april-2012

Ready
to wed?
Here are six tie-the-knot trends
for the year, according to the
wedding experts
WHO BETTER than the professional
wedding planners at Eaton Smart,
Hong Kong (eatonhotels.com)
to predict what makes for hot
nuptials? They handle nearly
500 weddings annually,
catering to the needs of
some 89,000 guests!
Say “I do” to a
green menu
“Many guests are now requesting
for sustainable, eco-friendly menus,”
explains Carman Suen, Eaton Smart’s Director
of Catering and Business Development. But it
can be particularly challenging when clients
insist on dishes like shark’s fi n — so what the
team does is educate them on sustainability.
Seasonal vegetables harvested locally, meats
and fi sh from eco-friendly suppliers work!
Lose the lace, sister
Nowadays, brides are opting for simpler
gown designs. “We’ve seen a move away
from lacy, fussy and frilly dresses. The trend
today is sleek and simple, a look that is clean
and uncluttered.”
chikka buzz
Bespoke banquets
There’s no need to stick to set menus.
“As customers broaden their knowledge of
new foods, many now want a mix of Western
and traditional Chinese dishes,” Suen explains.
“We are fl exible with our F&B offerings to
customize individual menus.”
Weekend weddings
“We have seen an increasing number of
couples opting for weekend weddings,” notes
Suen. This shows that couples want their
guests to enjoy and stick around till the wee
hours. “Couples want their guests to relax and
not have to worry about work the next day.”
Get spoiled at The Club
FEEL LIKE being pampered? Head to The Langham Xintiandi in Shanghai, which has opened
its new The Langham Club. Located on Level 27 and open 24 hours, the exclusive lounge is
designed after the traditional private clubs of the Victorian era, and is complimentary for guests
booked in their Club and Suite guestrooms. Perks include breakfast, all-day refreshments, and
fi ne wine or a premium brand beverage at night while taking in the enticing views of Taiping
Lake and Xintiandi. A team of chefs are also on hand to whip up dishes just for Club guests. For
those who need to get work done, there’s free internet access and a boardroom free of charge
for up to two hours. And if that’s not enough, the Club lounge colleagues and butlers will assist
guests with packing or unpacking luggage, tour information, and even a personal wake-up
drink if they so desire. Tel: +86 (21) 2330 2299, xintiandi.langhamhotels.com
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Stage the holiday wedding
of your dreams with help
from the professionals,
like Carman Suen of Eaton
Smart HK (inset)
Sweeten the deal
Traditional pre-dinner snacks and canapés
have been trumped by sweet treats. Think
pyramids of pretty, luscious cupcakes or a
corner fi lled with candies and sweets. “These
add a sense of fun to the occasion, and are
always a talking point with older guests.”
Dance, dance revolution
We’ve seen the clips on YouTube of a
newlywed couple burning the dancefl oor with
cool choreography. Suen says more are hiring
choreographers to direct their bridal waltz/
tango/rumba/salsa. “We’re also seeing bridal
parties creating dance routines for guests.”
TEXT MAYA O. CALICA