The Wedding Edition: Please Respond

Author's note: I apologize for the long time it takes me to update my blog. Rest assured that I will try to post an entry as often as I can to give you, my dear readers, and outsider's insight to planning an event. I do hope you understand. Once I get my schedule up and running, there's going to be more posts.

Enjoy reading! XOXO, jet

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Please Respond

You're already months into your wedding plans, and of course you want to let your family and friends know that you're getting married! What's a wedding without guests, right? So another important task for you (as if you don't have enough!) is to ensure that your invitations get done right and on time.

The Save the Date Card

Many couples opt to have a save the date card to distribute to their guests prior to sending invitations. The Save the Date card usually just features the date of your wedding together with a picture of the couple. While I think that this is a wise move for couples to ensure their wedding guest list is complete, I am not a big fan of spending more money to just tell people to save my wedding date. For the more budget conscious, an email blast is more up your alley. I personally did an email blast to friends and family to let them know of the date of my wedding -- plainly, I might add (no pictures whatsoever). With my budget already bursting at the seams, spending a couple thousand pesos to just print a card with our picture and a date on it just didn't appeal to me. If you're very adept with Adobe PhotoShop, you might want to print your Save the Date cards yourself.

The Invitations

Ideally, sending out invitations should be done at least 3 weeks to a month before your wedding date. Sadly, I didn't know that printing invitations took so long, so I ended up sending them a week later. I initially thought that invitations would take about 2-3 weeks to process, so I was just dawdling about, putting it least of my priorities. I later found out that normally, the printing process takes about a month, give or take a few days more. You also need to provide all the details by then, so you should have completed your entourage by now.

The Details

What is, then, in an invitation? Well, it varies depending on the design of your invitation. But the basic details of course include YOUR names, the date, venue and time of your wedding and reception. Then the bridal and principal entourage is also included. Most of the time a map is included, as well as an RSVP number and seat number for the reception. Some invitations provide some basic information about the couple, like birthdates and birthplaces, especially when your design resembles a passport (like what mine was ^_^).

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît

The RSVP section is probably the next most important information in your invitation. Simply meaning "please reply", it is important to let your guests know that they need to confirm their "slot" at your wedding. Most people do not bother with courtesy of replying, so at this point, it is up to you to let them know that you NEED to know if they're coming or not.

There are a lot of invitation printers out in the market. I got mine done with Paper Flair / Adwors Graphix. I liked my final invitation, but I wasn't too pleased with the process. They were delayed in delivering my invitations by two days and we had a set schedule to begin with. They have their moments, but I suggest that if you're going with them too, give a little bit more allowance for delays. Better safe than sorry, I always say.

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Adworks Graphix / Paper Flair

GF Greenwich Condominium, Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center

Paper Flair Kiosk, SM Megamall Atrium Level 4

The Wedding Edition: Looking Good

**Author's Note: I do apologize for posting my experiences super late. My wedding day has come and gone, and I've just been darn busy with the responsibilities a married woman suddenly accepts. I will try to post more often about my experiences -- better late than never, I might add -- so that you, my dear reader, will have another person's view of preparing to get married. :) **

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As I've mentioned in my first blog, one of the other more important things that you would need to handle early on is your attire. It's the most important day of your life, naturally, you want to be as beautiful as a princess or goddess and stop people in their tracks for a couple of hours, right? Since you've got your event planner/coordinator now, this is the one other thing that you need to look at the fine details. What design would you like your gown to look like? Do you have a theme? What is your color motif? Will you be dressing your entourage or would you have a design for them and let them have their dresses done by someone else? Who would do your hair and make-up? How about your entourage's? All those details need to be planned and decided upon, depending on your budget.

Your gown

There are a lot of designs for bridal gowns in the market, ranging from simple ones to really outrageous and unique ones.

For me, I chose a simple Grecian design -- I wanted something classy and elegant but at the same time, allows me to move and it's not too heavy. I also didn't want to have the princess balloon type because it'll emphasize my heavy hips =D. I decided that to avoid an entourage having different styles and colors, I would have their dresses made with mine (and yes, even the ninangs). This way, I was avoiding the "pabonggahan" between ninangs and the possibility that different couturiers will use different materials.

It's also important to know your body type when discussing your design options with your couturier. That way, if there are parts that are less than ideal for you, your designer can come up with designs that will flatter and enhance your body.

Usually these couturiers also take care of the accessories needed such as the veil, cord and candles.

I went with a nearby fashion place named Premiere Center for Fashion and Design, owned and operated by Ms. Stella Santos Salcedo. They did an excellent job with my entourage, the fittings were usually spot on, and they did everything -- my shoes, my cathedral veil, the veil, cord and candle for the ceremony, even the pillows for the rings and arrahae, as well as the cover for the bible. Their prices were very affordable, with the gowns for the bridal entourage (complete with head dress and pouch) ranged from Php 3,000 to 4,000.

Your hair and make-up

Of course, what would a very nice bridal gown look like if you're not all made up? There are a lot of hair and make up artists and salons who offer their services at an affordable price. Before committing, though, be sure that you get a trial make up so you can see if you'd be comfy with the type of make up to be done, and what kind of hairstyle would suit your face shape and type.

I went with Jesse Otero of Fabio Salsa Salon (Powerplant Mall), who is my go-to hair & make-up person since I was in college. He did a bang-up job with my hair and make up, as well as for my mom and entourage. We all looked like grecian goddesses, and it lasted the entire day! :)

Needless to say, you need to look for couturiers and hair and make-up artists that would be reasonable to you and that they will listen to what YOU want. It is, after all, your wedding day. :)

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Get in touch with them:

Premiere Center for Fashion & Design

Ligaya corner Buenconsejo Streets, Mandaluyong City

Look for: Stella or Jenny

Fabio Salsa Salon

Shop 312, 4th floor

Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center

Tel. No. : 898-1431 to 32

look for Mr. Jessie Otero

The Wedding Edition: Lasting Memories

So we've already established that your wedding day will be one of the most unforgettable moments in your life.

So what does that mean? You need to find someone who will make the memory last for a long, long time. And that entails you finding the best photo (and video) studio to do that.

Granted, a very good photo / video studio is very expensive, and it's one of those indulgences that you must accept IF you want a nice, lasting memory.

Think of it this way -- this is the only documentation you would have on YOUR wedding day. Do you really think that you'd be able to carry a digital camera with you? Come on.

There are a lot of packages that a photo / video studio offers that would suit your needs or your budget. They can also customize a package that would most likely suit your needs and your budget. Ask your preferred photography studio for other options or add ons.

My photo and video services were done by Wally Gonzales Photography, and they've done a superb job -- from the pre nuptial photoshoot and AVP to the wedding itself. We opted to have a pre nuptial pictorial and AVP to show during the wedding. It was a tiring process to do the shoot, and it took very long to do. Now I know why I didn't enter show business. Doing the AVP shoot was tiring, too, but fun. The entire shoot took a little over 4 hours to finish, and we ended up with over 500 shots to choose only 40 from. Now THAT was a challenge!

During the wedding, the team from Wally Gonzales Photography (WGP) were easy to work with, and at the same time, professional. I really, really appreciate this team that worked with us - Bong Sonon & Co. They maintained a really positive outlook and maintained their professionalism despite the early call hours and the long, long process. Although they're a bit pricey, I highly recommend WGP for your wedding coverage. They also did an excellent job for our AVP! I definitely do not regret getting them.

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Get in touch with them:

Wally Gonzales Photography

Main Office: 150 Jupiter St., Miladay Building, Bel-Air, Makati City | 890-1318 or 890-2254

Branch Office: 78-E Cenacle Drive, Sanville Subd., Quezon City | 928-8623

www.wallygonzalesphotography.com

The Home Edition: Getting started

Let's wander away from wedding planning for a bit. Because apart from your big day, you've got to consider one other big thing: Where are you going to stay? Where are you going to start your own family? These are the things that you need to discuss with your fiance once you've decided to get married.

My mom got me this 3-bedroom loft condo unit at one of the condominiums at the Bonifacio Global City, with the promise that I'll be staying there once I get married. Lucky me, right? But then again, not all couples are as lucky as I am. It's also fortunate for me and my fiance that BGC is smack in the middle of both our workplaces.

The unit got turned over to us earlier this year, and as expected, it was unfurnished, save for the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom fixtures. So we still needed to have our unit fitted out with additional cabinetry, shelving and furnitures. And so begins the saga of coordinating with the interior designer, the suppliers, the building administration, etc., etc., etc. Couple that with planning a wedding and, well, you know where we are right now.

We're almost 90% done with the fit-out; all that's left is the installation of the sunscreens, the delivery of the appliances and putting up our own little touches to finally call it a home. Luckily, the unit didn't need that much major renovations, so were were able to do it within a month to two month's time.

Choosing your nest

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your future home. In my case, we really didn't talk a lot about it since the unit was already bought prior to us being "us". We figured then that we'd find a way to make the unit work for us if we didn't find it very convenient for us, but luck found a way to make everything work out the way we wished it would be.

One of the most important factors to consider would be if the place you're getting would be convenient for you and your soon-to-be husband, work-wise. Like for us, my place of work is around 15-30 minutes away, sans traffic. My fiance's place of work is roughly 10-15 minutes away, sans traffic. So it's very, very convenient for us.

Another important factor to consider is how much would it cost you, and if you can afford it. Again, it depends on how and what the both of you have talked about, or how much your budget would be. Of course, you're also going to have to consider how big your space will be, because how much it will cost will depend on the size.

You also have to take into consideration the area or the community you'll be living in. Sure, you place may be cheap and the location is convenient, but are you going to be safe? Bear in mind that you're not always going to go home at the same time. Is the neighborhood you're going to be in safe for the family you're going to start? Is it safe for you? Because what's the use of living on your own with the intention of starting a family if you're not around to do that.

Or, if you're still saving up, and if you're both up for it, why not just stay with (any of) your parents in the meantime? Up until you've saved enough for a dream home. I'm just saying. :)

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Condominium / Home Developers to Consider:

Ayala Land, Inc.

Ayala Land Premiere - www.ayalalandpremiere.com

Alveo Land - www.alveoland.com

Avida Land - www.avidaland.com

DMCI - www.dmcihomes.com

Robinson's Land - www.robinsonsresidences.com

SM Development Corporation - www.smdevelopment.com

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My fit out contractor and designer:

Antonio's Furniture

email: antoniosfurniture@yahoo.com

The Wedding Edition: Need Help?

Ok, so you've already started planning your big day.You've got your church, reception and photographer. So far, so good.

But then you realize there's so much more to do, and - let's face it - you have a full time job. How the heck are you going to split yourself to take care of all of those things?

This is where the wedding planners and coordinators come in.

Choosing your planners or coordinators

Let's be honest here -- one of the biggest markets today is a wedding. You need a lot of suppliers to pull of one wedding. One way of finding a suitable wedding planner or coordinator for you is to attend a wedding fair or expo, which are usually held once every quarter by different organizations (more or less at least 3 fairs a quarter). There are many choices to choose from, and you attend those to help you choose the best planner for your need.

Also try asking friends, colleagues and acquaintances for referrals, which may be more helpful because they can give you the real story -- if they were happy with the service or what not.

When you've chosen your planner, there are three kinds of services that they might offer you, depending again on your need.

Full Coordination / Planning

They would basically take the nitty-gritty out of your hands. Sure, it may cost more but it'll save you a big headache. The full coordination / planning package assumes that you've done around 15% of the work, and there are still a lot of areas that you need to cover. They'll be the ones to contact your suppliers, ensure that you're on schedule and all that.

Partial Coordination

This package assumes that you've done around 50-65% of the planning. They just supplement your suppliers, make sure that you've done all, and remind you of stuff that you still need to do.

On-the-day Coordination

This is the cheapest package, since they would assume that you've practically done all the planning yourself (around 75-80%). All they would do is remind you of the things you still need to do, get in touch with your suppliers and ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly as planned.

I opted for the on-the-day coordination from Events Manila. Why? For a number of reasons:

1. I had practically contacted all my suppliers. And they told me that (for partial coordination) even if they would be the one to contact my potential suppliers, I would still be the one to deal with them. They would work just like liaison between me and the suppliers. I was better off contacting them on my own (to which they agreed).
2. It was cheaper. 'Nuff said.
3. Events Manila because it was recommended by my photo place. At least they've worked with them in the past so we know that they would be able to work out an understanding on the day itself.
   

To be honest, even though you think that you may pull off planning your wedding on your own, I personally think that a coordinator will be very, very helpful in ensuring the program or everything you've worked hard for goes according to plan. You can't be the one to cue who's going to march down the aisle come D-day; you need someone else who will do the job for you. All you need to do on you wedding day is to look really really radiant and pretty. :)

The countdown: 51 days to go!

The Wedding Edition: The basics

*Author's Note: I decided to start this blog to chronicle my experiences in planning my wedding, coordinating for our new home, and planning our honeymoon... all at the same time. I do hope that you, the reader, can get some ideas IF and WHEN you're going to be planning something.

This blog is actually a bit late already, since I've been in the process of planning my wedding for almost a year now, and it's already nearing my wedding date. But, I thought about it, and this blog can also chronicle other event planning experiences I can -- and most definitely will -- have in the future.

So here it is, the beginning. Please bear with me. :) Thank you! :)*

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Let me start by saying that I have 53 days to go before my wedding day. D-day, as I have marked in my calendar. And by now, I should have accomplished around 75% of the supposed tasks that a bride-to-be has to do -- without turning into a bride-zilla.

My mom used to tell me that during the time she got married, you can prepare for at least a month to 3 months before without any complications or problems at all. No marriage licenses, no pre-cana seminars, no marriage counseling. Just you, your Groom and the priest (and the rest of the cast in a wedding). But now, you literally have to plan more than a year in advance, if you want to keep your sanity.

The Budget

Fortunately for me, I had no budget to stick to, since my mom volunteered to shoulder all the expenses for me to have my "dream" wedding. I had spared her the headache of planning a debut, so this is my sort-of indulgence from my mom. Anyway, if you're planning your wedding and you have a budget to stick to, there are four things that you need to prioritize: your Church, Reception Venue, Attire and Photographer. Trust me, budgetting can be such a pain in the neck. Even for me, and I have no budget restrictions!

Booking your Church and Reception

How long before your intended wedding date should you book your Church? 3 months, 6 months?

If you want your intended wedding date to stay that way, you have to book at least a YEAR in advance. We've talked about getting married since last November. We hoped to get married in Batangas, since that's where my fiance is from, and we were hoping we'd get married in Caleruega. But when we inquired, they were already fully booked for all weekends of December, except Christmas. But who the heck would get married on Christmas Day, right? So yeah, we went to about 6 churches and got lucky on our last. By the fourth church I was already willing to change my wedding date just to be able to be accommodated by the church that I want but thankfully, we were able to find one that fits our date.

Reception venue-wise, I would say that book your Church first before booking the reception. That way, you would be able to plan the most optimal place not far from the church, making it easy for your guests to travel to and from your venues.

If you do not want to have your wedding in a traditional way, there are a lot of venues who offer both the nuptial mass and reception program. This may be more economical and practical if you're on a tighter budget.

The Attire

Again, you, the bride-to-be, have the option to sponsor the attire of your entourage. But if you have a tight budget, I would suggest that you just have a design drawn for your entourage and let them worry about where they're going to have their dress made and how they're going to pay for it.

Traditionally, the bride wears a white wedding gown, but nowadays, it's really all up to the bride. Apparently, white doesn't signify that you're still a virgin, the veil does. So, if you don't really care for white, then it's your decision.

Photos, Videos and more

One other thing to consider when planning your wedding is, 'who is going to cover my wedding?' Getting great pictures is very important since it will be the only memory of the grandest day of your life. Be sure to take into account how credible your supplier is, how long they've been in the business, and be sure to look at samples of their work. Don't hesitate to go back and forth before making your decision. Remember, how you look in your memories will be with you for the rest of your life.

So yeah, when I said above that I should be around 75% done? I can fairly say I'm almost to 80%. Planning in advance really helps with me keeping my sanity.

Case in point: For a church wedding, you have to take counseling if you're under 25. In our case, we are going to be 25 on our wedding day but during the entire preparation, both of us are still 24. Being able to plan a year in advance allowed us to schedule all our seminars, counseling sessions, meetings, etc. So as our wedding day nears, we're not as stressed, since practically all needed documents have been procured earlier.

Planning a wedding entails patience and perseverance. This is a crucial time for couples because arguments will arise, no doubt about that. What you need to do is have an understanding on what tasks each of you will undertake, because frankly, planning a wedding is a job for two people.

I'll post about other topics in the coming days, hopefully my next entries will be as helpful to you as it may be to me. :)