Wai Sang and Eling is one of the most fun-filled couples I had the privilege to work with. Their wedding was all about creative fun, fashion and friends. In order to accommodate a huge number of guests they decided to held their gorgeous wedding at the majestic ballroom of the 800-acre Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa.
The wedding boasts of 1200 guests comprised of family members, relatives, friends, business associates and partners in the steel industry, and employees. With an impressive number of guests, the wedding was an extravagant affair indeed. The challenge was to provide free-seating arrangement for the business-related guests, yet maintaining an organized and fine wedding reception. Thus the “Four Seasons In A Wedding” theme was conceived.
The ballroom was creatively divided into four sections with red carpet served as the outline for each section. The bridal table was the focal point at the center of the ballroom where the four sections met.
Each section represented a season – spring, summer, autumn and winter – with a seasonal tree placed at the center. A cherry blossom tree for spring, a green leafed tree for summer, a maple leaves-ladened tree for autumn, and a tree with white baby's breath and silver branches for winter. The presence of these trees served as reference points for guests as it could be rather overwhelming to find one's way around the grand ballroom.
Lighting also played an important role to feature each season. Motifs of large roses (spring), palm leaves (summer), maple leaves (autumn), and snowflakes (winter) were projected on the ceiling structures and surroundings to have a wider décor coverage in the large ballroom.
Two decorative trees ladened with pomanders, web-work candle holders and strings of beads stood guard at the main entrance. Upon entering the hall, guests were greeted with floral topiaries that were placed along the aisle.
The four ballroom sections were allocated for different groups of guests: the spring and summer sections for family members and friends respectively, whereby business partners and associates were seated at the winter and autumn sections. The guests were also expected to wear certain dress code to reflect the season they were categorized into. Rewards would be presented to the best dressed to further encourage them to put on their best attires.
Wai Sang and Eling put one very creative touch to their wedding. Instead of having their entourage of bridesmaids and groom's men dressed in traditional suits and dresses, each couple were requested to dress according to a season. It was a welcome change to see the groom's men dressed in something conservative like a winter jacket or something casual like a beige collarless button down shirt. Not to be outdone by the men, the bridesmaids looked stunning in white winter frock, sassy summer dress, elegant floral gown, and glowing beige autumn dress.
Another wonderful twist was when the groom's men and bridesmaids entered the hall from the left and right sections of the ballroom, instead of from the commonly practiced main entrance.
A shower of glittering confetti and rose petals awaited the blissful newlyweds as they made their grand entrance. Eling looked radiant in her winter theme evening gown, with Wai Sang holding her hand by her side. The ballroom reverberated with cheers and clapping as the stepped into the ballroom.
Two professional master of ceremonies were engaged to stir the mood of the evening. A particular memorable moment was when the MCs led everyone in the room to cheer for the best dressed couples - winners from each section. They strut bashfully on the red carpet alongside the fun loving bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Beside getting the guests to have an extra merriment, it was also to honor Wai Sang and Eling as they enjoyed dressing up to the nines and attended themed parties along with their best friends.
The music by the wedding band did not fail to transport the guests down some memory paths with their wonderful selections of English and Chinese songs. A solo violin performance by Dennis seemed to further create sweet memories for everyone. His lively tune lifted the spirit and warmed the hearts of those present.
After an incredible 8-course Chinese cuisine, the guests continued to celebrate the wedding in fun, style and finesse. The energy in the room became greater with laughter and jolly conversations in every corner of the ballroom. It was a fantastic evening for everyone especially for the newlyweds as they set sail together upon seas of wedded life.
One way to get the guests involve in a fun-filled celebration is to conduct games, Q&A sessions or best dressed contests. This is a good way to warm up the atmosphere and get some guests out of their seats.
Instead of having the newlyweds or their attendants entering from the main entrance, suggest entrance from the left and right sides of the ballroom.
For large scale weddings, it is crucial to have an experienced registration team. Use laptops to quicken registration process.