Now onwards

Hi everyone..I've decided to move back to my old blg address now since the wedding is over... :) so from now onwards pls be redirect urself to www.mem-oirs.blogspot.com
Thank you :) sorry for any inconveniences caused thank you!!!

Settling in

Its my 10th day is this foreign land.After just 3 days, we're totally settled in our apartment.No more boxes left to unpack, no mess
Thankfully, our living room was huge enough to house not only the sofa set and tv shelf but also the Dining table.
Plannin on having a small prayer alter in here as well.
Our 2 door refrigerator is pretty huge and i've been trying to fill it up with food and goodies...so far jus loads of chocolates and drinks.
Vege's we like are hard to come by. No leafy veges here...besides spinach. The chillies here go at about 89 KR /kg... so you can imagine the cost of living
Mainly all types of meats are available but in restaurants more beef and pork dishes.They have 2 chinese restaurants in the central area but the food doesnt
compare to ones back home.

We had a small gathering by the lake yesterday for as part of the national day celebrations here.All the people posted here were present.So though we're away we still
had the singaporean spirit going strong! Most were dressed in red and whites and even the rain was not able to dampen our moods!! Happy Birthday Singapore!

Well here are some pictures of our home.comments welcomed!

From the distant land

Hi peepz, finally got internet connection and the time to blog a lil... the 12h55min plane ride wasnt so bad...after which a 4hour bus ride was necessary to bring us to our destination: Karlskrona.

its summer here with a temperature of 14 degrees celcius...indoors there is no need for a fan/air conditioning and when you leave home, sweaters are a must!!!

it was raining for 2 days when we arrived but now we see sunshine... alot of different shades here. farming, wooden homes,cows,mooses, horses etc...everything seems pretty relaxed for now.

we're putting up in A Hotel,in centrum which basically means central area. have gone around shopping and boy things here are pretty reasonably priced except for the 35% tax that really heightens the total bill.

We went to Ikea today which is an hours drive from here...had a hard time understanding the tags but we managed sumhow...we were there from 10 to 5 just shopping...burnt a hole in our pockets... ikea back home is really much cheaper.
but no point crying over spilt milk and we've decided that it'll be easier on us if we stopped comparing pices with stuff back home.

food here...we dont really have much option, every nook and corner seems to serve only pizza,kebabs and stuff like that....2days of having that and we're sick of that...cant wait to move to our apartments and start cooking. not only that but its all really ex...2 banana splits n a cuppa capuccino cost us sgd 50
a can of coke is 10 krons which converts easily to 2.35sgd...what more can i say
we've been having convenience food which we micrwave to consume

i miss home and everyone back there...i do tear at times but i'll get used to it...
will be checking out of the hotal on monday and moving to our apartment thereafter!!

apartment is pretty cool,its a 4 storey brick bldg - attached balcony , a room, kitchen living/dining area..relly cosy n bigger thn expected.we're on the 3rd floor.
thankfully for me, i have company as 3 other collegues and their wives are residing around there...

loads of colourful flowers which i'd definitely have in my balcony...
its 516am in sg and 2316 back here...gonna tuck in now and to all of u a very good morning!

have taken some pics will upload them asap...

Here's one for those who couldnt make it

The new addition-ME

Yesterday we were invited to Banana leaf Apollo for a lunch gathering...All the aunts and uncles from Alvin's faternal side were present... This was held to welcome the 2 new brides into the family.. Shalini, alvin's cousins wife and myself :)ITs good that they have such a gathering each time a new addition is made in the family...it was to introduce us and officially welcome us into their family. His aunts and uncles were really spontaneous and each had a speech to give.Even my dad was invited to share experiences on his wedded life... and listening to everyone brought tears to my eyes...i was not able to give my two cents worht when my turn came.but it was really fun and we thoroughly enjoyed the family bonding session so did my parents and chandini. :)

I think every family shld have such a tradition..to make the newly wed bride feel comfortable and introduce her to the entire family :)

Also may i add the food was delicious!!!

Bombay cafe

Alvin and i thought that all my aunts and uncles and cousins who helped out in the wedding should be rewarded. And on the day since they were busy entangled in the task and duties i had assigned to them...most of them didnt even get to dine properly
So we got them to meet at bombay cafe for a small thank you dinner :) this session was just for the aunts and uncles(basically archana's and rinki's family) the cousins will have a separate get together this coming tuesday ;P

So yeah bombay cafe was the venue and as usual Babu arrtived the latest ... though only vegetarian food was on the menu, i thoroughly enjoyed the food..and their chaat was really good :)I hope the rest of them enjoyed it too;)

what i really liked was the ambience...they had movie pictures incorporaated in their interiors and were screening movies and songs thruout... keeping not only the adults but the kids entertained as well :P their pink and black theme was really an eye catcher :) so if you're looking forward to some small gathering of sorts i highly recommend that venue at east coast

So yesterday

Some days back i was still preparing for the wedding...and in no time at all, i'm married for the past 6 days...time really flies doesnt it... :)
Dad was telling me that i should enjoy every bit of the preps and the big day as well cuz soon it will be 5 days then 5 months and before we even know it 5 years would have passed.

Alvin and i started our day off in the rented Hyundai Santa Fe. I liked it as it was pretty spacious. WE went to Vivo city to get some shopping done...Got ourselves a Compaq presario laptop and a few shirts, a blazer for alvin and winter wear for the both of us :) We exceeded our daily limit spending.

Renu, sheetal, Chandini, Alvin n me went to watch Transformers at AMK hub...followed by prata near S'goon central.

finally

I'm finally married. The entire event went as planned and we got all compliments and everyone was really impressed...the decor and food and all the uncles, aunties and cousins did a great job!!! Thank you everyone for all the help and trouble you guys had to go thru :) we're planning a dinner treat...so will let u noe once its planned :)

Married, mangalsutra around my neck, sindoor on my forehead and toe ring in my toe :) thats the only difference in my appearance for now ;)

And it feels entirely different to have been tradiitonally married...thank god it went well and i was calm n collected all the way...gotta run now will keep u posted!!
lurve

A matter of days

My wedding is like wat...8 days away. Next week i'll be married. Still busy with preps myself. I havent got the Guestbook nor developed the pics... i also gotta get solid paper which i'll be printing the table numbers on.and the flower baskets n decorate it.To make things easier, I'll just allot table numbers for close relatives n friends and the rest of the kahos,just tell them to sit at table number watever.
For alvin's side, his sister or cousin will handle since u guys wont know anyone there.

Gotta get it all done within the next 3days.So i'll be looking forward to seeing all really soon! If u guys wanna take a look at the coffee table album do drop by early on the 5th jul so i can show it to u before the kahos arrive.

The rest i'll keep u informed as and when i get the time.

Pro's n Con's

Hi ppl!

Thanks for the opinions...i really needed them. After reading thru, i think the best idea will be to just get a guestbook and get people to sign it. Easier to store and hassle free. Might get some 4R pics of my pre wedding shots and paste them inside so can show the pple my pics and at the same time protect my costly coffee table album from any damage the kahos might cause.

The cost of the polaroid film is 1buck per piece and i dun wanna waste it on the countless number of kahos. What i can do is get one of u people to take snaps on the digicam so i can look back and see who actually came.Since the cameraman will be busy doing his job...

So who's volunteering to take the snaps?????

Renu and Sheetal i really hope u guys are coming back!! decided what to wear?

Manisha thanks for dropping by...cant wait to see u...erm yeah i might need some help from u. I need to collect 2 baskets which will contain flower petals to be showered on the 'couple' ..once we're done with the phera's.Think ur mum knows i need them.
Are u going to be home this week..fri or sat night so i can come n collect it? I need 2 similar ones..so i can decorate it.
Let me know via sms... please! Thanx!

Wes n Abhi i need ur help...on the 4th July, I need u guys to come over n help to decorate the place...with the floral strings and stuff.I cant help cuz getting my henna, mani n pedi done.. early eve will be good if u can make it.

Renu, sheetal, manisha, madhu n poonam will need your help on the 5th july...the haldi day. TO direct the RWT caterers on where to set up and stuff.Pls be here before 2pm...the thing starts at 2pm.Need to get prayer stuff ready...(will try to get them ready beforehand but just in case)

on the 5th I'll hand out the duties assigned to u guys. So please be present!!! I'm so counting on u all.All i can do is plan and count on u guys to execute it i hope all goes as per plan! :)

HELP !! GuestBook

I am in a dilemma about the guestbook now. I am wondering how practical a guestbook will be, just containing some signatures and wishes after reading them once, prolly it will be tucked away sumwhere never to be recalled again.

So a friend came up with a suggestion of using a big voloured vanguard sheet to get their signatures n wishes and also use a polaroid cam to take pics of guests as they arrive and stick their pic next to their signature/wishes.I think its a great idea and so does Alvin and dad... the problem is Polaroids take a anyting from 30 to 45seconds to appear. Will the kaho's actually have the decency to wait that "Long" what if while who ever is assigned to handle this is taking the pic and all the other guests just walk in? Though it is a really good idea since i can get almost every guests pic there to remind me of their presence i dunno if its feasible

The next idea was of designing pages and handing it over to guests as they arrived with colourful pens. They will then fill it up answering questions like "what are ur wishes for the couple?" how do you know them and a box to draw a self potrait...
Thats one great idea too but i wonder if it will work?

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED PEOPLE!!!!
Help!!!

NOTICE~ MAKE UP & HAIR STYLING

As requested I've enquired if my MUA provides make up n hairdo' for relatives n all. She chages $120/pax for house calls and $85/pax if you visit her at her place/spa. But since she will be doing my make up at my residence, she is willing to do it at a special price o $85/pax. She will do Make up + base coat and all incl hair do and getting u dressed as well. So if you are interested, pls let me know so i can book her assistant n her fo u.

COST : $85
SERVICE: Make up, Hair do, Dressing u up(tying sare etc)
VENUE: My Residence
TIME: 2pm onwards

Pls let me know by FRIDAY!!! 22nd June so i can book her. Thank you!!
In case u wanna noe, i've enquired with a few other MUA's and they chage between $90-120 so she's really the cheapest and is a professional in her field. SO dont miss the chance!!!

Let me know by FRIDAY!!! 22nd June or it might be too late....

Relieved

Sigh! A sense of relief, so easily put in a single word but the feeling it enormous! WEll all our shipment was taken away from my home today by 1pm and i cant tell u how good it feels! The living room was filled to the brim...REALLY no space at all..

Finally its all settled and i can start thinking about our wedding again. the past two weeks were filled with stressful days where all i did was shop shop and shop. I know everyone loves shopping but this was different. But ah!what the heck i shant think about it and stress myself furthur. I'm just happy it has left and its 2 weeks to my wedding so i shall just concentrate on that.

just 2 more weeks to my big day.LEft with purchasing the guestbook, the garlands and tying the program sheets.:)and getting flower basket from Big B n decorating it...

I have already started missing my parents n sisters n family...i tear so often i've lost count. Never thought i would feel this way but hmmm...i guess all we gals will go thru this sooner or later and even the toughest one of us will feel this way. :) anyway all u cousins and aunties and uncles and frends pls be spontaneous in dancing and all ah... ;) its all up to u guys to make it a memorable event.. so just smile n tyr to accomodate all the kaho's righty? thanks!

18 more days

My mum and i were just talking about rhe wedding... i realised i have a little more than 2 weeks left to my big day. Today my parents have gone to give out cards personally to close friends & relatives who havent as yet received them. Alvin has gone to do the same on his side... WE had a small meal cooked for our dad as part of fathers day...we tried some south indian dishes. Lenthil, potato and scrambled egg side dish and mock mutton mysore ;) i also tried making mysore pak but its yet to set :( just finished doing about 50 program sheets. Was tying a bow with the ribbons to make them look more fancy...I just want everything my way. mum says i'm being too "extra"

but i want everyone to know i m really puttin alot of effort in everything and its for all of them :) i want it to be special...from all the other hindustani weddings..hopefully it will stand out and all of you will help in makin it special...
feelin really nervous as the day draws closer.Funnny that ive been ROM'd for 2 years and i still feel this way....

The dance is Cancelled

The sad news is Poonam has cancelled the dance performance she wanted to do. She feels that the 20 days arent gonna be of much help and to top it off her friend who was doing the dance with her is going to Brunei at that time so...sad but true..its off. I am disappointed but its ok...at least she gave ample notice and even volunteered herself :) we could use a little bit of help from her in other areas

Manisha is back in town!!! So manisha yeah i'll be so looking forward to visits from u. MAdhu when will u be back? Renu and Sheetal... u guys reading the blog? and what about the brothers? no news from u both at all.

The move, shopping and makeup

as you might have already heard, the shipment leaves next week leaving us with alot of running around to do...preparing for both the wedding and the Move simultaneously.
So we've been to places like Sheng Shiong, carrefour, NTUC and watsons to get our daily necessities. From toothpaste to medications, Tissues to cotton buds.We've left no stone unturned :P We've also bought our Electronics, such as a modest 32" LCD Samsung TV, 1600W Moulimex Vacumm cleaner, A 22L Panasonic Microwave Oven,Novito Humidifier, Powerpac fan etc...Bringing our old pc and will be purchasing a laptop before leaving.

I also gotta pack my whole wardrobe in a box...meaning i gotta survive on 2 pairs of jeans and a few tees til i leave...anyway all the shopping cost us a bomb...but we had no choice had to get it all as those who are already there have warned us about the sky high prices and high standard of living.

The move is still secondary to me right now...not really in the right frame of mind yet...still brooding over the wedding. I've got blue ribbons to tie up the program sheets and will be starting on them soon.I've also visited La vie En rose and signed up for 2 Bio-Oxygenating Facial (Repair) sessions at $120 each.Going for one on the 20th and the othe on the 3rd July.Its meant to be a Intensive repair facial to boost the skin condition.

It was a pleasure meeting the owner who has won numerous titles in pagents. She is in her 30's but can effortlessly bluff her way to being in her 20's. She's really maintained herself well.I've decided that when i return i'm definitely signing facial packages with her ;) motivated to lose weight again :P

Introducing the FE 230

If there are three things that characterise the Olympus FE-230 they are style, ease of use and a great price. Measuring just 16.5 mm thick,its slim stainless metal body cuts a great figure. Its really easy to operate. A 6.4cm LCD screen means that framing shots is effortless and viewing results an absolute pleasure...Image quality is second to none thanks to the TruePic TURBO image processor and 7.1 Megapixel resolution.

And just how compact can it get? Need i say more than it fits in my palm...effortlessly :)

Been a while

I know i havent updated in a while but i got a valid reason for that. I was down with a throat infection causing me to have fever :( my parents were away om a trip to Ipoh and I had to be taken to a 24hour clinic...at about 10pm but i'm all fine now.I have done quite a substansial amout of stuff in this time away... Check out the next post.

Sooner than expected

I'm totally freaking out at the thought of having to purchase, pack and move everythin sooner than expected.I'm only left with a week to get it all done. So i've perpared a list of stuff to buy... gonna cost us a hand and leg to get it all but we have no other option.We went out in search of furnishings last night and spent more than $2k on a goose feather L shape sofa, a shoe rack, dining table+2 benches and a chest of drawers...all wenge/walnut in color...

Moving everythin out on the 20th of this month!!! SO i gotta get on my toes and start running around. Most of it is going into electronics like tv, dvd player etc and furnishings and foodstuff... gotta bring loads of convenience foods there. Things there are really expensive. A plate of fried rice can cost up to 18 sing dollars and movie tickets come at 17bucks per person...

High standards of living...but now thats not the most important thing in my mind...the MOVE.SO many otsy bitsy knick knacks to think about its getting my blood pressure up...Anywya will keep u guys posted.

Wats going on...

We're preparing for 2 major things simultaneously. Preparing for our wedding and the move... The boxes have been delivered and we've taken up a unit at storehub kallang for $189/mth... yup i know all their ads 'for as low as 88/mth" all crap. The unit size is pathetic. Well anyway so we got a unit and have started shopping.
Started with the kitchen stuff still got a long way to go in the shopping area but insufficient time. Shipment either goes off before july on in july...i'm goin off in that same month...

Also been looking for ribbons to tie up the programme cards. need bout 70m in all.. anyone knows were to get them at cheaper rates? i know of sumone selling it for 6.50 per roll for 18yards per roll. and the flower basket...

Our aunt and uncle from india, Noida are coming over for the wedding as well and after the wedding, they got to be brought about on a tour to singapore and malaysia.

Updated Task list

The Updated Task list



Should you have furthur queries, pls do not hesitate to ask :)
Thank you everyone of u for being so helpful :) I really appreciate it!

The Digi Cam

The next best option worth the buy is the Sony cybershot DSC W55

FEATURES
Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens
7.2 Mega Pixels
3x Optical zoom, 6x digital zoom
High Stamina (Up to 380 Shots)
Large 2.5" LCD Screen
Real Imaging Processor
High Sensitivity ISO 1000

She could get them from the following dealers:
Click Here
IT comes with the carrying case and a memory card...
its a great buy at $399

Now i feel that the SOny is a better buy :P

The nikon coolpix S200 was released in feb this year.it seems that most places dont carry it yet
just in case u might want to call before going down...try these places:
Click Here for the dealers

Its the cheapest at Parisilk so far at $383 and they have alot of freebies too.. like 2x 2GB SD card, case, screen protector, minitripod etc. whereas at other locations, its only the cam alone costing abt $428+ (",)

Among the 2 anyone will do :) thank you!!!

Overwhelmed

Manisha! Nice to hear that you'll be dressed in traditional wear... I'm honoured you decided to do that just for MY wedding.I'm looking forward to seein u cuz as far as i can recall i havent seen u in a suit for ages. Lotsa new stuff to expect...madhu in saree, manisha in indian costume, Sheetal in lehenga and chandini in saree...whats Renu deciding to wear? Brothers and uncles are gonna be in kurta...
Hey what about your dad, will he be clad in kurta too? :) BTW poonam will be dancing with her friend to "Kajra re" aint it cool?such spontaniety from all my cousins I'm overwhelmed!!!

Madhu, White and pink sound like a great combi... Must look real sweet...got your costume jewellery to wear with that? Dig out your mum's treasure chest she might have some lovely pieces.

Task list, I'll change it and add a little more detail for u fellas. About the shweta flower gal thingy.madhu, u just gotta get the basket and pass it to the gals...and once they are done, get it and restore it to its origin.

On my haldi ceremony on the 5th u all better be present, will give u all a copy of what ur supposed to do and when... am still workin on the itinery..

Collected the program sheets gotta get ribbons for that , place order for garland and get the guest book... thats abt all..yeha will be popping by at mad's place to see if Big B's got a basket or two to spare...and meet up with the deco guy to finalize it all..

We're wondering if we should actually bring our coffee table album to the venue...afraid it will be damaged... u know how kahos' are. What u gals think?

The games and MC thing is temp for the moment in case there is time... u noe once all the outsiders have left and only our family remains, i might just get it off the list... tell ur mum not to worry...we'll get the DJ to do the MC thing as well...

The Task List

IF there is any thing you wish to change or add or think you cant handle do drop it in the comments and i'll see what i can do about it...

Food Tasting

We went down for food tasting...the food was good..mutton especially it melted in our mouths so be sure to try that...mutton masala.
The ras malai was a wee bit too sweet but yeah not bad at all...
This again was all picked by me...
Here is what to expect on that day:
MENU

2 Starter item Chiken tikka Samosa
Assorted Naan Assorted naan
1 Rice item Briyani Rice
1 Dhall item Vegetable Dalcha
1 Veg(curry) Dum aloo Kashmiri
1 Veg(dry) Aloo Gobhi
1 Paneer item Palak Paneer
1 Mutton item Mutton masala
1 Chicken item Chicken do piaza
1 fish item Mock duck masala(we contra with other vege dishes)
1 Salad item Kachumer Salad
1 Raita item Dahi raita
1 desert item Ras malai
1 drink Lime drink (free flow)

One more

Made our way down to Serangoon yet again. This time shopping was with 2 of my aunties... Sanju's mum and Chotki bua... sanju's mum bought me a gold ring...its really pretty...white gold+yellow gold and a pink saree...for Alvin she got a gold ring as well....so sweet right

Chotki bua got me punjabi suit material which i chose myself.... Actually i have chosen everythin myself. The colour and design are really pretty!

Big b has told me she'd definitely get me the S200 nikon coolpix camera... :) so yeah now i'm left with guestbook, floral basket and garlands..

36 Days

Well, we're sitting pretty now at 35 days.

Can't say I'm not excited. I am really happy with the progress we made so far, but we have some more things that we have to do along the way. Nonetheless, so far so good.

We bought a number of household items, name it, cutlery, plates, rice cooker... We spent quite a sizable amount of cash already, I forsee some more spending before we can settle in totally. All the little knickknacks.

Oh yes, there are so many customs in the hindu religion... You'd know what I mean if you've been through it.

Anyone getting married would know the cost involved or at least have a hint of what the "damages" are.

In any case, faith is often put to the test here. Do you dare to imagine the the cost of the wedding itself, photography, bridal lehenga, make up etc? Everything costs something.

Phew. That's like a mouthful.
35 days people. And I feel a gazillion butterflies already.

Coffee table Album

We've collected our Pre wedding shoot album and i must say its really pretty! Its nice! You gotta see it to believe it.. I luv all the shots and no i wont be uploading the pics as yet. You guys gotta take a look at the real thing! its beautiful... then again opionion is subjective... but i make it a point to browse thru it every night since i collected it on saturday eve...

and who ever is gonna be incharge of taking care of the coffee table album and table top pic on the day of the wedding please take really good care of it.Its one of my most priced, and pricey possessions :P but its money well spent and i urge u all...all my sousins to make sure you have a pre wedding shoot for your wedding...its really worth the money, time and effort as its these that you will look back at and reminisce...

Alvin and i look at it now and we are all smiles.

The Presents

Aji gave me 2 sarees. One orange and the other red with black embroidery :P

Sanju's mum gave me a pink saree with silver embroidery , a gold ring..really stylish white + yellow gold one and she even got Alvin a gold ring...now that was so touching...

Renu's mum gave me a gold chain and a white embroidered punjabi suit which i personally picked :)

Sunita and Sonia gave their mum money to get me somthing :) aint that sweet? so i picked a black embroidered saree.

Archana gave me a gold pendant and a red saree with blue embroidery. (",)

Rinki gave me a floral motif gold bracelet.

Uma's mum gave me a pair of gold earrings that match Archana's Pendant.She gave me a green saree with pink lace trimming ;)

The digi cam i posted in the previous post is the present i'm gonna get from Big B :)Nikon coolpix S200

chotki bua bought me a pink salwaar kameez material which i picked...its so pretty!

Vicky has told me to get anythin i like and let her know :P

Presents and just more presents...
6 sarees,2 punjabi suits, 6pcs of gold...(I M RICH!!!)( pendant, earrings, chain, bracelet, 2rings and a camera...

mummy bought me more stuff...from sarees to crockery, utensils etc for our trip there...Dahayj

The Digi Cam :)

Hmm so I was wanting a Digital Camera to bring over...and Big B is willing to get me one instead of the normal gold & saree so after much research, I've decided that one that will suit the budget( the rest of the aunts have also spent approx this amount 350+)

I'm stuck between these 2 now 1-the Nikon Coolpix S200 is one great buy...its slim, 7.1MP,with 3x zoom, 2.5-inch screen and what Nikon somewhat vaguely refers to as electronic VR (image stabilization using digital signal processing).

2-Nikon Coolpix S50c which continues the S series' tradition with slim cases, 3x zooms, 3.0-inch screens and 7.1 megapixel

I've found out the price for the S200...its $383 wGST and comes with 2x 2GB memory card and case, screen protector and mini tripod...yet to find out about the latter.So if the price varies greatly, I'd get the cheaper one amongst the 2 :)

Finally...down to the last

I've booked the Henna artist and am only left with one more just one more task...which is to book the Make up artist (MUA). I've already decided on taking
La Vie En Rose
Probably going down with my SIL this friday to get it done.

Food tasting is on 24th hopefully still havent got thru Jega.
24th may is DH's Birthday! he turns 28 :)

Proposals for the deco still underway...
Cards being distributed already...

Lieft with itsy bitsy stuff like Guest book, Flower baskets and Ribbons for the Program sheet. Here's one Guestbook i really like...
My ideal guestbook What do u think? They also provide customization but well i dun think i might need that...

Another trip

Sheetal,Renu and her mum have flown off to the US for Sonia's delivery... hopefully everything goes well and there are no complications and her baby is as cute as her :) Its sheetal's first trip to the US she must really be looking forward to it.

We made yet another trip to Serangoon which has by now become a hangout for me.I know the place at the back of my hands now. TOday we went for Rinki's shopping.She bought a baby pink saree...really soft and feminine. She also managed to get her bangles and necklace set while we were there from 3 to almost 9pm.

Our wedding cards got delivered at 10pm. I had my fingers crossed i was really so nervous cuz i want everything to turn out well especially with all the research and planning i've done... I've begun to think everythin should turn out perfectly....
When i saw the chit i cried...cuz i had told the printer to print 260 hindi cards and 130 tamil cards but he had written that he printed 260 tamil and 130 hindi.I tot i was screwed. Thank god my darling husband to be :P checked it all out one by one and relieved my tension. The printer had mistaken the hindi fonts for tamil ones and labelled them wrongly. Phew! what a relief.

Mum has gone to the temple with some cards so tat she can start distributing them today... i was not able to get the paper i wanted to print the sangeet night cards and so i've ommitted that. Mum will let the people she is inviting verbally.
I really wanted to get the mehndi cards and slot it in as well but i guess it was not fated.

so yeah the caterer is booked, deco is still in the proposal stage,bhangra booked, dj booked, Videographer and photographer booked...all the major stuff covered. so now i'm just left with the Make up and henna. FOr the make up i have shortlisted 3 artists. A freelancer pushpa, Another one from rupini's and one from La vie en rose.Lets see how the trials go... Henna just gotta go down see her works and pay the deposit :)
Will be going for food tasting soon too...Alls well that ends well.

The duties...

So far this is the updated list.
Do take a look and if you want to volunteer for anything do let me know or else it will all be assigned to you by me :P

The Serial shooters

Presenting......

The Actual Day Photographer -->
TsangStudios
More of his works

and

The Videographer -->
Big Day Studios

After alot of research i've confirmed the 2 shooters... Mr Kenneth and Mr Lee.
Thier packages are attractive and works commendable. I also particularly like their style of shooting. Very different from the fotogrpahers who shoot "We were here kinda pics"

Cant wait to see the finished works :)

Mother's Day tea

Mothers day was celebrated at my place this year. It was quite hectic for us... preparing samosas, tea, uppama etc.Was fun and a real burden off the chest after handing u guys your clothes and all... I hope u guys liked it.. DO try to wear it for the Haldi since its not grand enuf for the wedding but i will like to see all the uncles and brothers in the kurta i gave you.

So excited qafter talkin to all of you. I can sense the excitement in your voices too an dit only wants to make me make my wedding enjoyable and memorable for u all n myself and i hope i'll be able to pull it off :)

Itinery still unsure abt dunno when to do what and if there is time for everything
1-cake cutting
2-champange fountain/toasts
3-wedding games/saalis cher chaar
4-dance by poo
5-Bhangra performance
6-opening of dance floor
7-dinner
8-bidaii

we have the hall from 7 to 12pm... so any plans? any help in planning it any ideas girls n guys? ?

We've finally agreed upon a Videographer(VG) for the Big day..BIG DAY STUDIOS.. His videos look very entertaining. While searching for a vg, i came to realise that the best part of a chinese wedding is the tradition where the groom has to perform numerous tasks in order to be able to enter the house to see his bride. If only we coud incorporate that in our hindu weddings! sadly the groom is not allowed to see his bride before the ceremony...but it would not be a bad idea to do these stuff after the ceremony eh? before the bidaii(farewell)?

So if you gals are intending to do so...do it only when only our immediate family and close friends are left at the hall.It can get really entertaining.

Videos can be viewed at @
Click Here.

The chosen ones

The Decorater--> Pandora's 2morrow

Check it out .

Our Bridal Studio -->
Polpular's Website.

Venue-->
Khalsa Clubs' Level 2 .

Caterer-->
RiverWalk Tandoor .

Sneek Peeks

This is what my wedding card looks like :)

How did u like it? My personal choice (",) always wanted a blue one!!!

And these the links to the wordings of the invites which i personally did.Including the art work:P

Bride's Card Text.

Bride's Hindi Text.


Groom's Card Text
Groom's English Text.

Groom's Tamil Text.

Check it out!

Do check out the link!

Our interview

Wedding Checklist

BRIDE
Bride's Traditional Attire
Bridal Headpiece (Chunrie)
Bridal shoes
Jewellery

GROOM
Groom's Traditional Attire
Groom's shoes

INVITES
Invitations
Map/Direction Cards

Wedding Programs (for Non indian/Alvin's Relatives)

ORGANIZER/PLANNER
Vendor list(contacts)
Seating/Ushers
Guestbook signing
Emergency Kit
Instruct Bhangra dancers
Instruct DJ
Instruct Buffet ppl
Attached to PG(will try to brief him beforehand/hand him prog card)
Ensure everythin happens as planned

VENUE

Reception
Guest List
Guest Book
Stationary(Pen+Holder)
Tripod
Table Top Picture

Tables
Table Numbers
Table Reserved Signs
Centrepieces

CEREMONY
Garlands
Loose flowers
Flower girl Basket
Flower girl

BIDAII (FAREWELL)
Puffed rice grains
Flowers
Coins

DOOR GIFT
Wedding Favors

Duties(Will still be adding on)

1. Person in-charge of vendor list to contact everyone of them a week and a day before the big day as reminder
2. Person with emergency kit to ensure all necessities are in and to be with bride at all times
3. Priest to be ushered to temple after light refreshments
5. Ushers to get name of relatives and usher them to their seats, politely
6. Before arrival of guests instruct decorater to place program cards on alvin's relatives/friends tables...
7. When guests start arriving ensure starters+drinks are served
8. Ask Waiters to top up buffet before it runs out
9. Make sure all mess is cleared asap(kids spilling water etc:P)
10. Ensure that Bhangra dancers are ready for alvin's march in also make sure that they are on time for the next 2 performances.
11. After all guests have arrived, person at reception to clear Reception table, Place guestbook, table top pic, stationery etc in box/car
12. During ceremony to ensure flower gals are ready with floral baskets and distribute to guests arnd the mandap
13. Someone in-charge of the angpow.Separate the hindustani's angpows from the other guests.(might be providing 2 boxes for this purpose)
14. Enjoy the benefits of good planning and enjoy the beautiful wedding!!

Planning in Progress

Uhhh ... fast forward a week and the sleepless nights and binge eating are making me wonder if I've made a mistake (and how the heck am I going to shed it all?)

Wedding planning's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. With only 45 days to go here's where we're at:

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No. of Pre Wedding Ceremonies: 1

Date: 5th July 2007, Thursday

Time: 2pm onwards(yet to be confirmed)

Venue: Bride's & Groom's Residence

Invites: will be sent to you

No of attendants: 50

Occasion: Ladies night(still thinkin if men shld be allowed ;)

Itinery: SatyaNarayan Katha,

Haldi Ceremony

Refreshments

Mehndi cum Sangeet

Dinner (arnd 7pm)

Caterer: Mayura

Deco: Some floral strings on walls

Dress Code: Traditional

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Date: 06-07-2007, Friday
Time: 6pm onwards(family)

Venue: Singapore Khalsa Association, Level 2

No of attendants: 500+

Officiant: The Sindhu house Priest (Speaks hindi + English)

Entertainment: Mount Zion(DJ+Sound systems+Lighting)

Bhangra Dancers(Khalsa In house)

Photographer: Kenneth (TsangStudio)

Videographer: Still searching

Bridal Studio: Popular Bridal Studio

Caterers: Riverwalk Tandoor

Favours: Laddus

Decorations: Pandora's Tomorrow(Mandap,Ceiling, drapery ,centrepieces etc)

Dress Code: Traditional

Itinery: Dwar pooja

Bhangra dancers usher Groom in (swagat by aunts, cousins)

Groom seated at Mandap

Groom's relatives ushered to seats

Bride Arrives with female relatives to mandap(aunties cousins etc)

Wedding Ceremony begins

Brides guest to be ushered to seats

Starters/Appetizers served

Flower gals distribute flowers

Wedding Ceremony over

Bhangra dancers perform stunts

Dinner Buffet

Dance floor opened

Wedding games(not sure yet:P)

Photography with family n friends

Bidaii

Send off (bride accompanied by cousins n sister)

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Feel free to post your suggestions in the comments section. I'd love reading them.

The Wedding Vows

I, take you to be my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you, I will laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully, through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

Indian Wedding Games

Dunno should i have these or not?

The marriage ceremony is lightened with a few traditional games meant to elevate the mood and create a feeling of unity between members of the two families.

Some of the games are

Fish the Ring
This Indian wedding game determines who will rule the roost in the home front. When the couple appears as man and wife before the family gathering for the first time, the big question is who will take charge in the relationship. The bride and groom are asked to take off their rings and put them in a pot of clear water. As the rings settle to the bottom, they are asked to churn the water as vigorously as possible. Once their hands come out, everyone looks at the water. If the bride's ring lags behind in the swirling water she will be an obedient wife. If it is the opposite, the groom will be wrapped around her finger!
The final test is placing the rings in a pot or shallow 'thaal' of milk and asking the couple to 'fish'. Whoever finds the ring first will always have the upper hand!


Jutti Chupai (Hiding the Shoes)
When the couple reaches the mandap for the 'pheras', the groom removes his shoes. The bridesmaid seize his shoes and hide them. After the ceremony is complete and the groom gets up to leave the mandap, his 'saalis' (bridesmaid) surround him and demand a preposterous sum of money in exchange for his shoes. The groom is left with no alternative in spite of a lot of begging and pleading. He pays the ransom and is then allowed to put on his shoes.


Knotted Strings
In another attempt to predict the future of the couple's married life, the bride is given a knotted string to unwind. She and her husband use one hand each to unravel the knots The sooner they unravel them, the greater the ease with which they will face life's struggles and achieve success. The coveted position of the 'knot-tier' is given to the favorite sister of the groom and it is up to her to make it difficult!


You Touch My Heart
This game is particularly enjoyable for the women from the bride's side. Several round slots are made with a saree, wide enough for a hand to pass through. The saree is held lengthwise and behind it stand women from the bride's side, including the bride. All the women thrust their hand upto the wrist out of the holes. The groom stands on the other side from where he can only see an array of hands. The challenge for him is to search correctly for his bride's hands for which he is given three chances. Failing this, he has to pay a 'fine' before his bride is reunited with him.

Where Is My Heart
In this, married couples - including the bride and groom - stand back-to-back in random order, such that they cannot see each other. Each woman has to find her spouse by calling out to him with an endearment such as "Where is my heart?" without addressing him by name. The husband has to respond accordingly. There is much laughter if the wrong man answers! Those who find their spouse leave the game while those who fail continue calling out till they have found their partner.

The process

Planning your wedding day takes a considerable amount of hard work, flexibility and passion. Having a check list really helps!! Get an organizer and a file, record details, quotes and stuff in them....

6 Months before the Wedding

• Select a date for your wedding (contact priest for Mahurats)
• Set a budget, as well as costs-sharing.
• Picture the type of wedding theme you want
• View & Select wedding Venue, set the time etc (Consider seating capacity)
• Draw a guestlist
• Select and reserve your officiant/Priest
• Purchase Invitation cards
• Choose wedding attire

4 Months before the Wedding

• Search for Printer get Quotes
• Select a Bridal Studio/Outdoor Photoshoot
• Choose your flower girls
• Search for a wedding photographer
• Search for a wedding Videographer
• Search for a Decorater
• Schedule fittings and PG date for Outdoor/Studio Photography.
• Eat plenty of fruits and consume water for good complexion
• Go for facials, massages
• Search for a MUA
• Search for Henna artist
• Search for Manicure/Pedicure Lady


2 Months Before the Wedding

• Complete and finalize guest list.
• Arrange for your caterer.
• Book videographer.
• Book Photographer.
• Book DJ
• Book Bhangra Troupe
• Print wedding invitations and stationary - invites, wedding programs, table nos
• Decide on and finalize no of pre wed ceremonies
• Delegate duties eg gift attendant, reception etc


1 Month before the Wedding

• send out invitations,map etc
• Order Loose flowers + Garlands.

3 Weeks before the Wedding
• Determine hair style and makeup.
• schedule for makeup, hair and beauty, accessories and nails.Trials

The BIG Week
• Inform caterer of final guest count.
• Try wedding attire and make sure everything fits
• Meet with coordinator(cousin/aunt) to contact service providers
•Prepare a timeline for wedding events

The Day of the Delegation

• Delegate duties to cousins/uncles n aunties
• Designate someone to bring accessories - flowerbasket, guest book and pen, to the ceremony
• Provide a detailed schedule of events for the wedding
• Designate someone to return rental items

The Day of Your Wedding

• Stick to the planned schedule.
• Use your wedding checklist to stay on track and have a great, stress free and memorable wedding day!