Creative wedding accessories
PhotoHunt theme : A Glass/ Creativity
An Indonesian girlfriend flew in to Singapore with her daughter to shop for wedding accessories. Armed with a list of shops to visit, we went shopping.
I was pretty amazed by the wide range of choices available for a Chinese traditional wedding these days. My eyes popped out when I saw the unbelievable amounts chalked up by my girlfriend on her credit cards. *gulp*
I couldn't resist snapping a picture of this bridal bed at one shop while the salesgirl was explaining to my friend how to install one.
After making the bed with a new set of bridal bed linen, she has to leave a plate with:
1. Two red packets,
2. Even number of tangerines or oranges,
3. Dried red dates,
4. Dried persimmons,
5. Dried longans,
6. Dried lotus seeds,
7. Dried magnolia petals and
8. Sprigs of pomegranate leaves.
The dried longans, dried red dates and dried persimmons are sweet and will bless the marriage with sweetness. Dried magnolia petals (百合) stands for a century of harmony in the marriage (百年好合). The lotus seeds (莲子) and pomegranate (番石榴/红花) leaves bless the marriage with offsprings. The oranges and red packets are for good fortune.
We did not forget the bedside lamps for the wedding night. Lighting a pair of bedside lamps is symbolic of adding sons (添丁) to the family.
We stopped in front of a glass shop to watch this lady painting inside. She offers short painting lessons at the client's premises. "You pick the date. You pick the painting. You pick the place. I will bring all the supplies you need to teach your group". The daughter plans to fly the teacher to Jakarta for her hen party.
Looks like the young lady and her group are going to have a creative and fun bachelorette party!
Soda Gembira (Happy Soda) !!
We had some refreshments at an Indonesian fast food joint. My girlfriend remembers that my adorable son would drink two glasses of this beverage whenever she brings him here. :)
Soda Gembira is a popular Indonesian beverage that has condensed sweetened milk and Rose Syrup added to Ice Cream Soda. In Singapore, we have a similar beverage called Bandung.
Why so mafan? Aiyo... no need to get married la :p
ReplyDeleteWhere got mafan? You must get married. Your parents would love grandchildren. :)
DeleteAir bandung. Love them. But haven't had one in ages ;)
ReplyDeleteTasty but too sweet for me. :)
Deletewow that's a lot of fun helping your friend shop.
ReplyDeleteIt's tiring but it was fun and enjoyable, helping to spend their money. haha....
DeleteHow interesting, ECL!! you are very creative yourself :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Marcy :)
DeleteIt's not easy-a wedding.But it will be one heck of an experience.
ReplyDeletePreparations for a wedding can be exhausting, especially if it's going to be a traditional one. This one is going to make the elders very happy as the young couple took pains to research and plan for a truly traditional Chinese wedding. :)
DeleteI'm with Ken -- as in agree with him... ;b
ReplyDeleteAnd no need for me to supply my parents with grandchildren -- my brother has already done that. :D
aiyoh..... can your brother and his children be there for you when you are old and sickly? You need a companion to grow old with.
DeleteMarriage is not about finding the person you can fix or change into who you want them to be, but finding the person you love and accept for who they are and who loves and accepts you for who you are!
I thank God that I have a partner who loves me unconditionally, a partner who will never leave me. :)
Not easy preparing for a wedding...
ReplyDeleteTiring process, preparations started over a year ago.... hehe...
DeleteIt's very interesting for me to learn how a Chinese wedding is prepared. But when I see that red bed and all the things I would have to put on, I think I would stay unmarried, lol ! When I think of my wedding, with the huzzle and buzzle the white dress the gift list etc, and then all the people my father invited and whom we didn't know, I would rather marry only officially to get the papers ! :)
ReplyDeletehahaha..... that is only one of the many preparations.
DeletePlease don't discourage the young people from having a wedding. hahaha....
Whenever my son sees me helping relatives and friends with wedding preparations, he would warn me he will elope if I make him go through these traditions and customs. :P
I love learning about the tradition of putting all that stuff on the bed! Great post. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeletebedside lights - that was new to me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi ECL, I can see why your son likes that drink. It looks delicious (love the addition of your user name on the glass). :) I enjoyed reading about the cool weddings traditions.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
The idea of a paintig party sounds like fun! A chance to be creative :-)
ReplyDeleteI do love that red bed...
Happy Hunting ~
Interesting post and great shots.
ReplyDeleteSoda Gamblia looks yummy. All colors are lovely. :D
ReplyDeleteSoda Gembira is always a tad too sweet for me but still like it LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting info on the wedding bed and all the hidden meanings behind the plate of fruits and what not. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lavish wedding, will u be attending the wedding in Indonesia? ;)
ReplyDelete