We didn’t want to spend too much
money on a lavish wedding because we were saving up for our honeymoon. Ever
since I found out about Sposi Novelli
(general audience with the Pope and dedicated blessings for newly-wed couples -
more details in a later post) in Vatican, we have been looking forward to a
Europe trip.
 |
| Credit: Metro.co.uk Easter Mass at St Peter's Square, Vatican City |
After much discussion, we decided
on church wedding with lunch reception for relatives and friends (all Catholics
must be married in a Catholic church), followed by a small private dinner
banquet for relatives (can’t escape from Chinese tradition).
As a Catholic and an old IJ girl, I
have always wanted to hold the wedding banquet in CHIJMES. The beautiful
stained glass windows, terrazzo tiles flooring, chandeliers, elegant neo-gothic
design, and the central location… What is
there not to love?
 |
| Credit: Perennialrealestate.com.sg Exterior and Entrance of CHIJMES Singapore |
After emailing the events management
company, Watabe Wedding, we were pleasantly surprised to get a prompt response
from the coordinator and we managed to fix an appointment for a personalised
site visit. We list down the pros and cons of having a banquet in CHIJMES below
for your reference.
Setting
For wedding banquets, couples may
choose either the typical Chinese round tables or western long tables setting. This
gives modern couples more flexibility in table arrangements.
 |
| Credit: Singaporebrides.com Chinese wedding banquet setting in CHIJMES Hall |
Perks
Compared to hotel wedding banquet packages, the
perks given are lesser. If you are considering the deluxe package, it does not
come with a complimentary hotel stay. (That also means there will be no helpers’
room!)
The coordinator told us that we can
book a hotel through them to enjoy special rates, and we can choose from
partnering hotels such as Noemi Hotel (which is quite a distance away in my
opinion). This means that if you intend to shower before preparing for the
banquet, you will have to get to the hotel and freshen up before either dolling
up directly in the hotel room or head over to CHIJMES’ make up room behind the
CHIJMES Hall before dolling up. Having only one make-up room also means that if
there was a lunch banquet before yours, you will not be able to use the make-up
room earlier.
 |
| Credit: watabe-wedding.com.sg Make-up Room extracted from official webpage |
Parking is another real issue due to
the limited capacity within CHIJMES. Guests are encouraged to park at other
nearby carparks. This means that your guests will potentially have to walk a
distance in their Sunday Best and have to pay for parking out of their own
pockets.
Dining
The cuisine provided by CHIJMES is
prepared by Tung Lok (Chinese) and Prive Catering (Modern/ Western). That
probably means you can expect pretty high standards from the banquet dining. Do
note however, if you choose modern/ western cuisine for your banquet, the food
tasting is limited to two pax only.
Experience
Last year, Mr R attended a chinese wedding
banquet at CHIJMES and was seated behind one of the many pillars. He mentioned
he couldn’t really see what was happening on stage and the sound system didn’t
help much. He couldn’t really participate in the celebration because of that.
If you are not looking at placing the maximum number of tables, do avoid
placing too many tables behind the pillars.
 |
| Credit: watabe-wedding.com.sg Extract of wedding banquet round table setting for CHIJMES Pillars as indicated |
He also mentioned that the portion
was slightly insufficient for him. However, they practised individual
portioning so 10 points to service!
On our own experience with the
events management company, the recce went really smooth and we had a good
impression of the coordinator. She told us we have seven days to consider or
she will have to give the date to another couple. However, because of all the constraints and restrictions, we couldn't reach a decision after a week and they were unable to give us an extension.
They mentioned that we will have to join the waiting list and it will be dependent on whether the couples ahead take up the banquet date with them. Shortlisting a popular venue can be a rollercoaster ride too. *sigh*
They mentioned that we will have to join the waiting list and it will be dependent on whether the couples ahead take up the banquet date with them. Shortlisting a popular venue can be a rollercoaster ride too. *sigh*
 |
| Credit: watabe-wedding.com.sg CHIJMES: Chandeliers, stained glass windows, in a neo-gothic architecture setting |
Pricing (Rates subjected to annual review)
2016/17 Lunch/ Dinner Banquet for
Weekdays: from $1198++, min 15 tables
2016/17 Lunch/ Dinner Banquet for
Fridays and Eve of Public Holidays: from $1398++, min 18 tables
2016/17 Lunch/ Dinner Banquet for Sundays
and Public Holidays: from $1398++, min 20 tables
2016/17 Lunch/ Dinner Banquet for Saturdays:
from $1498++, min 20 tables
Were you a CHIJMES dream couple? What do you think of the package offered? Tell us your real experience!
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street #01-28 (CHIJMES
Hall) S(187996)
Contact: +65 63365320
Hey dear, all these Banquet Halls are truly nice-looking. I liked this one the most among all other Los Angeles wedding venues. It’s giving a delightful and appealing look and the best part is that you can customize it as per your theme.
ReplyDeleteI really like the post, all the wedding banquet your shared are really amazing. This will be helpful for readers who are searching for best wedding venues for their wedding.
ReplyDeleteSingapore Wedding Photography