Order of Service

Here's a sample:

Processional
Greeting (from the officiating pastor)
Opening Song(s)
Scripture Reading
Meditation
Holy Matrimony
Closing Song
Benediction
Recessional

For the "Order of Service" bulletin, you can consider using the same design/ picture/ theme you have on your invite to create a wholesome feel to your wedding.

Look out for some thoughts on the wedding vow next.

Safe

In Singapore, red packets (ang pow) are given to the newly wed couple on their wedding day - whether as a token or gift or... to help the couple cover expenses incurred on that day. My wonderful preggie friend made an ang pow box to collect the red packets on my wedding day. You can make your own too. Mine was transformed from a box housing my friend's new slow cooker. If you are expecting a large turnout, maybe you can consider buying a big Ikea cardboard box (the kind that is meant for transporting items when moving house) and wrapping it up. Creates a certain sense of grandeur - the sheer size...

The Ring Bearer

At the solemnisation/ holy matrimony, someone has to deliver the wedding bands into the hands of the pastor/ justice of peace. This person is usually the bestman or groom's brother. The ring bearer can deliver it straight from the ring holder or through the ring pillow. The latter offers a tinge of romance. The former is a down-to-earth way of introducing the ring into the solemnisation. Your choice.

Flower Power

Flowers. The love of my life.

Flowers. I can never let you go.

You've lifted me from the blues in life.

You've set my mood upon the highs, and now I know.

Ladies, get prepared to think about your wedding flowers (fresh or fake) ... and colour scheme. Items to mull over:

Hand bouquet Pew flowers Altar floral arrangement and at strategic spots in the church Flowers at the reception Flowers on your hair Flowers at the hall of your lunch/ dinner reception Corsages Flower prints on your gown Flowers as thanksgiving gift to parents

The Laud of the Rings

The wedding bands signify the union of two and the sacredness of the union.

The bride and groom have different needs when it comes to choosing suitable wedding bands. Comfort is very important but this need is more crucial for men than women. For the ladies, we tend to be comfortable with rings. We love rings, don't we? So it won't be difficult to get used to having one more ring on the fingers. However, the men would probably need more time to get accustomed to their ring, especially if they do not have a habit of wearing rings. Thus, it is one important consideration when a couple chooses their rings.

Here are some considerations when looking for appropriate wedding bands.

1. Ring Shape
There are wedding bands that are slightly curved on the inside rather than being flat. These are comfort fit/ dome-shaped rings. However, this does not necessarily mean that the outside of the ring is rounded too - it can be flat if preferred. It's a matter of personal style and taste. Comfort fit rings allow easy wearing and removal of the ring. As the name suggests, this type of ring feels softer on the finger.

2. Ring Width
Think about the size and length of your fingers as well as personal preference. For the ladies, something not more than 5mm would be preferred. It can be as narrow as the bride fancies. Men would do well with a ring that is not too narrow because a narrow ring could look a tad too feminine for them. Besides looking masculine, wider rings would give a tighter feel. Ultimately, try on the ring to get a feel of it and to see if a particular width is suitable for you.

3. Ring Size
Obviously, you need to choose a size that is not too tight or too loose on your finger. Bear in mind that your finger size will change slightly depending on the seasons of the year and time of the day. For the ladies, when we get pregnant, our fingers might expand a little and this could mean a very tight ring if you choose one that is just fitting. You can consider a slightly bigger size (about 0.5 bigger). However, this is provided the bigger ring does not slip off your finger easily. Nevertheless, for preggies, should you feel the ring is getting too tight for you, take the band off your finger lest it gets stuck on your finger -- for life?

4. Metal

Platinum is the hardest. It doesn't get tarnished easily. White gold does but it is almost twice as cheap as platinum.

As always, taste and preferences play a huge part in shopping for a wedding band. Try on as many wedding bands as you fancy (or could tolerate) till you find one that is comfortable and would be willing to wear.

Your Personal Assistant

We need a good PA who can help us get things done - schedule every single meeting with service providers, every to-do item, record ideas for the wedding, keep track of the budget, etc. Not every couple have the good fortune of having friends who volunteer to be their wedding planner. If you have such friends, grab them and treat them well.

My faithful scheduler is below. Works well on occasional charging. Reminds me subtly my to-do list. Does not nag at me for procrastinating - not literally, at least. Looks good - I can flaunt.

Cakes & Such, Pastries & Much

It's a custom in Singapore to give relatives and friends some cakes and pastries together with the wedding invitation. It's best done personally. From my understanding, the bride's family does this. (Though Berry's family followed suit as well.) We gave fruit cakes and pastries when we personally visited our relatives.
These are available in most confectioneries. You can go for the old-style confectioneries - quality guaranteed - or choose to go to ordinary confectioneries.

We went to an old-style but well-known confectionery. We could sense the effort and love put into making those cakes and pastries. The shop does not look modern. In fact, it gives a rustic feel which is one of the reasons why we fell in love with that little confectionery. Last but not least, no preservatives added.