Partnering for the Big Day
March 2013
In the elegant, oriental interiors of the exclusive China Club Singapore, perched atop Capital Tower, some 20 engaged couples gathered one afternoon for the members-only club’s first ever wedding workshop. The event aimed to provide the happy pairs with a one-stop solution to all the arrangements for their chinoiserie-inspired nuptials. But instead of letting them shift through different wedding service providers - gowns, favours, music, flowers - on their own, China Club Singapore went one step further to invite only the best of the best to partner them.
“For this workshop, we chose partners who matched our branding and the quality of our products and services. We wanted to provide the best for the couples that signed up for this workshop” said Helen Wong, General Manager, China Club Singapore.
China Club Singapore offers private dining in the midst of sumptuously decorated rooms rich in Chinese tradition. Its famously spectacular views also enhance the ambience. On a clear day, diners can see across Singapore to Malaysia and even Indonesia through the 16-metre tall windows that wrap around the club. At night, the twinkling lights beneath and city skyline add a magical touch.
Partners in Planning
One of the partners that China Club invited to the event was luxury bridal boutique, The Prelude. Their collection of gowns from international designers ranges from originals to classic, contemporary and even avant garde creations.
Giving couples a traditional option was local qipao (traditional Mandarin gowns) specialist, Goh Lai Chan, owner of LAICHAN. He is a well-known personality in the fashion industry with some 18 years of experience. His sumptuous, figure-flattering qipaos are reputed as much for their luxurious fabrics such as Duchess satin, Czar silk, Shantung silk and French lace as for their fine cut.
Flavour Favour (人情味), which specialises in wedding favours, was on hand to recommend their personalised services which include custom-made hongbaos (red packets), cards and guo da li (betrothal gifts) packages.
For floral displays, there was Yuki Florists & Gifts, which provided the centrepieces for that adorned China Club Singapore during the workshop. Their name means “snowflake” in Japanese and underscores their emphasis on exclusively created bouquets and gifts.
Since live music at wedding receptions is becoming increasingly popular, wedding singers, Acoustic Tavern, were invited to perform as well. They had played at China Club Singapore‘s previous events and had been very well-received.
Investor Relations Executive, CapitaLand Limited, Julia Chew, had only praise for the event, "I found it helpful. My boyfriend and I are planning our wedding. They brought in a lot of vendors so it gives us an idea of what is possible on the wedding day itself. We were looking for something unusual rather than having our wedding dinner at a hotel which is quite common."
Partners in Learning
The couples were treated to a smorgasbord of events all designed to help them make their big day a memorable one. China Club Singapore gave a grand tour of their opulent venue, shared their illustrious history, and showcased their unique menu. A four-course meal, which featured the club’s signature dishes to give guests a taste of their chef’s culinary mastery of the Chinese cuisine, was served. China Club Singapore’s dishes are known for their quality ingredients prepared expertly by their Hong Kong master chef who has been with the club since it opened its doors in 2001.
To sweeten the experience, China Club Singapore offered to waive the fee of one tables at the wedding dinner for those who signed up for the package on that day. In addition, the first five who signed up for the wedding workshop received a Tissot watch worth S$280.
Bride-to-be, Ziline Chen said, “I had a Western-style ROM (Registry of Marriage) at Raffles Hotel. So I wanted an Oriental sit-down Chinese dinner. China Club is the one place I know that has such lovely oriental décor.”
Among the participants were also Aaron Loh and his fiancée, Faith Tan. They will be married next year and plan to have an intimate wedding. Like the rest, they were impressed by the décor and the chef’s skills.
“The view is gorgeous,” said Loh of China Club’s vintage location on the 52 nd -storey which afforded a panoramic view. “They also offer an Oriental-themed wedding that is unique and chic. The food is tasty and different from run-of-the-mill Chinese food.”
There were also talks covering topics such as tips on bridal make-up by celebrity make-up artist, Mr Grego; and a fashion show of designer duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka’s collection of beautiful bridal gowns brought in by The Prelude. Badgley Mischka’s gowns are favoured by the Hollywood set for their fine craftsmanship and excellent fit.
Sophisticated dining experience, haute cuisine Chinese style, a gorgeous view in an opulent Chinese setting – few places can offer such a fine start to a married life. China Club Singapore’s well thought through workshop is proof that they are indeed the kind of partners that ever marrying couple would welcome in their celebrations.