Tea Ceremony

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Plan Your Perfect Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey marked by cherished traditions that create unforgettable moments. Among these customs is the Chinese wedding tea ceremony, an integral part of wedding celebrations, symbolising respect, gratitude, and the union of two families.

This age-old practice sees the bride and groom serving tea to their parents and elders, expressing their deep appreciation for their support.

The Significance Of The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony, known as 敬茶 (jìngchá) in Chinese, holds profound cultural significance. This age-old tradition involves the couple serving tea to both parents and elders as a gesture of respect and gratitude. 

Typically, the Chinese tea ceremony occurs on the wedding day, with sessions at the bride and groom’s homes.

The groom’s family is served tea first, often in the morning after he has brought the bride home. Subsequently, the bride’s family is honoured with a tea ceremony in the afternoon following her visit to the groom’s place.

Alternatively, some couples combine tea ceremonies into a single event, held later at their wedding venue. This allows them more personal time in the morning. The key is to start with the groom’s family as a sign of respect, and both approaches are culturally acceptable.

Tea ceremonies are a universal symbol of honour and gratitude, practised worldwide. In Chinese wedding tea ceremonies, offering tea to one’s elders signifies deep respect and appreciation for their guidance and upbringing. Kneeling before the elders while presenting the teacup is this cherished tradition’s highest form of respect.

Preparations Before The Wedding Tea Ceremony

Planning a memorable Chinese wedding tea ceremony requires careful preparations to ensure that the event runs smoothly and is culturally significant.

Invitations

Start by sending out invitations for the Chinese wedding tea ceremony. Typically, these invitations are included with your wedding reception invitations. Creating a guest list and ensuring that all extended relatives are included is essential.

Encourage your family and relatives to RSVP, as this helps determine the number of teacups needed and the order of serving, making the host’s job more manageable.

Tea Set

Traditionally, two sets of wedding tea sets are used. One set is provided as part of the bride’s dowry during Guo Da Li, a ceremony in which the groom and his family will visit the bride and her family, and is used to serve tea to the groom’s family. The other tea set may have sentimental value, such as the bride’s mother’s set from her wedding.

Nowadays, many couples host both families together, using just one tea set. If there was no Guo Da Li or the bride did not receive a tea set beforehand, a suitable Chinese tea set can be obtained from Chinese wedding shops in Singapore.

The teacups and teapots for the Chinese wedding tea ceremony should be auspicious red, symbolising luck and happiness.

Attire

Brides often wear Qun Kua or Qipaos during the Chinese wedding tea ceremony. These garments resemble Chinese wedding gowns and are typically red to symbolise luck and happiness.

Qun Kuas consist of a loose jacket and skirt embroidered with intricate designs featuring dragons and phoenixes in gold and silver thread.

How To Prepare Tea For The Wedding Ceremony

The type and taste of tea are essential elements in embodying Chinese symbolism and meaning in marriage and family. Sweet tea is usually used during tea ceremonies because it symbolises happiness in the newlyweds’ marriage and fosters good relations with their in-laws.

  • Red Dates (红枣 – Hong Zao): Red Dates are commonly used in tea as they have a sweet taste, symbolising the long-lasting sweetness of the couple’s marriage and harmonious relations between the couple and their families. Using whole red dates without slicing or peeling them is important to represent fullness and fertility.
  • Peanuts (花生 – Hua Sheng): While peanuts are not typically included inside the tea due to their bland taste, they are a popular choice as a light snack. The Chinese character “生” (sheng) means giving birth, signifying a wish for fertility.
  • Longans (桂圆 – Gui Yuan): Longans, or Dried Longans, are essential to make the tea sweet. The character “桂” (gui) in the Chinese name has a similar pronunciation to “贵” (gui), meaning precious. “圆” (Yuan) means round, symbolising wholeness, fullness, and completeness in marital and familial relationships.

Lotus Seeds (莲子 – Lian Zhi): Lotus seeds symbolise the blessing of bearing many children, as the Chinese characters “莲子” (lian zhi) have the same pronunciation as “连” (meaning to succeed) and “子” (which means children). When combined, these ingredients create the well-known saying: “早生贵子” (Zǎoshēng guìzǐ), signifying the hope to have children early.

What Should You Wear For The Wedding Tea Ceremony?

Choosing the right attire for the Chinese wedding tea ceremony is a delightful part of the preparation process. The attire you select can reflect your personal style and the cultural significance of the occasion.

For Brides And Grooms Conducting A Single Tea Ceremony

For a single tea ceremony, couples typically opt for traditional Chinese attire that reflects the occasion’s significance. Brides often wear a Qun Kua or a Qipao in vibrant red, symbolising luck and happiness. 

These two-piece ensembles feature intricate embroidery with dragon and phoenix motifs in gold and silver threads. Grooms typically wear a traditional Chinese changshan or a modern suit. It’s essential to choose attire that complements each other and aligns with the overall theme of the wedding.

For Brides And Grooms Hosting Two Separate Tea Ceremonies

When couples decide to host two separate tea ceremonies, they often wear different outfits for each ceremony. For the tea ceremony with the groom’s family, brides may opt for the traditional red Qun Kua or Qipao, while grooms can choose between traditional changshan or modern suits. 

For the tea ceremony with the bride’s family, brides may switch to a different traditional outfit, such as a white or pastel-coloured Qun Kua, symbolising purity and respect for the groom’s family. Grooms can adjust their attire accordingly, ensuring it complements the bride’s outfit and represents the importance of the ceremony.

How To Prepare Tea For The Wedding Ceremony

The Chinese wedding tea ceremony is a cherished ritual in the bridal party’s journey, uniting the bride and groom’s families in a symbolic act of respect and unity. Here is a brief overview of the various stages in the ceremony:

  • Gathering the Bridal Party: On the wedding day, the bride and groom, along with their immediate families, gather for the tea ceremony.
  • Preparation of Chinese Tea: The tea, often sweetened with symbolic ingredients like lotus seeds, is prepared in special tea cups.
  • Order of Serving: The couple serves tea, beginning with the family’s most senior members. The typical order is:
    1. Grandparents
    2. Parents
    3. Uncles and Aunties, in order of seniority
    4. Elder Siblings
    5. Elder Cousins (if present)
    6. Younger Siblings
    7. Nieces and Nephews (if present)
  • Serving Method: The bride and groom serve tea to each family member, holding the cup with both hands and addressing them by their formal family titles. They respectfully ask them to drink the tea in the language or dialect most familiar to the relative.
  • Gift Exchange: After drinking the tea, family members present gifts or red envelopes to the couple, symbolising their blessings and good wishes.
  • Flexibility in Tradition: Some families might prefer serving the parents first. This variation is entirely acceptable and respects the unique preferences of each family.

Wedding Tea Ceremony From Rosette Designs

At Rosette Designs, we specialise in bringing the elegance and tradition of the Chinese wedding tea ceremony to life. We offer expert styling and coordination services that blend tradition with modern aesthetics.

Explore our diverse portfolio to discover how we can make your wedding tea ceremony a memorable and exquisite experience.

Conclusion About The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

The Chinese wedding tea ceremony stands as a poignant and meaningful tradition in the fabric of your wedding day, elegantly intertwining threads of respect, heritage, and familial bonds. 

From selecting the perfect tea set to understanding the nuances of attire and decor, each aspect contributes to making the tea ceremony memorable for your nuptial celebrations. 

In this journey of blending the old with the new, Rosette Designs can expertly plan a wedding tea ceremony that resonates with your unique story, combining traditional elegance with your personal love story. 

Our in-house styling, decor services, and full planning and coordination ensure that your wedding tea ceremony is seamlessly woven into your special day.

Speak to us to understand how can you have your dream wedding

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremonies

Yes, couples can personalise their wedding tea ceremony to reflect their styles and preferences. While traditional elements are often maintained for their cultural significance, modern adaptations are increasingly common. 

This could include unique tea sets, incorporating personal themes or colours, and even blending different cultural elements to reflect the backgrounds of both partners.

A typical wedding tea ceremony can vary, generally lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. The length of the ceremony depends on the number of guests participating and the formalities involved. The ceremony might take longer in larger families with more relatives. 

Yes, a wedding tea ceremony can be held at a venue outside the home. Many couples choose to have their tea ceremony at their wedding venue, such as a hotel or a banquet hall, for convenience, especially when hosting many guests. 

Yes, traditional wedding tea ceremonies often feature red and gold as dominant colours, symbolising luck, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture. However, modern ceremonies can incorporate a variety of colour schemes and themes to match the couple’s personal style or wedding palette.

Yes, in traditional wedding tea ceremonies, decorations often include flowers like peonies or lotus, symbolising prosperity, happiness, and fertility. Additionally, elements like double happiness symbols, red lanterns, and intricate fabrics can be used for decor. 

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mar 18, 2019

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SINGAPOREBRIDES X BRIDESTORY PRESENTS: THE SINGAPORE WEDDING FAIR 2019

SingaporeBrides and Bridestory join hands as they create one of the most show stopping wedding fairs ever. This year’s The Singapore Wedding Fair will be showcasing 70+ wedding professionals from 16 different categories. Visitors will also get a chance to win a total of $20,000 cashback* and other prizes when they book their wedding vendors at The Singapore Wedding Fair.

Not only a line of Indonesian frontrunner wedding vendors, such as SweetEscape, Plataran Indonesia, and Ayana Resort and Spa, but also a number of Singapore vendors, such as W Singapore, Rosette Designs & Co, Multifolds Productions and Grace Atelier Weddings will be there. That being said, The Singapore Wedding Fair is the perfect opportunity to get a full scope of Southeast Asia’s wedding trends.

To enter the event, visitors must post a picture of the entrance on their Instagram post or stories, tag @singaporebridesweddings @thebridestory and hashtag #thesingaporeweddingfair2019 , then show it to the staff upon entry.
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AUG 13, 2021

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19 Wedding Planners And Stylists In Singapore To Bring Your Dream Wedding To Life

So you’ve gotten engaged and the next step is tying the knot! Getting married is an exciting adventure to embark on, but with our busy day-to-day lives, planning the ideal wedding may seem like a daunting task with the amount of details to look at.

In cases like this, getting a wedding planner is a useful and practical decision that reduces your stress. These industry professionals ensure that the entire process goes smoothly, from brainstorming to the actual execution!

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 19 wedding planners in Singapore, complete with prices and ratings! On top of this, we’ve also included planners with wedding styling services that’ll spruce up your wedding venue.
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Sep 09, 2022

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Becoming wedding planners for 24 hrs!

I don’t know if you guys know but I’ve always dreamed of becoming a wedding planner I think just wedding in general is just so crazy
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Mar 28, 2023

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Money Talks - S1E33: Am I Adulting Right – Should I break the bank on my once-in-a-lifetime wedding?

Should you splash out on your wedding? (Photo: iStock)
From a bride who insisted on renting a S$15,000 wedding dress, to grooms screaming at vendors on their wedding day, wedding planner Hellen Lie from Rosette Designs and Co has seen it all. She gives guest host Elizabeth Neo tips on saving costs and tells us what wedding couples really shouldn’t scrimp on. Am I Adulting Right is a limited series.
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Apr 02, 2023

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Money Talks: Is a wedding planner a luxury you don’t need for your big day?

Should you splash out on your wedding? (Photo: iStock)
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event that can be a source of great joy and stress. On the limited series “Am I Adulting Right”, CNA’s Elizabeth Neo speaks to Hellen Lie, creative director at Rosette Designs & Co, on how to navigate tricky money discussions for a happily ever after.

SINGAPORE: From grooms shouting at vendors, to couples breaking up just one week before their big day, wedding planner Hellen Lie has seen how the stress of planning this once-in-a-lifetime event can get to people. “Sometimes (wedding couples) expect their friends to help them but the friends also get worked up”, Lie told CNA’s Elizabeth Neo in an episode of the Money Talks podcast.

Her advice to couples? “Don’t scrimp on the wedding coordinator to run the actual day.” A wedding planner, on the other hand, is not always necessary. Having a wedding planner is a luxury, not a necessity. “Only maybe 10 per cent of couples have a wedding planner. If you’re very busy and don’t mind spending … you will definitely have a different outcome and guest experience”, says Lie. She also talks about managing costs and expectations. Here are some highlights from the conversation: ON PLANNING HER OWN WEDDING IN 2010 Lie: “I held my wedding over two days … There was an outdoor solemnisation and lunch buffet at Fort Canning Park for 100 people, and a ballroom dinner at Conrad Hotel for 220 people.”

“We spent about S$80,000 (US$60,200) for both events.” If we had to do it all over again in the current economy, we would be spending 40 per cent more. SMALL WEDDINGS HAVE BECOME MORE ACCEPTABLE POST-PANDEMIC Lie: “COVID-19 has changed perspectives on weddings. In the past, most weddings happened in hotels … and were mainly (to) invite the relatives. Now, couples have become more mindful of the number of guests they want to invite.” “It’s no longer taboo to have a wedding of 20 (people).” WATCH THAT VENUE COST Lie: “40 per cent of your wedding budget will be (spent) on the venue. A hotel wedding is (minimally) S$50,000. Some couples spend more than S$100,000 to S$250,000 for a hotel wedding.” Lie: “If you have the expectation that your guests will help cover the (cost in their red packets), that will jeopardise your friendship. It’s best not to have any expectations.” The hotel wedding rate is S$120 to S$360 per person, she says. I’m for following the ang pow (red packet) rates, but if it’s not within your means, just give what you want. SHOULD YOU TAKE A LOAN TO FINANCE YOUR WEDDING? Lie: “You don’t want to start your marriage with debt. Spend within your means and have a conversation on how much you’re willing to fork out. You must also think about housing and your (future) children.”
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Jun 21, 2023

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Couple wows with ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ wedding in Singapore

Birds of paradise flowers, the bride’s favourite, feature prominently in the wedding decor. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARY
Roll out the red carpet for the couple with love in their hearts and stars in their eyes.

Mary said that what inspired the couple the most were the colourful palette and birds of paradise flowers, the bride’s favourite, that feature prominently in the wedding decor.

In her video, she shared the gorgeous flower arrangements. The floral arch and blooms that lined the aisle were reminiscent of those that embellished Araminta and Colin’s wedding venue in the film.

Their wedding ceremony, which took place on June 18, also had live performances and guests arrived all glammed up according to the dress code.

Like stars at a movie premiere, they posed for pictures on the red carpet before entering the venue.

The dress code for male guests was the barong tagalog, a national costume from the Philippines, which Mary described as “an elegant hybrid of Filipino and Spanish clothing styles”. Many women wore colourful formal tea-length dresses.

Guests dined over candlelit tables under the colossal solar-powered Supertrees, which tower over 50m high. A lion dance and a ribbon dance provided entertainment as they ate and mingled. In line with the movie theme, the couple also invited a jazz singer to perform.

A painter captured the night on canvas as well.

The couple spent eight months planning the event with local wedding planner Rosette Designs & Co, time and effort spent well as Mary said that her sister’s wedding was the “talk of the town”.

She said, “Guests who flew in from the Philippines, Australia, and the United States are calling it the wedding of the century in the Philippines.

“Surely the aunties will be gossiping about it just like they did in the movie.”
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Jun 21, 2023

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Crazy Rich asian nuptial bliss: filipino couple holds extravagant $250K wedding at Gardens by the bay

PHOTO: RR Production
Who remembers the glitz and glamour of Crazy Rich Asians? The plot might be good, but Singapore, which acted as the backdrop of the film, stole the limelight with its lip-smacking food and swanky locales.

And one Filipino couple decided to recreate the opulence of the romantic comedy film for their big day, taking inspiration from the lavish wedding reception scene, which was set in Gardens by the Bay.

The sister of the bride, Mary, took to TikTok to share snippets of the grand affair yesterday (June 20). And boy, was it a Crazy Rich Asians wedding.

Speaking to AsiaOne, Mary shares with us the inspiration for the wedding of JM Tiongco, 26, and Abbie Caram, 31. The couple, who are in the real estate business, tied the knot on June 18.

“Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians is our family’s comfort movie. Aside from it, the colourful palette, concept, and flowers from the movie really inspired the bride [her sister, Tiongco] to turn her dream wedding into reality in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay,” Mary explained.

In the 21-second TikTok video, you can see the manicured floral arch complete with accompanying arrangements lining along the aisle.

There was even a red carpet backdrop that was inspired by the movie poster. A perfect photo op for guests and family members to showcase their stylish wedding fits.

Come evening, the wedding venue was glowing, from the candlelit tables to the flashing iridescent lights from the nearby Supertrees.

And not to mention the majestic Marina Bay Sands towering over the area adds a nice little touch of elegance.

The wedding festivities continued with a lively lion dance performance and a colourful Chinese dance showcase.

Undoubtedly though, the real star of the show was the lucky couple – with the bride cladded in a stunning Vera Wong gown while the groom donned a custom-dyed pina barong suit by Filipino designer AJ Javier.

Mary also added that there was a jazz singer and a live painter at the wedding as part of the festivities.

Netizens’ reactions The comments section was filled with admiration from netizens. Most were in awe at the grandeur of the themed wedding.
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Jun 21, 2023

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#trending: Inspired by Crazy Rich Asians, couple holds extravagant wedding at Gardens by the Bay

A Filipino couple’s wedding at Gardens by the Bay (pictured) was inspired by a scene from the Crazy Rich Asians movie.

  • The wedding of a Filipino couple has gone viral on TikTok
  • Inspired by the Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians, the reception was held at the Supertree Grove of Gardens by the Bay
    Snippets of the ceremony on TikTok had online users gushing, with many calling it their “dream” wedding
  • The bride’s sister revealed to TODAY that the event cost a six-figure sum

 

SINGAPORE — It was a wedding that was, quite literally, straight out of a movie.

A Filipino couple, who were inspired by the Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians, held their wedding at Gardens by the Bay last Sunday (June 18) and snippets of the ceremony on TikTok have online users gushing over the extravagant affair.

A video and photos of the grand event were shared online by the bride’s younger sister, Ms Mary Golez.
Speaking to TODAY, Ms Mary Golez said that her sister, Ms JM Tiongco, and the groom, Mr Abbie Caram, had wanted to recreate the wedding reception scene of Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee from the movie.

Just like in the film, the couple hosted their reception at the Supertree Grove of Gardens by the Bay and it appeared to be just as fancy.

In Ms Mary Golez’s TikTok video, a red carpet along with an art deco backdrop can be seen, allowing for guests to pose for photos at the entrance. Guests then walk down a colourful floral-lined aisle to enter the venue.

It took the couple eight months of meticulous planning with the help of Singapore-based wedding planner Rosette Designs & Co to bring their wedding vision to life, Must Share News website reported.

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OCT 03, 2023

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Rosette Celebrates Their 10th Anniversary With Past & New Clients And Unveils Exciting New Offerings:

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 October 2023 – As Rosette Designs & Co. gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a cosy dinner on 10th October ’23, the renowned creative event styling and wedding planning company reflects on a decade of turning dream weddings into reality. This special dinner, an exclusive invite-only event, will be a gathering of clients from the past ten years, celebrating their shared journey with the company. Established in 2013, Rosette Designs & Co. has consistently demonstrated its unique approach, seamlessly blending design, decor, and wedding planning to offer couples a hassle-free wedding experience.

Over the years, Rosette Designs & Co. has carved a niche in the wedding industry, not only through their innovative 2-in-1 service model that combines in-house styling and decor with full planning and coordination but also by offering invaluable wedding, marriage, and relationship tips to their dedicated subscribers. This comprehensive approach ensures that couples receive a timeless wedding experience — beautifully designed, flawlessly coordinated, and enriched with insights for a lasting marriage.

In celebration of this significant milestone, Rosette Designs & Co is thrilled to introduce a range of new offerings. Leading the way is their most anticipated online course titled “How to Plan Your Wedding Confidently.” Tailored specifically for couples in Singapore and beyond, this course emerges from years of listening to couples who often felt overwhelmed about where to begin their wedding planning journey.

While Rosette Designs & Co can’t personally assist every couple as their wedding planner, this course is their way of imparting invaluable knowledge to a broader audience. Additionally, ‘Rosette Celebrates’ is set to cater to lifestyle events, marking a strategic expansion of the company’s portfolio beyond weddings.
Meanwhile, the Pre-Marriage Course is a testament to Rosette Academy’s dedication to nurturing enduring marriages. Offered as a 5-week series, this course provides couples with the vital tools and insights necessary for a lifetime filled with love and understanding.

Developed by Nicky and Sila Lee, renowned authors of The Marriage Book from the UK, the course covers five foundational topics: Communication, Conflict, Commitment, Connection, and Adventure. Designed to mirror intimate restaurant settings, couples are treated to a unique learning experience, complete with meals, guided discussions, and expert insights.

Another highlight is Rosette Designs & Co’s collaboration with Esther Ku, a renowned Relationship Coach from Malaysia. She will be delivering a virtual speech from LA during the celebratory 10th-anniversary dinner. They will be rolling out relationship and wedding content in collaboration with Esther through weekly updates.

Hellen Lie, the visionary behind Rosette Designs & Co, commented, “Our mission has always been to create memorable weddings, but we also believe in the importance of building strong foundations for marriage. The PreMarriage Course reflects that commitment, ensuring couples are well-prepared for the journey ahead.”

As Rosette Designs & Co. embarks on its next chapter, the company invites everyone to explore their new offerings and services. For more details, please visit Over the years, Rosette Designs & Co. has carved a niche in the wedding industry, not only through their innovative 2-in-1 service

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About Rosette Designs & Co
Established in 2013, Rosette Designs & Co. is Singapore’s premier event styling and wedding planning company. Embracing the philosophy that “A wedding lasts for a day, but a marriage lasts a lifetime,” they offer a unique 2-in-1 service model, blending in-house design and decor with comprehensive planning, ensuring couples a holistic, memorable wedding experience.

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May 20, 2024

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OVER 30 TRENDING WEDDING PLANNERS AND STYLISTS FOR CREATIVE WEDDINGS IN 2024 AND BEYOND

Rosette Designs & Co has been an established creative event styling and wedding planning company in Singapore since 2013. It provides both styling decoration and planning coordination services. Their vision is to create wonderful memories for lasting marriages. They believe with creating stress-free wedding experience so couple could have the right start in their marriage. It doesn’t stop at providing wedding services; in 2023, they took a step further by offering a Premarriage Course to help couples prepare for their marriages.
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Jul 19, 2024

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15 Best Singapore Wedding Blogs and Websites in 2024

The best Singapore Wedding blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media,

A niche boutique design firm, specializing in creative event design for wedding & special events, featuring western-inspired style, taking cues from Martha Stewart Weddings and wedding blogsphere.
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