Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

My Fortune Bouquet...

I stole the idea from Martha Stewart Weddings. Go here for my previous post on it:
http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=2&ID=347416&Highlight=fortune%20bouquet#P3898094

Here was another one posted by LilyOfValley:
http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=1&ID=235969&Highlight=fortune%20bouquet#P2456367


As I mention in the post, my fortune bo-k was 6 smaller bo-k's (each only had 2 roses w/ some baby's breath). I was supposed to tie a ribbon to each one with a fortune written on it, but I never got the chance to do it (running around, ran out of time!). I ended up grabbing some extra orange ribbon I had in a bag from my unity candle, then tying it around one of the bo-k handles. The one who caught the orange ribbon got the garter put on her leg!

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Message edited 11/16/2006 6:02:09 AM.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

OUR CAKE

Dh's cousin is acutally a pastry Chef at Le Cirque in the city. We couldn't afford a customized cake, but really wanted to have that Asian touch to it. Our RH package came with a cake already, so I asked for that was UNDECORATED, and DH-cousin would do the rest. I emailed her some pictures of cakes I found on the Net, mainly with fall themes and leaves (we got married in the fall, and his name in Chinese means "LEAF"). I also fell in love with a cake "monogram" I once saw on the forums that had a "Double happiness" symbol between the B&G's initials. This was her interpretation of it.

**EDIT** That's a mirror reflection of our cake... not a clone! **

SIDE NOTE... The Swan Club MESSED UP OUR CAKE! I specifically requested a ROUND, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE WITH NO DECORATIONS, JUST PLAIN LEVELED FROSTING so that DH-cuz could decorate. I got a SQUARE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH FRILLY FRILLS AND PINK FLOWERS (as you can see). Good thing DH and I were not picky about it! Since everything else that day turned out spectacular, we didn't even realize it until my dad commented the next day on how "wonderful that chocolate cake was"!

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Message edited 11/16/2006 6:18:38 AM.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Close up of Cake... each leaf was molded and cut out of pastiage (sugar-gum paste) and airbrushed by hand. I thought she did a great job...hee hee... not bad for an ABC!

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Message edited 11/16/2006 6:22:14 AM.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

For our favors, I put tea bags from Harney and Sons, a Tea company in Upstate NY into little snap lock jars. I got the jars from a wholesaler on eBay for less that $1 a piece. Harney makes this wonderful tea called "The Wedding Blend"... I thought it was very appropriate. I also put in "Chinese Flower" and "Strawberry Kiwi" (wanted to have a non-caffienate choice for my guests).
As for the labels, DH took care of that a few late nights at his workplace . (heheh, he did the same with our programs as well!) It sounds cheesy, but it basically had our names and "The Perfect Blend" written on it (CHEESE!). Also, if you look closely, you'll see the Surname Chop that was on our invitation. We basically took the chop from the invitation proof, photoshopped it red, and used it as our trademark symbol on EVERYTHING we could to personalize the wedding as our own (program, favors, slideshow).

Helpful Tip! Find a symbol, trademark, monogram... and put it on everything to personalize the wedding. You can put it on your runner, napkins, hankies, invites, programs, you name it.

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Message edited 11/16/2006 6:04:03 AM.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

when do u guys plan to change into the chinese dress? are you doing the bouquet & garter?

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

I changed into it immediately after the Father-Daughter Dance, right before the cake-cut. My schedule ran late, and I ended up wearing my wedding gown thru most of dinner, b/c ppl wouldn't get off the dance floor, so I couldn't dance with my dad earlier.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

thanks fot the info- when is it usually the time- i thought it was b4 main course but i have read people did it after cake cutting- i'm so confused- do u recommend where to buy the red dress- i was thinking of flushing- what do u think

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

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Posted by eden

hcl200,

Here are a couple of Asian makeup artists who also do hair, they all range in price from $500-600 for hair/makeup for bride and 3 girls. Their rates are definitely better than the vendors here. Sachiko offers a free trial in her price:


sachikoyanase@earthlink.net
(917)282-2081

REIKO UTSUGI
(718) 777-7607
reikomak@gis.net

Sissi Chan
sissichan1979@hotmail.com
917-518-6846

Wendy
516-298-3774
516-742-3135

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Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

wow, thanks joisme for posting all your cool pics!!!! i love the fortune bok, wishing tree and esp the tea favors that you made!!!! they're gorgeous! i am interested in ur friend bennie liu's prices too!!!!

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Any of you girls use Sissi Chan for hair/makeup? Any reviews?

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Do any of you ladies have opinions on make up artists at the wedding salons in Chinatown?

I liked my trial at Eternal Wedding but it's really inconvenient for me to get to Flushing on my wedding day. I'd prefer to stay in Manhattan.

I already booked all my vendors. I just need a person to do my hair and make up.

I had a few trials with non-Asians and I didn't like the way they did my eyes. I prefer someone who is very familiar with Asian eyes.

Message edited 1/10/2007 3:33:28 PM.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Can you ladies please suggest some lucky Chinese dishes for our Chinese banquet rehearsal dinner?

We are going to have it in the third floor private party room at East Manor on Main St.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

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Posted by Bridex100

Can you ladies please suggest some lucky Chinese dishes for our Chinese banquet rehearsal dinner?

We are going to have it in the third floor private party room at East Manor on Main St.

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Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Thank you so much!

What did you have as your full menu?

I wonder if I can replace the sweet buns at the end with a groom's cake.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

We had 11 or 12 courses, I can't remember.

We had roast chicken, peking duck, lobster in garlic sauce, shark fin soup, a noodle dish, choy sum, ginko gwat (Cantonese name), steak, shrimp with mayonnaise, fish, and red bean soup for dessert.

My MIL speaks Cantonese so she coordinated everything for the RD. Unfortunately, I only know the names of the dishes in Cantonese and I don't know how to spell them!! LOL

If you have any caucasians attending the RD, you may want to consider giving them a printed menu that tells them what the courses include. I had a few guests who were picky eaters and wanted to know every ingredient of every dish.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

East quoted us $685 per table. That's more expensive than I had expected. We'll probably end up paying for it but I was just wondering if this is a decent price.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Are you guys doing the tea ceremony?

Is that just a Cantonese tradition?

Are there any other Chinese customs that I should consider incorporating into our wedding?

I'm not Chinese but my Fiance is. He seems to be very unfamiliar with Chinese wedding customs.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

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Posted by Bridex100

Are you guys doing the tea ceremony?

Is that just a Cantonese tradition?

Are there any other Chinese customs that I should consider incorporating into our wedding?

I'm not Chinese but my Fiance is. He seems to be very unfamiliar with Chinese wedding customs.

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Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Hi there
I am the new chinese bride here. I kind of start my process late. My wedding is in Nov -2007 and I haven't booked my RH yet. Hopefully I can get this done soon.

Thank you so much for your posting. It was very helpful. I definitely will check out Enternal and Duet. Just have a few questions

1) I don't plan to have the studio pic. I am gonna have it done when I go back to TW for my chinese ceremony. Basically, I just need the video, photo and makeup/hair done for the day. Do you know if they have a package like that? If so, what's the price range??

2)Anyone has the reception in Jericho Terrace? Did you add anything Asian food in your cocktail hour? JT is one of the places I am considering. But I would like to get some feedback before I book the place.


Thanks

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

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Posted by beckyku
2)Anyone has the reception in Jericho Terrace? Did you add anything Asian food in your cocktail hour? JT is one of the places I am considering. But I would like to get some feedback before I book the place.

Thanks

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Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

I personally don't trust American catering halls to serve good Asian food. We decided not to even have an Asian cocktail station. I've never had good Asian food at an American restaurant.

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

did you have your reception in the Oak room?
Do you recall the chair cover was included or not??

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

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Posted by beckyku

did you have your reception in the Oak room?
Do you recall the chair cover was included or not??

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Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

oh thanks !!! That's good to know.

Did you have your ceremony in the church or in JT? They told me for the ceremony, we can have in the skylight room.
I think the skylight room looks beautiful

Re: ***~OFFICIAL Chinese Brides Thread!~*** updated w/ dancing lesson info

Just wondering..has anyone ordered from Cocoon Wedding Gown Factory??