The Wedding Butler
Renee Leung, founder and director of wedding consultancy Wedding Butler and bridal boutique Renee L. Collections, is on call 24 hours a day. The 34-year-old mother of one says: “We don’t count the hours because some couples are more demanding
than others.”

After 12 years in the business, Renee has been the brains behind lavish society weddings as well as resort-based ones held overseas. She’s a top-of-the-mind name for many when it comes to industry players known for sterling service and making any bridal dream come true. This former U.S.-based fashion designer for brands like DKNY and CK Jeans realised her calling after helping a girlfriend throw an unforgettable society wedding.

Not just any job
Overseeing every aspect of the celebrations, from invitations to menus, Renee stays on top of her game by leveraging on existing relationships with industry contacts, while seeking new merchants to work with. “I’m very particular about taking on new suppliers, finding out as much as I can about their offerings first. I also stay in close touch with several top hotels and resorts in the region, so I can make suitable recommendations to my clients.”

Staying creative
Renee’s clientele of working professionals of various nationalities know they can count on her for a one-of-a-kind wedding. She and her team challenge themselves not to repeat a theme – which is admirable since Renee has planned over a hundred weddings.

Renee’s forte also lies in being able to incorporate each couple’s personalities in their wedding. For instance, jelly beans have been given out as wedding favours “because the groom gave jelly beans to the bride on their first date. It’s little touches like that that make each wedding different and memorable!”

Rates $6,000 for a one-day wedding.
#01-04 Delfi Orchard, tel: 6238-1498, www.theweddingbutler.com

Extraordinary Weddings
Elaine Ang-Giraud was inspired to start her wedding consultancy business Blue Calla in 2004, after working in the advertising industry as a project manager for three years. “The stress got to me and I went on a three-month break. This happened just after my wedding, which I planned myself. I loved the process so much, and it just clicked when a friend remarked I could be a wedding planner since I am an organised person and I love planning parties.”

A natural at it
With her prior project management skills, an eye for detail and hands-on attitude, Elaine works with both local and expatriate clients. She most enjoys planning inter-racial weddings, which push the boundaries of her creativity to come up with “fascinating and meaningful weddings celebrating the fusion of two cultures.”

She makes it a point to plan only one wedding a month, so the couple gets her undivided attention. Elaine shares that today’s wedding trends include intimate parties for 150 guests, customised wedding stationery and adventurous themes, colours and venues.

For instance, clients have also asked her to dramatically transform their courtship grounds (like Pasir Ris Park) into a wedding venue, or to secure wedding favours in bold hues of black and fuchsia.

Elaine voraciously reads local and overseas wedding books, websites, catalogues and blogs, finding inspiration through cookbooks, fashion magazines and wedding couples’ love stories.

Going cyber
Elaine’s passion for planning weddings led to her recent launch of Extraordinary Weddings, a portal that “provides local brides with an online information guide to planning their weddings”. The site shares planning tips and ideas from
Elaine and other wedding experts such as photographers and florists.

“I see it as an online platform for couples to find inspiring ideas and tips, locate trustworthy service providers
and be inspired by what other couples have done. There is also a forum for brides-to-be to ask resident wedding experts questions and connect with other brides.”

Rates From $3,000 for a one-day wedding.
www.extraordinary.com.sg or email weddings@extraordinary.com.sg