It's been the Asian wedding season and an industry bringing two billion into the local economy. Whether you are going for the more traditional Asian wedding or throwing the rulebook out of the window, etiquette is a fundamental part of any wedding plan. Sometimes wedding activities can make it hard for guests to know what's acceptable to you and what isn't. From an a recent experience on how to offer a more personalised approach to event planning an Asian wedding that is totally focused on what the Bride and Bridegroom wanted for their happiest day in their "Asian Life".
Asian weddings prove costly affairs decadence and extravagant even on a budget, so should it be more about inviting people you love and that are close to you, and not your whole network and acquaintances of your parents? The Big Fat Asian wedding is not everyone's dream and if you want a wedding without the huge guest list and all the traditions at every function, the simple solution is pay for it yourself and organise it yourself. Why so many brides are having to argue their points from everything to the guest list, venue, catering, gifts and acceptable etiquette on the day. Most parents and the extended family and friends have to acknowledge that things have to change, and with that we need to bring it back to the meaning and sense of the occasion.
The Asian Wish list: the wedding planner, venue, outfits, Make and Hair Stylist, Photographer, Videographer, Caterer, flowers arrangement, invitations, jewellery, cake, wedding favours, Host Master, DJ and music arrangement and dance choreographer, religious and civil ceremony, transport, seating planner, guest name cards, website and digital expert. Finally don't forget the counsellor and mediator for all the disagreements and arguments pre/during and after the wedding.
Nowadays couples like to inject their personality into their wedding so hosting an amazing wedding on a super sensible budget is a great opportunity to make as much as you can yourself, and only buy the things and services you really need to. Call upon your family, friends and your creative contacts in your network to pull all the details of the day together. If you can't afford a wedding planner, allocate tasks to the doers, and let them deal with the tricky dynamics to navigate throughout the day.
Even though you made your guest list and checked it twice, there is always the inconsiderate and someone still shows up at the wedding unexpected, you have to do your best to accommodate them. Every Asian caterer knows this may happen and allows for an extra space or two.
Social media is a way of life but it's also become one the biggest wedding crasher of the decade. Common sense or do we need to put these extra wording on the invitation card? Pretty please no photos during the ceremony thanks, (that's the job of the photographer right?). Please don't wear any outfit in the colour "Red" and no posting of pictures on social media until the professional pictures have been released. Don't leave it to chance or guests discretion!
Remember people the wedding is about the bride and bridegroom and not about your own need of attention, so stand back and be happy. While we don't want to be strict bridezillas and order people around, it's important to create a wedding programme and gently remind your guests to stick to it so nothing gets out of hand.
When you have planned an Asian wedding and have come out of it successfully you really have picked up a range of skills. From an expert in all things wedding. Finding the right outfit, jewellery, make-up and hair artist, photographer, the venue, decorations, stationery, food and drink and entertainment, as well jugging a busy working and life balance.
The simple rule to remember it is YOUR big day and no one else's and it costs a lot of money per person so really think through your guest list before sending out your invites and don't feel bad for not inviting people.