ABC Annual Conference 7 to 9 Nov 2010 at Phoenix

I will be sharing "Chinese Wedding" with Wedding Professional Worldwide at the 29th Annual Business of Brides Conference. Welcome to join and share knowledge with WPS from around the world.

Get ready to get Hot, HOTT, Haute!!! Your HOTT (High Octane Twenty Ten) AZ Conference committee is elated to welcome you to the Valley of the Sun for the 29^th Annual Business of Brides Conference. Bring your family and plan to arrive early and stay late for conference to enjoy the incredible weather and multitude of activities at your fingertips when you visit the scenic Sonoran Desert! Phoenix, AZ averages over 300 sun-filled days a year with average temperatures in November ranging from 47 – 74 degrees.

Starting with a selection of optional sessions on Sunday, we guarantee a haute time with Sasha Souza, MBC our Monday design presenter, and a HOTT finale with world renowned designer, David Tutera on Tuesday. From sunrise to sunset, there will be lots of hot educational topics beginning Sunday afternoon through our closing session on Tuesday.

The trade show will be adjacent to the registration area, and will be open Sunday and Monday with ABC Corporate members to help you build your business. Visit the trade show on both Sunday and Monday to be eligible for a chance to win haute table seating for featured speakers, and more drawings will be offered on site!

At Sunday night’s Red Haute Couture Chic Opening Cocktail Reception, you will experience various degrees of Hot, HOTT, Haute at each upcoming HOTT event! Dress “HOTT” Hip, Opulent, Timeless, Trendsetting for this chic cocktail lounge reception held outdoors amidst towering lit palm trees, lush foliage, bubbling fountains, and crackling fireplaces.

Monday night you will be wined and dined Tuscany style for Haute Romance at The Castle. Tuesday night your taste buds will sizzle with our optional evening on-site event, Hot and Spicy Sunset inspired by local and popular favorite cuisine! Wednesday afternoon find out why Arizona has much more to offer in our Mountain (Arizona Biltmore Resort), Lake (Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch) and Desert (Desert Botanical Garden) tour showing why Phoenix and Scottsdale are two cities which are hot in the desert!

Can’t wait to see you in Arizona in November – don’t miss this HOTT conference!

Last year conference

CA054 4th Intake - Happy Bridal Image Day

It's been a wondering time with a group of energetic yet creative professionals. I can see you all becoming the best WEDDING PLANNERS in the market. Time goes so fast... almost come to the end of the program... I will miss you all :(

Doris and Anthony's Wedding on 27 Feb 2010

Anthony introduced himself to Doris on the MTR platform at Hong Kong Station. “He looked smart and always wore pink. That was my first impression,” recalls the bride. The two then began to frequent Anthony’s favorite jazz bar, where performances of‘Streets of London’ and ‘I just want to say I love you’ were made. After many sweet occasions, Anthony proposed on a sampan heading to Lamma Island, with their pet dog Fatty and the sampan’s captain as their witnesses. The wedding was held on 27 February with the wedding ceremony made at China Club followed by a reception dinner at The Helena May. Fresh roses and pew bows created a heart-melting scene at China Club, further enhanced by white and pink petals along the aisle and the presence of a live band of Trio. A release of 99 yellow balloons together with a petal shower set the perfect backdrop for photos. After the ceremony, the mob paraded along the Legislative Council, the Peak Tram Station and Central to capture more fabulous shots. Guests were then welcomed to the historical and atmospheric Helena May furnished with Genistra, Gloriosa Lily and orchid. To make something different out of the wedding, Doris decided to replace table numbers with different flower names and prepared handmade table stands complimented by fresh blossoms. The evening reached its climax during the bouquet toss and the couple’s first dance after the cake cutting ceremony. Doris says, “We chose Stevie Wonder’s ‘If you really love me’ as the theme song. We’re not good at dancing and didn’t want to look ridiculous and nervous, so we took some dance lessons beforehand.”The attending guests had great pleasure watching them dance. “I love my husband. I married him because I cannot live without him,” remarks Doris, who cried with joy when she took the vows.

As for Anthony, who was deeply moved by Doris’ emotions when she entered the room for the vows, he was actually grateful to have a wedding planner who has made their big day memorable and enjoyable.

於中環上班的Anthony早已察覺Doris的存在，有次終於鼓起勇氣、在港鐵香港站的月台上向Dori s介紹自己。「他看上去很聰明，而且經常穿上粉紅色的衣服。這是Anthony給我的第一印象。」新娘子回憶道。 二人開始經常到Anthony最喜愛的爵士吧約會，邊聽着＜Streets of London＞和＜I justwant to say I love you＞邊擦出愛火花。多次甜蜜約會後，Anthony在前往南丫島的舢舨上向Doris求婚，由兩人的愛犬Fatty及舢舨主人見證浪漫一刻。婚禮於2月27日舉行，眾人先抵達中國會舉行婚禮儀式，晚上再到梅夫人婦女會設宴。婚禮會場內的鮮玫瑰和綵帶襯托出美妙意境，加上散落到梯級上的白色及粉紅色花瓣以及三人樂隊現場演奏，構成一片迷人氣氛。其後，99個黃色汽球被放上天空，親友在從天而降的花瓣中開懷拍照。為了留下更多美好回憶，眾人及後再移師到立法局、山頂纜車站及中環各處，拍下更多精彩鬼馬的照片。到了傍晚，親友抵達綴以金雀花、嘉蘭百合及蘭花的梅夫人婦女會，宴會隨即開始。為了令婚宴更具特色，Doris決定以花名取代枱號，並親自製作用以作識別的枱牌，及以相應的鮮花點綴枱面。當晚的高潮莫過於切餅後的拋花球環節及新人共舞。Doris笑說：「我們選擇了以Stevie Wonder的＜If you really love me＞作舞蹈主題曲。由於我們舞藝平凡，為免於親友面前獻醜，還是先上了幾課舞蹈班！」到場祝賀的親友無不被新人的誠意打動。「我愛我的丈夫。我嫁給他，是因為我的生命不能沒有了他。」從Doris在宣誓時喜極而泣，已可看出新娘子對新郎情真意切。新郎亦深受感動，並補充道：「多虧我們的婚禮統籌師，婚禮才能舉辦得如此圓滿而教人難忘。

Q&A

1. How did you two meet and how did you two fall in love? What were your first impressions about each other?

Anthony introduced himself on the subway on the platform of Hong Kong Station. He commented on my appearance and said he had seen me a few times on his way to the office. Anthony looked smart and always wore pink was my first impression.

We had many dinners and frequented Anthony’s favourite jazz bar where they played “Streets of London” and “ I just want to say I love you”. We had many funny experience during our dating: Anthony invited me for tea at his apartment one afternoon but he gave me wrong address. Another time, he brought me home after dinner then dropped the front door keys down the bottom of the elevator. We sat outside all nights, talking and looking at the stars. Funny stupid guy

2. How did Anthony propose? Any token of love between the two of you?

walking the dog… turned into a long walk to Aberdeen which we did from time to time at the weekend. Once there we hired a sampan to Lamma Island. Anthony proposed on the sampan with our dog Fatty and the captain as our witnesses. I was surprise when he brought out the engaged ring. It was beautiful to be on the boat by ourselves and then we had a delicious fresh seafood lunch.

4. Where was the wedding held, and why have you chosen this venue?

Our wedding ceremony at China Club and the reception at Helena May. They are beautiful building with history and atmosphere. The Helena May also is a supports many good causes which made the decision easy.

5. Can you tell us more about the dance and the flower cards, as seen in the photos?

We are not good at dance and we didn’t want to look ridiculous dance and nervous. This moved on to also trying to create an atmosphere of fun to really get the parting going. We chose a Stevie Wonder song with two different rhythms (fast and slow) and then had some dance lessons. Our instructor made two dances for us which was tough. It was fun even though we made a right hash of it.

We wanted to make effort on our wedding day and do something different. So to replace table numbers Doris decided to use flower names and painted the cards by herself. The flowers we chose are Doris’s favorite and the each table had fresh ones also to compliment. Better than table numbers but it turned into quite a project.

6. Any surprises during the wedding ceremony?

Anthony: After all the effort in the planning and preparation, to see it all come together and everyone enjoy themselves was very rewarding. And I’ll never forget the emotions when I first saw Doris entering the room for the vows.

Doris: I was surprised by my tears during the vows. It was the first time I cried with happiness in my life. I will never forget that moment.

7. Any stories/ quotes that you’d like to share with our readers regarding your sweet marriage?

Doris: I love my husband. I married him because I cannot live without him.

Anthony: Word of advice I gave to the unmarried guests “use a wedding planner”. Was great to have no concerns so you can relax and enjoy the day with all your guests.

OUHK 7th Intake - June 2010

婚禮統籌專業
結婚是人生大事，不少人願意一擲千金，換取畢生難忘的回憶，婚慶 市場實在大有可為。本課程由本院與Katemagg Event & Wedding 攜手合辦，由資深婚禮統籌師及婚慶業從業員親自教授婚禮統籌的專業知識及技巧，為有意投身此行業的人士提供專業培訓。畢業生可考取美國歷史悠久的 Association of Bridal Consultants(ABC)的會員資格。

學員修畢此課程後，應能:

• 深入了解婚禮統籌的文化、結婚習俗及建立新娘形象所需的知識;

• 設計並妥善籌劃各種類型的本地及海外婚禮;

• 製訂業務計劃書及婚禮建議書，並能自信地向客戶介紹詳情;

• 發展並實踐中西式結婚禮儀及新娘形象設計的專業知識;

• 應用活動策劃管理及司儀技巧於不同婚宴場合。

適合對象

• 有志成為婚禮統籌師

• 有興趣投身婚慶業的人士

• 現職婚慶業從業員

課程特點

• 由本地資深婚禮統籌師及婚慶業從業員講授。

• 全港唯一由大學及資深婚禮統籌師合辦的專業課程，並獲全球最大及最高榮譽的Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)認可，課程質素有別於一般只於本地註冊之學會課程；

• 畢業生可考取國際認可的ABC Assistant Bridal Planner資格；

• 優秀學員可獲安排參與實習，學以致用，吸收更多實際工作經驗；

• 成績優異之畢業生有機會受聘於Katemagg Event & Wedding或獲轉介相關婚禮統籌工作。

查詢:
梅嘉齡女士 3120 9863 / 3120 9874

ABC Wedding Study Tour - Bali

March 2010

A fruitful 4-day Wedding Study Tour in Bali, Indonesia. Visit 9 Famous Chapels and Churches; meet Event & Wedding Managers from each venues, gained golden opportunities to see, to learn and to experience Bali destination weddings. Understand the culture of Balinese wedding and how local vendors work nowadays. Explore opportunities to work with Bali vendors and what types of services exist for both local vendors and likewise overseas planners, like us. Definitely an valuable experience to open our eyes up to know how to organise weddings under the sun and on the beach in different exclusive venues and resorts. Real unforgettable experiences for all WPs including myself to spend a good 4 relaxing days together, having fun, sharing good food, knowing Elvis's private life, chit-chatting, invaded the entire swimming pool at night... indeed to share and learn from one another. Special thanks to Donna (I named her the Chair) to organise and manage the logistic of the itinerary holistically; not to forget co-chair Cynthia to organise the forever fun Team Building Lunch at Banyan Tree. I can see you both becoming a real professional wedding planner with your solid secretarial and administrative background, indeed playing the lead to spread the name of "Wedding Excellence"... and the only boy WP who worked very hard to capture the wow scenes while never forgot to take care of all the girls, Leo Kwok from 4th intake. I treasure every moment I spent with the team in the study tour.

I vow to go again very soon..

GLANCE AT THE CHAPELS

St. Regis Hotel - Cloud Nine Chapel

The Swarovski cystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and the magnificent views of the ocean from the chapel. The perfectly romance Honeymoon villa nestled at the beachfront while enjoying the signature of St. Regis Butler Service. STREGIS.COM/BALI

Nikko Bali Resort & Spa - Wiwaha

Elevated over the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean and situated atop a picturesque cliff Wiwaha is a prefect masterpiece appropriate for unparalleled wedding venue, stunning split-level glass structure conceptualized in a modern Balinese design. WIWAHABALI.COM

Conrad Bali - Infinity Chapel

Floating 2 meters above sea level among an ensemble of overflowing reflecting pools and marble walkways, Infinity Chapel has capacity of 60 guests maximum and makes ideal wedding photos with a complete dream ocean as the background. ConradHotels.com

Ocean Blue Hotel - Blue Moon

Embracing the landscape in the hills above the Nusa Dua enclave, Ocean Blue retreats genuine Balinese hospitality villa living. OCEANBLUEHOTELBALI.COM

Blue Point Bay Villas - Wedding Chapel

Dream private villa with a backdrop exposed to the elements of the ocean, with a glass wedding chapel that is adjacent to the cliff-top swimming pool, the breath-taking sunset scene makes a complete wedding ceremony unforgettable. BLUEPOINTBAYVILLAS.COM

The Kunja - Santi Chapel

An all-villa property Kunja is a boutique villa-hotel with 18 fully serviced private villas that could turn into a event or wedding reception venue any time with a private swimming pool. The Santi Chapel blends the beauty of Bali nature into modern wedding ceremony over an island of green. THEKUNJA.COM

The Inna Grand Bali Beach - The Blue Diamond Chapel

Founded in 1966, the hotel complex is one of the traditional Bali style venues with state-of-art visitor facilities. One of the biggest chapels in Bali with a maximum seating capacity of 60 paxs, the diamond-shaped remarks the popularity among Asian Market. THEDIAMOMDBALI.COM

Ayana Resort & Spa - Tresna, Astina, Asmara, Bale Kencana

Stunning yet remarkable resort with 4 special design chapels offering overwhelming scene including cliff-top glamour, modern Asian style with a backdrop of floating on the ocean, Javanese royal with open gazebo and in front of ornate volcanic and limestone walls. Ayana caters wedding size up to more than 150 guests with theme of Sweet Escape Wedding, Ayana Villa Wedding, Secret Garden Wedding & Sunset Promise Wedding. AYANARESORT.COM

Banyan Tree

Perched 70 metres above sea level on the cliffs of Bali's southernmost peninsula and just 35 mins away from the international airport, the resort features distinct traditional Balinese touches that blend seamlessly wt mystic charm of its natural surroundings. Real breath-taking villas that include Pool villa, sanctuary villa and presidential villa.

Saverius Catholic Church

GBI Christian Church

Weaver of Dreams - inMagazine

April 2010 by Maureen NG


具多年婚禮統籌經驗的K a t e m a g g曾於時裝品牌Balenciaga工作，2003年開辦木馬會，現在除了貴為公開大學講師外，更是美國婚禮統籌協會(ABC)的香港總監。ABC成立逾50年，在歐美及亞洲等40個國家有接近4,500名會員，分別來自婚紗禮服、花藝、婚禮攝影錄影及新娘化妝等不同的婚嫁行業。ABC已於去年登陸新加坡及香港，其後會將業務拓展至中國。專業機制獲國際認可，研討會助拓闊視野ABC的主要職責就是因應會員的專業程度及經驗，頒授不同級別的證書。國際認可助理婚禮策劃師(ABP)乃頒發予少於兩年婚禮顧問或婚禮策劃經驗的會員。國際認可專業婚禮顧問 (PBC) 是頒發予為準新人或市場作顧問或策劃業務的婚禮顧問；Katemagg現在擁有的亦為PBC資格。國際認可專業婚禮商戶 (PWV) 是頒發予經營相關產品或服務的商戶如婚紗禮服、新婚攝影、花藝、美容、媒體、餐飲業等；PWV並可選出兩名員工接受PBC訓練及名銜，員工在離職後不能帶走該名銜。至於最高榮譽會籍－國際認可榮譽學位及國際認可碩士學位－則頒發予擁有超過3年專業認可資格的會員。去年9月27日，Katemagg為ABC於陽明山莊舉行了香港區首屆區域研討會，共有150人參加。研討會請來ABC亞洲市場總監Yoshi Kohara、「摩登大妗姐」羅勤芳、藝穗會舞蹈導師Frankie Wong、心理治療師尹婉萍以及Greenmyplanet的Yolanda Che客席演講，分別談及日式婚禮、中式婚禮、First dance、Bridezilla(婚前燥狂新娘)及環保婚禮。雖然節目豐富，但Katemagg認為仍有改良的餘地。她解釋道：「日本ABC的研討會為期兩至四日，有bridal show和gala dinner，由會員親自設計各種表演的娛樂活動，大大增加了研討會的互動性。」ABC暫定於7月舉辦第二屆區域研討會。



心理質素為婚禮統籌員的成功關鍵
現時本港的婚禮統籌生意大多是靠熟人轉介而來，未見有獲國際認可的認證制度，加上傳統從業員有時不免各持己見，故Katemagg認為教育對本港婚禮統籌業尤其重要。2008年9月，Katemagg與香港公開大學李嘉誠專業進修學院合辦「婚禮統籌管理專業證書」課程，由資深婚禮統籌師及婚慶從業員親自教授婚禮統籌的專業知識及技巧。課程每年開辦三屆，本月將開辦第六屆，其後將於6月及9月開辦相同課程。課程內容所涉範疇甚廣，包括結婚禮儀及習俗、活動策劃管理技巧、新娘個人形象設計及司儀技巧等，每屆收生人數約為30人。學員在修畢90小時的課程後，可考取ABC的ABP資格。事實上除了從事婚禮統籌員外，不少學員畢業後會從事其他與婚嫁相關的專業如婚紗、化妝及花藝等。也有不少學生為已退休人事，因希望能為子女籌備完美婚禮而專誠報讀此課程！但這又是否代表婚禮統籌員無須擁有專業資格呢？KateMagg解釋道：「總括來說，婚禮統籌員的職責是引導新人定下整場婚禮的主題，然後與各位緊密合作，以獲得所預期的理想效果。婚禮統籌涵括的範圍眾多，除了場地、膳食等，溝通技巧及心理質素更是尤關重要。結婚是人生大事，因此新人均希望有一名專業而有經驗的婚禮統籌，協助他們克服心理上的困惑。不是每個人都適合當婚禮統籌員。一名成功的婚禮統籌員需懂得面對壓力，即使同一時間應付多項工作仍能處變不驚。」婚禮統籌管理課程的其中一個作用，就是要糾正從業員這方面的思想。KateMagg續說：「心理治療師尹婉萍曾對婚禮統籌員作出了一個我認為頗切實的定義。她說：『婚禮統籌員是準新人的好友，但同時亦是婚事的統籌者，得將零碎的念頭作出分析、評估及整合，並於婚禮當日表現出專業操守，締造完美婚禮。』她這個解釋，已包含作為婚禮統籌員所要求的創意及管理技巧。」


稱號不一，只因專業不同
KateMagg又謂：「雖然婚禮統籌員的專業制度在香港還未完善，此專業於外國早已十分盛行。在外國，婚禮統籌員(wedding planner)有時會細分為婚禮設計師(wedding designer)及婚禮輔導員(wedding consultant)；有些則被稱為婚禮總監(wedding director)。婚禮輔導員與婚禮統籌員性質相若；而婚禮設計師則可能會較著重設計方面的元素。需知道這裡所指的『設計』不限於裝飾設計，主題、流程、新娘形象、佈景及用品設計都可歸類於婚禮設計之列。婚禮總監着重的是協調和整合。因此縱然稱號不一，這些婚禮統籌員並無高低之分，只是範疇及所針對的專業不同而已。」此外，內地婚慶市場的興起亦不容忽視。KateMagg對此作出了一些補充：「內地的婚禮統籌市場雖然較本港遲起步，但原來不少外國的婚禮統籌員早已開始發展內地業務，而我自己的學生中亦有部分前往上海發展。內地的婚慶從業員願意接受新事物，汲取優點用以改良自己的服務。目前ABC已於香港、南韓及新加坡累積會員人數，若然內地之門得以開啟，舉辦亞洲大型研討會的機會便指日可待。」

ABC - PROFESSIONS
Having worked in the fashion house of Balenciaga and had the experience of running her own restaurant Le Manege, Katemagg is now both a lecturer at the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) and representative of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) in Hong Kong. With over 50 years of history, ABC currently has more than 4,500 members spanning across 40 European and Asian countries. All of its members are in wedding-related businesses such as wedding attire, florists, wedding photography/videography and wedding make-up. The association has recently set up its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Its next target will be mainland China.

World Recognition and Global Vision
The main responsibility of ABC is to award its members with different levels of internationally recognized certificates based on their degree of skills and experiences. The Assistant Bridal Planner (ABP) Certificate is for members who have less than two years of experience as a wedding consultant or a wedding planner. Professional
Bridal Consultant (PBC), the title that Katemagg currently holds, refers to those who have more than two years of experience. Professional Wedding Vendor (PWV) is given to vendors with at least three years of working experience in wedding-related fields such as wedding attire, photography, floral decorations, media and catering. A PWV can nominate two employees for PBC training, but these nominees will not be able to carry their PBC title
when they leave the company. Finally, the most prestigious titles – the Accredited Degrees and the Master Degrees - are presented to PBC/PWV certificate holders with over three years of professional membership.

The key to success is to think logically
To date, internationally recognised authentication for wedding planners does not seem to be available yet, and here are diversified opinions on the definition of a ‘wedding planner’. Katemagg soon realised the importance of education in the wedding industry, so in September 2008, she teamed up with OUHK’s Li Ka Shing
Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE) in launching the Professional Certificate in Wedding Planning Management Programme. Under this programme, lectures are given by established bridal consultants, which equip students with the professional knowledge and skills needed to begin their career in the wedding planning industry. The programme runs three times a year, and this year’s pro-gramme will begin in April, June and September. Students are able to learn everything from wedding etiquette, event planning and management, personal styling to marshalling techniques, and graduates can attain the ABP certificate after 90 hours of lectures.
Around 30 applicants will be admitted per programme. Among the graduates, some become wedding planners, while others go onto different wedding related fields and some go on to prepare the perfect wedding for their sons and daughters. Is it necessary for wedding planners to attain a professional qualification? Katemagg explains, “A wedding planner does more than taking charge of the venue preparation and catering. They have to provide guidance to the couples in the theme set-up and coordinate with different parties as well. As such, the ability to communicate well and to think logically is very important. A wedding is a big step in life, and a professional and experienced wedding planner can help the couple ease their anxiety on their big day. A successful wedding planner should be able to sustain work pressure and to be able to multi-task. Not everyone is prepared for the complexity of this job.” One of the aims of OUHK’s programme is to rectify the attitude of wedding planners within the industry. Katemagg continues, “Psychotherapist Dr. Pauline Wan has once given a definition to the profession, which I think is quite precise. She says, ‘Not only is a wedding planner the couples’ confidant, but also the manager of the wedding who will analyze, evaluate and summaries raw ideas and deliver professionally on
the wedding day.’ Her interpretation aptly enveloped the creativity and management skills needed for the profession.”


Different Specialties leading to Different Titles
Katemagg continues, “Although an authenticating system has not yet been established in Hong Kong, the profession as a wedding planner is already very popular overseas. In Western countries, a ‘wedding planner’ can sometimes be further classified into a ‘wedding designer’ and a ‘wedding consultant’, while some may name themselves as a ‘wedding director.’ A ‘wedding planner’ and a ‘wedding consultant’ are actually similar in their job nature, whilst a ‘wedding designer’ may focus more on the design elements.
“However, one must be aware that ‘design’ here does not only refer to decor, but also the design on the wedding theme, the schedule, personal image, backdrop and stationery. Meanwhile, a ‘wedding director’ may emphasise on the coordination among different parties. These titles associated with the job of wedding planning
may sound different, but there is no hierarchy in the titling. The titles are mere reflections of the wedding planner’s specialties.” Mainland China is yet another continent that should not be neglected. Katemagg remarks, “Even though the wedding planning market in China seems to emerge later than Hong Kong, many
foreign wedding planners have already set their foot on the continent. Wedding planners in the Mainland are willing to accept new things and adapt them to their own services. As ABC is now accumulating members in Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore, it won’t be long for us to host a large-scale Asian conference once we gain access to the Mainland.”

Dream makers by Joyce Kam - The Standard

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Weddings are not just for smitten couples. Lovers who do not want to leave their nuptial bliss to chance usually seek out wedding planners. And the figures show there is demand, especially for those who are qualified.

In 2008 alone, about 47,300 couples tied the knot. Up to a fifth of them will resort to wedding planners.If, as government marriage portal ESDLife calculates, the average spending on a wedding banquet is HK$130,000, then the planner is looking at between HK$10,000 to HK$20,000 per job. And, as with most jobs in Hong Kong, paper qualification tells. So it doesn't hurt to get one. The Open University is offering a certificate course in wedding planning management. The part-time program teaches wedding history, etiquette and customs, event management, bridal image design, running a wedding planning business and the skills needed to be a master of ceremonies.

Katemagg Chau Lo-sin is the program's instructor as well as a professional. She says demand for wedding planners has shot up since people were allowed to hold marriage ceremonies outside the Marriage Registry and churches in 2006.

"Generally speaking, I believe 20 to 25 percent of Hong Kong couples seek the help of wedding planners. In the United States, it's 30 to 40 percent. So it's a market with great potential."

The course takes 90 hours and costs HK$16,800. Graduates can take an exam and be accredited with the Association of Bridal Consultants. Chau also offers students the opportunity to shadow her in planning an actual wedding. There is money to be made in weddings, said Chau. "On average, wedding planners charge 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of the wedding banquet, depending on their involvement. For instance, some clients ask us to plan the whole wedding while some only need us to manage the big day," she says.

Lu Chan, 30, decided to try her hand at it after completing her studies in August. "Wedding planning is a challenging career," said Chan. She should know: she has been managing events for 10 years. "You need to be able to think fast and multi-task. On the big day, a person might complain the microphone is not working, while another might tell you the food is not properly prepared. I need to understand the situation, come up with solutions, present the options to the couple and let them decide because, after all, it's their wedding." She said the program has given her the opportunity to be of service while improving her own skills. "My communication skills have improved and I have learned to be thoughtful and meticulous because I know a mistake can ruin the most important moment in someone's life."

Courses start in April, June and September. Visit www.ouhk.edu.hk/ lipace for details and to enroll.

Amelia & Bobby's Wedding 10 Jan 2010

A stunning romantic wedding with traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, Church ceremony at St. Margaret and glamours reception dinner at the Grand Hyatt. Everything turned out brilliant and brilliant. Never better than I can imagine. The dress, the smile and the ambiance ... everything was just perfect. Although we were unable to locate the red umbrella ... a bit upset... but guess what, my student barely able to find a red umbrella, but with a company logo... believed that a lot of photo touch up will be followed. The speeches touched everyone. I am so proud of Amelia, a all-round wife and good friend.



I'm so glad you found me and make me become a friend of you... I'm so glad to have this great chance to help you to transform your vision into reality, to share your burden and stress, to listen to you. As a matter of fact, I'm so pleased to meet you both, a perfect nice couple. I enjoyed working with you and I'm pleased to see you looking relax, happy and just beautiful/handsome on your day. Thanks for your compliments, the flowers, photos, video and thank you card... lunches... dinners...

Romantic First Dance
Live Band: Innovation - Justin
Flower: Wedding Garden






























Sincere thanks to Amelia who let us orchestrated your big day. Also big thanks for your support to the Professional wedding planning education. Offered our novice members the valuable chance to join the project. You are sooooo NICE...