SingaporeBrides

Inspiration Board: Chartreuse

2012-02-22T04:03:07Z

This issue’s colour is Chartreuse, a wonderful representative of spring. Its youthful hue brings to mind newness, rebirth and happiness… everything a wedding should be. Just looking at the inspiration board below fills my nostrils with the refreshing scent of lemons and limes. It’s not a usual colour for a wedding, but as you can see, it can work well no matter what your theme is. You don’t have to go all out; tone it down with white or black and you have a very modern take on your wedding. Think of the decor in the ballroom! Of course, you don’t need us to tell you that this inspiration board also has “garden wedding” written all over it.

To read the descriptions of the images, click on the board below to our Pinterest page. We’ll keep adding to it, so follow us if you want more ideas!

Cross Cultural

2012-02-20T01:55:46Z

Another love story about a couple who met overseas – something we’ll never get tired of listening to. After two years of being flat-mates in Birmingham, England, Cecylia and Saberi coupled up when they returned to Singapore. While it did take her parents a wee bit of convincing by her siblings that he was the man for her and they belonged together, they eventually gave Cecylia and Saberi their blessings. Our couple demonstrates that you don’t need a grand proposal or marriage; with love, respect and the desire to spend the rest of your lives together, a grand wedding would be superfluous.

The Couple

Cecylia T. Sadeli, 39, Design & Marketing Director &
Mohd. Saberi Bakar, 41, Regional Director

Date of wedding

29 December 2010

The Story

How did the two of you meet?

Cecylia: We met in Birmingham, England in 1997, if my memory serves me right; we were college flat-mates then. Saberi attended the Birmingham City University while I pursued my Masters degree at the Birmingham Institute of Arts and Design.

But we only started dating two years later when I landed my first job as a graphic designer in Singapore. Coincidentally, Saberi was back in Singapore as well, after completing his degree in Computer Science.

What was the proposal like?

Cecylia: It wasn’t anything grand. Because we’ve kept our relationship under the radar for years, we wanted to get the blessings from my parents before we got married. So, Saberi proposed to my parents in Jakarta early 2010 and they gave us their blessings a few weeks later.

Walk us through the planning for your wedding.

Cecylia: I guess we were so excited about it and have waited so long for our big day that the planning was an easy thing to do for us! Setting the date took a little longer, as we had to get clearance from my parents if 29th December was a “good” date and day or not.

Although Saberi left me in charge of the details (it wasn’t really his thing), there were no major issues, as we both wanted an elegant and romantic wedding where both our guests and us can fully enjoy themselves. I had plenty of help with the planning from my mother, my maid-of-honour, and our wedding planner, Gordon.

As for the theme, we requested for white for romance and elegance with a touch of green. White flowers and some green leaves were used for all the decorations because I simply adore white flowers!

What was it like on the actual day of the wedding?

Cecylia: We spent the whole day at the Fullerton Hotel, essentially. We started with the solemnisation in the EDB room, followed by an Asian inspired lunch. The tea ceremony took place in the afternoon before commencing with the family photo session. After all that, we proceeded to the Ballroom for a more formal Western wedding dinner. In total, we had approximately 250-260 guests attending the wedding.

What did your family and friends have to say about your wedding?

Cecylia: They loved the food and the décor, the band was a hit and the wedding went smoothly, thanks to our wedding planner and the Fullerton Hotel staff. Overall, we had great feedback from our guests, who flew in from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Were there any particular moments that were especially special to you?

Cecylia: The most memorable moment was during the soleminisation, when Saberi said Celina Sadeli (my sister’s name) instead of Sabrina Sadeli (which is my Muslim name). Everyone in the room burst out laughing at that point!

My favourite moment was during the first march-in. It just felt like we were finally married! The after-party was awesome as well; the DJ started the dance music and we partied all the way until early morning.

The Details

Wedding Planning: SingaporeBrides.com
The Photographer: Edmund Leong from Edmund Leong Photography

Let the Show Begin

2012-02-20T01:15:27Z

December was a month filled with the Christmas magic and Hotel Re!’s Re!gal Themed Romance wedding show the weekend before Christmas – 18 December 2011, just added on to the magical feel. If you’re a fan of themed weddings, this is one wedding show you should not have missed out on. Introducing five exclusive themes, Oriental, Enchanted Garden, Fairytale, Starry Starry Night and Retro, you’re bound to be spoilt for choices if you hold your wedding at Hotel Re!

Walk-in attendees turned up early to check out the booths scattered around the Re!Joice ballroom and surveyed the tables decorated in the respective five themes before the wedding show scheduled at 2pm commenced.

The key highlight of the event was definitely the specially tailored gowns by Amanda Lee Weddings to cater to the five different themes. Instead of the usual runway down the middle of the room, each theme-decorated table had a platform next to it, so couples can view both the gown and decorations at one glance.

As 2 o’clock neared, more walk-in couples started to fill the room and seats. The lights dimmed and everyone waited in anticipation for the revelation of the themed-gowns. Decked out in a fuchsia sheath gown with a heart-shaped neckline sponsored by Amanda Lee Weddings, the emcee of the night, Maddy, introduced the different themes as the models paraded around the set-up before stationing themselves at their respective platforms.

First to make an appearance was the Oriental-themed gown. Inspired by traditional cheongsams, the Duchess satin gown had a high-neck collar and a mermaid silhouette for that svelte look. The red flower accents at the neck, bustier and hip area added a touch of oriental elegance to the gown. At the same time, Amanda Lee keeps the design modern by featuring a scooping, low-back cutting with red ball accents dangling from the collar.

Then came a dress worthy of its theme, Enchanted Garden. Featuring a one-shoulder neckline and mermaid silhouette, this dress has enough oomph for both the ballroom and a garden wedding. Made of organza, the frills at the shoulder and back of the gown gives the all-white outfit some texture and dimension, while the rosettes situated at the left hip add a wisp of femininity.

Featuring a heart-shaped bustier with black flower embellishments, a textured A-line skirt and pearl buttons down the back, the Retro-themed gown made of taffeta appeared next. Channel a classic Audrey Hepburn-retro vibe by pulling on a pair of matching black elbow length gloves. With the shortest train among the five gowns, Amanda Lee ensures that brides will be able to shimmy their way on the dance floor without much obstruction.

Featuring a heart-shaped neckline, an A-line skirt strategically clinched at different places and a mid-length train made of Duchess satin, the fairytale-themed dress makes its appearance with much anticipation. This off-shoulder dress features beaded sleeves that drape gracefully off the shoulders, adding that bit of sparkle no fairytale dress should lack. Trimmed with delicate lace and feather details at the bustier, Amanda Lee offers brides a dress exudes femininity that no bride can resist.

While the fairytale-themed gown might have been the most anticipated one of the five, the Starry Starry Night gown was the one that stole the show. Amanda Lee brought the stars to the dress with a see-through, heart-shaped lace bustier and a one-shoulder crystal-embellished strap. The gown also boasts a ball-gown silhouette with a tulle skirt and the longest train amongst the five for that magical and romantic touch. One could almost hear the sighs going around the room.

Couples caught their last glimpse of the gowns as the models made one last round around the platforms before food was served, and couples resumed their enquiries with the hotel. It was truly a well spent and inspiring Sunday afternoon, and a perfect add-on to the magical mood of Christmas.

Amanda Lee Weddings is at 402 Orchard Road #02-09 Delfi Orchard Singapore 238876. For enquiries, please call 6333 6678. For more information, log on here.

Credit:
Runway images by Bryan Jean Photography

It’s All In The Accessories!

2012-02-15T07:09:47Z

Think you’re a hands-on kind of bride and want to make something really special for your wedding? It doesn’t have to be something elaborate; think small, simple yet significant. It could be a personalised Save-The-Date card, or a memorable wedding favour. You don’t even have to be very good at arts and crafts to make these wonderful mementos. SingaporeBrides shows you how to Do-It-Yourself.

This month, look to customising a gift to reward your bridesmaids for helping out with the wedding planning, providing you with the support and, at times, suffering your wedding tantrums. And what better gift for your girls than a jewellery set hand-made by the bride herself?

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Well, the way to a woman’s heart is through jewellery. Okay, that’s a lie. But the truth is that no female will be unhappy when gifted with jewellery. Thrill your wedding party with this customised bracelet and earring set, and be thrilled yourself to know that it neither burns a hole in your pocket nor take you much time to complete it. With SingaporeBrides’ step-by-step tutorial, even the clumsiest DIY bride will be whipping up jewellery faster than they can say “I do”!

Here’s what you need:

Pliers
Handicraft pincers
Silver chain
Ribbon charms
Silver ear hooks
Small silver hoops
Ruby heart-shaped crystals
Heart-shaped clasps

Time taken for each: 20 minutes
Average cost for each: $11

1. With a pair of handicraft pincers, grab hold of one corner of the small silver hoop firmly. Then, using the pliers, gently pry it open. The opening has to be big enough for the crystal heart to slip through.

2. Slip the opened silver hoop into the hole on the crystal heart. Once through, using either the handicraft pincers or the pliers, close it until both ends meet. Ensure that there is no gap for the crystal heart to slip out.

3. Once done, pry open another silver hoop with the pliers. Slip the crystal heart with the silver hoop through this. Do not secure the silver hoop by closing both ends, and proceed to the next step.

4. To attach the crystal heart to the ribbon charm, slip the opened silver hoop through the opening on the charm. Once done, secure by joining both ends.

5. With the pliers, open the bottom of the ear hook. Slip the crystal heart with the silver hoops onto the ear hook.

6. Once in, secure it by closing the hook until both ends meet.

7. Repeat Steps 4-6 for the other side of the earring. When you’re done, set the pair of earrings aside.

8. For the bracelet, you’ll need approximately 15.5cm of silver chain. Adjust the length of the bracelet if required but remember to leave a bit of allowance so the bracelet can dangle down the wrist without slipping off your hands.

9. Grip the chain firmly using both the pair of pliers and handicraft pincers to open and detach the desired length of chain from the rest. Secure by closing up the opening.

10. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have 5 sets of crystal hearts attached to silver hoops. Instead of leaving the second silver hoop open, secure it by closing the two ends together.

11. Take one set of crystal heart and attach it to the ribbon charm, as demonstrated in Step 4.

12. Now, open another silver hoop using the pliers and hook it onto one end of the ribbon charm. Secure the silver hoop by closing the two ends together.

13. Attach the crystal hearts to the bracelet by looping the silver hoop through the individual hoops on the bracelet. Join the ends of the silver hoop together to secure it.

Each crystal heart should be placed approximately six hoops apart from the previous one. The two crystal hearts closest to the ends of the bracelet should be seven hoops away from the end.

14. Position the ribbon charm with the crystal heart in the middle of the chain, in between the two crystal hearts closest to the center.

15. Attach the clasp to the end of the chain by using a silver hoop. With the help of the pliers, open the hoop and hook onto the opening on the clasp. Secure by closing the two ends together. Repeat for the other clasp.

And voila! You’re done with a do-it-yourself gift for your lovely bridesmaids. And didn’t we tell you you’d be done in a jiffy? Keep the set sweet and simple with ribbons and crystal hearts so your girls will be able to wear it for any occasion. Or switch the delicate bracelet to a charm bracelet with quirky charms and a thicker chain to suit your wedding theme. Whichever you choose to make, rest assured that your girls would definitely like it.

Dove design tray (white) $14.45 from NBC Stationery and Gifts.

Perfect for:

Bridesmaids gift
Pink/ Ribbon themed weddings

Skin Bleaching The Safe And Natural Way

2012-02-09T05:21:25Z

Want to wear that lovely strapless wedding gown for your Big Day but you’re a little worried that you can’t hide your underarms anymore? More women are concerned about the dark skin patches on their bodies than you think, but there is an easy way out!

Taking care of one’s skin is almost an involuntary reflex for women; we spend tons of money on skin care and facial treatments every month and feel good when we step out of the house every morning. However, the skin is the largest organ on the human body after all, and people tend to neglect the delicate skin on the areas we think we can hide.

Think of the areas on your body that are slightly darker than the rest. Usually, these are areas where a lot of friction occurs, whether because they happen to be the joints on your body or because they come in close contact with your clothes. You will notice that the skin on your underarms, the inside of elbows, the groin area and the knees tend to be darker than on the other parts of your body. This could be due to many reasons:

• Friction from clothes and movement of the body
• Unhealthy diet
• Reactions to the chemicals found in deodorants and anti-perspirants
• Damage to skin due to injuries or regular shaving
• Natural skin pigmentation
• Build up of toxins and bacteria

While there must be several invasive skin bleaching treatments in the market that may help with the visible aspect of darkened skin, there is a safer, and more natural way to restore those areas of your skin to its original tone and softness.

Devotion Beautique is a pioneer in natural skin bleaching, and has been offering this treatment for about 10 years now. The simple three-step treatment includes an internal lymphatic detoxification, and external skin exfoliation and the use of after-care products. Between the 500 and 1500 lymph nodes that are located in the body, most of them usually occur in clusters or chains found in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and groin. The lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin are especially important because they are located where the head, arms and legs meet the main part of the body, and we happen to use our extremities most as we go about our daily lives.

By detoxifying the lymphatic system, the toxin build-up in your body will be drained away, creating a smoother oxygen flow to the tissues. The gentle exfoliation on your skin will eliminate dead skin cells that may have accumulated on your body and reveal the fairer skin underneath. With regular maintenance with the after-care products from Devotion Beautique, you will be able to see results after two treatments, which start from as low as $40. Now you can be confident about your body and wear that knee-length strapless tea-dress for your solemnisation ceremony!

Devotion Beautique is now giving all SingaporeBrides readers a 30% off all services*. All you have to do is like their Facebook page here and a voucher will be available for download. You can either print out the voucher, or save the voucher as an image on your mobile device and present it before service. Valid until March 31st 2012.

*Terms and conditions apply.

SingaporeBrides Valentine’s Day Picks

2012-02-17T05:59:32Z

THE day is five days away and you still haven’t made plans? Here are some Valentine’s Day Specials from our advertisers worth considering for eating, staying and playing. But move quickly! Limited spaces available!

Feed Yourselves

Orchard Hotel Singapore

Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel

The gastronomic buffet feast created by the chefs at Orchard Café includes Prosciutto Ham and Smooth Foie Gras Parfait with Scampi, Braised Squid stuffed with Chicken and Sun Blushed Tomatoes, and their dessert collection – Chocolate dipped Strawberries, Ivory Chocolate Mousse with Silk Poached Peaches, Pear and Chocolate Ganache Tarts, Chocolate Truffle Mousse with Passion Fruit, White chocolate Pannacotta with Red Berries, Hot Chocolate Moelleux with Citrus Compote and Love bird Profiteroles with Chocolate Cream and Blackberries.

Cost: $39 per Adult (Lunch), priced from $30 per Adult (Hi-Tea) and $52 per Adult (Dinner).
Extras: Enjoy a Love Bird Special at $120 per couple with a glass of Champagne on Valentine’s Day (14 February). Each lady will receive a stalk of rose.

For reservations and enquiries, please call Orchard Cafe at 6739 6565 or email orchardcafe@orchardhotel.com.sg.

Carlton Hotel Singapore

Coconut Brulee and Poached Raspberry @ Cafe Mosiac

Begin your romantic buffet dinner for two at Café Mosiac with a flute of Moët and Chandon Champagne and indulge in an enticing assortment of seafood on the rocks, roasted specialties at the carving station such as Roasted Prime Beef and Smoked Apple Ham, as well as any other International delights. Then complete the meal with Pastry Chef Jackie Li’s exquisite creation, available exclusively during this Valentine’s Day – the mouth-watering Coconut Brûlée and Poached Raspberry: a Raspberry Parfait on top of a thin layer of Raspberry Almond Cake, completed with a heart-shaped Raspberry Meringue, a generous serving of fresh raspberries with raspberry sauce, Coconut Crème Brûlée topped with Coconut Foam, and a Poached Raspberry Rhubarb.

Cost: $148 per couple
Extras: Includes two flutes of Moët and Chandon Champagne, a stalk of rose, a personalised heart-shaped ginger bread, printout of couple photo.

For reservations or enquiries, please call 6311 8195, email cafe.mosaic@carltonhotel.sg or visit here.

Conrad Singapore

Golden Peony @ Conrad Singapore

Golden Peony offers a specially and lovingly crafted six-course Lover’s Set Dinner Menu with a complimentary glass of champagne. For the wine connoisseur, the restaurant also carries a master wine list for selection.

Cost: S$108++ per person, available on 14 February only.

For reservations or enquiries, please call Golden Peony at 6334 8888 Extension 7482.

Riverview Hotel Singapore

Go alfresco by the river over dinner at the River Terrace. Set the mood for a romantic night with a sumptuous spread of International flavours on sashimi and show stations, Chicken Saltimbocca, Cajun Spice Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa, Grilled Lamb Chops with Crushed Olive and Sundried Tomato, as well as BBQ favourites. Fire up your passion with free-flow House Wine while their resident band serenades you with love ballads.

Cost: $88++ per couple
Extras: Get a one night’s stay and Buffet Breakfast for two with the International Buffet Dinner at $268++ per couple.

For reservations and enquiries, email FB.Admin@riverview.com.sg or call 6349 4871/72.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Cherry Garden @ Mandarin Oriental

Spend Valentine’s in elegant Oriental style with authentic Cantonese cuisine at Cherry Garden. The six-course dinner, with thoughtful Chinese names for each dish, features “Crispy-fried Scallops with Salted Egg Yolk Goose Liver Terrine with Hawthorn Jelly” or “同心”; “Poached Salmon and Shark’s Fin in Superior Broth” or “相属”; “Steamed Cod Fillet with Chinese ham and ginger sauce” or “一双”; “Slow-cooked Lobster with Chinese rice wine sauce” or “相逢” and “Pan-fried Abalone served with Stir-fried Glutinous Rice” or “鸳鸯”. For dessert, share in the pleasure of “分享”, “Cream of Guava served with Sour Plum Crystal Jelly and Mandarin Sorbet” paired with “Pan-fried Mini Glutinous Rice cake filled with ‘Cacao Barry’ chocolate”.

Cost: $118 per person
Extras: Add a glass of Champagne to your set dinner for just $138 per person

For reservations or enquiries, please call Cherry Garden at 6885 3538 or e-mail mosin-cgdn@mohg.com.

Swissotel Merchant Court

Blue Potato @ Swissotel Merchant Court

Fuel the passion of love with the splendour of a four-course set dinner at Blue Potato on Level 2, featuring a platter for two consisting of 36 Hours Braised U.S. Beef Short Ribs & Bordelaise Sauce, Petuna Ocean Trout & Half Shell Scallop with Chive Emulsion and Flageolet Beans & Cauliflower Pomme Puree.

Cost: $188++ per couple
Extras: Price includes two glasses of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne and a complimentary stalk of rose.

For enquiries or reservations, please call 6239 1899.

Indulge Yourselves

Hotel Re! @ Pearl’s Hill

Re!ndezvous @ Hotel Re!

Pamper yourselves with the Re!ndezvous Staycation Package that includes a one night’s stay in the Deluxe Room, a buffet breakfast for 2, L’Occitane lover’s amenities, complimentary use of the WiFi and minibar, Lover’s Cocktail for 2 at Re!Wine Retro Bar, LCD television with complimentary DVD lease, a romantic Valentine’s Day movie screening at Re!Wine Retro Bar for 2, and a 45mins full body aromatherapy massage at Re!Fresh Wellness Centre for 2.

Cost: $398++ per night
Extras: Includes a Re!gal Candlelight Dinner for 2 worth $68++ per person

For reservations and enquiries, please contact 6827 8288  or email reservations@hotelre.com.sg, or visit here.

Pan Pacific Orchard

Sweet Mood @ Pan Pacific Orchard

Pamper your sweetheart with a Pacific Club room and begin your rendezvous with early check-in at 12 noon and a “Sweet Mood” welcome amenity including chocolate truffles and macaroons and turndown gifts such as sparkling wine and strawberries. Savour canapés and evening cocktails at the Pacific Club Lounge and be greeted by a romantic turndown of sparkling wine and strawberries. Rise and shine to breakfast in bed and take advantage of late check-out till 2pm.

Cost: $318++ per couple
Extras: Optional add-ons to your room stay experience, available with 24-hour notification at the following charges: Luscious Body Chocolate Kit – $50, In-Room Romantic Picnic Basket – $120 per couple, 12 stalks of red roses and rose petals on your bed – $85

For reservations and enquiries, please visit here.

M Hotel Singapore

For any of you guys planning to pop the question on Valentine’s Day but are out of ideas, the “M Forever” package promises to help you seal the deal with an unforgettable night stay at the hotel. The package includes a one night stay at the M Suite, a romantic breakfast in bed for two, set dinner in the comfort of the hotel room, an essential oil bubble bath specially prepared by Haach, welcome chocolate & bouquet of roses, a bottle of Moet & Chandon, and a return spa voucher from Haach.

Cost: $1,688 per couple
Extras: Get this – A Tiffany & Co couple ring!

For reservations and enquiries, contact Room Reservations at 6500 6161.

Changi Village Hotel

Sweep your loved ones off their feet this special day with the Valentine’s Day Suite Packages at Changi Village Hotel. Enjoy a one-night stay in one of the suites with breakfast for two persons and evening cocktails at Club Lounge, a complimentary bottle of Champagne with strawberries & cream, an intimate sea salt bubble bath with rose petals, a 60-minute In-room Massage for two persons by The Retreat Spa, a special candlelight dinner for two, and a complimentary bottle of wine for dinner.

Cost: $588++ per couple (Junior Suite)
Extras: For more indulgence, top up to $788++ per couple (Executive Suite) or $988++ per couple (Royal Suite)

For reservations and enquiries, contact 6496 7699 or email reseasy@fareast.com.sg.

Enjoy Yourselves

Regent Singapore

Basilico Cooking Class @ Regent Singapore

Say “Amore” and celebrate a season of love with a Valentine’s Day Cooking Class. Surprise your loved one with a pre-Valentine gift of a cooking class at Basilico. Learn sexy Italian phrases from the Italian chefs as they teach you how to make King Crab, Champagne and Strawberry Risotto, and Amaretto Zabaione with Figs. The class includes a welcome drink, recipes, Basilico aprons and a certificate of completion to take home.

Cost: $128++ per person
Extras: Only available until 13 February 2012 (except Sundays), 3 – 5pm

Advance reservations required (48 hours), call Basilico at 6725 3232. Minimum 6 guests, maximum 8 guests per class.

The Jewel Box at Mount Faber

Sapphire @ The Jewel Box

This Valentines’, The Jewel Box at Mount Faber scores you brownie points with a memorable night of movies, romance and good food and wine all under star-studded skies. Start the night with a five-course gourmet meal at Sapphire restaurant, which includes a smooth and velvety Veloute of Foie Gras, Char-grilled Maine Lobster Tail and Atlantic Cod or a Pan-roasted Veal Tenderloin and Braised Ox Tail, and a luxuriant serve of Bitter Dark Chocolate Macadamia. After dinner, watch a specially selected rom-com that is made memorable with The Jewel Box’s Hilltop Movie Under The Stars, a specially prepared post-dinner activity at Moonstone, The Jewel Box’s Hilltop Chillout Bar. The Jewel Box has also specially invited glamourous jazz songstress Claressa Monteiro to fill the night with her beautiful and soaring voice.

Cost: $268++ per couple (Set Dinner at Sapphire)
Extras: Top up $22++ per couple for the Hilltop Movie Under The Stars experience, which includes complimentary cocktails and chocolates. Non-diners at Sapphire can also purchase this package at $69 nett per couple, which will include two round trip Cable Car rides.

For reservations or enquiries, please call 6377 9688 or visit www.mountfaber.com.sg for more information.

*Please note that all prices may be subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

10 Tips On How To Stay Lovingly Married

2012-02-07T05:51:54Z

Now that you’ve said your vows, it’s time to embark on the toughest life journey of all – marriage. And yes, that means being faithful to one partner, living with him under one roof, and embracing him (and his flaws!) till death do you part. But the happily-ever-after is not a myth, if you know how to navigate your marriage right, that is. SingaporeBrides lists 10 tips and tricks to staying married – forever.

#1: Realise that he’s not Mr. Perfect

As a girl, you have probably wished for a modern-day Prince Charming to sweep you off your feet. But as a married woman, understand that there is a difference between fantasy and reality. Your husband is not – and never will be – Mr. Perfect. Every one of us has our flaws and weaknesses – and it’s only going to get more apparent when you start living together. He can’t be suave, sensitive and yet also be the same man who remembers to take out the trash every evening. So you’ll be in for some squabbles if you expect the impossible. Instead, make a conscious effort to be more accepting of your husband – simply because you love the man he is.

#2: Talk about everything under the sun

So you used to chat on the phone for hours. That’s definitely going to change after you’ve walked down the aisle. In fact, it won’t be long before the harsher realities of marriage set in. And it’s only natural that both of you start talking more about bread-and-butter issues like household bills and running errands for the in-laws. Before such daily tedium overwhelms your marriage, make it a point to connect with each other regularly as individuals. Talk about your day or listen to him share his thoughts about that book he’s been reading. Remember that your conversations shouldn’t always be about the house, work, the in-laws or the children.

#3: Be generous

When you’ve been together for a while, you might take your partner for granted without even realising it. But the key to a blissful marriage is to be generous to your spouse. It could be little courtesies like “Thanks for taking the kids to tuition tonight” or supportive phrases like “I know you can do it”. Or it could be surprising him with a nice dinner every now and then. And you shouldn’t need to wait till Valentine’s Day to do that. Such sweet gestures will serve to build a stronger, more loving marriage.

#4: Compromise, but don’t be calculative

Compromises can go a long way when it comes to making a marriage last. Like how he washes the dishes while you mop the floor. Or how he cleans up the dog poo while you do the laundry. But fights can arise even with such neat arrangements. If, for instance, he piles the dishes in the sink for a tad longer while he takes a shower first, cut him some slack (read: don’t start screaming about how inefficient he is). A long-lasting marriage is all about give and take. But at times, focus on the giving. If you know he’s tired from a stressful day at work (while you’ve been on leave), why not offer to do the dishes for a change? It’s all about showing your appreciation for your partner.

#5: Fight fair

It’s absolutely normal for a couple – married or otherwise – to bicker. The trick is to know how to argue effectively. For a start, never get physical (that means no plate-throwing, please). If there’s something you’re not happy about, attack the problem, never the person. Blaming your partner will not help matters. So avoid saying accusatory things like “You got us into this!” Instead, target the problem at hand. Try scheduling a “time out” when emotions run high. That way, you can resolve the conflict after calming down. And remember: You don’t always have to win every single fight. Many happily married couples actually make a pact not to go to bed if they’re still angry at each other.

#6: Have date nights

Many married couples get so burdened by the responsibilities of work and home that they neglect to keep the romance alive. If this continues, you will start seeing each other more as partners than lovers. And when the daily grind gets overwhelming, it’s only too easy for cracks to appear in the marriage. Consider scheduling date nights into your weekly routine. Commit to them no matter how busy you get. And remember that it’s not about which swanky restaurant you go to – it’s about spending quality time together.

#7: Keep your individuality

Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you should live like conjoined twins. It is still important to maintain a strong sense of self. There’s no need to do everything together. Take a closer look at the happy couples out there, and you might find that most continue to cultivate close friendships and lead active lives out of their marriages. When you have your own close friends and your own hobbies, you won’t cling onto his ankles (or have him constantly depend on you). Most crucially, you won’t ever feel that you’re being “trapped” within the confines of your marriage.

#8: Travel separately

Chances are: You will also be hankering for some time apart from each other at some point in your marriage. So if you’ve been dreaming of that spa holiday in Bali and he’s looking forward to a backpacking trip through Indochina, you don’t always have to compromise. Instead, why not travel separately? You can call those high-school girlfriends of yours, while he can go solo. And after weeks apart, you will realise that absence does make the heart grow fonder.

#9: Stay affectionate

As the years go by, you might shudder at how you used to indulge in Public Displays of Affection (PDA) on shopping mall escalators during your courtship days. But touch can still do wonders for your relationship – it can help the both of you achieve a deeper level of intimacy. So hold hands while you’re taking a walk or snuggle up to each other when you’re watching prime-time television. Tender, loving actions like a supportive hand on his shoulder when he’s rushing that work report on the computer can help to bring you closer.

#10: Grow together

One of the most beautiful things about marriage is that the both of you can grow old together. You will both change with time, through the highs and lows of life – whether it’s celebrating a work promotion, welcoming the arrival of a new child, or coping with the loss of a parent. It’s important to anticipate these life changes as a couple, and adapt accordingly. But more significantly, continue to create new experiences (pick up a new hobby, perhaps?) and build memories together. Growing as a couple can be the real secret to a happy and healthy marriage.