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8 Alternative Venues To Hold A Unique Wedding In Singapore Under $20K 

Ideally, marriage only happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, we approach wedding planning with utmost seriousness. Every couple has a dream wedding in mind, from the theme to the location and the wedding dress. We all want to have a perfect wedding.

But with the high costs of living in Singapore, planning a wedding can be taxing on the wallet.

Instead of traditional hotel banquets, we can consider alternative wedding venues. These locations allow you to be more creative in coming up with new concepts that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also more economic.

If you’re getting hitched and have a tight budget, here are some affordable alternative wedding venues in Singapore to fit a guest list that ranges between 50 to 395 guests.

1. Grand Shanghai Restaurant

With its dark wood-polished floors, vintage ceiling fans, and ornate lamps and lanterns, Grand Shanghai offers an exotic location that stands out from your usual Chinese restaurant.

This venue offers ample space to comfortably fit 200 guests while keeping to the $20K budget.

The spacious floor plan also allows in-house jazz performances, and guests can dine in luxury and be delighted with traditional Shanghainese delicacies, such as Wuxi short ribs, braised ‘lion’s head’ and Peking duck.

Grand Shanghai Restaurant
Address: Grand Shanghai Restaurant, Level 1 King’s Centre, 390 Havelock Road, S169662
Price: One table starts at $899++ (min. 20 tables)
Capacity: 200 – 260 guests
Tel: 6836 6866
Website: Credit: Credit:

3. Fu Lin Men @ Jurong Country Club

This country club has been an understatement for years.

Apart from its lush greenery, Jurong Country Club is one of the many awesome alternative wedding venues with an affordable wedding reception.

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4. Vineyard @ Hort Park

With Singapore’s humid weather, tying the knit out in nature can be tricky. That’s why picking a location that comes with both indoor and alfresco setting solves the simple problem.

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5. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Housed in a 1930s colonial black and white bungalow, the Masons carries a sophisticated vibe that is charming and alluring.

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With its lush greenery and open grounds, this alternative wedding venue is perfect for a garden wedding or an intimate vintage-themed ceremony indoors.

Whether you want an international menu or buffet dining, the dedicated event team at MASONS can ensure a smooth sailing wedding that matches your budget. Wedding packages begin at $8,000 for 50 guests. To fit a $20K budget, just make sure your number of guest falls below 100 pax.

MASONS
Address: 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, S108936
Price: $8,000++ for up to 50 guests
Capacity: 50 – 150 guests
Tel: 8222 3875
Email: [email protected]
Website: Credit:

7. Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

Fancy holding a reception by the sea?

Well, check out Singapore’s very first yacht club. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic sunset wedding with 240 guests or less.

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Couples may choose between a chic indoor celebration at the Nautical Ballroom and a charming alfresco solemnisation by the sea at the Foreshore Deck.

Choosing the Chinese package will allow you to hold a wedding dinner for 240 pax or less while the international buffet option complies up to 395 guests.

Whether you opt for an 8-course Chinese dinner or an international buffet dinner, you can expect a scrumptious feast by magnificent views of yachts and marine.

Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
Address: 52 West Coast Ferry Road S126887
Price: Solemnization packages start at $1,288++ (max. 30 pax) / Chinese packages start at $788++ for one table (min. 10 tables) / International Buffet packages start at $48++ per guest (min. 100 pax)
Capacity: 100 – 250 guests
Tel: 6768 9297 / 292 / 294
Email: [email protected]
Website: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

8. Tanjong Beach Club

It’s summer all year round in Singapore and where better to hold a beach-themed wedding than at our sun kissed country?

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Website:

Also, read 8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed

A #TBT To How S’pore Looked Like 20 Years Ago – We Felt A Wave Of Nostalgia Looking At #2!

10 years ago, it was the year 2007. And the 90’s were 20 whole years ago. Does anyone else feel old?

From the 1990s to the current day, Singapore has gone through a tremendous change. Take a trip down memory lane with us through these 20 pictures of 1990s Singapore. You’ll be surprised at how different Singapore is now compared to your childhood days.

1. Capitol Theatre

Then

Now

This 87-year-old landmark was first built in 1930, and could seat more than 1600 people in the auditorium.

By 1998, it screened its last movie and closed down, unable to compete with newer, more technologically advanced cinemas around Singapore. After 9 years, it was reopened again on May 19 2015. Now, there are movies as well as in-house theatre and dance productions featuring local and Asian repertoire.

2. Marina Bay Sands

The area where Marina Bay Sands now stands was initially just a huge reclaimed land.

With plans that have been in the works since 1983, the entire Marina Bay Sands project took 34 years to become the impressive integrated resort we know today.

With the completion of the Sands Theatre and Grand Theatre, we are now treated to globally renowned acts like The Lion King and Wicked. Coupled with the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands has become THE place to be for everything cool, from arts and culture to shopping and eating!

3. National Library at Stamford Road

Then

Now

The original National Library of Singapore at Stamford Road was first completed in 1960, and for many of us, the place where our love for reading began.

On 31 March 2004, our collective hearts broke as the doors of the library closed for the last time. While we may miss the old library, the new national library is a sight to behold. Home to the Black Box, an outdoor garden and 7 full floors dedicated to the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, the new National Library at Bras Basah helps to keeps our love for reading alive.

4. Bugis Street

Then

Now

Our very own Singapore-style version Taiwan Night Market, Bugis Street was where we flocked to for cheap clothes and apparels after school.

With our miniscule pocket money, Bugis Street was a godsend for the blossoming shopaholics in us. Cleaner, more fashionable and slightly pricier, new Bugis Street now hosts even more shops, some are even air-conditioned!

5. Playgrounds

Then

Now

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Back in the 90’s, going to the playground meant playing with kids from the neighbourhood, porcelain tiled dragon architecture, as well as bloody knees if we had the misfortune of falling in the sand.

These days, playgrounds are more avant-garde in design, with safe rubber-foam flooring. There is also a growing trend in inclusiveness, starting with playgrounds for children with special needs and special wheelchair swings.

6. Buses

Then

[caption id="attachment_22772" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

Decked in the iconic red and white colours of our nation, the buses of the past were stuffy, non-air conditioned, and dispensed paper tickets when you boarded the bus.

20 years down the road, we now see buses in different colours. Not just that, they’re also air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible and bus fares are now payable with cards.

7. National Stadium

Then

Now

The old Kallang Stadium was THE place to be for every primary 5 child a few days before National Day. Wearing red or white t-shirts to school, we were proud to wave our miniature national flags (all while digging through the goody bags for the yearly signature gifts).

On 30 June 2014, Singapore welcomed the new and improved National Stadium. An all-weather sports and events venue, it has a retractable roof that keeps out the rain and doubles as a huge projector screen. It even has a state-of-the-art cooling system, allowing for cool air at 23 degrees to be pumped out from beneath the seats. Partially powered by solar panels, the cool air is even environmentally friendly!

Having played host to singers like Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou, as well as the 28th SEA Games in 2015, the National Stadium provides a comfortable, yet magnificent stage for arts, culture and sports alike.

8. Sentosa

Then

Now

Do you remember having to take a ferry to Sentosa island? Back then, we were easily excited by the wax museum depicting Singapore’s past, as well as climbing up the huge Merlion statue.

Fast-forward 20 years and Sentosa island is now home to a huge amusement-resort. You’ll be surprised to know that this island is no longer just for the beach lovers and thrill seekers.

Theatre geeks and concertgoers can enjoy amazing performances like Yellowcard – The Final World Tour at Resorts World Theatre, and the daily Monster Rock show at Pantages Hollywood Theatre at Universal Studios Singapore.

9. MRT

Then

Now

Back then, there were only 2 lines: Red and Green. More accurately, the North-South line and the East-West line. After that, you had to take a bus to get to your specific destination.

These days, there are 5 MRT lines with 2 more on the way, and 3 LRT lines. In the past, we didn’t need to refer to the System map when travelling somewhere new. Now, I find myself googling ‘MRT map’ very often.

10. Hard Rock Cafe

Then

Now

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The ever-famous Cadillac was taken down on May 16 2016 in preparation for a makeover of the Hard Rock Cafe. The 1961 Cadillac Series 62 Deville represented the Rock and Roll times that Hard Rock Cafe stood for.

Fortunately, Hard Rock Cafe is still rocking even without its signature Cadillac. With Kumar taking the stage alongside live music performances and open mic shows, Hard Rock Cafe keeps our love for music and comedy alive.

11. King Albert Park

Then

Now

Students of Bukit Timah, namely MGS, ACS, Nanyang Girls’, NJC and many others will always have fond memories of King Albert Park (affectionately known as KAP). Many after school hours were spent studying in McDonald’s, shopping at Cold Storage, and eating ice cream at Island Creamery.

Closed on 16 March 2014 for its transformation into a condominium, this is yet another childhood memory that we say goodbye to in our ever-developing Singapore.

12. Big Splash Complex at East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_22788" align="alignnone" width="645"] Photo Credits: Akitek Tenggara Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

Before Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove, there was the Big Splash! Slides which were more than 6 storeys high. They were supposedly the tallest slides in the world back in 1977.

After 40 years of bringing water-related thrills to Singaporeans, the water park closed on 21 October 2016, and the land was returned to the government for redevelopment.

13. Marine Aquarium at Wisma Atria

A cheap alternative to Underwater world was to take a trip to Wisma Atria and stare at the fishes in the Marine Aquarium. Filled with exotic seawater fishes, corals and even tiny sharks, we would chase the swimming fishes round and round the 1.5m tall tank.

Sadly, good things don’t last forever. The Marine Aquarium was taken down in 2008 and the aquatic creatures were transferred to their new home at Underwater World Singapore.

14. Tang Dynasty Village

Then

Now

[caption id="attachment_22756" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo Credits: Lam Chun See[/caption]

Opened in 1992, Tang Dynasty Village was a literal blast to the past where visitors could visit a replica of the Tang Dynasty Capital in Singapore.

Featuring an army of terracotta warriors, a courthouse, geisha house, camel rides and a wax museum among other displays, this attraction was totally cool but did not come cheap. Back then, $30 entrance fees were not affordable for some families.

Coupled with the 90’s Asian Economic Crisis, it closed down in 1999, after a short 7-year run.

15. Escape Theme Park

Then

Now

Escape Theme Park made way for an expansion of Wild Wild Wet

Who can forget travelling all the way to Pasir Ris to race in go-carts, splash down the Wet & Wild log-ride and be tossed about the insanely fast Panasonic/Alpha 8.

On November 26, 2011, we said goodbye to Escape Theme Park as plans for the Downtown East revamp began. Wild Wild Wet was opened next door shortly after the closure, but it just wasn’t the same.

16. Queenstown Cinema

A cinema right beside a bowling alley, not to mention a KTV outlet, this was the best after school/work hang out for Queenstown residents.

I remember coming here after dinner with my cousins to bowl, even though we mostly watched the balls enter the gutters. Closed in 1999 and demolished in 2011, the rubble may be gone but the memories remain.

17. Istana Kampong Gelam (now Malay Heritage Centre)

The Istana Kampong Gelam used to be the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor in 1819, where it went on to house generations of Sultan Hussein’s successors.

In 1999, after the Sultan Hussein Ordinance was enacted and revised for the last time, residents living in the Istana were resettled. In time, the building was restored and transformed into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004.

With 6 permanent galleries showcasing stories and artefacts that tell of Kampong Gelam’s historical significance, as well as new monthly exhibits, visitors are given a precious insight into our country’s culture and history.

18. HMV at Heeren

Then

Now

Home to the first and last HMV store in Singapore, teens would flock here to listen to the latest album releases for free.

Opened in 1997, the 25,000-sqf store saw 8 years of music lovers pass through its 3 levels before closing officially on 30 September 2015.

19. Underwater World Singapore

The fishes from Wisma Atria’s Marine Aquarium found their way here and lived happily until 26 June 2016 when Underwater World Singapore closed down.

While the ‘bigger and better’ version, namely S.E.A Aquarium, held a whopping 100,000 plus marine animals of over 800 species, Underwater World’s 2,500 plus marine animals of 250 species was more than enough for our childhood.

20. A&W

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These days, ask most teens if they know A&W and they’ll answer that it’s a carbonated root beer beverage. Back in the 90’s, it was a fast food restaurant on a boat! Stationed on the Stewards Riverboat at the Sentosa Coastline, it was the only fast food franchise that felt classy as you chow down on burgers, fries and an A&W Root Beer Float.

Singapore’s Transformation

These 20 pictures show us the immense change that Singapore has undergone since the 90’s, and with the ever-increasing development of our country, who knows whether our favourite places will stick around in 2037?

Make as many memories as possible by visiting and attending events, attractions, and activities in Singapore. So start visiting and get your cameras clicking away, before time takes away more of our monumental places in Singapore.

(Header image credit: With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More 

Best Pizza Spots In Singapore For A Tasty Slice Of Heaven

How can anyone not love pizza?!

There is no denying that pizza is a long-standing favourite amongst many. It is the quintessential Netflix snack and the king of party food. From the traditional wood fired pizza to thin-crusted and DIY pizzas, there is a whole lot of choices when it comes to pizza options today.

Whether you are the old school delivery box-type pizza fan or the gourmet pizza connoisseur, here are some of the best pizza spots in Singapore for you. So you can indulge in this delectable flatbread!

1. Pizzeria Mozza

Despite being located at the swanky Marina Bay Sands, Pizzeria Mozza offers a casual pizza dining ambience.

Its dimly-lit atmosphere coupled with exquisite renditions of classic pizza flavours makes it the perfect date-night location.

There is certainly no missing the common flavours such as Margherita (tomatoes and mozzarella) and Napoletana (tomatoes, mozzarella, anchovies, and capers).

However, what differentiates Pizzeria Mozza from the rest is their earthly combinations of pizza toppings.

With the usage of unique ingredients such as squash roots and eggplant, you definitely have to prepare your taste buds for an out-of-this-world burst of pizza flavour!

Pizzeria Mozza
Address: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-42/46, Singapore, 018956
Opening hours: Daily 12nn to 11pm
Tel: 6688 8522
Website

2. Peperoni Pizzeria

If you are looking for a dining spot to host your pizza-loving friends, then Peperoni Pizzeria is the perfect pizza place.

This Italian restaurant serves up authentic wood fired thin crust pizzas. However, Peperoni Pizzeria is best known for its humongous 21” XXL pizzas and the option to combine different flavours for 1 pizza.

Here at Peperoni Pizzeria, there are a whole lot of pizza toppings for you to choose from.

There are the classics such as Margherita, Hawaiana as well as unique flavours such as Portobello Funghi and Quaattro Formaggi (four types of cheeses).

If you are unable to decide, there is also the half-and-half option whereby you can choose two toppings for a great mix of pizza flavours.

Takeaway options are available at Peperoni Pizzeria – so you and your merrymaking friends can enjoy their enormous treats right in the comfort of home!

Peperoni Pizzeria
Address: 6 Greenwood Avenue, Hillcrest Park, Singapore 289195 (Other outlets available)
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 11am – 11pm
Tel: 6465 6556
Website

3. La Pizzaiola

Forget paying exorbitant flight prices to Italy.

You can enjoy a true Italian pizza experience right here at La Pizzaiola. We are regulars at their Kalidasa Ave outlet. Over the years, their standards, quality and pizzas have been nothing but consistent and awesome.

La Pizzaiola provides an authentic, pocket-friendly, down to earth Italian restaurant experience for you and your family.

Go for their Rucola Parma (Rocket leaves with parma ham), which is the reigning fans’ favourite. For a spicy kick, go for their Diavola pizza that is topped with spicy salami. If you love seafood, the Frutti di Mare is generously topped with prawns, squids, and mussels.

La Pizzaiola also serves up an array of pastas, salads and desserts as well. Pair your pizza with their extensive selection of red and white wines and you are almost dining like true Italian!

La Pizzaiola
Address: 15-3 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987 (Other outlets available)
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Closed on Tue)
Tel: 6282 5031
Website

4. La Nonna

La Nonna at Holland Village is the classic Italian restaurant.

Once you’ve placed your order, you can expect a small basket of piping hot bread served with butter or olive oil, all complimentary.

This cosy and comfortable restaurant serves Italian country cuisine, much like what grandma would usually prepare.

The best pizza here, that will keep coming back for more, has got to be the La Nonna, the namesake of the restaurant. You’ll be pulling out a slice of heaven – tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, asparagus, black truffle, and an egg.

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La Nonna
Address: 76 Namly Place, Singapore 267226 (Other outlets available)
Tel: 6762 1587
Open: Lunch: 12:00, 14:30; Dinner: 18:00 – 22:30
5. Bella Pizza

For a true-blue authentic Italian pizza experience, you have to head down to Bella Pizza!

Best Thai Eateries In Singapore So You Don’t Have To Queue For 10,000 Years At Nakhon

Spicy Phad Thai, fragrant pineapple rice, tongue-numbing tom yum soup – there is no denying that Singaporeans absolutely love the taste of Thailand.

Ask “best Thai eateries” and Nahkon Kitchen might immediately come to most Singaporeans’ mind. However, the perpetual long and snaking queues at most of their outlets can be a major put off.

Thankfully, the selection of Thai eateries in Singapore is aplenty. Here are some of the best Thai eateries in Singapore so that you don’t have to queue for (a seemingly) 10,000 years at Nahkon!

1. Soi Thai Kitchen

Located in the foodie neighbourhood of Serangoon Gardens, Soi Thai Kitchen is one of the newer Thai eateries to hit our local Thai dining scene.

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2. Ah Loy Thai

Ah Loy Thai is indisputably another popular Thai eatery in Singapore. During peak periods, wait times here can stretch up to 45 minutes.

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Having been around for over a decade, you can expect consistently delicious Thai food at economical prices.

Be sure to order some their signature dishes such as Butter Calamari, Phad Thai and Tom Yum Soup!

Ah Loy Thai
Address: 9 Tan Quee Lan Street, Shaw Towers, #01-04, Singapore 188098
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 12nn to 3pm & 4.15pm – 8.30pm; Fri to Sun 12nn – 3pm & 4.15pm – 9.30pm
Website

3. First Thai Restaurant

Amidst the plethora of cafes and restaurants along Dhoby Ghaut, you can still find some authentic and cheap Thai food here at First Thai Restaurant.

A bowl of Thai boat noodles is unlikely to satisfy your late-night hunger pangs.

5. Sixty6

At just under two years into the Thai F&B scene, Sixty6 is one of the under-radar Thai eateries that serves authentic and economical Thai fares.

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5. Nana Thai Restaurant

Tucked amongst a plethora of Thai eateries in Golden Mile Complex, Nana Thai Restaurant stands out with authentic and humbly-priced Thai dishes.

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This relatively new kid on the block serves up some of Thailand’s famous eats and street food.

[caption id="attachment_22228" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away

Bon Appétit! 6 Legit French restaurants In Singapore That Won’t Burn A Big Hole In Your Wallet

Dining in a French Restaurant is undeniably a very fancy affair. It is suitable for every special occasion – be it a birthday celebration, anniversary dinner or perhaps even an annual family luncheon.

However, French restaurants are notorious for their extremely steep prices – or so you may think!

Here are some French restaurants in Singapore that won’t burn a big hole in your pocket. Expect to indulge in a delectable meal at under $50. So you can enjoy the best food without worrying too much about the prices.

1. O’Batignolles

If having authentic Bordeaux red and white wines starting at just S$40 per bottle is too good a deal to be missed, then you absolutely have to head down to O’Batignolles!

Here, you can find an extensive selection of fine French wines that comes in red, white, champagne and also crémant.

[caption id="attachment_21918" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: 3. La Petite Cuisine

La Petite Cuisine serves up a simple menu of affordable classic French appetisers, mains, as well as desserts.

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Enjoy small nibbles with their cheese platter that starts from just S$16.

Alternatively, relish in their no-frills French mains such escargots paired with croissants and salad, sirloin steak or confit de canard – all priced at no more than S$18. Furthermore, they deserve additional brownie points with no service charge and no GST.

La Petitie Cuisine
Address: Serene Center, 10 Jalan Serene, Singapore 258748
Opening hours: Tue to Sun 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Credit: 5. Cafe & Bar Gavroche

Immerse yourself in an authentic Paris cafe atmosphere with the pretty-looking Cafe & Bar Gavroche. This restaurant is beautifully decorated and serves up affordable and delectable French fares.