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The Art of Luxury Wedding Planning: Insights from Lelian Chew
Lelian Chew, the visionary founder of The Atelier & Co, a premier luxury wedding planning firm based in Singapore, shares her philosophy on creating weddings that honor tradition while catering to individual desires. Chew’s approach emphasizes that no request is too extravagant when armed with sufficient time and resources.
This piece draws from discussions with Chew, who transitioned from a career in finance to the world of luxury event planning, highlighting key insights into her journey and the wedding industry.
Prior to her foray into wedding planning, Chew dedicated a decade of her career to Goldman Sachs, where she built strong relationships across Asia. While managing these connections often left her fatigued, it provided her invaluable insights into the demands and standards of ultra-high net worth individuals. A pivotal moment came when a former client misinterpreted her intention to plan her wedding as a signal to handle his son’s wedding instead. This misunderstanding became the launchpad for her new venture.
Her first experience coordinating a wedding in Indonesia revealed the intricate challenges involved in such events, amidst the backdrop of a unique gathering of industry professionals, which underscored the rarity of hiring multiple planners.
1. Embracing the Impossible
Chew’s guiding principle is encapsulated in the belief that anything is achievable with adequate resources and time. This mindset bolsters her confidence, allowing her to navigate even the most challenging requests without hesitation.
One memorable occasion involved a bridegroom who insisted on sleeping in his own bed during a wedding on a remote island. Rather than dismissing the suggestion, Chew arranged for the transportation of his bed, exemplifying her commitment to fulfilling client desires.
Planning weddings in remote locations like the Maldives further tests logistical capacities, often requiring resourcefulness in transporting necessary items and equipment over vast distances, which can involve elaborate shipping solutions.
2. Capturing Each Couple’s Unique Narrative
One notable challenge in hosting luxury weddings is the expectation of originality. With a selective clientele base where guest lists can overlap, creating a distinct experience for each event becomes essential.
Chew emphasizes the importance of understanding each couple’s love story and family dynamics. This insight not only inspires her planning but also ensures that the wedding reflects their individuality through customized decorations and unique settings.
3. Amplifying Every Voice
As weddings often merge multiple family expectations, Chew likens the planning process to uniting two large corporations, where it’s vital to manage varied nuances and differing priorities effectively.
While honoring the couple’s vision is paramount, Chew acknowledges that families often contribute financially and wish to express their needs. By facilitating open dialogue among all stakeholders, Chew ensures that everyone’s opinions are acknowledged, even if not every suggestion can be implemented. This approach often leads to organizing multiple events, ranging from small family gatherings to grand destination celebrations.
4. Upholding Traditions
Tradition plays a significant role in many weddings, especially for older generations eager to pass down beloved customs. Chew highlights the importance of incorporating traditional elements, such as the Chinese tea ceremony, which serves as a vital link between generations.
In her planning, Chew is keenly aware of cultural nuances that dictate how wealth is displayed and the need for a balance between grandeur and intimacy, aligning with the subtleties often valued in Asian cultures.
Through her expertise, Chew crafts weddings that stand out for their personalization, attention to detail, and respect for tradition, ensuring that each event resonates deeply with all involved.
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