Scribbles of an Event Planner

Wedding Planning Can Be Fun!

2023-10-16T18:41:00.000+08:00

Get ready to embark on a fun wedding planning journey as Kasile Hills Nature Resort & Events Venue presents, "Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair," a two-day bridal fair that promises to turn your dreams into reality. Mark your calendars for November 11 and 12, 2023, and head to the Megatrade Hall 1 at SM Megamall. We'll be there from 11 am to 8 pm, and we can't wait to welcome soon-to-wed couples and debutantes with open arms!

🎉 It's FREE with Online Registration! 🎉
Entrance is on the house if you register online at beforeidobridalfair.com. Yes, you heard it right, your ticket to this event is absolutely FREE when you register in advance.

😋 Feast on Delights with Hizon's Catering:
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary delight, courtesy of Hizon's Catering. It's not just delicious; it's on the house! But don't forget, prior registration is required, so secure your spot to taste your way into food heaven. A staff from Hizon's Catering will reach out to you to confirm your food-tasting appointment.

Bridal fairs are a whirlwind of inspiration, but it's easy to get lost in the excitement. To make the most of your experience, we've got some pro tips for you:

Plan Ahead: Know what you're looking for and come prepared with questions.
Talk to Vendors: Strike up conversations with the exhibitors and get to know them. Check out Royal Bride Manila, Goldenhills Jewelry, Godfather Shoes, Matus Jewelry, Basileia Events Management, The Mango Farm, NicePrint Photography, Kyle Jewelry, WABS Lights and Sounds.
Take Notes: You'll see countless ideas; jot them down or take photos to avoid forgetting.
Have Fun: Enjoy the process and celebrate your journey!
Join the Raffle: If you book on the spot, you might just win a fantastic kitchen showcase! It's the icing on the wedding cake, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.

👰‍♂️👰 Wedding Planning Tips:

We know wedding planning can be overwhelming, but we've got your back! Here are some tips to make the journey smoother:

Finalize Your Date: Pin that date and decide on your venues. Kasile Hills Nature Resort & Events Venue's strategic location makes it a dream come true for couples looking to celebrate their special day in a picturesque setting.
Budget Wisely: Set a budget and stick to it, allocating funds to what matters most.
Vendor Selection: Trust your instincts, read reviews, and choose vendors who understand your vision.
Stay Organized: Use a planning tool to keep everything in check. Click here to download it for FREE.
Delegate Tasks: Don't do it all yourself; delegate and share the load.
Self-Care: Take breaks and pamper yourself, so you stay stress-free and refreshed.

Are you an event supplier and you want to market directly to your target market?
If you're an event supplier with a passion for wowing soon-to-wed couples and debutantes, we invite you to join us as an exhibitor! Contact our team to reserve your spot.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to our sponsors: SilverMoon Studio, Metrotech Rental Solutions, Inc., MicLink Lights and Sound Rental, Green Blooms Flower Shop and Event Stylist, Kasal.com, Light TV - God's Channel of Blessings, Simply Beautiful Events, and our Food Tasting Partner, Wedding Catering by Hizon's.

Your dream celebration is just around the corner at the "Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair." We can't wait to make your dreams come true.

10 Tips When Attending a Bridal Fair and Looking to Book Suppliers

2023-03-16T01:09:00.003+08:00

Brides-to-be and debutantes are in for a treat as the highly-anticipated Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is set to take place on April 15 and 16, 2023, at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall.

This two-day event will bring together wedding and debut suppliers, showcasing their latest products and services in the bridal and debut industries. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with industry experts and get advice on planning their dream wedding or debut celebration.

Is this your first time attending a bridal fair? Here are some tips when attending a bridal fair and looking to book suppliers for your wedding:
1) Do your research beforehand: Look up the suppliers who will be exhibiting at the bridal fair in advance, and make a list of the ones you’re interested in seeing. This will save you time and help you focus on the suppliers who offer the products or services you need.

2) Come prepared: Bring a notepad and pen, as well as any photos or inspiration boards you’ve created for your wedding. This will help you communicate your vision to suppliers and keep track of the ones you like.

3) Ask for recommendations: If you know other couples who have recently gotten married, ask them for recommendations on suppliers they used and loved. You can also ask suppliers themselves for referrals to other professionals in the industry.

4) Take your time: Don’t rush through the bridal fair. Take your time to visit each booth, ask questions, and gather information. This will help you make informed decisions and choose the suppliers that are the best fit for your wedding.

5) Check availability: If you find a supplier you love, ask about their availability for your wedding date. Some suppliers may be fully booked, so it’s important to check early on to avoid disappointment.

6) Compare prices: Don’t be afraid to ask about pricing and compare costs between suppliers. This will help you make informed decisions and stay within your budget.

7) Ask about packages and discounts: Many suppliers offer packages or discounts for booking multiple services. Ask about these options to see if you can save money by bundling services.

8) Review contracts: Before booking a supplier, review their contract carefully to ensure you understand all terms and conditions. Ask questions about anything you’re unsure of, and don’t be afraid to negotiate certain terms.

9) Get references: Ask suppliers for references from past clients, and follow up with those clients to get their honest feedback. This will help you determine if the supplier is a good fit for your wedding.

10) Trust your instincts: Finally, trust your instincts when choosing suppliers. If something doesn’t feel right or you don’t click with a supplier, it’s okay to move on and find someone who is a better fit for you.

Among the suppliers that you can meet at the fair are Chandelier Events Place, Goldenhills Jewelry, Kyle Jewelry, Eleatist Kitchen, Estancia de Lorenzo, Enchanting Makeup Artistry by Ms. Mhaeyz, Citadines Ortigas, APerfectDayWedCar, Hizon’s Catering and a lot more!

Admission to the event is free, and brides-to-be, debutantes, and their families and friends are all welcome to attend. With so much to see and do, the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is the perfect place to start planning your dream wedding or coming-of-age celebration.

Couples and debutantes who are looking for the perfect catering partner for their special day are invited to register and reserve their seat/s for the FREE food tasting of Hizon’s Catering. This is a great opportunity for them to sample Hizon’s Catering’s delicious and beautifully crafted dishes, which are known for their exquisite taste and presentation.

What are you waiting for?! Register NOW to reserve their seat/s and enter for FREE!

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair is made possible with the support of Hizon's Catering, Kasal.com, LightTV-God’s Channel of Blessings, A. Bernardo’s Jewelry, MetroTech, MicLink Lights and Sounds Rental, GreenBlooms Flower Shop and Event Stylist, Armidia Photo, Dangwa Florist, Luce Acustico, Arumah Fresheners, Basileia Events Management, Megatrade Hall, and Simply Beautiful Events. 

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is produced and organized by VRC Creative Events Management Corp.

For more information, please visit https://www.beforeidobridalfair.com/

How to Enjoy Your Wedding Preparations

2022-07-03T21:39:00.000+08:00

Ok, so you're getting married, and it's time to start planning. If you've already started down this road, you know that there are a million different things to get done before the big day. And if you haven't started planning yet, well, buckle up! Get ready for one heck of a ride.

But don't worry! We've got some tips for making the whole process easier. Even though it can be overwhelming at times, planning a wedding doesn't have to be stressful or miserable. In fact, it can be fun—and even during the most difficult moments of wedding planning, you should try your best to savor them (and maybe even laugh along the way). Here are my top tips for having fun while getting ready for your big day:

SET A BUDGET

Setting a budget before you start planning is the best way to save money and avoid wedding drama. Think about how much you want to spend on each aspect of your wedding, such as the venue and food, and consider having a DIY (do-it-yourself) wedding—you could save thousands by doing everything yourself! If you don't want to do those things yourself, ask friends or family members if they'd like to help out with tasks like making place cards or crafting favors for guests. This will reduce your overall costs and give everyone something fun and meaningful to be involved in!

Here’s an Event Budget Planner that will help reduce your stress level and play around with your available funds.

HIRE A PLANNER

If you’re planning to get married, you should absolutely hire a planner. Here’s why:

The experience and expertise of a good wedding planner are worth their weight in gold. A wedding expert can take care of all the details for you so that your day goes off without a hitch (and without having to worry about any last-minute details). They know where to find everything from the perfect dress for your body type to the best flowers for your theme, which will save you countless hours of research and shopping yourself.

Good ones come at reasonable prices—about Php 25,000 to Php 35,000 on average—and there are plenty out there who charge much less than that if your budget is tight. It’s important not to skimp when it comes to this kind of professional service; if you don't have enough money saved up yet but want some help planning now, ask around among friends or family members who've been through similar processes before; chances are they'll be happy pass along tips and tricks they learned along their own journeys rather than charging full price themselves!

BUILD YOUR TEAM

Once you’ve decided on your date, it is time to look for a venue for your wedding and build your team. Who will help you with your wedding? Who will be there for you every step of the way?

*A wedding planner: Event planning can be stressful. Eliminate the wedding stress by getting a hands-on wedding planner such as FYI Events or Simply Beautiful Events.

*A jeweler: Complete your promise with wedding rings from A. Bernardo’s Jewelry, J’s Diamond, Kyle Jewelry and Goldenhills Jewelry. This is surely an investment that you do not have to skimp on.

*A designer: All eyes are on you. Every unmarried woman at your wedding would want to look like a million bucks like you. So drop by the booth of Bride and Rose to check out their bridal gowns.

*A photographer: You’ll never go wrong with SilverMoon Studio. You and your partner are going to have photos from this day that will last forever. Make sure they’re breathtaking!

*A hair and makeup artist: Feel beautiful and confident at your big event. A reliable hair and makeup artist such as Maru Rodriguez Pro Hair and Makeup Artist and Arwin Jay Makeup Services can help you boost your confidence.

*A florist: Flowers can make or break any wedding, so make sure yours are beautiful! You are guaranteed to get fresh flowers from Dangwa Florist, and GreenBlooms Flower Shop and Events Stylist.

*A caterer: You want people coming up to you after the wedding saying “This food was delicious! I couldn't believe how much food there was!” Be sure to register for your seat at Hizon’s Catering’s Grand Food Tasting at Before I Do.

*A venue: This is where everything comes together. And if they don't have what you're looking for at one place, another one might just be perfect. Estancia de Lorenzo, Citadines, and Tyvo Resort are just some of the venues that you can find at Before I Do.

There are other vendors joining the bridal fair at Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall. Go around and check who you want to be part of your team.

DON’T FORGET TO RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

Once you become anxious and stressed, you start to be less effective and you just can’t think clearly making you make bad decisions. When things go wrong and all you want to do is cry or turn into a bridezilla, try to find a quiet place and diffuse essential oils to help recenter yourself and feel relaxed. We find that to make this more effective, listening to beautiful music and deep breathing exercises really takes you to a better, calmer place.

You’ll notice immediate relief from your wedding stress. If you have a diffuser, fill up to the line of the water reservoir with clean distilled water and add 5 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil, turn on, close your eyes and drift to your quiet place. If a diffuser is not available, place a few drops of essential oils in the palms of your hands, rub them together, cup over your nose, and take deep breaths. Simply Beautiful Events partnered with Oils are Blessings to share essential oils with their clients to help them with their wedding anxiety and sleep.

So relax and enjoy yourself!

You don’t have to be the perfect host, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Your guests will have fun if YOU do. The most important thing is that YOU AND YOUR PARTNER enjoy yourselves!

Make sure you have a budget, make sure you have a wedding planner or someone to help you plan the event, make sure you have someone to organize the food and drinks for your reception and make sure you have a photographer who can capture all of your special moments on film.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it can also be fun and rewarding.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it can also be fun and rewarding. For example, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the work involved in planning your ceremony and reception. However, if you delegate certain tasks to other people in your life (such as friends or family members), then this will relieve some of the pressure on yourself.

You could also hire a wedding planner who specializes in weddings at this time of year—they will take care of everything from choosing flowers and menus to booking event stylists for decorations at the reception! A good planner will help both you and your fiancé keep track of how much money is being spent on each part of the event so that there are no surprises along the way.

BEFORE I DO: WEDDING AND DEBUT FAIR

Planning a wedding can be both stressful and exciting. The key is to prioritize the things that matter most to you, your partner, and the two of you together. This will help you make smart choices about planning your wedding day. In addition, it’s a good idea to stay organized throughout the process by creating a checklist or timeline, so you don’t get bogged down in details when there are bigger issues at hand.

Remember that this is your special day—so have fun with it!

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair is fast approaching. If you are an event supplier and you want to join the event, shoot us an email at marketing@beforeidoweddingfair.com. If you are a soon-to-wed or a debutante, you still have time to grab tickets for yourself and your entourage. Enter for FREE when you register at https://beforeidobridalfair.com/ticket-check-out! Doors open at 11:00am.

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair is made possible with the support of Kasal.com, LightTV-God’s Channel of Blessings, SilverMoon Studio, A. Bernardo’s Jewelry, MetroTech, High Fidelity Audio Solution, GreenBlooms Flower Shop and Event Stylist, Dangwa Florist, Luce Acustico, Arumah Fresheners, Exhibits Today, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation.

After a 2-year Delay Soon-to-Wed Couples Will Finally Attend Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair

2022-03-10T17:52:00.007+08:00

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair planned to host its 39^th Edition in 2020 but due to the lockdown, everything was put on hold. Now, after 2 years of moving wedding dates, soon-to-wed couples can now meet wedding suppliers and plan their wedding!

· This 2-day “Event Supplier Shopping” makes event planning fun, memorable and easy

· Hizon’s Catering will have an all-day food tasting for registered couples

· This intimate bridal fair will be held at Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on April 9 and 10, 2022

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair has been helping soon-to-wed couples and debutantes plan their event since 2005 making it the longest-running intimate bridal fair in Metro Manila. The two-day event is a must-attend activity, that provides couples and debutantes various options as they “shop” for their event suppliers under one roof.

While so much can be done online face-to-face bridal fairs such as Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair remain an important part of the planning process. Not only do couples and debutantes find exclusive discounts and promos during the fair but they will be able to get a feel of their suppliers if they are compatible on a personal level. This is something that you just can’t find when dealing with suppliers online.

We missed the hustle and bustle of the bridal fair and small businesses that depend on our event are also excited to meet couples and debutantes face-to-face. We plan to make Before I Do a safe, successful, and fun event for all. As we fight against Covid-19, we want to make sure all attendees and suppliers can attend safely and have fun despite the social distancing. We have wider aisles to help decrease attendees from brushing past each other, sanitation stations will be available and everyone is encouraged to wear their face masks and to sanitize frequently.

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair is fast approaching. If you are an event supplier who wants to join the event, shoot us an email at marketing@beforeidoweddingfair.com or if you are a soon-to-wed, you still have time to grab tickets for yourself and your entourage. Doors open at 10:00am. Couples and debutantes who register at http://bit.ly/BeforeIDo39thEdition can enter for FREE!

Inhale Serenity. Exhale Anxiety.

2021-03-17T10:30:00.003+08:00

You went to Before I Do Bridal Fair at SM Megamall last November to book wedding suppliers. You ordered your invitations, had your food tasting, even had your trial makeup, and you told yourself things are going so well. You’ll be done planning your wedding in no time and with no stress. Everything was easy breezy until Covid-19 arrived. Everything spiraled out of control and you now have to trim down your guests, move your date, and renegotiate your contracts. You’re slowly sinking into a hole of anxiety and stress. And all of a sudden, wedding planning is just no fun at all.

You find yourself trying to fix things as soon as possible to get back to your sanity. Once you become anxious and stressed, you start to be less effective and you just can’t think clearly making you make bad decisions. Covid-19 is a big challenge that you can’t control. Whether you like it or not, it is a challenge that you have to face head-on but you have to control how you react.

When things go wrong and all you want to do is cry or turn into a bridezilla. Try to find a quiet place and diffuse essential oils to help recenter yourself and feel relaxed. We find that to make this more effective, listening to music and deep breathing exercises really takes you to a better, calmer place.

Try these simple but effective ideas and you’ll notice immediate relief from your wedding stress. If you have a diffuser, fill up to the line of the water reservoir with clean distilled water and add 5 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil, turn on, close your eyes and drift to your quiet place. If a diffuser is not available, place a few drops of essential oils in the palms of your hands, rub them together, cup over your nose, and take deep breaths.

Here are some of the essential oils that we love to diffuse:

Jasmine helps uplift the mood and produce feelings of confidence and optimism
Lemon for positive emotions and mental clarity
Lavender calms the mind and body
Cedarwood promotes relaxation, balance, and increased mental focus
Ylang ylang helps reduce feelings of agitation and brings a feeling of immediate calm and peace
Bergamot relieves anxiety (a personal favorite)
Cinnamon for an instant energy boost if you’re feeling exhausted (both physically and mentally)
Eucalyptus rejuvenates and stimulates the mind and body
Rose helps to boost self-esteem and promotes feelings of joy and hope
Orange is a natural antidepressant

When buying essential oils make sure the bottle says 100% pure essential oil and has the proper name of the species mentioned on the label of the bottle. Example for Lavender: Lavandula angustifolia. If you see the word ‘fragrance’ it almost always means there are other additives or fillers and this is not good for you and your body. If you are interested in purchasing essential oils, you can purchase your oils through Oils are Blessings. They are an Independent Distributor of Young Living.

11-Step Wedding Postponement Checklist

2021-03-10T09:30:00.017+08:00

You’ve done your homework. Booked everything that need’s to be booked, signed contracts, and paid down payments. Everything is set. All you have to do is walk down that aisle and live happily ever after. But then CoViD19 happened. Soon to wed couples are taking the advice of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to limit their guests to avoid the possible spreading of CoViD19. As a result, more and more couples have postponed their wedding or opted to have an intimate wedding ceremony with plans of celebrating with the rest of their intended guests hopefully by 2021.

The IATF-EID initially issued guidelines in May 2020, which permit the conduct of religious gatherings in areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and General Community Quarantine, provided that the number of participants is limited to only 5 and 10, respectively. In June 2020, the IATF-EID approved Resolution 43, which allows religious services at “50% of the seating capacity” in places under MGCQ. So, what now?

Below are 11 steps to take when postponing your wedding due to the pandemic:
Sit down with your fiance and talk things through. What are your plans moving forward? Will you have a civil wedding or an intimate church wedding for now and a big celebration with family and friends next year or move everything next year? This is the best time to practice your decision-making as a couple because this is just the first of many.

Check the validity of your marriage license and other legal papers. Your papers have a validity period. Your marriage license is valid for 120 days from the date the license was issued. Please note that you can acquire a marriage license at the Local Civil Registry from the city, town, or municipality where either you or your fiance habitually resides. Certificate of No Marriage Record (Cenomar) is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The same goes for your birth certificate. So make sure that you are still within the validity dates. If not, you would have to request a new Cenomar, birth certificate, and marriage license.

If your papers are still valid, coordinate with your church about your new preferred dates and ask especially about their safety protocols. Because of the pandemic, having an entourage is not allowed and they have to be mindful of the health and safety of their church staff.

Talk to your Wedding Planner and ask for help to coordinate with your wedding suppliers about your decision if you’ll cancel or postpone/reschedule. If you are going to reschedule, are your suppliers available on your preferred dates? Pindown your 3 preferred dates and communicate this to your wedding suppliers. This will make it easier for you and your Wedding Planner to identify what date everyone is free.

photo by The Mango Farm

Whatever your plans are, contact your suppliers. Go over your contract and check their cancellation or postponement clause and come to an agreement on how you plan to move forward. If you plan to cancel, honor their contract and keep in mind that wedding suppliers are small businesses and are also affected by the pandemic. If you are to reschedule, keep in mind that a lot of couples are also rescheduling their wedding, so act fast. Don’t forget to request a contract addendum for your new date. Also, keeping in mind that quarantine announcements keep on changing, plan for your Plan C, and even Plan D.

With so many weddings being moved, you can just imagine everyone trying to book a weekend wedding just like you. So be flexible with your date and consider a weekday wedding. You’ll have a bigger chance of having all your wedding suppliers available. If they are not available and you want to push for your new wedding date, you would have to cancel your contract and look for new wedding suppliers.

Regardless of what community quarantine we are in, inform your guests of your wedding plans. Call your guests and check on them if they are safe. Remind them of your change of plans or if they are concerned about the CoViD-19 and would not attend. This will also help you trim down your guest list. They would understand given the current risks of being present at gatherings.

If we’re at an area with a community quarantine that would allow you to have at least 50% of the venue capacity, you can still go for your original wedding design. But if you’ll have less than ten, it is best to rethink your overall design or the number of decorations you originally planned. Also, if your wedding follows a theme such as summer, fall, or winter, you might want to adjust depending on what month your new date would fall.

Since more and more couples are taking things online, why not create a wedding website where your guests can get information about your wedding? Make sure to update it to keep everyone posted. Keep everyone in the loop.

Allow yourself to feel grief and disappointment. It’s important to release your emotions. We might be able to avoid the virus with the precautionary measures in place but nobody can avoid the stress that it gave everyone. So it’s okay not to be okay. You are not alone. Everyone in the whole wide world is experiencing it. Seek out solutions to keep yourself mentally healthy and sane.

Have a commitment ceremony on your original wedding date. Dress up any way you want and have a virtual gathering with your family and friends and recite your commitment to one another. This will still make your original wedding date special and is something that you can reminisce about in the years to come.

photo by Liz Rañola Photography

Tuloy ang kasal!

Deciding to postpone your wedding can be tough and painful at the same time. Once you’ve given yourself that time to grieve, start to think positively. Take things one step at a time and you’ll get through it. And yes, you’ll still get married, if not now then later. If you need any help, we are available and would be happy to assist you in any way they can

Are You Stressed?

2021-03-03T09:30:00.009+08:00

How are you lately? It has been almost six months since the lockdown was announced and everyone has been experiencing some kind of stress one way or another. Soon to wed couples on their wits-end on how to deal with postponing and rescheduling their weddings. Event vendors are receiving nonstop requests for refunds. Breadwinners of the family are anxious about what’s to come and are trying their best to find new ways to support their family. Just imagine the stress of mothers who are to give birth anytime soon. For sure, things like where to give birth, how much the bill would cost, do they have enough money for their baby’s daily needs goes through her mind every single day.

As Dr. Jerome L. Go, a psychiatrist at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center reminded us, “There’s no health without mental health. COVID-19 has changed the world and has caused a great impact on our mental health. Worldwide, statistics reflect a high rise in cases of psychosis, addiction, anxiety, insomnia, depression, eating disorders, and even suicide”. Stress affects us mentally and psychologically that is why it is important that we stay healthy and do some self-care to lower our stress levels.

Changing your thinking, behavior, and lifestyle can help you manage your stress. Below are some of the things that we find helpful during these times of uncertainty:
1. Ventilate. A problem shared is a problem halved. It helps to share the load, your aches, and pains. Family and friends or industry associates are good “shock absorbers” since they know what you’re going through. All you need to do is to share your problem. Having a journal also helps. Write your roadblocks and also the good things that happened to keep you motivated. If you think you need a little more help, you can reach Dr. Jerome Go at Click a Doc‘s Konsulta Hotline: 0917 8971866 or visit his Facebook Fan Page at Jerome Go MD.

2. Exercise. Engaging in physical activities can reduce stress, improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and clears your mind of worrying thoughts. So get your exercise mat and do some online exercise routine with your friends.

3. Humor. Nothing beats a good laugh. Humor is a good stress reducer because it pumps endorphins into your bloodstream. Watching the latest KDrama romcom such as Backstreet Rookie or Jokoy on Netflix might just do the trick.

4. Distraction. Take a break. Distance yourself from your phone or laptop. Get up from your desk if you’re working. Take a walk outside if you are able to. Dive into something else during your break and do something productive. In normal scenarios (meaning outside lockdown), taking some time outdoors or going out of town is proven to help us relax. Remember your trips to Tagaytay or Baguio? You can also indulge in your favorite hobbies such as painting, online gaming, or baking.

5. Sleep. When you get a good night’s sleep you’ll feel more energized in the morning and you’ll have more energy during the day. To get better sleep, limit your screen time. Too much time staring at screens can lead to headaches and sleep issues. It is advised that you stop using your devices two hours before you sleep.

6. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress. When you breathe deeply, your brain tells your body to calm down and relax. When you are stressed you experience increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, etc. All of these decrease as you breathe deeply to relax.

7. Aromatherapy can reduce stress, increase contentment, and decrease levels of cortisol. Massage with aromatherapy also provides stronger and more continuous relief from fatigue than massage alone. What can be more relaxing than receiving a massage at home with a diffuser on or a scented massage?

Level up your home spa experience by using the following essential oils:
– Lemon is known for its calming properties that are effective in relieving exhaustion, mental fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, and tension. Diffuse a few drops of lemon essential oil to uplift your spirit.
– Lie down and relax while diffusing lavender essential oil for a good night’s rest.
– For a relaxing massage, add 1 – 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to carrier oil. Massage to painful areas, sore joints, or aching muscles. It also improves breathing and clears your nasal passageways. The refreshing, cooling effect of eucalyptus essential oil rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit.

We might be able to avoid the virus but nobody can avoid the stress. So it’s okay not to be okay. You are not alone. Everyone in the whole wide world is experiencing it. Seek out solutions to keep yourself mentally healthy and sane.

When buying essential oils make sure that it’s from a reliable source. If you see the word ‘fragrance’ on the label, it almost always means there are other additives or fillers and this is not good for you and your body. If you are interested in purchasing essential oils, you can purchase your essential oils through Oils are Blessings. They are an Independent Distributor of Young Living Philippines. Once you sign up, you will be connected with the Oils are Blessing Team for personal support and coaching. Any questions? Send Oils are Blessings a message.

Quick note! When using any of the essential oils mentioned throughout this website, please be sure to read the labels and follow their suggestions for safe use. The information on this site does not constitute advice. We aren’t doctors, nor are we prescribing anything. If you are new to essential oils, it is best to do a small skin patch test to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you’re pregnant or nursing, or on any kind of medication please check with your doctor before using essential oils. We only suggest products we genuinely enjoy and want you to benefit from.

How to Plan Your Civil Wedding

2021-02-25T00:10:00.000+08:00

Photo by Mark Vitasa Photography

Let's face it. It is every girl's dream to wear a wedding gown and proudly marry the man of her dreams. But getting married can be expensive and if you're a practical kind of gal, you would rather have an intimate wedding with just your closest family and friends or a civil wedding with just two witnesses or even just elope.

To get you started in planning your civil wedding, we are sharing with you a guide on how you can plan a simple and yet meaningful wedding.

So, what do you need to get married? There are only three requirements to get married: a marriage license, a solemnizing officer, and two witnesses.

Marriage license

Visit Requirements to Acquire a Marriage License

Decide on your Solemnizing Officer

Any incumbent member of the judiciary is authorized to solemnize marriages within his court's jurisdiction (i.e. a Supreme Court justice could solemnize marriages anywhere in the Philippines while a Municipal Trial Court judge of Dagupan Cit y cannot solemnize a marriage in Quezon City);
Any ship captain or airplane chief only in the case of marriages in articulo mortis between passengers or crew members, not only while the ship is at sea or the plane is in flight, but also during stopovers at ports of call;
Any military commander of a unit to which a chaplain is assigned. The commander could solemnize marriages in the absence of the chaplain or during a military operation. Likewise, in the case of marriages in articulo mortis between persons within the zone of the military operation, whether members of the armed forces or civilians;
Any consul-general, consul, or vice-consul in the case of marriages between Filipino citizens abroad. The issuance of the marriage license and the duties of the local civil registrar and of the solemnizing officer with regard to the celebration of marriage shall be performed by the said consular official.

It is that simple. So if you are organizing your civil wedding just be sure that you have a marriage license and agreed on your preferred Solemnizing Officer.

Once that's settled, below are some of the other things that you have to remember to do:

When and Where

Coordinate with your Solemnizing Officer regarding the date, time, and place of your wedding.

Wedding bands

A simple wedding band will do to symbolize your union.

Witnesses

You will need at least two people to stand as your witnesses.

Guests

It depends on you if you plan to have a small gathering (you and your witnesses only) or with a slightly bigger group (with family and friends) and celebrate your union at a nearby restaurant.

It is important to verify all information with your local civil registrar before proceeding with your wedding plans since requirements often change.

Benefits of Having an Intimate Wedding

2021-02-24T09:30:00.002+08:00

photo by Cherry Blossoms Cakes & Pastries

When you think of beautiful gowns, a venue full of guests, a spread of delectable food, the bride and groom beaming with their love, every small detail comes together to create a dream wedding. The only thing that will limit you is your imagination and budget.

But these days, what brings you back to reality is the availability of funds and the circumstances surrounding your wedding. So instead of going big and fancy, you may want to consider having a small and intimate wedding.

Here are some reasons why having a small wedding is a smart move.
Bigger savings
A big chunk of your budget goes to your reception and having a smaller headcount will lessen your expense.

More venue options
There are so many creative options for reception venues when you’re not trying to accommodate a lot of guests, you can even opt for your favorite restaurant to keep it simple and share your love for food.

More food and drink choices
Keeping things small means that you can go all out with food. Admit it, what’s a celebration without food, right? Instead of just having a four-course meal, you can now afford to have six. You can serve wine instead of just sparkling wine. A choice of still keeping it simple and save some money or allocate the money you saved to food and drinks.

Focus on what you really want
If you want your favorite cake as your wedding cake, then ditch the fancy 3 tiered cake. If you don’t feel like having a reception program with wedding traditions and all, then there’s no need for an emcee and just dine with your family and friends. Do you love food stations? Then don’t get a fancy caterer. Forgoing some big-ticket items will trim down your budget and make your party more personal.

Make it a family affair
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Small, budget-friendly weddings normally call for DIY projects. But you have to remember that DIY doesn’t mean do-it-ALL-yourself. Get your family and friends to help and make it your bonding session. Divide and conquer is the trick here to keep yourself sane and keep things stress-free.

More quality time with guests
When you have smaller parties, you are able to spend more quality time with people who love you. You get to mingle and talk to people you actually know.

Feel relaxed on your wedding day
Because you’re with family and friends, you’ll feel more comfortable being who you are with them. Your wedding will feel like a celebration with family and friends than a production.

More memorable
Time and again, we hear people say that what made a wedding memorable was the food and the decor. But when you have an intimate wedding, the focus is on you, the love you share and your not so typical wedding, the kind that people will remember for years to come.

11 Ways on How to Celebrate Your Postponed Wedding

2021-02-24T09:30:00.001+08:00

photo by NicePrint Photography

Postponing a wedding due to reasons beyond your control takes away the excitement of planning your wedding. Even if you know that you'll still get married to the love of your life, the thrill of getting married is just not quite there. Many couples have gone through this and are still stressed about letting go of their wedding date.

When your original wedding date draws near, you might find yourself sad. Allow yourself to feel grief and disappointment. It’s okay not to be okay. We understand how it feels and you are not alone. Everyone in the whole wide world is with you. But you know what? There’s one way that you can change this and still celebrate, making your original wedding day meaningful. Have a commitment ceremony and celebrate as if it’s really your wedding (except there’s no officiant). Let your family and friends know that you’re in it for the long haul.

What is a commitment ceremony and how is it different from a wedding ceremony? The only difference between the two is that one is legally binding while the other is not. Having a commitment ceremony publicly affirms your commitment to one another without being bound by law. So dress up, share your vows of commitment, exchange commitment rings, have fun, and be merry with family and friends. It might not be how you planned it to be but you’ll be happy that you chose to celebrate the day despite the circumstances and still putting everyone’s health and safety first.

What do you need to do to host a commitment ceremony? Mass gathering is not allowed at the moment, having your commitment ceremony would have to be done virtually, unless you have family members living with you. You can have your ceremony or party in your living room or backyard and have almost all the elements of your original wedding.

~ Live stream setup. Be sure to have a decent internet connection and a good camera set up on the day of your party. This ensures that you won’t have any lag time once you get started.

~ Invite family and friends to join you in your celebration. Send out e-vites for your special day. Ask your family and friends to dress up and be online to witness your commitment ceremony. And yes, even if they live with you at the same house, ask them to dress up for the occasion and be present. No kill joys, please.

photo by Infinity Closet

~ Dress up. This is a special day, so dress up even if it’s just a simple dress. You may opt to wear a white cocktail dress and a veil too. If you prefer to wear jeans, it’s okay. It’s your party, your call.

~ Invite family and friends to drive by. Social distancing kept us away from our loved ones and we’re pretty sure that they’ll be excited to go out and greet you on your special day. What a great excuse to go out! But since they can’t stay, have them drive by your neighborhood to greet you or drop off a gift or two.

photo by J's Diamond

~ Say your vows. A commitment ceremony is the best opportunity to recite your vows since Catholic churches will not allow you to recite your personal vows on the day of your wedding. You can remind each other that through thick or thin, it will be the two of you until the end. Your love for each other is bigger than the pandemic.

You can also choose to have your fiance seal your fidelity and commitment for each other with your engagement ring all over again. If not, you can have simple rings made for your commitment ceremony. It does not have to be fancy or expensive. You can get commitment rings from Davoh Jewelry Co., J's Diamond Jewelry, BT Collection, and Diamond with Love. You can opt to skip the rings altogether if you’re not up to it. Again, it’s your party. Your call.

~ Dinner and cocktails. Celebrate the day with a simple dinner. Support wedding suppliers with their new endeavors and enjoy homemade food delivered right to your doorstep. If you are staying with your family, why not have a mini feast or have Donut wall by Hazel set up a grazing table that the whole family can enjoy. And for everyone else online, make sure that they eat at the same time as you do. Isn’t it fun to have your loved ones join you on your digital reception and celebrate your original wedding date?

Enjoy kare-kare from Cely’s Food Haus or baked macaroni from CakEckah Cakes and Pastries. How about baked sushi & aburi salmon sushi by Bake 2 Go by Sugarpetals, cheesecakes from Master Baker, or lumpiang saging from Wrap Eat all up? Don’t forget to have your favorite milk tea delivered from Caliya Tea as well. Share the blessings! Share the love!

To make things extra special, how about sharing an authentic Cebu Lechon with your family and friends who are celebrating with you online? That’s actually possible. Just message us and order a whole Lechon. We’ll have it chopped for you and deliver it to your loved ones. Just note that our roasting pit located at Sucat, Paranaque.

~ Wedding Cake. Order your favorite cake from your neighborhood bakery or from Sweet Chay's Pastries Artisan Cakes and Events to enjoy together. What’s a celebration without cake, right?

~ Games. Make your party extra lively with games. There are virtual games that you can enjoy with your guests. Trivia games about you and your fiance such as “He said, She said” is a crowd favorite. You can also do a drinking game called “Most Likely To..” where your guests would decide which of the two of you would most likely do that thing. Whoever it is, has to drink. Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite wedding reception game for the last year or so, “Name that Tune”! But regardless of what virtual game you decide to have, spending time with your loved ones is a great way to celebrate the day.

~ Photoshoot. Documenting this special day is important. It is something that you can look back for the years to come. Don’t worry if you do not have a professional camera. Your mobile phone's camera will do. Assign someone to take photos of everything: your outfits, the food, etc. But if you want a professional to document your event, you can reach out to SilverMoon Studio, Nice Print Photography, Ralph Alejandrino Photography and Video Productions, Casa Litrato, Dream Catchers Photo Cinema, GDGFilm, Masiha Photo & Video, Marvin Manalo Photo Film, and Photoman and inquire. You can use the photos taken during your commitment ceremony for your flashback video or photo slideshow.

Remember that when you are around other people, you must adhere to social distancing rules and group gathering guidelines.

~ Open presents. If some guests have sent you presents already or were dropped off by those who drove by, open a few. Opening gifts will heighten that feeling that you actually got married. Who doesn’t love opening gifts, right?! Oh! Don't forget to disinfect your gifts.

~ Dance! Dance! Dance! End with a happy note and cap the night with dancing! Have a dance-off with your guests online or practice your first dance while you’re at it. You can also listen to good music and choose songs for your playlist for your wedding reception next year!

While this may not be what you envisioned how you’ll celebrate your wedding, it is something that you’ll always remember. So enjoy. Be happy. Life is too short to be depressed.

If you still need help in planning your commitment ceremony or your wedding, you can reach out to the following wedding planners and coordinators: Simply Beautiful Events, Ralph & Co. Events, Voice in 7 Events, Basileia Events Management, My Destiny Coordinator, Eventist Manila Inc., SugarPetals Enterprise & Events Management, YES Event and Travel Management Company, and Your Team of Excellence.

The 25th Wedding Anniversary of Carlo and Ana Bee

2020-01-06T12:04:00.001+08:00

Carlo and Ana Bee showed us that sometimes it's okay to skip traditional renewal of vows and just enjoy the day with family and friends who were there for them for the last 25 years (and that includes their entourage during their church wedding).

When I started working with Ana Bee, I thought that this will be a very hard wedding to coordinate given that I have a month or so to work on everything from scratch. But if your client is like Ana Bee who knows what she wants, things will be easy for you. I also love it that she also asks for our opinion and is not offended if you tell you the brutal truth. Something that you seldom see in other people these days.

Their wedding really touched my heart because of several things:

Every effort was made to make things more personal not just for the couple but also for their guests.
You don't need an extravagant celebration to have fun.
Keeping it simple and lowkey is the way to go.
Being humble and kind goes a long way.

This celebration is one for the books. Not because they are a high profile couple with high profile guests or because we skipped the renewal of vows ceremony for a family pictorial, but because of the medical emergency that happened as we were wrapping up. It was really scary and heartbreaking. I am thankful that I have people in our team who are knowledgable and calm to handle the situation.

Shared Planning and Coordination: Simply Beautiful Events
Hotel: The Bellevue Hotel Manila
Gown: Carlo Regner
Bouquets: Rosabella
Hair and Makeup: Erika and Oliver
Photo and Video: Digital Elements
Tiffany Chairs: Windsor and Tiffany
Souvenirs: Printsonalities

Tips on How to Organize a Christmas Party

2019-12-05T11:27:00.001+08:00

The traffic in Metro Manila these days can be draining and with so many things to do, you hardly have time for yourself, much more to organize a Christmas party for your loved ones. Don't worry. You're not alone and we hear you. We'd like to help you have a simple and meaningful Christmas gathering that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

To help you get started, here's what you need to do:
Pin that date. Once December arrives, everyone is off to a party. Be sure that yours will not clash with someone else's.

Create your guest list. Regardless if it's a gathering of 10 or 50 guests, make sure that your budget and venue can handle the number of people you decide to have. Remember, the more you invite the bigger space you'll need and the more food you'll need to provide.

Decide on your venue. If your backyard or your living room can't accommodate the number of people you want to have and your last resort is to have it at a restaurant, be sure to reserve the function room ahead of time. Remember. You're not the only one having a party. Some would celebrate their office Christmas party in November or January just because there are no restaurants or venues available by the time they decide to book their venue.

Invite your guests early. Make it personal. Call and invite them to your party. This will help your guests plan out their December activities ahead of time. They will thank you for this.

Plan your menu and drinks. Christmas is a time to gather and share blessings. And a potluck party is a great way to serve food cooked with love, to be shared with family and friends. At potluck parties, guests would normally bring something that they like. This guarantees them that if they do not like what's on the table (maybe due to dietary constraints), they can always eat what they brought with them.

Don't forget to coordinate who brings what to avoid having 3 paellas, 4 leche flans or 2 macaroni salads. You know what we mean.

Try to keep things wholesome by serving non-alcoholic drinks for everyone to enjoy and you don't have to worry about any accidents on their way home. Inform your guests about your decision to serve non-alcoholic drinks and that they are free to bring some should they wish to have alcohol served at the party.

Decorations. To make your party truly an intimate event, decorate your Christmas tree together with your guests. Set up your Christmas tree, string lights, and garland. Ask guests to hang an ornament and write their Christmas wishes. You can also ask them to bring an ornament to share, that way, the party becomes more personal for everyone.

Entertainment and games. It's a great time for the kids to show off their talent and build their confidence. How about singing Christmas carols with your guests? Some popular childhood games that you can do are Bring Me, Pinoy Henyo, newspaper dance, and Trip to Jerusalem. You might want to bring out your karaoke and have a singing contest.

Make it more exciting by leveling up your games inspired by Minute to Win It. Check out the video below.

Don’t forget to prepare nice prizes for the winners!

Monito-Monita (Exchange gifts). Monito-Monita is the Filipino version for Secret Santa where you randomly picking out your Monito or Monita a few weeks or days before the party. You give yourself a codename or a nickname and write it down on your gift for your Monito or Monita. Normally, you are asked to give a particular gift on a certain day and leave it under the Christmas tree (something sweet for Monday, something long for Tuesday, etc.). The reveal happens at your Christmas party when you yourself would give your gift to your Monito or Monita.

You can also simply ask guests to bring a unisex gift worth Php 300 to Php 500 and place it under the Christmas tree. Don't forget to number the gifts. Later on, have everyone draw numbered lots to receive a gift from a real "Secret Santa".

Leftovers. If by any chance that you have leftovers, be prepared with your Ziplock, Tupperware and even aluminum foil. We Pinoys love food and we do not want them to go to waste.

Party favors. You don't really have to worry about this one. Family and friends are there to have a great time and as Pinoy as we can be, we are always there for the food! But if you must, any party favor will do and as long as it is food, your guests will accept it with open arms. If you have a tight budget, inexpensive party favors include candies, cookies, and chocolate in mini loot bags are a crowd favorite. Again, food.

If you need any help with your party planning, click here to message us. We'll be happy to help you out.

Merry Christmas!

What Are Some Of The Hottest Trends In Wedding Videography (This 2019)?

2019-11-13T16:28:00.000+08:00

Wedding videographers not only cover the most important moments of your big day but through a bit of creative filmmaking and editing, they can also give your wedding video a lot more drama and emotion.

Many professional video services companies, in fact, have decided to specialize in wedding videos. Add to that the fact that many video production companies have grown a lot more sophisticated in terms of technique, style, and creativity, and the result is that you have such an amazing variety of wedding films from just the last few years.

Here in the Philippines, you’ll find no shortage of very capable wedding videographers, as soon-to-wed couples from all over— whether locals, OFW professionals, or foreigners— have had their videos done by teams that have honed their video production skills and gained their expertise crafting wedding films for all sorts of clients in the local wedding scene.

With that in mind, we’d like to share with you some of the hottest trends in wedding videography we’ve seen this 2019 (and are likely to see for years to come.)

TRENDS THAT ARE ALMOST STANDARD

Probably because of their proven impact as crowdpleasers wedding after wedding, these wedding video techniques have almost been a staple for just about every single wedding videography team today.

1. DRONE SHOTS

Thanks to modern-day drone technology, wedding videographers now have another handy tool for taking sweeping exterior shots or a dramatic fly-by of the venue and countryside.

(video by GDGFilm)

Drone shots have been around for a while, but just like same-day-edit wedding videos, they have now become almost standard for many wedding video production teams. More creative executions of a well-placed drone shot to allow for footages and perspectives you normally wouldn’t be able to pull off otherwise.

(video by Eye in D Sky)

Especially if you have an outdoor wedding, or if the exterior of your venue is particularly picture-perfect, ask your videographer if they fly drones— it makes quite the breathtaking shot, bringing just a bit more magic to your big day.

2. SAME-DAY EDITS (SDE’S)

It’s not enough to show all the secret, behind-the-scenes moments from couples’ wedding days, from the preps to the ceremony to the wedding reception. Most wedding video production groups today are adept at putting together a quick the-day-that-was highlights reel to show that same night for all to enjoy.

(video by Erick Delim Photography and Films)

Choice footage is taken during wedding preparations, the ceremony, and the wedding reception. Later in the evening, after dinner, you all get to watch a beautifully shot highlights reel of the day’s events leading up to your grand entrance as a newlywed couple.

It’s a technique that requires a well-coordinated team of videographers and editors. The finished SDE film is a guaranteed hit among your family and friends in attendance, and can easily be one of the more emotional highlights of your big day.

3. INDIE DOCUMENTARIES

Many videographers are also aspiring filmmakers, which means they’re also storytellers by heart. By booking the services of a wedding videographer on your big day, you’re also allowing them into your life to help you write yours.

Wedding videos today are now a far cry from how they’ve been done 10 or 20 years ago. A lot of them now are more like very personal and intimate short films. Artistic and stylish, these videos have just enough narrative elements, perhaps even a plot to keep the audience enthralled the whole time.

(video by The Wild Ones Videography)

From “wake up” to make up to send off, your wedding videographer can give you a polished short film that’s almost like an indie documentary, with you two as the main stars amidst a stellar cast of family and friends.

Truly gifted wedding production teams can deliver you a share-worthy, high-quality video you, your family, and friends will actually want to watch over and over again.

4. SAVE-THE-DATE VIDEOS AND WEDDING TRAILERS

We’re huge fans of save-the-date videos and wedding trailers. Especially today when couples really bring their A-game and take this opportunity to really have some fun with a concept that might easily be a music video, a movie promo, or a fancy TV commercial.

(video by SilverMoon Studio)

Shot months ahead in advance of the big day, save-the-date videos and wedding trailers are a joy to watch, showcasing the couple’s personality and preferences, while allowing them to live out their Hollywood fantasies even just for a few short minutes of film.

NEW TRENDS WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE

Certain film techniques can be quite ambitious, but if executed correctly, these can be absolute show-stoppers. Of course, this also separates the wheat from the chaff— as these treatments are highly specialized, they may require a lot more in terms of coordination, editing, and manpower in general, not to mention sheer talent and ability, to successfully pull off.

Here are a couple of wedding film styles that we find absolutely amazing. If you like these styles as well, and you’re shopping around for a wedding videographer, you might want to ask them if they can do something like these for your special day:

5. 3D PHOTO MONTAGES

One of the most interesting trends out now when it comes to wedding video production is the 3D wedding montage.

A lot of the footage is shot prior to your big day, and the still images are digitally enhanced to appear in glorious 3D. The result is an incredible, stylized piece of work that brings all those little details and emotional highlights to life.

Executed well, your 3D wedding montage can be a real showstopper. It does require a lot of prep time to edit and produce, so while it might be a bit pricey, the final product is a one-of-a-kind movie you and your guests might want to watch over and over again.

6. FREEZE TIME FOOTAGE

Think of this as a leveled-up Mannequin Challenge, properly supervised, directed, and shot by a capable wedding video production team.

It might be a challenge to get your guests to cooperate with you for an ambitious group shot such as this, but if you’re somehow fortunate to wrangle all your VIPs together and get everyone to play along, the result can be quite amazing.

An alternative is to work just with your entourage, or just select family and friends, but as you can see how much more grandiose the effect is if you somehow get all your regular guests in on this fun little project.

THE 38TH BEFORE I DO WEDDING AND DEBUT FAIR

Looking for a wedding photo and video team to work on your save-the-date announcements and wedding trailers? You’ll find a number of very capable wedding video production teams who would love to be your official videographer for your upcoming dream wedding.

Talk to our selection of wedding vendors and suppliers– photographers, jewelers, caterers, venues, hair and makeup artists (HMUAs), and coordinators, among others– take the time to sit down with them to share your ideas and preferences, and see if they can achieve the final product or look you really want.

The 38th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair happens on Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24, 2019 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, with over a hundred wedding vendors and suppliers you may want to check out in time for your wedding day. The floor is open from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

We’re showcasing a free food tasting by the good people of Hizon’s Catering at the event, so sign up for that ahead in advance at our website, www.beforeidobridalfair.com.

Register today to enter the fairgrounds for FREE (upon presenting your event tickets at the registration booth by the entrance). Get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email (before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com), or by phone at 8809.3119 for more details on joining as an exhibitor.

Some of our featured exhibitors in attendance include Artistry by Maru Rodriguez, Diamond with Love, J’s Diamond Jewelry, T. M. Lewin, Sep Vergara Fine Jewelry, Shades by Shella Makeup Artistry, and Bellapix Photobooth.

The 38th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation, and is made possible by the continued love and support of our event partners and sponsors: Hizon’s Catering, Sound Level, WhenInManila.com, TagaytayLiving.com, TheTopKnotters.com, Kasal.com, The Mango Farm, Dangwa Florist, MetroTech, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, and Simply Beautiful Events.

How to Choose Your Church

2019-10-14T08:30:00.000+08:00

After pinning down your date, the next item on your "To Do List" is finding the right church for your nuptials. Keep in mind that your choice of venue will set the tone of your wedding.

Below are some things you need to consider the following when narrowing down your choices:
Does this place hold a special meaning to me or to both of us?
Getting married at a church where you both worship or at the church that is close to your heart makes your wedding special and adds a sentimental meaning to it.

When I was planning my wedding I was torn between two churches, Ellinwood Malate Church and Central United Methodist Church of Manila. Why these two churches? Ellinwood was where I attended chapel service from my elementary to high school days. Central United Methodist Church of Manila is where I go to church every Sunday with my grandparents. Can you guess which church I got married?

I shared memories with classmates and friends at Ellinwood Malate Church but Central United Methodist Church is the only place where I get to bond with my grandparents every Sunday, plus of course, that's where I was baptized as a child. So yeah, I got married at CUMC.

Is it in close proximity to our preparation and reception sites?
Let us avoid getting penalized by the church for being late (check out our previous post on this) and let's shorten the travel time going to your reception. Nobody wants to be on the road with a growling tummy on the way to your reception.

For the convenience of your guests, provide a map or directions together with your invitation. We don't want your guests or entourage to get lost and miss your wedding.

Is it available on my wedding day? What time is it available?

The answers to these questions are actually vital to your decision making. Because even if the church meets all of your requirements but it is not available on your preferred date or time, you can't force them to open a time slot for you.

Weddings are normally held from Tuesday to Sunday at the following time slots: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Can it hold my expected number of guests?
For intimate weddings, small chapels are your best bet to accommodate a small crowd of 30 to 50 guests but if you are expecting a great number of your guests to attend your wedding, you might need a bigger church to fit a bigger crowd.

Take note of the seating capacity of the pews as well. At most a pew can sit a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve depending on the size of your church. Be mindful of how many pews are allotted for your entourage. You might be surprised on the day of your wedding if your guests are not seated because of all of the pews are occupied by your entourage.

Does it have enough parking space for our guests?
If the majority of your guests have cars and not a lot of them will carpool, your guests might decide to go straight to your reception if they do not have a place to park. Go around the vicinity and look for alternative parking spaces and advice your guests about this ahead of time.

Does the church have facilities for PWD guests?
Every guest needs to feel at ease and comfortable and we often forget our guests who are disabled or those who need extra care. To address their basic needs, be sure to check if the church has ramps and toilets with support handles.

Is this within our budget?
Majority of the churches charge a fee for weddings. Some may just ask for less than Php 10,000 and there are those that charge as much as Php 85,000. What are you paying for? Below is a list of what is normally included in your rental fee.

Rental fee includes:

Use of the church
Officiating Minister/Priest
2 Sacristan
Commentator
Lector
Wedding singer or choir
Pianist
Pre-cana seminar
Aisle flowers
Use of a basic sound system
Offerings (host and wine)
Altar candles

But there are some churches that do not have a fixed rate and would just ask you to donate. Isn't that good news?

Regardless of where you plan to have your wedding, always ask what is provided by the church for the amount they are asking. Never assume.

Can we follow the rules and regulations of the church?
Each church has its own rules and regulations. But the most common policies/restrictions that you have to remember are the following:

Choice of songs
No plunging necklines, no sleeveless gowns
Indoor decorations
Use of electrical outlets
Vendor accreditations/fees

Always ask the wedding clerk about the dos and donts of their church before you commit.

Most of the time we are so busy with the aesthetics of our wedding preparations that we forget the real reason why we are getting married. Everything else is just really an icing on the cake. What's important is you marry the one you love, even if it's just under a tree.

Keep Your Wedding Sacred

2019-09-16T08:00:00.000+08:00

Party themes have helped couples and debutantes in creating a cohesive concept in planning their event. And just like a wedding invitation, it sets the initial tone of an event.

If you are to go all out with your them, it should influence virtually every part of your event: attire, all printed matters, decor, food, beverage, venue, etc. A well-executed theme can generate a buzz among your family and friends. Some great samples are personalized boxed invitations, 3D backdrops for a nice souvenir, or structures designed specifically for your theme can keep people talking about your event for days if not months!

But there are times that couples go over and beyond their imagination to make their event unique. We're not saying that couples should limit their creativity. It's just that, they should consider where they can display their quirkiness.

Having a church wedding entails certain rules that one must remember to give respect to time old traditions. As Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle once said, "Sometimes, the faith is the last thing we focus on in the sacraments. The sacraments sometimes become mere social events or just cultural traditions with the faith being the last thing we consider."

Dog, butterflies, gowns and other special effects

"Once, I received a letter from someone who was getting married and who was asking permission if they could have their dog as their ring bearer. The dog had been with them for a long time, but what had the dog got to do with our faith? What has become of marriage?", Archbishop Tagle said during the Manila Archdiocesan General Pastoral Assembly held at Paco Catholic School auditorium in Manila.

"There was this wedding I attended that was already 45 minutes late. I approached the groom and asked: 'Why haven’t you started. Is the bride already here?' Yes. 'Are the godparents already here?' Yes. 'So why haven’t you started?'"

"Because the butterflies had not yet arrived," said the wedding planner. “What butterflies?!” “Because as the bride walks down the aisle, we will release the butterflies.” “What had those butterflies got to do with our faith? The union is just starting, and you already have all these flying away and separations. Do you know their meaning?” he then said.

Every bride's dream is to have that grand entrance, thus the close door entrance at the church. But this is also a gimmick that Archbishop Tagle took notice and called it paborloloy, ka-ek-ekan (embellishments and frivolities). Saying that "That is no longer faith. That's gimmick."

From Marian Mac Valerio's Pinterest account

At the same assembly, he also shared that he once had to remind a bride about the dress code inside the church, but the bride replied: “Why does the Church still interfere with that? You are not the one who’s going to pay for my gown.”

We have to remember that what we wear should speak of our faith. We are at the presence of the Lord. We are offering ourselves to the Lord. We need to be dressed appropriately.

Respect
Couples should be mindful of the time they booked the church for their wedding because the church now penalizes couples who go beyond their allowed time to use the church.

Below are some of the penalties that churches impose:

No processional march,
No bridal march,
No homily,
No pictorial or
Pay a penalty fee (varies between Php 5,000 to Php 25,000)

Let us respect the time of the people involved. Your guests, the priest, and even the couple next in line are expecting your wedding to start and end on time.

In reality, all it needs for you to get married is an Officiating Minister, two witnesses, the bride, and the groom. Everybody else is "icing on the cake."

6 Helpful Tips When Attending the Before I Do: Wedding And Debut Fair

2019-09-11T18:16:00.000+08:00

Now on its 37th run, the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair happens from September 21 and 22, 2019 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

It's a great place to meet some of the vendors who are-- likewise-- just as excited to meet you, answer your questions, and attend to your inquiries. In attendance as exhibitors at the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair are: Antipolo Valley Event Center, Masiha Photo and Video, 55 Events Place, BT Collection, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, Augustine Bridal Wear, Makeup by Miss A, Simply Cups n Cakes, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, Phone2Prints, Luljetta's Place Garden Suites, Adeva Jewellery, FacesbyLynette, A. Bernardo Jewelry, Project M Acoustic, Photoman, Bounce Events Ground, J's Diamond Jewelry, Boxed PH, GDGFilm, Annasthetic Designs, and Odysseus Suarez Wedding Rings among many others.

Before you head out to the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair, however, here are a few useful tips:

List your priorities and how much you want to spend on it.
Check out the date of the fair and schedule your visit with your fiancé, maid of honor or your mom.
If you hired a Wedding Planner already, have her tag along. She will be able to give you tips or introduce you to suppliers she has worked with in the past. If you haven’t booked a Wedding Planner, Eventist Manila and Simply Beautiful Events are onsite. Visit them for a FREE consultation.
Do research online, ask for recommended vendors from family and friends. Click here to check who’s joining Before I Do.
Download our budget management file from our website. This will help you allot a certain amount for your preferred, budget and practical vendors. You can find this by clicking here.
Save on entrance fees. Guests, couples and debutants who register at http://beforeidobridalfair.com/, enjoy FREE entrance when they present their event tickets at the registration booth.

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair has also partnered with Hizon’s catering to give you a grand food tasting and this is open for soon to wed couples, debutantes and their parents! Just register online to book your seats at http://beforeidobridalfair.com. A representative from Hizon’s Catering will confirm your reservation. Doors open at 11:00 am daily. So be sure to come early!

Looking for a prenup venue? Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair and Nana’s Farm has got you covered. Click here and simply tell us why you are excited to attend #BeforeIDoBridalFair on September 21 and 22, 2019 at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall and get a chance to win a photoshoot pass at Nana's Farm and possibly an overnight stay too!

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is made possible by the much-appreciated support of our partners: Hizon's Catering Tagaytayliving.com, Kasal.com, TheTopKnotters.com, Wedding Wonderland PH, WhenInManila.com, Sound Level Productions Equipment Services, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech Rental Solutions Inc., Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

If you plan on joining as an exhibitor, get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email at before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com, or by phone at 809.3119 for more details.

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation.

Catholics Can't Have Outdoor Weddings

2019-08-06T12:56:00.000+08:00

If you are planning to have a unique, quirky, out of the box wedding ceremony, think again. There are some things that you need to know before you finalize your wedding especially if you are Catholic.

It has been several years now when the Catholic church banned the reciting of personal vows. In the recent Family is Gift Conference, Father Joel Jason, head of the Commission for Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila said, to symbolize true love, weddings should be done "at the foot of the cross."

He further reminded us by saying, "What is the symbol of romance? The heart and Cupid. What is the symbol of genuine love? The man on the cross... This is the reason why we make weddings not on beaches, not in gardens, we do it inside the church, at the foot of the cross."

If you would insist on having a Catholic garden wedding, you need to seek approval from the Bishop of the Diocese where your wedding will take place. It is theoretically possible but highly doubtful that this will be approved. According to Code of Canon Law 1118, "A marriage between Catholics, or between a Catholic party and a baptized non-Catholic, is to be celebrated in a parish church. By permission of the local Ordinary or of the parish priest, it may be celebrated in another church or oratory." "The local Ordinary can allow a marriage to be celebrated in another suitable place." With that said, when both parties are Catholic, there is no reason why the Bishop should allow a wedding to be celebrated outside the parish church.

Ceremony setup by Clint Carl Flowershop

One may argue that celebrating the wedding outdoors is celebrating the beauty of nature that God has created. But this is your personal preference and for the Catholic church, these locations are improper for the administration of the Sacrament of Marriage. Jesus Christ promised to be present whenever two or three are gathered in His name. The church is the "house" the followers of Jesus do this on a regular basis for all important events of their lives (to celebrate weddings, baptisms, confirmations, reconciliations, anointing of the sick and funerals).

It does make sense that a couple begin their lives as husband and wife in this sacred house. By doing so it strengthens the new family's connection with the community of believers, not only those present at the wedding but also the parishioners who gather in this holy place.

Ceremony setup by Dangwa Florist

Another option is to get a priest from the Eastern Catholic Church to officiate your wedding. They are recognized by the Vatican - their head or Patriarch is based in Turkey. They also pledge allegiance to the Roman Catholic Pope and follow all the Catholic doctrines. Their mass and communion are exactly like the Roman Catholics'. However, they are more lenient than the Roman Catholic Priests. Eastern Catholic priests will officiate the wedding if one or both parties are members of their religion.

Personal Vows at Catholic Church Weddings

2019-07-15T08:00:00.000+08:00

Having a unique wedding is easy when you allow your personality to shine but be wary of wedding trends that may not be allowed especially if you are having a Catholic wedding.

Expressing your love by reciting personal vows is one trend that is gaining popularity. However, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Pangasinan Socrates Villegas said on his Facebook post that this is not allowed.

Below is the original post of Archbishop Villegas on Facebook.

Making the Most of Your Prenup Photoshoot

2019-07-01T05:00:00.000+08:00

Prenup photoshoots are a fairly recent trend that has been going on for several years now. Thanks to the availability of highly capable photographers, hair and makeup artists, and stylists, any newly engaged couple can arrange for a photoshoot at a location of their choosing.

In fact, many wedding photographers and wedding venues offer a prenup photoshoot along with their existing wedding packages. More and more couples are also taking this opportunity to be more creative and show off their personality somehow.

Nana's Farm Tagaytay is a country guesthouse located just outside Tagaytay City, in Amadeo, Cavite. While it has been quite popular on Airbnb as a vacation rental for couples and small families, it has also seen a steady increase in prenup photoshoot requests.

"Some of our old guests really loved the place and thought they'd have a photoshoot here at the country guesthouse before the wedding," says Renzie Baluyut of Nana's Farm Tagaytay.

"A lot of soon-to-weds visit Tagaytay for a quick weekend getaway," Renzie explains. "There's really no shortage of places in and around the neighborhood for a quick photoshoot."

Renzie also says that prenup photoshoots are popular because you get a lovely set of editorial photos that you can use for your wedding announcements, social media, and other special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.

"Here at Nana's Farm Tagaytay, we mostly had soon-to-wed couples, and even a few proposals and engagements," says Renzie about their guests coming in for photoshoots. "Lately, we've also had family photoshoots, as well as themed shoots for babies and toddlers."

Pre-Nup Photoshoot Tips from Nana’s Farm Tagaytay

As Nana’s Farm Tagaytay has been accommodating more clients for photoshoots, they have a few tips for soon-to-weds coming to town for their own themed photo sessions.

1. Know What You Want to Accomplish

Right off the bat, you should already know what your photoshoot is for. Usually, you’d want to have one set for your “Save the Date” announcements, and maybe another for your invitations or for just before the wedding.

How many photo sets are you prepared to finish during your shoot? “Three or four is typical, and can be managed comfortably within a day of shooting” explained Renzie.

“But we’ve also seen couples in Tagaytay who have had as many as six wardrobe changes, and therefore, six photo sets!”

While most couples choose to have a one-day photoshoot, there are a few others who would use an entire weekend to get the shots they want.

“Having a mood board also helps,” added Renzie, “and most of our brides-to-be already have their own Pinterest boards. That way, they have a better idea of how to execute their desired theme, or incorporate a color palette they want.”

2. Show Off Your Personality Through Your Shoot

Renzie also says that photoshoots at Nana’s Farm are all different. “The location is essentially the same, but our couples really make the effort to incorporate elements of their hobbies, their interests, or their love story into the prenup shoot.”

“Some couples use pets, others bring in elaborate props and set up areas on the grounds for a certain look,” he further elaborated. “Others made creative use of lighting and angles, and then there are those that wanted to capture casual moments together.”

3. Collaborate Closely with Your Photoshoot Vendors

Aside from your photographer, you will also most likely have a hair and makeup artist on hand, and maybe even a stylist for your wardrobe changes or even your props. “Sometimes there would be other assistants setting up the next scene while the couple is doing another shoot.”

Coordinating with your team of suppliers closely will let you know what’s realistic within your time frame. They’ll advise you on how to best maximize your time, and get the most out of your day (or weekend) of shooting.

Ask your photographer how soon you can get your pictures. “Normally, your photographer will give you a certain number of edited photos,” Renzie pointed out. “But usually even the raw pics already look great!”

Just be clear what the agreed deliverables are, and if you can have the raw photos after the shoot, and when you’ll be getting your polished photos. Don’t forget to bring a thumb drive, an SD card, or a laptop with you!

4. Plan Ahead and Plan Well

A lot of logistics can go into a photoshoot. “Especially if the couple is changing locations, transporting crew and equipment can eat into your allotted time,” says Renzie.

He says that having contingency plans (in case it rains, for example), and properly accounting for time in between shoots (i.e. for setting up, for transport, for makeup retouching, etc.) really helps.
“Don’t forget to also consider your meals and refreshments for the day,” he added. Nana’s Farm can provide food and drinks, but couples are also welcome to bring their own or have food delivered from nearby Tagaytay establishments for the photoshoot.

5. Relax and Have Fun

At the end of the day, your prenup photoshoot is supposed to be loads of fun, as well as an opportunity to bond as a couple and get to know your suppliers.

“Which is why our prenup photoshoots are typically packaged with an overnight stay (or two) at Nana’s Farm,” Renzie explained. “They’d normally use one day for the shoot, and then use another day to just relax and have some fun around Tagaytay.”

Prenup Photoshoots at Nana’s Farm Tagaytay

Couples (or families) interested in booking a photoshoot at Nana’s Farm can call (+63 999) 888.6363 for inquiries, availability, and other details.

The typical photoshoot package includes:

An overnight stay for two at the private suite at Nana’s Farm (check-in time of 2:00 PM and check out time at 12:00 NN the following day.)
Use of the grounds for the shoot
The couple can bring in their vendors and crew (up to 8 total) for the shoot (i.e. photographer, HMUA, stylist, coordinator/planner, and other assistants)
The couple can bring in their own food, have some delivered from nearby Tagaytay, or have the Nana’s Farm staff prepare refreshments

Other options are available for a two-night stay, or just a day shoot without an overnight stay.

About Nana’s Farm Tagaytay

Primarily marketed via Airbnb, Nana’s Farm Tagaytay has one private suite with its own entrance. It has an air-conditioned bedroom (not that you need the A/C in Tagaytay) with one queen-sized bed and a private balcony.

Guests usually like lounging around the living area, which has a 55″ smart TV with Netflix, Amazon, and cable. Kids like running around on the grounds or soaking it up in the private bathtub. Nana’s Farm Tagaytay has strong wi-fi and is relatively close by to all the restaurants and other establishments in Tagaytay City.

Catholic Church Bans Modern Wedding Practices

2019-06-24T11:26:00.001+08:00

From Wedding Chicks' Pinterest account

Every couple wants to have their wedding unique and memorable but sometimes it just gets overboard and couples tend to forget to focus on the sacraments. And because of this, the Catholic Church has banned some modern wedding practices in recent years.

So what exactly are these moderns wedding practices?

From Marian Mac Valerio's Pinterest account

Manila Archbishop Luis Tagle urged the Filipino Catholics to refrain from frivolities after observing that sacraments are being treated as venues for "social gatherings or cultural traditions" instead of focusing on the spiritual meaning of these rituals. Father Jerry Orbos, who hosts a show on radio dzMM, agrees with Archbishop Tagle. Reminding Catholics to focus more on their marriage instead of the wedding ceremony.

The Wedding of Jasper and Carmel

2019-06-21T16:46:00.003+08:00

We are glad that even if we do not advertise our services we still get to book clients through referrals of previous clients and our blog entries.

Carmel and Jasper are Pinoy Expats working as nurses in Kuwait and were just one of our couples who was referred to us.

Before we even started working on their wedding, Carmel knows exactly what she wants but has not booked any supplier at the time she reached out to us since she believes that getting a Wedding Planner will help her achieve her dream wedding without going over budget.

True enough. We stayed within budget and on time.

Gowns: Joel Bautista Couture
Hair and Makeup: Mauri Estrada Hair and Makeup Artistry
Photo and Video: Raymond Fortun Photography
Fabric bouquets: Home and Bridal Essentials
Invitations: Home and Bridal Essentials
Wedding accessories: Home and Bridal Essentials
Bridal car: Don Robert's Bridal Car
Reception: Fernwood Gardens
Caterer: Juan Carlo the Caterer
Entertainment: TheNutCracker
Full Planning and Coordination: Simply Beautiful Events

3 Pitfalls That Will Stop You From Letting Your Personality Shine at Your Dream Wedding

2019-06-05T13:32:00.001+08:00

Your own dream wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. While it is truly a day of joyous celebration, you also want to make it fun, memorable, and-- probably most of all-- perfect.

What does it take to have your own perfect dream wedding?

Every bride and groom wants to have their own unique spin on the events of their upcoming big day. But more than the act of making a wedding eclectic, unconventional, and extraordinary, wedding experts believe that it is still far better to let your own personality shine.

Introducing your own DNA into your wedding planning almost certainly guarantees a unique wedding experience. Your love story, your preferences as a couple and as individuals, your aspirations, your hopes, and dreams can all come shining through on your big day.

Whether traditional, modern or outright quirky, for as long as what you do resonates well with you as a soon-to-wed couple, you will definitely have that perfect wedding that matches your unique style.

Take the opportunity to showcase your hobbies and interests through your prenup photoshoots! Liz Ranola Photography too this hot of a couple who's really into hiking.

That being said, our wedding experts have pointed out these three common pitfalls that can prevent you from having that perfect dream wedding of yours:

1. Peer Pressure/ Family Pressure

Just because your friend or a relative had their wedding done in a certain way means you have to have yours done in that way as well.

Planning a wedding is mostly fun, yes. But there’s always that nagging feeling that you must do things in a certain way. For Filipino soon-to-weds, families definitely have a strong influence on what should go on in your wedding-- usually citing tradition or their own preferences.

“Don’t let other people pressure you to do what they want for your wedding,” says Summer Reyes-Carullo of veteran wedding planning and coordination team Simply Beautiful Events.

“Remember, your big day is about you and your significant other. While it’s easy to say “your real friends and family will support your wishes no matter what”, the reality is-- these things happen, and you have to somehow smooth things out and resolve matters before your wedding day.”

Your parents might insist on getting so-and-so as part of your entourage, or a friend might “aggressively encourage” you to get a certain vendor or supplier.

“Ultimately, it’s all up to you. It is your wedding, your call. All we can do is to guide you and give suggestions. At the end of the day, you make the decisions and we will execute them for you,” reiterates Summer. And adds that you can choose to accept reasonable requests, but at any time something doesn’t sit well with you, or puts you in an uncomfortable or compromising situation, then don’t.

“Compromise and meeting halfway are great, but your happiness is much more important.”

Instead of the usual wedding favors, why not try some of these deliciously chocolate-y giveaways from
Confections Of A Chocoholic?

2. Latching on to Unnecessary Wedding Trends

Just because you’ve seen something done in a magazine, in a movie, in a TV show, or in an article online means you have to have those done at your wedding as well.

“Many of these trends are picked up by media outlets because they might make a great story, but remember not to get too carried away by these trends,” says Renzie Baluyut of Sofia’s Cakes Tagaytay, a custom cake shop exclusively serving soon-to-wed clients getting married in the neighborhood of Tagaytay.

He adds that almost every bride comes up to them with Pinterest Boards of all kinds of wedding inspiration (including wedding cakes).

“But that’s what they should be-- inspiration. We always make the effort to advise our couples on what can be done, or what can’t be done, or if there might be logistical issues, and what sort of options we have to give it a bit of their own personality.”

When it comes to a wedding reception, many things must be considered. “Weather, budget, venue, and timeline, for starters,” continues Renzie, “but in the end, we tell our couples to have a real good look at what’s realistic, and then work with their wedding vendors to see if it can be executed correctly.”

Fancy is nice, but in many cases, down-to-earth is better. One of Simply Beautiful Events' newlywed couples served fishballs and other street food at the church before and after the ceremony. Fun for everyone in attendance!
Photo by Icebox Imaging

3. Picking The Wrong Wedding Vendors

Just because you have the budget for it means you have to sign up the most high-end wedding vendors (or packages) available.

“It’s not even a question of price,” points out Luis Ignacio of Silvermoon Studio, one of South Korea's leading names in wedding photography (which just set up shop here recently in the Philippines).

“The more important question is: do you believe we are the right wedding vendor for you?”

Wedding photographers are very astute at observation, and Luis continues to elaborate that they have been at several weddings when the couple has picked out a master of ceremonies, a band, or a DJ that isn’t as well-received when it comes to the wedding reception program.

“It’s not that they were horrible or had a bad performance-- it’s just that the guests (and the couple) were likely expecting something else.”

Which is why Luis thinks that it is very important to really take the time to get to know your wedding vendors, “especially so if you’re still considering which vendors to sign up for your big day.”

So many elements in your wedding serve as opportunities to showcase your personality -- decor, socks and ties, your reception program, and even your own custom cake topper.
Photo from Simply Cups N Cakes

Conclusion

Having an extraordinary dream wedding is easy when you allow your personality to shine.

Don’t get pressured into doing anything you don’t want for your ceremony or reception. Be wary of wedding trends-- some might work for you, others not so much. And take the time to find out if your wedding vendor selection reflects your own vision and expectations.

Planning is still key. So when you come to visit the next bridal fair to have a look at wedding vendors and venues, you have a better idea of what you need for your big day.

Stick to your own personal style. Know what will work for your big night (and what won’t). Show off your personality as a couple (and as individuals).

But most importantly, make the experience worthwhile, not just for your guests but most especially for you. Document every step of the way, have fun, and best wishes!

Probably the most important of all: do it because it makes you happy.
Hair and makeup by Jacque A. - Makeup Artist

The Before I Do Bridal Fair Series

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair happens on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, 2019 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, with over a hundred wedding vendors and suppliers you may want to check out just as you're planning on putting everything together for your wedding day.

Have a look at what's new, take advantage of special only-for-the-weekend rates and packages, and sit down and chat with some of the best wedding venues and vendors around.

We have a good mix of old favorites as well as up-and-coming suppliers such as 55 Events Place, Liz Rañola Photography, Confections Of A Chocoholic, Taters, The Mango Farm, Silvermoon Studio, Jacque A. - Makeup Artist, Simply Cups N Cakes, Goldmine Jewellery, Mick Perez Couture, AMI Jewels, Beauty by Hannah Piaduche, Boxed Ph, Villar Sipag Events Place, Ever Engraving Stationery and A. Bernardo's Jewellery.

Visit www.beforeidobridalfair.com, the official Before I Do website, and register today to enter for FREE upon presenting your event tickets at the registration booth. You can also get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email (before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com), or by phone at 809.3119 for more details on joining as an exhibitor.

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corp., and is made possible by the continued love and support of our event partners and sponsors: Kasal.com, The Top Knotters, TagaytayLiving.com, Sugar Petals Enterprise And Events Management, Sound Level, WhenInManila.com, Imelda's Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, And Simply Beautiful Events.

The Wedding of Dexter and Diwi

2019-04-02T15:36:00.000+08:00

Your wedding day has to be absolutely perfect. But more than anything, your big day is a celebration of your love for one another.

As any soon-to-wed or newlywed couple knows, putting together a wedding is no easy task. Most weddings are highly elaborate affairs requiring dozens of suppliers and months of careful preparation.

Yet Dexter and Diwi somehow managed to put together their wedding with only about a month's worth of preparation. Focusing on just the important details and cutting out the fluff, they were able to book their wedding vendors, stay within budget, and get things done.

Dexter and Diwi met through work in 2009, when they both needed to resolve a property issue for their (then) respective companies. This was the start of a beautiful new friendship, which soon blossomed into romance.

"As they say-- I'm an old soul," Diwi says, explaining how she came to the realization that Dexter was "the one" for her. "He's a person I can talk to about anything and has dreams in life."

It wasn't long until they started talking about more long-term plans. "We've been talking about getting married for a while. But the proposal was simple - it was just the two of us."

While they were able to secure their date and venue a bit ahead of time, all the other vendors and suppliers were only booked just a few weeks before their big day.

"Know what you really want. Don't conform to others’ opinions of what a wedding should be," pointed out Diwi, with some sage advice for other couples currently planning their wedding day. “(Our guests really) enjoyed our non-traditional reception,” she recalls.

Dexter and Diwi were both involved in choosing their wedding vendors. They had a couple of splurge items, admittedly spending a bit more on food and entertainment at the reception, but they also feel they saved by cutting down expenses on other items like the entourage’s wedding dresses, and souvenirs

They claimed they had a lot of help though. “Getting a wedding coordinator was probably one of the best decisions we ever made,” Diwi revealed. Especially so when they had such a short lead time, a wedding coordinator can help you make the right decisions and introduce you to the right suppliers.

On the Day Coordination: Simply Beautiful Events

Church: Santuario de San Jose

Reception: Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites

Barong: EA Casedo's Embroidery

Entourage dress: Infinity Closet

Wedding accessories: Wedding Library

Hair and Makeup Artist: D' Makeup Artist

Florist: Fullblooms Flower Shop by Inah

Photography: Liz Rañola Photography

Vidoegraphy: Fly Motion Pro

Host: Darlene Salazar

Lights and sound system: EMPRO

Entertainment: ATOM Band

The 35th Before I Do Wedding & Debut Fair: Trends and Insights 2019

2019-03-31T21:41:00.000+08:00

There are many reasons why you’d want to attend a wedding fair. For starters, it’s the perfect opportunity to go canvassing for vendors and suppliers for your big day, giving you an idea of how much you might be spending, and therefore how much you should be saving up for your wedding day.

A lot of the exhibitors in attendance similarly take this opportunity to offer promos and packages, so you can get better value from their offered services.

It’s also a great way to scout out new trends and fun things to do at your wedding or party: what kind of souvenirs and giveaways you can give out, what are nice invitation designs, or how to style your venue may be just some of the things you can check out while you’re there.

Take the time as well to have a nice friendly chat with some of the vendors and suppliers, as they have some very useful insights and suggestions as well.

One of the good things about the event market today is that with the sheer volume and variety of vendors available, you can more easily pick out a supplier that best suits your preferred style, budget, and overall vision.

Let’s have a look at some of the more popular vendor categories, and what sort of trends we’ve been noticing lately for the past several months as far as their services go.

Photographers

You now have a wide variety of wedding and event photographers, each with their own specialization and approach. The good news is that with so many options available, having a photoshoot for just about any special occasion-- not just a wedding or a debut-- is a lot more feasible.

Couples have already been booking photographers and videographers for engagement shoots, announcement shoots, and post-wedding shoots.

Today, whether it's your child's first birthday or binyag, an anniversary celebration, a family reunion, an out-of-town trip, or just about any reason to celebrate, booking a capable photographer to capture all those precious memories is well within easy reach.

Of course, you can expect most of the top names to already be booked way ahead in advance.
But there are so many up-and-coming professional photographers available such as Jenry Villamar Photo & Video, and Silvermoon Studio that you can even book their services for other purposes outside wedding and events: photos for your digital marketing campaigns or e-commerce initiatives, corporate headshots, portfolio-building, real estate marketing, documentation, and so much more.

Hair and Makeup Artists

Just like photographers, hair and makeup artists are now more accessible than ever.

In fact, booking a photographer almost necessitates booking an accompanying hair and makeup artist as well. After all, you'll want to look your best in all your photographs.

These days, many forward-thinking hair and makeup professionals offer three different looks for your big day: one during the ceremony, as you walk down the aisle, a second one for a more relaxed look during your wedding reception, and a third look during your preps so you can have even more photos with your bridesmaids and family before all the fun and festivities take place.

Outside of weddings and debuts, booking a HMUA like Elaine Celestino-Makeup Artistry and FacesbyLynette, for other occasions-- makeup parties, bridal showers and baby showers, big corporate meetings, important job interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, formal events, etc. is now more or less standard practice as well.

Wedding Planners & Coordinators

We are similarly blessed to have so many wedding planners and coordination teams. In fact, more couples and families have the option to host parties as often as they want, and so it's more common to have elaborate 60th birthday celebrations, 25th wedding anniversaries, or themed holiday family reunions now.

Sometimes even more intimate family dinners, baby showers, and kiddie birthday parties have a coordinator available for the smooth and stress-free execution of the event, and to make sure all the guests are well taken care of.

These days, many coordinators have already gone beyond same-day coordination packages such as FYI Events, SugarPetals Enterprise & Events Management, and Simply Beautiful Events requiring a longer lead time to do all the necessary coordination work checking on all your event vendors, guest attendance, logistics, and program flow.

Having a larger event headcount and more suppliers understandably require much more work, so expect the better wedding planning and coordination teams to go through everything with a fine-toothed comb to get everything sorted out right for you.

A Final Word of Advice

Regardless of who you’re considering booking for your big day, always do your due diligence. Look into client reviews or recommendations from your other trusted vendors and suppliers.

Cheap doesn’t always mean value for money, in the same manner that more top-range packages might not actually be better for you in the grand scheme of things.

Always go for reliability and transparency when it comes to your vendors. You want someone who has adequate attention to details and processes like having a contract or a similar service agreement, and someone easily accessible for when you have questions and other concerns.

In fact, we can say that one of the best things that can happen is that you might find a suki photographer, HMUA, or coordinator who can help you out with your other requirements well after your wedding, debut, or special event.

The Before I Do Bridal Fair Series

Looking for a few more wedding vendors to complete your roster for your big day? Among the many photographers, hair and makeup artists, and coordinators available, you’ll find a lot more suppliers for your event requirements.

The 35th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair happens on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7, 2019 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, with over a hundred wedding vendors and suppliers you may want to check out in time for your wedding day.

Visit www.beforeidobridalfair.com, the official Before I Do website, and register today to enter for FREE upon presenting your event tickets at the registration booth. Or get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email (before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com), or by phone at 809.3119 for more details on joining as an exhibitor.

Some of our featured exhibitors in attendance include Mick Perez Couturier, J’s Diamond Jewellery, Diamond with Love Jewelry, Taters, Phone2Prints, Invitation Design by Kenneth Uy, Adeva Jewelry, The Wild Ones Videography, Print & Co., BT Collection, and Joseph’s Flower Shop.

The 35th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation, and is made possible by the continued love and support of our event partners and sponsors: Sound Level Pro, WhenInManila.com, TagaytayLiving.com, TheTopKnotters.com, Kasal.com, Jenry Villamar – Photo + Video, Mitch Desunia Apparel, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, SugarPetals Enterprise & Events Management, Makeup by Anne Magadia, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, and Simply Beautiful Events.

First Thing's First

2019-03-19T12:09:00.000+08:00

Congratulations on your engagement! You must be excited to start planning your wedding but do not know to do and where to start. To help you start at the right footing, here are the first few things you should do.

The first thing you need to do is get a good sense of the type of wedding you and your future spouse wants. Below is a set of questions to serve as a guideline for discussion between you and your future spouse to help you to narrow down your choices.

1. Do you want the traditional wedding/reception, or something different such as private ceremony and larger reception, or destination wedding and party afterward? If you're getting married in the Philippines, expect your parents to insist on a traditional wedding/reception but of course the last say is always yours.

2. Do you want your ceremony/reception to be indoor or outdoor? If you want an outdoor event, how will rain and toilets be handled? Is it in a 5-star hotel or your family's ancestral home? Garden wedding or destination wedding? Be sure to schedule your wedding during the drier season or summer. The formality of your wedding will be reflected first and foremost in your invitation, second will be the location. Your dream wedding will fall into place when you decide where you what to get married and celebrate your union.

3. Do you want morning, afternoon or evening wedding? Formal or informal? If you're going all-out formal, you might appear in a classic long gown with train and your fiance can wear a classic piña barong tagalog or a suit, with guests in evening dresses and barong tagalog. At an informal wedding, almost anything goes.

4. Do you want a traditional reception or just a party? Traditional receptions would include the usual ceremonies like cake cutting, toasts, first dance, garter and bouquet throwing etc.. The program can vary depending on your taste. Some of our clients decided not to have the traditional dances and garter-bouquet ceremony.

5. Do you want a wedding entourage or just one person to stand up with you?
Now is the time to honor family and friends who have been with you during your ups and downs by making them part of your wedding entourage. If they agree to be part of your wedding party, you might want to ask them to help you with your wedding preparations. So who do you choose? People who have touched your life, best friends, childhood buddies, siblings, a mentor or coach. You are not obligated to include your siblings if you are really not that close to them.

6. What is the maximum number of guests you will accept? When creating a guest list, you'll have to consider the venue and food. Do you want an intimate wedding of 50 guests or a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family? Are you tight with the budget? Obviously, the more people you must invite, the larger your list will be. And more guests, means more cash, as food is generally calculated on a per-head basis. So in addition to location, your budget will be a strong determiner.

7. Do you want dancing? Do you want a live band or a DJ? You definitely hate guests who would just eat and run on your wedding day. Give them more reason to stay by having a live band or a DJ to play songs that everyone can dance to. If you think your guests are shy, hire a dance instructor to get everyone dancing.

8. Do you want a sit-down dinner, buffet dinner, or just standing reception? The type of service will affect the price tag. Formality: the more formal the wedding, the more expensive. Ultra-formal affairs take place in the evening, and you'll have to match the site, food, and music to the overall feel and look. Date and time: Certain months and times of day tend to be pricier (December to February; weekends). Food: Dinner usually costs more than breakfast, and seated service is more than a buffet. Location: Celebrations in 5-star hotels are obviously going to cost more than garden receptions at Intramuros.

9. Do you want kids at your wedding? How do you envision their participation – hanging out with their parents or separate entertainment provided for them? This is something you should consider since you wouldn't want to have kids running around as if your wedding reception is a children's party. You can provide activity materials or a playpen to keep them entertained.

10. Where do you want the ceremony, church or reception site? For Catholic and INC weddings, you are limited to just having your ceremony inside the house of worship. Christian weddings can be held outside the church such as a garden, hotel or beach. If you decide to have your wedding ceremony at your reception site, this can actually save you money, time and effort.

11. How far from the reception to the wedding site will you accept? With so much traffic, going around the Metro can take so much of ones’ time and energy. Try to find venues that are close to each other so that you and your guests won't feel so stressed when you reach the reception site.

12. What is the maximum you want to pay for your wedding? A wedding budget is absolutely essential to planning your wedding. One of the best things to do right from the very start is to discuss who is going to pay for what or how much of a contribution, if any, parents are willing to make. Traditionally the bulk of the costs falls on the groom’s family but things have changed. Recent studies show that about 50% (if not 100%) of weddings are now paid for by the bride and groom, 30% by the groom’s family and about 15% are paid for by everyone contributing in varying degrees. Visit http://www.beforeidobridalfair.com/free-downloads to download our "Wedding Budget Worksheet" to help you compare vendors and identify who will fit your budget.

We hope this has helped you get things started. If you are based overseas or needs a little more help in planning your wedding, feel free to email us at simply.beautiful.events@gmail.com.