Planning a dream wedding is a huge task – it requires the ability to work out nitty-gritty details, while keeping the big picture in mind. We talk to Amanda and Pei Yan, the powerhouse duo of in-house wedding planners at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC), to discover insider tips and more!
How did you get into the wedding-planning industry?
(Pei Yan) I have been in the industry for more than seven years. During my first job working in a hotel, I had the opportunity to be a wedding and catering facilitator and never looked back.
(Amanda) I spent seven years in the corporate industry, starting out with planning corporate events. This gave me the experience I needed to work as a wedding planner later on.
What are your most memorable moments as a wedding planner?
Being able to engage with the bride and groom as well as their family members. We often end up becoming close friends by sharing thoughts and concerns on a personal level. Preparing for a wedding can be a stressful affair and we take great pride in being entrusted by the bride and groom to realise their dream wedding in a memorable way.
Name a hot trend in today’s weddings.
These days, many couples prefer to register their marriage in the outdoors, amidst nature. CCEC’s gazebo is an ideal venue, as couples can exchange their vows in an intimate sunlit garden ceremony, and then proceed to one of the function halls or ballrooms for their indoor wedding banquet.
What is one piece of advice you would give to couples who are planning their wedding?
Having a vision is important, You need to know the basics of what you want – such as the style of wedding venue, or the type of food that you want served. We can then draw from our experiences and help you achieve your wedding aspirations.
In a nutshell, can you describe the main advantages of holding a wedding in CCEC?
We offer diverse venue options that can accommodate a range of 10 to 100 tables.
We provide five ballrooms, each with a seating capacity of 250 to 500. These spaces can be combined to form the Grand Nexus Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, while the Grand Summit Ballroom can seat up to 800 guests, both in a banquet setting.
For busy couples who are unable to make it for an actual site visit, you can visit our website at https://connexioncec.com/ for a virtual tour.
CCEC was recently Halal Certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and are committed to ensure the quality and safety of our food in line with the highest hygiene and standards rules and regulations set by JAKIM.
Here at CCEC, couples can also choose from various customisable menus, get dressed for the big day in a VIP holding room equipped with a full-length mirror and good lighting, and enjoy a one-night complimentary stay at either VE Hotel & Residence or Capri by Fraser. Guests will find the location convenient as we are a 10 to 15-minute walk from LRT stations, and parking is readily available.
Describe some interesting weddings held in CCEC.
We recently hosted a Harry Potter-themed wedding, complete with Hogwarts Express décor and even a Sorting Hat! One of the challenges was that it was held during the Chinese New Year season, so just for that day, CCEC removed its own festive décor to accommodate the themed decorations. In 2017, local fashion designer Key Ng also held his star-studded wedding in CCEC, attended by Malaysian celebrities as well as TV and radio hosts.
What are mistakes brides and grooms-to-be tend to make?
A common one is forgetting to cater for guests with special requirements, like vegetarians, or parents who need baby chairs. We provide a checklist to make sure that we cover all these details. In the case of more guests than expected turning up on the actual day, we also always prepare one extra table with a full set-up, and only charge for the table if it is used.
What are some special benefits of booking weddings with CCEC?
Guests who book weddings with CCEC can enjoy special discounts and extra services from vendors in seven categories: stationery, photo booth, live band, photography, videography, wedding favours and emcees. It is great for couples who feel overwhelmed by the many vendor options out there, as we tailor recommendations to their needs.
For information on CCEC’s wedding packages, contact us at +603 2386 9188 or email to enquire@connexioncec.com. We will also be participating in the 20th KLPJ Wedding Fair 2019 at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 19 to 21 April 2019.
Come visit us at booth B58 for exclusive discounts only available during those 3 days!