结婚新郎注意细节大盘点拍婚纱照对每个女人来说都是一生最幸福的时刻，每个新娘子都很漂亮，新郎在拍照中就是绿叶嘛，不用特别紧张。但是老公也要注意一些细节，不能因为一个不注意而破坏了这个美妙时刻。

头发

新郎的头发会被化妆师简单吹整一下，但是改变不了太多，最好拍照前一个星期完成新郎的理发。染发也要提前。新娘也是一样。

牙齿

新郎如果牙齿不好，建议使用洁白牙贴之类的先美白一下，或者拍照时坚决不要露齿笑!不然效果很差。

皮肤

新郎不用那么密集地面膜养护，但拍照当天还是要涂一些比较滋润的面霜，不然干干的掉皮，那就要给他也来安瓶啦!

胡子

有的新郎胡子很容易长，早上刮了下午就又长出来了。所以拍照当天要戴上一个电动剃须刀，可以随时刮。

鼻毛

这个有点……呵呵，不过很多男生的确是鼻毛很长，一笑就要眦出来，实在太影响情啦。拍照前一定要修饰一下。新娘自己也要仔细看看喔。

鞋袜

新郎一般很少有机会拍到脚。如果有比较动态的全身像也会出现，保险之计是全黑的袜。但是一般来说配白纱也都会选用白西装，所以白色的皮鞋也是可以选择的。要看新郎新娘自己的想法了。其他五颜六色的鞋子最好不要选用，万一穿帮的话多遗憾啊。

戒指和指甲

新郎的手会有比较多的机会出场，所以指甲修剪一下，千万不要指甲缝带着黑泥上场啊!戒指可以根据需要戴上婚戒或者装饰性强的戒，要看拍摄的风格了。让新郎戴上一个丝绒小袋子，杂七杂八一定要收好装好，换服装的时候一定要检查口袋，不然拍个照还丢了戒指，可就麻烦大啦。

睡眠

拍婚纱照，精神状态最重要。拍摄前一晚如果不能有充足的睡眠，必将影响到拍摄质量。

经验内容仅供参考，如果您需要解决具体问题（尤其在法律、医学等领域），建议您详细咨询相关领域专业人士。

Source from: http://jingyan.baidu.com/article/fea4511a4c001ef7bb91250a.html

Wedding Preparation Lists for the Groom, Best Man and Ushers

While there are some tasks that need to done early in the wedding planning, the groom also has responsibilities for the Big Day, including preparing his team for a smooth, successful event. 

Here are some basic task lists for the men to review.

For the groom:

• Buy an engagement ring.

• Prepare a guest list and indicate who should be seated in reserved pews.

• Invite friends to be the best man and ushers in the wedding.

• Visit the formal-wear specialist to select the wedding attire.

• Choose gifts for the bride, the best man and the ushers.

• Select the wedding ring (this should be done with the bride).

• Plan the honeymoon (this should be done with the bride) in time to assure getting reservations.

• Apply for the marriage license. Check state and local requirements about the time required. This should be obtained several weeks before the wedding and given to the best man the day of the wedding, along with the clergyman’s fee.

• Check to be sure that all of the necessary papers — blood tests, birth certificates, etc. — are complete and available upon request.

For the best man:

• Take charge of the ushers; brief them on special seating arrangements during the rehearsal.

• Keep the wedding ring and have it the day of the ceremony or be sure the ring bearer carries out instructions properly.

• Have the marriage license and clergyman’s fee on hand.

• Help the groom get ready for the wedding.

• Call for and escort the groom to the wedding. Be there at least 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.

For the ushers:

• Be at the wedding site at least one hour before the ceremony.

• Have a typed list of guests occupying reserved pews. As the guests arrive, ask whether they are friends of the bride or groom and seat them accordingly.

Source from http://www.mlive.com/weddings/index.ssf/2011/01/wedding_preparation_lists_for.html

TRADITIONAL MALAY WEDDING

INTRODUCTION
The Malay people have a culture that is really fascinating. Take a moment and think, the view and situation when you attending a Malay wedding no matter it are your friends or relatives wedding. Is it fascinating and unique? The bride and groom are treated as a Royal of the Day. From the delicious food, the decoration and the outstanding costumes of the bride and groom to the process they have to go in the wedding.

In Malay culture, “the more the merrier” the ceremony. Literally every relatives, colleagues and neighbour been invited to the ceremony.

Islam recommends marriage highly among other things; it helps in the pursuit of spiritual perfection. Islam sees marriage as a foundation of the structure of society, and considers it both a physical and spiritual bond that endures into the afterlife.

FLOW OF MARRIAGE
The Malay marriage is a regal affair. The bride and groom are treated as king and queen for a day.

Betrothal
The pre-wedding meeting between the bride's and the groom's parents will determine the dowry that is to be given to the bride as well as the date of the solemnization. This may be as early as a year before the wedding date so that arrangements could be made in advance. For the engagement, the future groom’s parents will gives a container of betel, a ring and some gifts. To complete the engagement the groom’s mother will put the ring to the bride’s finger.

Akad Nikah (solemnization)

Marriage is a contract, and the akad nikah means the union of the couples. The solemnization is normally presided by a kadhi, a religious official of the Syariat Court. In olden days, the bride's biological father has to perform this function. The akad nikah ceremony is in such a verbal contract between the bride's father or his representative (in this case the kadhi) and the groom. A small sum of money called the mas kahwin seals the contract. The dialogue must be clearly heard by three witnesses.

This ritual shows the tremendous responsibilities of the groom to take care for his bride. Before the solemnization a Kadhi will give a brief lecture on marriage and the responsibilities of the couples. The groom is reminded to take care of his wife and gives both spiritual and physical substance of his wife. This ceremony will takes places at the bride’s house but olden days its holds in the mosques as was performed during the Prophet Muhammad’s S.A.W days.

There is difference between “mas kahwin” and dowry. “Mas kahwin is a small sum of money as a gift from groom to his bride. It is according to the state in Malaysia. Example for Johor the amount of “Mas kahwin” is RM 22.50. The small sum of the “Mas kawin” is to ensure even the poor people could marry. The dowry or gifts on other hand is more customary and may go into thousands of ringgit. It often takes the form of both cash and jewelry or clothing and toiletries or maybe cake and fruits. This are presented in fancy boxes or forms knows as “gubahan”.

Climax of Malay Wedding
Bersanding
The marriage ceremony is actually held twice, first at the bride’s residence then the groom’s. This occasion is held to let the public knows that the couples are been married and the couple sits together on the dais.

The groom arrives at the bride’s house with the beat of kompang drums and flanked by “bunga manggar” carries. He is welcome by a shower of “beras kunyit” and a performance of Malay art, “Silat”. Before the groom is allowed to sit on a dais with his bride, he must give some amount of money called an “entrance fees” to the ladies of the house and if they are satisfied with the amount of money only the groom is allowed to sit on a dais with his bride with hands on their laps.

After that they will be bless called “berinai” ritual. These rituals begin with the oldest of the family members. They will take some yellow-colored turmeric rice (beras kunyit), fried rice grains ( beras pulut) and pat some rose water (air mawar) on the couples hands. Finally a pinch of henna on the palms. The couple will shake hands with their parents, relatives and guests.

DECORATION
All of us know that the decoration is very important in wedding days and preparation of wedding ceremony have to be done early.

DAIS
Family from the both side are very particular about dais for “bersanding” ceremony. It may take several days to construct and create a fascinating dais. Wedding and bridal dais consist of material elements such as pedestal tray, betel leaves box, weapon, tray, bridal bed, adornment, bead and etc. The dais will be construct at the hall of the house so that every single guest who came can see the bride and the bridegroom while “bersanding” ceremony. Usually the bride and the bridegroom will choose their own themes and decide what color that they prefer most.

Basically they will use lot of bouquet of flower to decorate the dais. Usually they will be two chairs which will be seated by the bride and bridegroom.

DOWRY
Basically there is different between dowries and “mas kahwin”.Mas kahwin is a small sum to ensure even poor people could marry. While, dowry is more customary and sometime it can goes up until thousand of Ringgit. The “hantaran” is traditions for Malay to show appreciated from both side and ensure that they are as promised. Usually the gifts are known as gubahan and it will be decorate nicely because it will be displayed in the bridal chamber. They use any kind of material such as lace, flowers and ribbon to decorate that gift.

BUNGA TELUR
Guest will be given a “bunga telur” before they leave the wedding ceremony. They belief that, by giving an egg that married couple will produce many children. In fact, in Islam married couples are advises to produce many children so that Islam can expand to the whole world. Nowadays, the gift was being modified. The modernalisation make people try to find gift that commercially prepared for examples chocolates, jelly, or a cake of soap.

THE ATTIRE OF MALAY TRADITIONAL WEDDING
Most of Malay traditional wedding are wearing songket. These songket are commonly come from Palembang, South Sumatera, East Bali, and China. Songket is made from the brocade of textiles. It is a rich, luxurious, ceremonial fabric, handwoven in silk or cotton, and elaborately patterned with gold and sometimes silver threads on the background cloth. The effect of light and gentle shadow on the fabric creates a gorgeous shimmering effect, making them King for the Day.

Both bride and bridegroom are wearing songket in their occasion. For bridegroom attire, he is wearing a suit of baju melayu with sampin, tanjak, and keris. There are two types of baju melayu which is included Baju Melayu Cekak Musang and Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga. His sampin and tanjak normally are from songket materials. Malay tanjak or tengkolok is worn and complements exquisitely the traditional full Malay costume of Baju Melayu. Keris is symbol of the warrior.

While for his bride, she is wearing baju kebaya which is made by songket and at the same time the beauticians will make sure that the bride simply perfect by wearing tiara. Besides that, she is wearing other accessories such as a set of bracelet, a set of necklace, earrings and rings. This rings are be given from her bride in betrothal level and during solemnization event. In addition, this couple will be covered with henna paste. This henna will be pasted before the solemnization event begins.

CUISINE
Malay traditional Cuisine is a must in every Malay wedding, the food is served buffet style so that everyone attended the wedding can help themselves to what they want. No cutlery will be given and one must eat with their right hand. A pot of water will be put on the table so everyone can wash their hand.

The cuisine serve in a wedding ceremony is like Rendang, cooked pumpkin, Gulai, fruit Achar, Pajeri Nenas, Ayam Masak Merah and lot of other dishes that is depend on the bride and groom family.

There are varieties of rice serve at a wedding that is plain white rice, Nasi Minyak (scented rice) and Nasi Beriyani (rice with spices). Nasi minyak is commonly served in traditional Malay wedding.Nasi minyak is cooked with butter ,ginger ,coconut milk and several of spices while Nasi Beriyani is cooked with saffron and spices that makes it slightly yellowish and full of flavour.

Beef rendang is a must have in every Malay weddings which is yummy .The rendang is cooked with beef cubes, coconut milk and several of spices to arouse the nice smell and gravy the beef.

Pajeri Nenas which is pineapple cooked in a thick sweet kerisik flavoured sauce .Kerisik is refers to toasted grated coconut that is mostly used in Malay dishes.

Ayam Masak Merah is another must have in weddings. The chicken that is chopped into pieces will be cooked in a spicy red tomato sauce and onion.

The condiment commonly serve in weddings is achar which are pickled vegetables and some mixed vegetables that consist of sliced cucumber, pineapple and onion tossed in vinegar.

CONCLUSION
As the conclusion a Malay traditional wedding needs lot of preparation so that everything will be smooth. They are very particular about the decoration especially in making a dais. Basically, they are several level needs to go through by a couple before being husband and wife. They are spying, betrothal, and lastly akad nikah. Normally the bride will wear a cloth which been made by songket and also some accessories. On the wedding day usually they will serve a traditional food for the guest and bunga telur to show their appreciation.

Source from:

http://hazwani-rusha.blogspot.com/2007/09/traditional-malay-wedding.html

Grooming Tips for the Groom

Your wedding day is one of the times that you won’t get by with greasy hair, chewed nails, and wearing your dirty alma mater hoodie. We know it’s not always easy for us guys to take the time to look good (it’s just so much easier not to). Here are some simple steps the groom can take to look his best on the big day:

Hair Cut

This one’s obvious. Get your hair cut about a week in advance of the wedding. 

Stick to your normal barber and with your usual style. You don’t want to experiment with a new look that you’re not going to be able to undo before the wedding.

Try a Manicure/Pedicure

All joking aside, trying a manicure/pedicure might not be a bad idea. There are sure to be many up close photos of the rings, so you want your nails to look great. Plus, they’re actually kind of relaxing (or so we hear).

Get a Massage

Who doesn’t love a massage? If you’ve never been to a professional masseuse, we strongly recommend it. It’s the perfect way to release all of that wedding planning stress and tension. If you’re looking for a creative groomsmen gift, how about treating all of your boys to one as well?

Take a Trip to the Dentist

Can you even remember the last time you had a dentist appointment? Get your teeth cleaned about a month before the wedding and continue your normal brushing routine. (3 times a day, right?)

Tickets to the Gun Show

Many groom-to-be’s start a workout routine in the months before the wedding in order to get ripped for the big day as well as the honeymoon. Our advice is to push back your tux fitting as long as possible so you can take account for your bulging biceps.

Eat Well, Drink Well

Keeping a good diet will contribute greatly to your wedding day looks. Drink lots of water to keep your skin healthy and clear. Avoid fast food to maintain that physique you’ve worked so hard to develop. Of course, we’d tell you to cut out beer – but we want to be taken seriously.

Source from http://www.mywedding.com

The 7 Blessings of a Hindu Wedding

The Hindu ceremony, a rite known as 'samskara', has many components and it is quite beautiful, specific and filled with chanting, Sanskrit blessings and ritual that is thousands of years old. In India, it can last weeks or days. 

It is the role of the Hindu priest or 'pandit' to lead a couple and their families through the sacrament of marriage. 

An important aspect of the Hindu ceremony is to light a sacred fire, created from 'ghee' (clarified butter) and woolen wicks, to evoke the God, Agni (Fire God), to bear witness to the ceremony.

The highlight is 'Saptapadi', also called the 'Seven Steps'. Here, traditionally the bride’s sari is tied to the groom’s kurta, or a sari shawl might be draped from his shoulder to her sari. He leads, her pinky linked with his pinky, in seven steps around the fire, as the priest chants the seven blessings or vows for a strong union. By walking around the fire they are agreeing to these. With each step, they throw small bits of puffed rice into the fire, representing prosperity in their new life together. This is considered the most important part of the ceremony, it seals the bond forever.

A nice way to adapt this into a creative, contemporary ceremony is to light a traditional fire, or use a candle, placed on a small table in front of the wedding altar. Bride and groom can be in tux and white dress as they take seven steps while seven blessings are spoken in English. Here are Seven Blessings adapted from a Hindu ceremony.

1. May this couple be blessed with an abundance of resources and comforts, and be helpful to one another in all ways.

2. May this couple be strong and complement one another.

3. May this couple be blessed with prosperity and riches on all levels.

4. May this couple be eternally happy.

5. May this couple be blessed with a happy family life.

6. May this couple live in perfect harmony… true to their personal values and their joint promises.

7. May this couple always be the best of friends.

One thing I appreciate about the Hindu ceremony is that bride and groom come to the altar as God and Goddess, in human form. In many parts of India the bride is considered Lakshmi, Goddess of Fortune, and groom is her consort Vishnu, the Great Preserver.

I believe every bride and groom should walk down the aisle feeling divine!

Source from

http://hinduism.about.com/od/matrimonial1/a/7blessings.htm