Two Minutes with Wedding Planner | Shirlyn Peh from Elysium Weddings

Shirlyn Peh from Elysium Weddings

This week, we spend some time with Malaysian wedding planners for some insights into wedding planning outside of Cambodia. Shirlyn Peh, director of Elysium Weddings have been planning weddings for the past five years and today, she shares with us her candid take on weddings and brides and all things nice.

Tell us more about wedding planning in Malaysia. When did it start, how did it grow, etc.. ?

There's always been people planning weddings but for professional wedding planners, this trend probably started about 15 - 20 years ago. Weddings in Malaysia have steadily been growing more creative, more westernized, more modern and wedding planners as a necessity rather than a luxury probably gained foothold in the market in the last 7 years.

Share with us more about your working style. What is your working process from A-Z?

It's actually very simple step-by-step process.
1) Getting started : Discuss, Develop, Design
2) Wedding vendors : Source, Compare, Build ideas
3) The nitty gritty : Coordinate, Assist 
4) Bridal party : Coordinate, Assist, Guide
5) D-Day : Coordinate, Liaise, Organize 

So, to date, what has been your most challenging wedding?

I will never forget - the wedding at Pulau Mabul. We had to transfer everything from the small town off-island including tables, chairs, table linens, wedding cake, flowers, cutleries, plates and a CHEF to the island. It's funny, thinking back now, but not so funny then!  

Haha! I heard about that wedding *smile*. So, tell us, what do you think about the Malaysian’s acceptance of wedding planners these days as compared to, say, 10 years ago? 

As I mentioned earlier, planners are more a necessity these days than a luxury. People are aware of the importance of engaging a wedding planner to ensure that their wedding day is perfect. Also, a lot of the modern couples and families now realize that a hassle-free wedding where they can enjoy the planning process as well as the wedding day itself is important.

 

Why do you think there is a difference between now and 10 years ago? 

Well, for starters, people's mindset changes as everyday, we are exposed to new things and we are exposed to the TV, to news, to magazines, etc. As such, couples these days are more willing to spend for their wedding in order to get the wedding of their dreams. They are also more knowledgeable about styles, trends and gone are the days of cookie-cutter weddings. People want a wedding that is unique and personalized.

The other thing is that we are in Asia - it is important for the wedding to look good and as such, couples these days also place very high importance on quality. They are willing to pay for the quality - quality of flowers, quality of fabric, linens, photography, gowns, etc.

 What is your hope for the wedding industry in Malaysia? What do you wish to see more of?

I'd surely like to see there being more options for creativity and style and I hope Malaysian vendors will look at creating their own styles, designs, products and not just copy them from overseas.  

In a market where the consumers are becoming more and more affluent and exposed, where do you see your creativity and styles coming in? How? 

Based on past experiences, we learn, change and create. We need to have a willingness to listen - listen to the couple's request, to opinions, to new ideas, new ways of doing something....  

So then, what is your idea of the perfect wedding couple?

Oh. A couple who knows what they need and want. A couple who makes decisions without second-guessing their own decision. A couple who is realistic - meaning understands quality comes with a price.  

Everyone wants every client to be the perfect client, right? Wishful thinking! Ok, before we part – can you share 5 Top Tips for the couple when choosing their Wedding Planner?

Good Knowledge.  A good planner is knowledgeable about putting together every detail of a wedding from the invitations down to the flowers. 

Comes highly recommended. This is key to finding the best wedding planner. If a planner doesn’t have a track record, previous satisfied clients and a fair amount of experience, the person may not possess  the skills to take care of all the details from A-Z. Be careful  of wedding planners without good references.

Willing to take on as much or as little as asked. Some couples ask wedding planners to take care  every step in the process, from selection of  music to booking the reception hall. Other couples only want their planners to handle a few major details. Good planners, however, can accept as many or as few of the details as you want them to take care.

A person you can work with. If you and your partner are not comfortable with the person, find someone else. It is most likely you will need to work closely with the wedding planner in the months, weeks and especially days leading up to the ceremony. If the person does not feel right to you, do not sign a contract!

Aye to that! And thank you for your time, Shirlyn! _______

Remember, a planner is someone you need to be able to work with
for the months, weeks and days leading up to YOUR big day.
So, you need to feel comfortable with her and TRUST her !