On-Trend Wedding Themes For Your Intimate Wedding

If you are one of those couples who have been planning for their 2020 wedding, I cannot fathom how much stress you are feeling right now. What should have been the most exciting day of your lives has now been overwhelmed by the uncertainties of the global pandemic. While others have postponed their Big Day, some are willing to make the most out of the situation.

For instance, 240 couples tied the knot on the auspicious Aug 8 despite coronavirus restrictions. A spokesman for the Registry Of Marriages told The Straits Times:

“With the recently announced revised safe management measures, couples who want to solemnize their marriage need not delay their plans. They can still have intimate and meaningful wedding celebrations.”

Couples are allowed to have up to 48 guests in venues such as places of worship or hotels. Safe management measures such as wearing face masks and checking in via SafeEntry are to be followed for ceremonies held at external venues.

On the other hand, couples are allowed to have 8 guests for solemnization ceremonies held at home, at the Registries of Civil, at Muslim Marriages building, or at the National Museum of Singapore. These 8 guests may include non-immediate family members such as your videographer or photographer.

Make your intimate wedding celebration meaningful by considering one of these themes:

#1: CLASSICALLY ROMANTIC WEDDING

Influenced by the unwavering appeal of royal and celebrity weddings, sweet garden weddings that are utterly simple yet outright romantic. For this look, guests are typically greeted with gorgeous lush garlands and floral centerpieces. Worry not about the venue as you can either celebrate a classically romantic wedding indoors and outdoors.

For the indoors, decorate your home with floral centerpieces and indoor plants. You can have a subtle color scheme of blush, champagne, and cream. You may also have a church garden-themed wedding with the colors of lavender, silver, and white.

#2: GLAMOROUS WEDDING

For wedding ceremonies at hotels, you may sparkle the night away! This glistening wedding theme starts with a dapper groom in tuxedo and an elegantly glam bride in a long dress. You may exude glamour by adding decor to a ballroom such as glittery linens or huge centerpieces.

Nonetheless, you may experience this theme in your own home by adding gold foil or glitters to your customized gift boxes and invitations. Having glamorous virtual background for your guests can add a thematic surprise. You may also decorate the flat with touches of gold and silver.

#3: CREATIVE WEDDING

With the freedom to decorate your own home with a theme that hits your hearts, use your artistic abilities to channel unforgettable creative weddings. From Star Wars to the Greatest Showman, the creative theme of your intimate wedding has no limits. Simply sprinkle parts of your personalities to the wedding elements to achieve this unique look.

You can even start with your handmade invitations. Comic-book enthusiasts may release virtual “cartoonized” wedding invitations to their guests.

#4: BOHEMIAN CHIC WEDDING

If you are the type of person who is laid back, simple, and free-spirited then a bohemian styled wedding is perfect for you! Inspired by the popular music festivals all over the world, a bohemian chic wedding fuses the layered textures, quirky prints, and rustic elements all together in a uniquely beautiful way. Eye-catching bohemian elements such as ribbons, gold accents, embellishments, and printed blankets will captivate your wild hearts.

Take the comfort up a notch by opting for sandals instead of the traditional heels. Aside from this, the bride can wear blooming flower crowns instead of the veil. Search through Pinterest for inspirations on how to make your own bohemian wedding elements.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the end of the day, what matters is that you have each other. Be honest when it comes to what you can afford and what is feasible given the current situation. Communication is essential when it comes to planning a wedding – this year or the next.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 issues that come with pregnancy plus how to deal with them

heavily-pregnant-woman

For mummies-to-be, congratulations! While the joy of being able to hold your child in your arms excites you, there are sorrows that come with pregnancy too. We’re referring to the issues that come with pregnancy like acne, pigmentation, eczema, stretch marks, and hair problems. Except maybe for stretch marks, most of them are temporary woes so don’t sweat over it!

Ladies who are planning their pregnancy journey may also find this useful.

#1: ACNE BREAKOUTS
a-woman-with-pregnancy-acne

Image Credits: Medical News Today

It’s like going through teenage years all over again with acne breakouts. According to dermatologist Dr Wang Yi Shi of W Skin and Laser Clinic, acne outbreaks are more common during early pregnancy. This is most likely because of hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy which trigger the oil glands on the face to become more active. The increase in sebum may cause clogged pores.

How to deal with it

If you’re facing such issues, try to go on days without makeup. This is because makeup traps the pores which in turn result in more acne breakouts and skin irritations. You may also need to switch up your skin cleaning routine with products like topical antibiotic gels and topical salicylic acid. However, if you’re unsure of how to proceed, just make an appointment with a skin clinic.

#2: PIGMENTATIONS
Pregnancy pigmentation

Image Credits: Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore

Currently at your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and spotting irregular pigmentation marks on your face? Don’t be too stressed about it. These pigmentation marks also known as melasma, chloasma, or pregnancy mask come about as a result of the changes in your hormones. It should clear up slowly over time after you’ve given birth. This also applies to the ‘linea nigra’, a brownish line along the central abdomen.

How to deal with it

While the pregnancy mask is likely to go away, you may help prevent it by avoiding too much sun exposure. Also, use a sunscreen of minimum SPF 30 if you know you will be coming into contact with the harmful sun rays.

#3: ECZEMA
Pregnancy eczema

Image Credits: Medical News Today

As your tummy gets bigger over the months, the skin around the lower abdomen expands. This can cause itchy skin or eczema that may disrupt your sleep if left unattended.

How to deal with it

You should probably change to a gentler skin cleanser and apply moisturizer to the affected areas regularly.

#4: STRETCH MARKS
Pregnancy stretch marks

Image Credits: SmartParents

Stretch marks associated with pregnancy are almost unavoidable. But understanding it is a first step to minimizing the damage. Do you know how stretch marks appear? As a result of your abdomen increasing dramatically in size, the middle layer of the skin (dermis) is torn.

How to deal with it

Since there is almost no cure for stretch marks relating to pregnancy, you can at least lessen the effect by keeping the skin around the abdomen soft, supple, and more resistant. To do that, exfoliate the skin once or twice a week before applying your preferred daily moisturizer.

We’ve also heard of the benefits of Bio-Oil against scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Furthermore, it is suitable for all skin types so decide if you want to give it a go?

#5: HAIR PROBLEMS
Pregnant-woman-hair-problems

Image Credits: Baby Magazine

Again, all thanks to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you may notice hair loss or even thickening. The good news is that these changes are most likely not here to stay. But, a change in products used may be necessary.

How to deal with it

Depending on your hair conditions, you may need to purchase new hair products to tackle the problems. Also, according to Dr Wang, people with sensitive and itchy scalps or broken skin on their scalp should avoid colouring their hair. Even organic hair colour brands can contain strong and toxic chemicals which may lead to allergic reactions. Better to be safe than sorry!

For the husbands out there who want to thank their wives for this really tough journey they are embarking on, how about giving them a practical pregnancy gift set? We think Clarins’ Beautiful Pregnancy Set is a collection of must-haves for mummies-to-be.

Here’s what you get for 193 SGD:

Clarins’ Beautiful Pregnancy Set

Image Credits: Clarins

The Beautiful Pregnancy Set includes:

  • Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert (175ml) x 1
    A gentle stretch mark cream that addresses stretch marks caused by pregnancy and weight fluctuations. This fast-absorbing, plant-based formula blended with minimal ingredients chosen precisely for their highly effective properties helps target stretch marks and gently comforts the skin.
  • Tonic Body Treatment Oil (100ml) x 1
    Essential body care to tone and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this fine, lightweight oil is recommended to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It is also recommended during a period of weight loss. Leaves skin satin-soft and supple.
  • Exfoliating Body Scrub (100ml) x 1
    The first essential step to prevent dull-looking skin by refining and smoothing the skin’s texture.
  • Energizing Leg Emulsion (125ml) x 1
    An ultra-refreshing leg emulsion that instantly soothes the feeling of tired, heavy legs. It can even be applied over stockings. It is non-sticky, does not stain, and consists of natural plant extracts and essential oils.
  • Hydra-Essentiel Light Cream (15ml) x 1
    A luxurious light cream that plumps dehydrated skin with intense moisture and keeps it there for all-day hydration.
  • Clarins Soother x 1
  • Pregnancy Book by Jacques & Olivier Courtin-Clarins x 1
    A face and body beauty guide by Clarins for women before and after childbirth.

Click here to buy

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Should you merge finances with your partner after getting married?

Merging finances

After saying ‘I do’, there are now more things to consider past the courting phase. As you begin preparing for your special day, take time to think about what happens after that. As I’ve heard many married couples say, the real deal begins after exchanging your wedding vows.

One of the most touchy issues is that of finances. While there are couples out there who manage their finances separately and successfully, some of you out there are wondering if you should do a merge. If that is so, you will need some fast advice to get you going. 

#1: SET DATES
Calendar

Image Credits: unsplash.com

To decide if you should do a merge, full disclosure is needed. This means hiding nothing and having an honest discussion. Laying everything out on the table helps you and your partner to see where both of you are at in terms of money management.

The most obvious thing to discuss is the shared expenses for the house. We’re talking about things like the mortgage, various monthly bills, and even weekly spending groceries. A 50-50 might do the trick if both of you guys are receiving the same paycheck. But that’s usually not the case. Thus, maybe a monthly contribution of a fixed percentage of your income might work?

There’s also the question of raising kids in the future. An extra person or two will cost and this is another major topic on its own. We know one sit-down session won’t work with so much to decide. Thus, set dates. Make sure you allocate enough time to go through the nitty-gritty. Rushing through the conversations will only hurt later.

#2: SHARE YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATIONS
Couple conversations

Image Credits: unsplash.com

‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.’ That’s one of the common marriage vows exchanged on the most important day. To do so, you will need to walk the talk and get down and dirty with your financial situations.

Apart from salaries and bonuses, there’s also the topic of debt and other large expenses unknown to your partner. Now’s the best time to share your financial plans and future goals as well. What are the steps you or your partner are taking to pay off the debt? Will this affect your early years of marriage? Can either of you make compromises?

Let’s not forget routines! Is an annual trip to Europe feasible? Or can you two only afford a staycation at the moment? Talk about habits like the frequency of dining out per week and any expensive hobbies you might have.

#3: COME UP WITH A STRATEGY
Writing

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This is the final stage should you decide to merge your finances with your partner. After the sharing sessions and much pondering, it’s time to come up with a long-term strategy.

How will the merge be like? Are we talking about shared bank accounts and credit cards? If that’s the case, you may consider having one shared bank account. This account can be a place for crediting an agreed percentage of your salary and also withdrawals for shared expenses for the family.

After reviewing your strategy and realizing you guys have enough money for investment? Go ahead and discuss if the both of you should open up an investment account. Also, decide upfront who will be the main person managing the funds for investment. It’s also important to do a yearly review of your strategy.

We’re honestly just scratching the surface with some of these questions. As each couple is unique, there may be other unique issues that need to be brought up. Also, you and your partner must be aware that bickering might arise while going through this entire process. If required, allow yourself some ‘time-out’. Nothing said in the heat of the moment is rational.

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Planning to get married? Here’s how much it costs in 5 years time

According to a study conducted by ValueChampion in 2019, the average cost of getting married in Singapore  is consistently increasing over the years. The average cost of a wedding banquet skyrocketed from S$923 in 2011 to S$1,392 in 2019. That’s an increase of 51% in just over 8 years, far outstripping MAS core inflation rate of 14% during the same period. There is little to suggest that this upward price trend will not continue once things stabilize post Covid-19.

Cost of a Dream Wedding in 2025

Based on past wedding inflation rate of 32% over a 5-year period, the estimated total cost to hold a dream wedding in Year 2025 would be $100,000.

While Year 2025 may seem too far away to start planning for your dream wedding, the figures have shown how frightening wedding inflation rates have been and will continue to be. $100,000 is an intimidating amount for any young couple to cough up. Therefore, it is important to start planning and saving up for your dream wedding early. For a start, angbaos from family, friends and guests received will definitely help to reduce the total size of the bill. Here are some ways you can mitigate the costs of your dream wedding.

Negotiate with Wedding Vendors

While this may sound obvious, many customers hardly negotiate as they are afraid of embarrassing themselves for fear of appearing “too cheap”. Sometimes, negotiations need not always come in the form of price reductions. For instance, one can ask for freebies such as flower bouquets or floral lapels from the vendor before committing to a bridal package. Wedding banquet providers may also be willing to sponsor wedding favours and waive corkage charges.

DIY For a Personal Touch

Not all of the items need to be procured from wedding vendors. Couples can borrow certain items from friends or simply just do-it-yourselves (‘DIY’). For instance, there is no need to hire a professional company to dress up the reception table. There are plenty of images on Pinterest and Instagram that serve as easy references for couples to do-it-themselves. Furthermore, DIY adds an element of personal touch that will leave a lasting memory for your guests.

Choose the Right Financing Option

The most significant part in mitigating the cost of your wedding is choosing the right financing option. A Personal Loan should definitely be considered if a one-off borrowing is required. A personal loan is a more financially prudent option compared to credit card debt. For example, OCBC is levying 0% interest rate and only a one-time processing fee of 4.5% (Effective Interest Rate 5.20%) for its Balance Transfer Loan. This is significantly lower than a typical credit card interest charge of 25% for roll over amounts. For a $50,000 loan, the savings in interest payments is easily over 5-figures over a 12-month period! Hence, a personal loan can be more a financially prudent alternative to a credit card debt.

To access Balance Transfer Loan, simply borrow from your unused credit limit from other banks to enjoy 0% interest rate. Alternatively, one may turn any unused OCBC credit card limit into cash via the OCBC Cash-On-Instalments with no need for additional income documents. Repay with fixed instalments over 12 to 60 months and pay effective interest rates as low as 9.06%. Such smart cash flow management would net you tremendous savings since interest on credit card debt is easily a staggering 25%!

Finally, even if one does not have any existing unused credit card limit, do not worry as one can still tap the OCBC ExtraCash Loan or EasiCredit. The loan amount disbursed will be dependent on your annual income. Inclusive of the one-time processing fee, the effective interest rate for ExtraCash Loan could be as low as 10.96% with fixed repayments over 12 to 60 months. On the other hand, EasiCredit offers greater flexibility as you withdraw what you need at 1.74% interest rate per month.

Application for personal loans from OCBC Bank can be performed conveniently via MyInfo. This minimises the waiting required which can help to lessen any wedding jitters! A host of convenient repayment options exists to ensure that you never miss your monthly bill!

Conclusion

Holding a dream wedding in front of your loved ones is the aspiration of many lovebirds. When planning for your dream wedding, consider the suite of Personal Loans from OCBC since this is a superior financing option over credit card debt. Proper financial planning ahead can go a long way to ease the financial burden of holding a dream wedding in Singapore.

Visit OCBC for a comprehensive suite of personal loans that grant you easy access to cash without having to wait for an eternity:

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Keep Yourself Busy With These Brilliant Stay-At-Home Ideas

Not all establishments are opening during Phase 1. This means that many Singaporeans are still working from home. Staying mostly indoors for long periods of time can take a toll on anyone. One way to get rid of the unpleasant feelings you have been having is to keep yourself busy. Here are five stay-at-home ideas that you can explore to spice up your days!

#1: BOOST YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Increase your child’s grades by using technology to your advantage. Distance learning is no longer limited to schools as more enrichment and tuition centers have been opening their doors to modern possibilities. Companies such as 88tuition and ThinkersBox can help your child excel in various subjects.

The former provides video-based learning materials suitable for students from Primary 1 to Secondary 4 for subjects such as Mathematics, Mandarin, and English. The child will be able to take his or her own pace through reviewing and re-watching these videos. The latter provides enrichment classes for kids geared towards enhancing their brain development. ThinkersBox enables your child to concentrate well with its Brain Booster sessions focusing on developing concentration, stronger attention span, and other cognitive abilities. See these websites for yourself!

#2: SPARK JOY IN YOUR WARDROBE

Your routine may consist a cycle of: eat, sleep, and repeat. However, this does not mean that you have to forgo dressing up. You still need do occasional grocery and office runs. Do this in style by de-cluttering and mixing up your wardrobe. Start by cleaning up your closet and searching for items that you can donate or dispose. Get rid of these items. Lastly, you can purchase online to avoid coming in contact with the mall crowds.

Buying your new outfit online is so convenient these days. Virtual Boutiques such as Zalora and Love, Bonito have a wide array of selection. Take advantage of their seasonal promotions such as the previous Chinese New Year sale.

#3: EXPERIMENT IN THE KITCHEN

While following the CB period, my sister unleashed her talents in baking. She recently cooked the most delicious and chewy chocolate chip cookies. She had everyone involved and so can you! Make cooking a family affair or a friendly competition among parents. The two opposing dishes can be judged based on the taste, affordability, and presentation. Who says dining at home has to be boring?

Your family’s routine may have changed due to the pandemic, but you do not have to lead a bland life. Take this time to spend quality moments with your family such as when you cook together in the kitchen.

#4: RE-VISIT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

With time in your hands, take this opportunity to re-visit your financial goals. What were you aiming to achieve in the new decade? What were the financial steps that you put on hold, before the pandemic? Browse educational articles online to help you brush up on your financial knowledge or gain new money insights through in-depth research.

You can consider opening a trading account as you begin your investment journey. Or, you may educated your children about the basic concepts of money. It pays to integrate a sense of curiosity in them at an early age.

#5: DO MENTAL CHECK-INS

Mental health is as important as your physical health. Ask yourself, your friends, and family members a simple question. “How are you feeling today?” This question can unlock many underlying issues or problems faced due to the COVID-19 situation. Some people have a hard time sleeping at night. While, others cry due to their anxiety of not going back to work.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Checking the emotional state of people close to you can show how much you care for them. Allow yourself to experience these complex emotions and know that you will not be in the same state forever.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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