wedding disaster 101.

So, i just got back from my cousin's wedding. It was damn tiring and quite a mess i would say.. I'd like to propose some ground rules for future weds, and hopefully no mis-fortunates will occur, AGAIN.

#1- The layout of the hall
Easy. It should not be a problem at all. General rules include buffet table should be placed on both sides of the hall, and slightly to the back. You dont want it to be a lil' too closed to the stage or to the VIPs table if theres any. I dont care about the VIPs or whatever, because i think everyone who graced the wedding should be treated equally and not (at least, explicitly) be discriminated based on social classes. I just think that too many movements near the stage would distract the smooth-going of the event because no one is listening- there are busy queuing for their food. Some catering service providers would require them be placed near an entrant for easy access, but dont worry. THIS IS YOUR WEDDING, AND YOU PAID THEM A HELL LOT MONEY TO JUST SHUT UP AND COOK. So, if its an eye-sore to the public.. i.e the station is placed facing the entrant, ask them to move to the other side of the hall. Overall just now, i though they were quite efficient although i do think the caterer need to hire at least 5 more to facilitate big event,with expected turn up is 1500 people. GO FIGURE!

#2- PA system
Seriously, make sure it is hear-able and fully-functioning. Place the MC IN FRONT. I cannot stress this enough, the importance for the emcee to be at the front because people wont listen, unless they can see where you are. Employ someone who can READ names clearly. So, uncles.. step down. Let the younger ones take over..

#3- Long list of "Menepung Tawar"
NOT GOOD. Keep it simple. Just the parents of both newly-wed and probably 2 other representatives from each family. Oh, and if some uncle or auntie happen to "terasa hati" or sulk because his or her name was not called for the "ritual", LET THEM BE. Remember, THIS IS YOUR WEDDING! AND FOR ONCE, IT IS ABOUT YOU..NOT THEM! Come one lah uncles and aunties, dont make it any more difficult that it already is.

#4- Call for pre-meeting.
THIS IS A MUST. Family members need to be informed of their function, if any.. The flow of the event should be reviewed thoroughly few days before so that there wont be unnecessary gap, which can be awkward if u ask me. Wedding is the biggest event of YOUR life, so there is no such thing as OVER-PREPARING.

#5- The post-event team
Appoint someone to take charge for the clean-up basically. Everyone is tired by this time, so more lending hands can go long wayyyyyyyyyy.

thats all i could think so far. Maybe i'll update more when i have more ideas later. But my last point would be:

#6- Wedding is supposed to be YOUR happy day. Dont worry about some friends or extended family members who are feeling unhappy due to certain circumstances. I'd say that it is VERY SELFISH of them to think that THEY NEED TO BE ATTENDED. GO GET UR OWN WEDDING. Remember, your not in a business of satisfying everyone. PEOPLE will talk, so NO WORRIES. As long as u r happy, why the fuck cares?