Wedding Cookies And Cream

Missing Those Days

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:27:00 +0000

I always get a regular message from Bridalbook.ph since I subscribed to their site. I did miss posting blogs for weddings and I still feel the same interest that others do have whenever they get back to their magical moments. Well, mine was not that I expected but what was more than magical was having a baby.

It's always grandeur whenever I see weddings, be it simple and solemn. Every preparation counts. The bride has to do what it takes to make her own wedding a very remarkable one. She can be pressured but at least the poise was still there and no matter what happens during the ceremony, reception will be the time that she can consider to relax a bit and enjoy.

From gowns or dresses to rented wedding cars, gift souvenirs, wedding photographers, flowers, wedding cakes, wedding themes, the caterer, the wedding venue, the church, your own entourage and so much more, it's really a big world of wonder where I am really interested to venture out since these touches like gold. It is still a booming business and all you need is creativity, boldness, perseverance and competitive to advance or have an edge.

Check this wonderful cake featured in bridalbook.ph. I really like the concept of it since hubby and I really do like to travel also and this cake reminds me a lot of travel bags, planes and so much more.

Courtesy of Bridalbook.ph

Ghee & Von Wedding Cake courtesy of Bridalbook.ph

Marriage Renewal Of Vows

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:08:00 +0000

We had our Marriage Renewal of Vows last month of February 15. It was our fourth wedding anniversary and it was really a wonderful experience. Simple as possible and we didn’t have to stress out on the preparations since we have the help of our family. It was a simple and private event. We invited only close family friends and relatives. Marriage renewal of vows is done mostly by Christian families in which the vows are again recommitted before God.

I just wore a simple off-white Chudidar suit and hubby wore his business attire outfit. I also wore the jewelries that my in-laws gave me and it was really a good match with my dress. The day was sunny and all inside the house were happy to see us as we begin the program.

We had our wedding in Civil and so we decided to take our marriage renewal of vows officiated by our dear Pastor and our family is there to witness it. I felt complete unlike before when we had our union in Civil since we didn’t have any souvenir photos at the hall because they forbid it in India. Anyway, what is important is that we as a couple had renewed our commitment to each other with God as our witness and the one who blessed us in our relationship.

By the way the program lasted for only 30 minutes and the rest was followed by cake cutting, wine toast as food is served before the guest. We ended around past 5pm already and all seemed happy and enjoyed the food which my hubby and mother-in-law prepared to cook. We had Chicken biryani at that time paired with watermelon fruit, some banana and fruit salad for dessert. Of course the lovely cake was shared to everyone and no one left the house without tasting it.

God is love and He alone is the author of our lives. We as a Christian must also be ready to prepare ourselves to meet the bridegroom which is Jesus Christ. We must be found blameless and spotless. This is how beautiful God represents the importance of marriage and the sanctity of it.

Cutting the Wedding Cake

Sharing the Cake to Each Other

My Beloved and I

For four long years we have been living as husband and wife, it is just timely that God has blessed us with our very first baby. I am now conceiving our very first baby and I am so thankful to God for the blessing that He has given me and my hubby. Truly All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Our Wedding Cake Story

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 05:37:00 +0000

It started when I booked an order for Red Ribbon Cakes by Design at Jupiter St. Makati City. First and foremost I have nothing against the company or any of its employees. So here goes my story, I ordered a cake last February 1, 2011. It was a picture cake; boiled icing and the design on the sides of the cake were like christening a baby. Anyway, that is not my problem; all I just wanted was our picture to be there in the cake, no more, no less.

So the event of which our wedding anniversary is scheduled on Feb. 15, 2011 so there is ample time to prepare the cake. At that time I was thinking of another design, but when I happen to see the picture cake, I liked it but the problem was I don’t have my USB along with me so that I can give it to the person in charge. But she assured me that it’s okay since they will give me the email address on where I can send the picture which is 5r in size to match the cake.

Anyway I emailed them the picture the night I have ordered and paid the cake. I was busy minding other things before our wedding anniversary so I don’t have time to check emails. But even if I do have spare time, I see to it that I can open my gmail to see if there will be any news about my cake and I suppose everything was all right. Now the time came when my hubby arrived as well as my mother in law so I got so busy doing errands and touring them Philippines particularly the spots near our place where I can roam them to enjoy the view. This lady from Red Ribbon a day before our BIG EVENT called the house to inform me that they did not receive my picture via email.

Strange since I have a carbon copy of that email to my hubby and yet he received it, but I don’t know on their part on why they didn’t get the email. Next question is they keep on calling the “kasambahay”(helper) we have who idea at all in the cake that I ordered. In short the cut off to create the cake I wanted never happened since they didn’t have my so called picture.

The employee already said sorry so I accepted it but I told her that I need to ask for a full refund since my cake will just be a plain cake with only names and wedding greetings on it and again with silly designs on the side. The lady say that they can refund my money in whatever date I wanted to drop by their shop so I ended the conversation thinking that we will never have our cake on our big day. I was really disappointed since I know that Red Ribbon service was fine and they have the best cake ever.

The following day, our wedding anniversary, I was surprise that someone from Red Ribbon called me. But 2 minutes before that call, Red Ribbon delivery came into our house and delivered the cake that I really don’t wanted but since they are already there, I didn’t make it a big issue so I already accepted the sorry cake. Now the employee called me to say sorry again because by the time they have informed their delivery to be cancelled, the truck went already so in short, Red Ribbon has a big problem in coordinating their delivery and confirming their customer if they have a problem with the cake.

I don’t like to spoil my big day with just that so I didn’t think of it at all. But every time I see our cake, me and hubby just have a laugh on it, good thing the cake still taste good which is by the way mocha flavored boiled icing. What will you do if you are in my shoes?

We just added a mini Cake Topper and inverted the Red Ribbon tag on that cake

Top View of the Cake, what a design..

What a Delightful Wedding Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:49:00 +0000

My heart was full of joy when we had our 4th Wedding Anniversary last February 15th, 2011 in our native home in Makati City, Philippines. It was just a simple one which is if you were a Christian; you would know what a "Marriage Renewal of Vow" would mean. We did stand in front of our family and loved ones and a few invited guests. It was very intimate and private and it was officiated with our Pastor friend.

The ceremony didn't take that long, what was important was that we are renewing our vows as husband and wife in front of God who is the author of our life and to whom we made our vow. The event started at 3pm and lasted till 5pm which all guests and friends feasted with us as we celebrate our great day. I was fascinated with what my husband bought for a wine. It was a red wine from South of Goa named Wood Peckers St. Ann's Goa Vinko Porto. It was a 750ml bottle of red wine fermented and sweet which is good for a wedding toast. I have tasted a lot of red wines from the past and I haven't tasted such sweetness a grape would be in this wonderful and delightful red wine. The texture was smooth, it was 14% v.v. alcohol content but it was sweet symbolical to the couple who is having their wedding toast.

You may say that the red wine was like rice wine but when your tongue tasted it, the grape was just there and the smell is as good as grape which is not smoked in taste and in smell just like any other red wine that I have tasted before. I know what a good red wine is when you tasted it; it doesn’t have any after taste which is bad. I also like St. Ann’s Goa Vinko Porto wine because it was affordable, imagine 750ml for only Rs200 which is very cheap but the quality is really fine. For me, I can say that I can suggest this red wine to all my friends who were looking for a sweet celebration drink which is just fine to drink. It was light and good for ladies also and I will definitely buy for more.

What is the purpose of Unity candle, Cord and Veil in Weddings?

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 09:49:00 +0000

They are all symbolisms in weddings and they are just needed to represent the couple in their wedding day. Whether it sounds superstitious or not, our relationship does not depend on such symbols. It is still the obligation of the couple to do their responsibilities to their spouse and it is still God who should be at the center of every relationship.

Now going back to the question of the purpose of having such items, well it is all traditional. This is just my opinion about the Unity Candle, the Cord and the Veil in wedding ceremonies. Most of what your secondary sponsors would be playing a role in your wedding is the participation of each on what item should they handle. I don’t know where it all started on these symbolisms but it has been running from generations to generations of every supposedly “Christian weddings”.

A unity candle lights the way of the couple while the cord symbolizes as the one that will bind the couple and the veil as to cover both the couple in unity and purity. Whether this is true or not, it will just depend on the couple. The most important thing here is the love and respect of each other and how they will nourish that love to continue on as long as they live.

It is the responsibility of each (bride and the groom) to make the relationship work. It is not how much you spend on your wedding day, or on how much does the candle worth or what is the design of your cord and how long and strong is your veil. These items only symbolizes of what a couple should be looking forward but does not signify whether their relationship would last for long since I have seen a lot of couples who tied the knot particularly celebrities who have extravagant weddings but ended up in divorce which God hates.

I have nothing against celebrity weddings. I have just stated an example that it is not the amount of the wedding that is worth; it is the presence of God and your family that witnesses the unity of the couple who exchanges their vow. A Unity Candle by the way is the one that both the male and female candle sponsors light up together. I have heard long time back that it is bad to see a candle being flamed off after it was being light up, since they say that one of the couple will die. Well, in reality all people will die, no one knows when and that issue is of course not true, whether a candle would be flamed off or not.

About the Cord, well it is composed of gold coins and some uses a white braided cord (the usual one). Whether the cord breaks off, it has nothing to do with the broken vows or relationship of the couple. Again as I can say, this is another fallacy. Our marriage does not depend on the cord that we used during the wedding. So don’t be so superstitious about it including the veil. Be more concern on how to keep the vow you made before God. Both couple should work hand in hand in order to keep the marriage long lasting.

What to Expect on Pre Nuptial Photo Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:20:00 +0000

Most brides of today have this in their own wedding although some don’t want to include it because of limited budget. If you consider Photo/Video coverage just make sure they offer a package for a pre-nuptial wedding photo shoot.

What do you expect about a pre-nuptial wedding photo shoot? Well this depends on the couple, what will be your motif; your theme wedding and the place that you wanted to take your photo. Most couples like to take their photo shoot on a beach, a park or garden, some on the busy street, malls, churches or any scenic spot that personally matches the couples taste. Choices of places depends on your own definition of a pre-nuptial or your photographer would also suggest you a place and you will need to decide where to.

A Pre-Nuptial photo shoot should be well prepared, with three or four dresses for you to change (this depends on your photographers offer), types of shots, and the places of where you will held the shooting and the way how they will define the couple before their big day.

I suggest that a bride-to-be should take care of their skin so that on their own shooting day, they will look even better on the cam. If you are conscious on your weight, then I suggest a good veggie and fresh green salad should be included in your diet so that you will also look great on your pre-nuptial shot. No one likes bulky or saggy arms so you can decide what to wear that will cover those extra bulges or a good makeup to make your face look nicer.

It’s still best having it on a bright sunny day rather than night time or rainy day. But if the couple wants to have such a rainy weather background, it can be nostalgic but not that good for me. Scheduling the place for your photo shoot will need the cooperation of your photographers and you. Usually the photo shoot would last for three to four hours which also depends if the place still needs to be prepared.

A good prenuptial wedding photo shoot gives an advantage. For those couple who wants to show it in the reception and share it with their guests, this can lighten up the occasion. It can also be one of the best moments on your wedding album and you can use it as a banner or print a tarpaulin and display it on the reception or venue.

Wedsites For You

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:27:00 +0000

There are reasons why you should be having your own wed sites. It can be used to showcase your wedding to your family and friends and let them know what you’ve got on your wedding day. I just got mine but not on the sites that I will be stating here since I got a blog site and my purpose for creating a site is to put my ideas and share it to all.

To organize everything and to see what else you needed is to put up a wed-site or wedding site. Here are the wedding sites that I can suggest that you register:

Mywedding.com
Weddingannouncer.com
Momentville.com
Weddingwire.com
Webnode.com

You can also create a blog site with the following:
Blogger.com
Wordpress.com

What to expect on Wedding sites:
Mostly, it will only be the story of you and your beloved. It will be in detail depending on how you set it up on the site. Some of the things included there will be:
• How we Met
• The Proposal
• Engagement
• Announcement
• The Church
• The Reception
• The Entourage
• Photo Albums
• Wedding Pics
• Dream Team ( Your Supplier)
• FAQ ( For your Guests)
• Guestbook
• Wedding Blog

If you make a list of the things you needed before you get wed, then putting up a site will be a good checker, not unless if you have the time to fix it since for me I do have the time to place it online since I do like DIY (Do-it-Yourself) thingy to make my wedding very personal. It makes sense since your building the character and taste of your own wedding. A style that no one has and it is a signature of what you will like to happen on your own wedding.

Just like what others fancy on their wedding, some have a theme and others don’t even know what a theme is. For me, a wedding can be as elegant and simple and can also be beautiful even if it is budgeted as long as one bride is determined and organized. A nice place of location is something you can also look forward with a help of a friend or a family member.

Just what I have said a location can be simple, whether that can be at the back of your home, a garden perhaps, a place where you and your beloved first glanced each other, it all depends on your decision.

A wedsite is a place where one bride-to-be can gather all her aspirations on setting up the dream wedding of her own. It is a blueprint of what is going to happen on the wedding and it can be a place where she can control the upcoming situation, from distribution of invitations to picking up suppliers on her own wedding and a whole lot more.

What is your Wedding Theme?

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:01:00 +0000

A Wedding theme creates and mirrors the character of the couple. It signifies their liking or their common denominator. A Wedding theme is something that can relate to both the couple, it can denote of something they both particularly like for example a hobby, work or job, musings or anything that they can share to their guest which is really precious at heart.

Don’t misunderstand a wedding motif from a wedding theme. A wedding motif can blend perfectly with the wedding theme. Although the difference is that a wedding theme accentuates more of the event and it gives a very special touch to the wedding.

Some of the brides-to-be do not know about what a wedding theme is. I don’t exactly know the origin of when did wedding themes started but at the back of my mind, it has something to do of expressing oneself especially if the bride is bold and daring and does not particularly apply to an old traditional wedding.

Wedding Themes is an open expression, an alternative and it is something this generation has for a taste. Most of the brides I know of think of something which is unique but appealing to them. It is something that will introduce them to their guest and it is an additional accessory to the bride.

What are the examples of a wedding theme? There are lots of examples to give and it depends on your mood and style and artistic touch. It can be found from ground to up if you know what I am saying. I will give such a list with regards to sample wedding themes and you may choose what you like to apply for your wedding.

Sample List of Wedding Themes:
1. Blue Sky and Clouds
2. Crystals and Gems
3. Cowboy Ranch
4. Fantasy Theme
5. Rainbow and Colorful
6. Angelic
7. Flower Princess
8. Magical Moments
9. Prince and Princess
10. Filipiniana Theme
11. Chocolates and Sweets Theme
12. Indian Bollywood Theme
13. Heroic Theme
14. Computers and Geeks
15. Space Adventure
16. Water Adventure
17. Beach Theme
18. Garden Theme
19. Oriental Theme
20. Stars

A Sanrio Theme Wedding

These are just example of the themes that you can add on your wedding day. A wedding Coordinator or a wedding planner would know how to organize them into your wedding which will also be applied for the wedding program in the reception. The games planned should be matching also the theme of your wedding. But make it more flexible, a bride knows what to do with her own wedding, in short, you’re the boss.

Some often make a decision to include a wedding theme which will give them luck into their wedding. It is somewhat astrological for them and to some, experimental. Whatever the purpose of a wedding theme may be, are you ready to implement it on your own wedding? A wedding theme can also be applied on the gifts and favors that you will give to your principal sponsors and guests. Let’s say for example that your wedding theme was about Chocolates and Sweets, most of your decorations at the reception would be about sweets and chocolates. Definitely your give aways or tokens of appreciations would also be about sweets and chocolates. That is one way of how a couple be expressing themselves on what their THEME is all about.

Why Not A Simple Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Can you think of the simplest wedding idea possible? Yes, for me I can think of one right now and that is what I am going to share with you guys. If you are considering a simple Civil wedding and not too much extravagant on your perspective of a wedding, then this article is for you. Some, due to financial challenges may have to do both ends meet just to stretch the value of their money. Well, you don’t need to stretch it furthermore as long as you change your idea or concept of a wedding.

Simplest Wedding Ideas I can think Of

Weddings may not be all about Glitzes and Glamour, it can be simple and private and that is what most practical brides-to-be have in mind. But if you don’t have any idea on how to transform that idea, here is what I can do to share it with you.

If you’re the person who does not want a lot of guest to crowd your big day and if you’re not the traditional bride that goes to apply traditions to get your wedding done, this may help you. Since most brides of today do have problems on budgeting their source for their wedding day, then why not just consider doing a solemn wedding which is only witnessed by your close friends and family ties? One wedding should be still elegant without spending too much if planned properly. You can go set up your backyard garden or go for a beach and just invite your family there. You can have or you may not have entourage on your simple wedding.

A simple wedding can also mean that you don’t wear that super expensive bridal gown. You can just wear the simplest white dress and sandal and buy a bouquet for yourself and this does not include the bride’s maids or principal sponsors. You can have only one to two pair of Principal sponsors here and you don’t need to worry about the caterers since most simple weddings can be prepare by eating food at a restaurant they reserved which is for a few people to attend.

Hiring or going to a restaurant is much cheaper to consider. As I have said that includes only 50 pax below and nothing more. A simple wedding can still have a wedding cake, but not the type of cake that is with a design or made to order. You can buy it at a famous cake shop that sells cakes at an affordable price. You can still have a wedding toast which only cost $5 or less on a bottle of wine. No more doves to release and no wedding coordinators to hire.

A Simple wedding can still be fun if that is in a beach or if you want to hire a private resort pool which is not that expensive. The least price was in Pansol, Laguna which is only Php 4,000 pesos for 12 hours of rent. You can do whatever you want in that place and cook food and have your simplest wedding possible with your family. But if you still think that weddings can only happen ones in a lifetime, then saving money is all it takes to give a super touch. But if the budget is really not suited, then chances are, Simplest wedding ideas are needed like this one.

Wedding Plans that Turned Sour

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:25:00 +0000

What will you do just in case your wedding plan got spoiled or turned sour? Well I guess there is nothing more painful than that, being left alone or something bad happened along the way that both the couple decided to call it "quits".. I still cannot understand the main reasons why it will just end like that after all the preparations have been done. Some people are not yet sure about themselves tying the knot but what is much more horrific is to waste everything from emotions to money.

Good for these Men, they were still able to wear their Wedding Gowns! Just looking Silly

It didn't happened to me, I mean not in the way that I and my beloved has called it quits, but it was my parents who didn't want to continue our wedding plans since their idea of a wedding was grandeur and we can't level ourselves to the same expectations like they do. It was really painful for me to accept that the very people who cared for me didn't support my ideas of a wedding plan. It has been less than 6 months that we planned for it. We finished preparing our wedding invitations as I have showed here. I was talking online with the caterer and asking also to reserve the venue for the reception since for us, it will just be a simple and private wedding, nothing too fussy or extravagant as long as our pocket can afford.

We planned to invite 50 to 60 pax only but my parents don’t want. By the way, I and hubby were already married in Civil rights for almost 4 years so it was just our idea to celebrate our coming wedding anniversary as we take our short vacation in the Philippines. But things as I have planned didn’t go well, my happiness got cut short because my parents would not understand the meaning of a “Simple and Private wedding” without inviting the whole town or neighborhood. They are ashamed of what other people would think, they are afraid of what others may say to us since if one was invited and the other was not particularly their “kumares” and “kumpares”, then they will think negatively on me.

So sad that in the Philippines when you say wedding invitation, even if you reserved them seats, they would tag along someone with them. My hubby does not relate since he is a foreigner so I was the one who was taking this seriously. I already told my folks so many times on why they would bother if people would crowd, I told them that I limit my invites as I set every guest their table numbers and reserved seats for example in the invitation, you would include reserved seat(2)… Anyway, if there is a will there is a way. I believe on that saying but I keep on hearing a lot of things, alibis and such scenarios with my folks so in short, they really don’t want me to pursue my wedding plan.

It was devastating for me, it was first week of January that I talked to them about it but they turned my offer down. Now that I am going back for a short vacation and I hubby still thinks if we can still have it there even just a renewal ceremony, maybe I would be happy, but not too excited since my DREAM of a WEDDING is still a BIG QUESTION MARK.

The problem with Civil Wedding in India is that they don’t allow picture taking so I don’t have any remembrance of our big day. I didn’t feel being married but I have no problem with my relationship as a wife to my husband. I am still on my verge to continue my blog even if I was not granted this year what I am hoping for. To the bride-to-be’s here who have read my post, Well, be strong you can make it! For me, I can still hope for it to happen.

Advantages of Attending Wedding Expos

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Advantages of Attending Wedding Expos

Whenever you read newspapers, listen to radio and watch television and other forms of marketing advertisements, you need to be alert if you are soon to be married. Attending Wedding expos has its advantages because of so many things. I will be discussing what the advantages here are but first let me explain what a wedding expo is. It is an exposure or exposition of anything that corresponds to a wedding, a bride and a groom. Wedding Expos are happening not every day but on a given schedule or event organized by people who focus on the topic of Weddings. Here are the advantages of attending wedding expos:

A Sample Wedding Expo

1.There are lots of great deals or wedding packages offered- Wedding expos are attended by different companies that cater your wedding needs. From caterers to wedding gowns, wedding gifts or tokens and a whole lot more. Wedding expos are a great way of selecting the best offered packages in which you only need to select which one will suit your particular need.

2.Getting Ideas from DIY Weddings- Attending wedding expos will enhance your ideas of a wedding. If you are an adventurous bride-to-be and you are creative, you can get a lot of great finds and ideas that you can adopt on your own wedding. Especially if you wanted to save money and you don’t have much to spend so you can just DIY (do-it-yourself) your invitations, then go visit a wedding expo.

3.Bargaining place for your wedding needs- Every time you visit a booth, you definitely will ask for a brochure, a sampler or leaflet and compare the prices of each wedding services that attended the expo. In this way, you can ask for a bargain price for a particular service or item in which other competitors would be also doing the same thing. Are you good in haggling? You can check the prices of floral arrangements, wedding gifts and favors, invitation cards of participating booths and ask them if they can adjust their price to your budget.

4.Complete Range for your wedding- You don’t need to go from one place or another to settle your wedding gown and then go far to order your cake. In wedding expos, they all feature these things which will match your busy schedule. Some booths offer you all things, from reception, to catering needs to your wedding gowns, cakes, audio and video coverage and even your tokens and gifts for the invited guest. All it takes was just money and the right attitude to ask for a discount if ever you wanted to get all-in-one package. See to it if you’re looking for a caterer, you need to go to their office for a sample tasting. You don’t want to get offended when your guest tells you that the food they ate is not delicious.

5.Future Business- If you are just like me, you can also think that going to expos means expanding your ideas on businesses that blooms. In this way, you get to know the how and what’s in the business. The trend is the most important to consider when it comes to a particular business. See to it that you have gained something important and you can create something for yourself, not just now, but maybe in your future.

How to Avoid Wedding Disasters

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:08:00 +0000

As far as I can remember, the worst case wedding scenario I have seen was when a couple was not able to provide enough food for their invited guests. We do know that inviting people to attend the wedding is not controlled easily when in terms of culture and tradition. In our country, it is known for an open invitation to all, meaning you invited a person, and that one person will tag along 5 more people to attend the wedding which eventually would make the caterers go crazy because they will ran out of food to offer.

In the province, they are used to give one invitation card which does not mention how many seats are reserved. I think they don’t particularly apply the word reservation and the thing is because they will be feeling guilty or ashamed not to mention how many people is allowed to come. Restriction is not in their menu and no wonder, the ending in the reception was a nightmare.

Wedding Nightmares and Disaster

I would not mention whose wedding I came where we were offered plastic spoons and fork and a paper plate with no tables but only chairs to be seated. Everyone was busy minding their own, no wedding coordinator and such to take care of the whole guests. So when I saw this happened, I told myself that it is important that a wedding will be organized and well-coordinated in everything. From the moment you are in the church till you go to the reception or venue. Here are some tips I can suggest for brides to be in order to be hassle free and make their wedding memorable and not disastrous.

Worse case scenario on Weddings

1.Make sure that when you invite a person, they would reply to your RSVP notice.

2.See to it that you mention in your invitation that they are reserved to table no. (Just assign one) and write clearly how many seats are reserved for them so that they would not be tagging someone along with them.

3.Hire a Wedding Coordinator to organize the wedding for you. Make sure your wedding coordinator or planner is good in PR and you can get along with each other well. You’re the bride, so it is you who control the situation and not your wedding coordinator.

4.Plan ahead of time to get what you needed. From flowers to color motifs that will match your reception and church venue. Assign a particular job or work on your friends and family members to help you with your preparations. Even if some of your ideas are DIY (Do-it-Yourself), it is still best to ask for a helping hand.

5.Save and Budget Money so that you can be relaxed. A good wedding needs an equivalent money even if you don’t want it so expensive and extravagant, planning can make your expenses lesser and you will be happy with the result.

6.Condition and road test the bridal car to be use. If you hire one it will not be that problematic, but if it was your friend’s car or relative’s car, see to it that you communicate with them well and check the cars condition so you don’t have any possible car problem that will hinder you on your big day.

7.Think Positive and smile always. A bride is always special on her wedding day. If your venue is beside a pool, get away from that area as much as possible or be cautious enough. Be always on alert and tell your visitors about the place so that they won’t get into problem. I have seen a lot of times how many guests fall on the pool because it was covered with flowers. Stay away from CLUMSY people.

Bridal Hair and Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Brides should be looking so grand at their own wedding. It is serious not to be stingy on getting the right HMUA (Hair and Makeup artist) for you. Most of the time, a bride is busy so she needs to relax on her big day and let someone take over her hair and makeup settings.

It is important to consider the time of the wedding for applying makeup. If it is a day wedding, the makeup should not be so heavy, but light and easy for the skin to breathe. If it was an afternoon wedding, it will consider two things, the weather. If it is raining, most HMUA should be applying a water proof makeup for the bride starting from the foundations to eye shadow application and to her lipstick. If it was a sunny and warm weather, then the lightest makeup should be possible to apply and mineral makeups do their magic to this one.

Over the years, Makeup revolution has been improving. From local brands of makeup to international and branded types of makeups, celebrities and the local personalities do find that makeup on this generation is equal. Brush up makeup is the latest trend nowadays. This type of makeup application should be done by your trusted and well skilled Makeup artist. Besides, brides to be have the right for a trial makeup to see what she would look like before the wedding.

Makeup artists make it a point to talk to their clients on what they wanted for their wedding. From colors of skin tone to match the dress or motif, this depends on one’s taste. But prices differ also whenever you wanted some alterations to fit your expectations.

Picture courtesy of theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com

Makeup artists should also be part of the wedding from the church to the venue since they will assist the Brides-to-be on retouching their makeups. Particularly on the lip area where after the reception and there is still more things to do, one good Makeup artist should see that the client will still look perfect and fresh no matter how long the occasion last.

Word of advice for the Brides-to-be, don’t go cheap on your makeup and choose the best Makeup artist for you. By the way, this also includes the Hair stylist that will make magnificent style and touch to your hair. The hair is the glory of a woman so take this seriously too.

Pic courtesy of Frenc.biz

Personally, a simply pony tail or braid would not look best for the Bride. Most of the hair styles for wedding are brush up look since some women like to wear Tiaras on their head. If you have a head piece, you should ask your hair stylist what is best to do when you also need to make sure the veil would coordinate well with your head piece. Fashion makes sense but not to overdo it. This is your wedding, not your Blooper day or Halloween occasion. Make sure that you research also about traditional or latest trend on Hair setting for your big day.

Bridal Car

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:42:00 +0000

One of the best things to consider for a bridal car is a classic car. But this depends on the decision of the couple since we do know that Classic Bridal car is much more expensive depending on the model of the car. I have no intensions to worry about bridal cars. As long as I can be comfortable riding it and if it was safe reaching the church or the venue, it will be just fine.

I just can't take off my eyes to such beautiful car since I like to experience the feeling of riding a vintage or classic car. I do fancy riding new cars too. But I guess it will take time for me to adjust and I don’t want to focus myself on thinking again on such occasion since it got me down at the start of this year and I don’t want to frustrate myself again so I won’t expect more since it is hurtful.

Bridal Car

Flowers and some accessories for decorating the car will help improve more the attraction of a car. Is it not appealing for people to look at bridal cars and some even gave way to the street whenever they see a Bridal car? Just do take time to have a test drive for a classic car so that it won’t disappoint you when something happens along the way.

Some bride-to-be consider riding a family van, some wants a motor bike ride. No matter how the taste a bride makes, as long as one can define the character, there will be no problem. Prices for car rent ranges from Php 1,500 pesos and above. I guess you can get it more cheaper if you ask a friend who has a car or a relative of yours who has a car and just give them something in return.

Dismayed on my Wedding Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:09:00 +0000

Year 2011, I thought that I will be the most happiest bride expecting to be married this month of February. But things do happen for a reason and I don't want to think about it more. It wasn't our fault. Hubby and I prepared what we can to keep a simple and private wedding but it was my parents who are sticked to traditional but extravagant wedding which we may never give them since it was not what our budget tells us.

Frustrated and Crying Bride

I cannot say anything more about the details on what happened but I will still think of wedding if we can have all the money in the world or maybe we can just have it on our own. I am married 3 years ago and this wedding that we plan was just a renewal of our vows and it will be a special thing for me since I didn't enjoy getting married in Civil rights where we don't even have souvenir pictures since camera is not allowed at that time.

I was really frustrated, very much disappointed and I did not expect the rejection that I have with my own parents. I cannot accept the idea of why they don't allow me to have a very simple and private wedding of my own when in fact, we are the one to shoulder everything. But I just respect them so I just distant myself for that and told my husband that our planned wedding for this year will not happen.

This blog may now be a rant of what I feel right now. I already forgiven them but I am still not happy about what happened since I thought the green signal for a vacation in my own country will also be a prepared wedding for me and hubby. We already prepared our invitations although I haven't delivered it yet since I am not yet in my country. Well, that is life. This year will not be a good start but I won't let it end bad either. I do believe that the sun will also rise and shine with me and I can get back the smile in my face once again. I will just need to busy myself with a lot of things this year and be focused to get my goal.

NDTGP52B2YMH

Beauty Treatment for the Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:11:00 +0000

It is important to have a beauty treatment for the Bride-to-be. In this way, she is going to be relaxed and well prepared before her big day, looking very beautiful. It can be a whole body massage with beauty spa treatment from head to toe.

There are so many beauty salons that offers discounted price for a whole package deal. But if you don't have any budget for such, then you can just do the treatments at home starting from deep hair relaxing, hair coloring or perming. But this depends on your taste, whether you think you can really make a hair treatment for yourself or ask someone who can do it for you without spending too much.

Beauty Spa Treatment for thee Bride-to-Be

Our hands and feet needs also a good treatment. From manicure to pedicure to foot spa treatment, it can also be possible to do this at home if you have tools or gadgets that you can use without any problem. Good thing that I have a good set of heating cap for a hot oil treatment that I can do for myself, plus the manicure and pedicure set which I have to prepare my hands and feet for a good groom.

There are over the counter facial treatments too like facial mask and deep exfoliating treatments that you can buy at Watsons or any other beauty shops in the market which is not that costly. Being beautiful for your big day can never be a big deal. All it takes is being innovative and experimental when it comes to trying it out for yourself not three days before you get married. Beautifying yourself is good at least set it a date for at least one week before the big day.

Barong Tagalog Vs. Coat and Tie

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Barong Tagalog Vs. Coat and Tie- Most Filipino Groom would like to wear the traditional wedding suit for the groom which is the Barong Tagalog. I don't have any problems with coat and tie as a wedding suit for the groom, but as for me a traditional Barong Tagalog is really something to wear during weddings.

Barong Tagalog

The sample picture of Barong tagalog courtesy of Kasal.com which is a wedding site that aids ideas for bride and groom to be. Even if hubby is a foreigner, I still prefer him to wear this attire because it was truly Philippine made. Barong Tagalog is made in different types of fibers and textiles and the amount varies on the style and the textile of such.

Barong Tagalog in Different Styles

Today, Barong Tagalog has different colors too. I like the two-toned Barong Tagalog and the original off-white color. Their prices ranges from P1,500 to P4,000 pesos depending on the textile, texture,design and your tailor's fee. There are ready made Barongs available in malls but this will always be more expensive rather than having it done to a local tailor shop.

On the other hand, a coat and tie for the groom looks so dashing debonair. The price is really much more expensive because of the design and textile used for this attire.

Handsome Coat & Tie

Wedding Music

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Wedding Music- I don't have anything else in mind at the moment till I played some songs in my computer. Well, we do have our own list of songs to include in our wedding. From the songs to be played during the wedding proper till the reception.

Still Need to add some more but here is my sample list and to where I designate it:

Prelude song: How Beautiful is the body of Christ (Sandy Patti)
Entourage:
Canon in D in Celtic Mix
Bridal Entrance:
Here Comes the Bride (Wagner’s Bridal March)

Marriage Vows/Marriage Rites
Call to Worship:
Scripture Reading
Charge to the Couple:

Signing of Contract: I will be Here (Micheal W.Smith), Miracle (Tricia Amper), Awit kay Kleir (Butch Charvet)
Bride and Groom Entrance:
Mendellssohn’s Wedding March

Pictorial:
We’ve Only Just Begun (Carpenters)
Something Stupid (Frank & Nancy Sinatra)
Just the Way you are (Billy Joel)
Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)
Everything I own (Bread)

Recessional:
So Happy Together (The Turtles)
Love is All that Matters (Kenny Rankin)
Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch (The Temptations)
Greatest Day (Kitchie Nadal & Barbie Almalbis)

Dinner Time
Forever and Always (Shania Twain)
I Want You (Thalia)
Till I Kissed You (Everly Brothers)
Mambo Italiano (Dean Martin)
Grow Old with You (Adam Sandler)
These Boots are made for walking (Nancy Sinatra)
Love Was Made For Me and You (Nat King Cole)
Count On You (Tommy Shaw)
You Are So Beautiful (Kenny Rogers)
I’m Yours (Jason Mraz)
Till There Was You (Beatles)
If I fell in love with you (The Beatles)
And I love Her (The Beatles)
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong w/ Kenny G.)

Couple’s First Dance:
Lay Down Beside Me (Don Williams)
You’ll Never Find (Lou Rawls)
Tere Bin (Atif Aslam)

Dance for All ================================
The Caribbean Song (Los Lobos)
Volare (Dean Martin)
You Are Always in My Heart (Nora Aunor & Tirso Cruz III)
All My Life (America)
Maybe It’s You (Stephen Bishop)
You’re My Best Friend (Don Williams)
No Arms Can Ever Hold You (Chris Norman)
You Decorated My Life (Kenny Rogers)
Is It Okay if I Call You Mine(Paul McCrane)
Unforgettable(Nat King Cole)
Love Me Over Again( Don Williams)
Only You (Louie Armstrong)
You (Rosel Nava)
Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart)
When You’re Smiling (Louie Armstrong)
From This Moment (Shania Twain)
I Need You (America)

We Should Be Together( Don Williams)

I will just have to re arrange them all again to separate the dance groove songs to mellow medleys and sweet dances. I still have fun on my DIY Wedding.

Bridal Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Bridal Shoes- Actually I already have my bridal shoes 3 years ago when I once dreamed to have our wedding done. But certain things do happen for a reason, and I did not expect that Civil wedding in India will not allow picture takings so I didn't enjoy it at all and after so many years, I wanted to have a wedding done, be it simple as long as I can wear my dress and shoes.

It took almost 4 years to wear my bridal shoes again. It was kept safe although not looking as fresh as it can be. I can hardly get the strand of the shoe standing straight so I needed a cardboard to pin it. Anyway, a bride has to decide well what to wear on her grand day. Whatever the bridal shoes may be, as long as she is comfortable wearing it, well without a doubt, you can last the whole wedding day and reception still standing tall and with a smile.

My Bridal Shoes 3 years ago

What I just added here was the lettering "I DO" at the back of my shoes. Well it is a strappy sandal which is silver in color and has gems in it. I was comfortable wearing it before. It wasn't that high in heels, probably about 1.5-2 inches high only. My wedding dress has a long trail, but I just hope that I may not be able to step on it since I am more comfortable and have control when I wear strappy sandals.

Remember the day you say "I DO?"

I prefer to let my toes to breathe so I don't want to have a closed shoe type. I am not that tall also to consider wearing flat shoes which will not be appropriate for my dress. Indeed there are a lot of shoe types available for every bride. Here is what you can try to look at before you decide to buy your bridal shoe.

Circle of Shoes For You

As you can see on the sample picture on top courtesy of best-wedding-info.com, whether you like round toe, metallic, wedge, non-traditional, flats, stilletos and strappy sandals, it will always be the bride to decide which shoe is comfortable to wear.

I forgot to mention the color of the shoes. Obviously it's not only white or silver that a bride can select. Some of the brides choose the color of their shoes based on their color motif and some based it to other reasons like something old,new,blue or borrowed.

A bridal shoe can be simple and elegant and it can also be extravagant to some.

Floral Bracelets and Boutonniere

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Floral Bracelets and Boutonniere need not to be expensive since you can have this DIY. All you just need is to have a flower of your choice, some fillers, some decors that you can add on your wrist corsage or floral bracelets that you can buy in a craft store.

Beads, some leaves and ribbons are also important to include when you wanted to create your own floral bracelets. You can be as artistic as you can as long as the color motif does match the selection of flowers and accessories that you are going to use for your own floral bracelets.

Floral Bracelets Are Simple But Elegant To Look At

If you can see the picture on top, the flowers arranged are mostly in odd numbers. This balances the image of your floral bracelet and at the same time, you can include any contrasting flower to make it more appealing.

Leaves can add more volume to your Floral Bracelet

You can buy fillers in your favorite flower shop and that can accentuate your floral arrangement. If you going to make a Boutonniere, see to it that you only include one to three flowers and then jazzed it up with fillers, ribbons and accessories such as beads or sequence or even feathers.

Beautiful Boutonniere

Remember to cut or trim the stem and just wrap it up with ribbons and you can close the tie by using a bendable wire which is thin or you can use any safety pin if you can hide it in between the stem. But it is much better if you use a special pin for this one.

Floral Bracelets Should Match Your Color Motif

Try to mix and match ribbon colors and the choice of flowers that you wanted to get for your Secondary Sponsors. Remember that you don't need to budget a lot on Flowers alone as long as you are artistic, willing to experiment on floral arrangements and knows what to do about designs. The simplest thing you can do is just watch a sample video online on how to make your own Boutonniere and Floral Bracelets. Now I am so excited to do the floral bracelets of my Secondary Sponsors and boutonniere or corsage of my Principal Sponsors.

Wedding Gowns For the Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Wedding Dress or Wedding Gowns for the Brides-to-be is one of the most important thing to budget when getting married. This is considered the most expensive of all the dresses and to be wear only once.

Every female dreams to have a fantasy and grandeur wedding dress. This makes the bride outstanding on her wedding day and this is one dress that has a lot of superstitious beliefs from our old folks. They say that a bride-to-be should never try out her wedding gown before the wedding or else the wedding will never happen or something bad will happen to the relationship or to the couples. But in this generation where every bride goes to their tailor and get the correct measurement, they seem to wear and try their wedding gowns for fitting before the big day comes. I don't know about others but as for me, even if I don't believe in such superstitions, I still reserve the day to fit my dress. I am just content if my tailor measures my size correctly, I would not dare to fit my own gown before my wedding, just my preference.

A Beautiful Wedding Gown

Once in my life I will wear this gown only once, even if I get an extra pound or size before the wedding, I don't mind at all as long as I won't compromise to fit my gown. I was married in a civil wedding 3 years ago and I was not given a chance to wear the wedding dress I bought back home. In the country to where I am now, their local municipal does not even allow picture takings so I was really freaked out to know that we don't even have any souvenir aside from the fact that I wasn't able to wear my dress. Now that I have waited enough, we will have our own pavilion wedding and I will be able to wear my simple yet affordable dress.

I was dreaming to wear this Bridal Gown

Just like that picture of a bridal gown, I also dream to have such but since I am not already that excited, I am settled for what is simple. But if you are still a young lady who has savings, then go for it no matter how much is the cost.

Elegant, Beautiful, Modest and Perfect

I like this design of a gown courtesy of helenbride.com. This type of gown is really elegant, modest and beautiful which is for me is perfect. I haven't seen most of this design to where I bought my wedding dress. Most of the gowns these days are spaghetti straps or tube-type designs. But this one is with sleeves and I really like the lace design of it plus the trail is really gorgeous. Wish I just have the money, sigh.. Just keep on dreaming, at least it is free.

Wedding Rings For You

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:16:00 +0000

Wedding Rings are one of the most expensive to consider in your wedding budget and you need to have a good supplier for this. But this depends on the taste of the couple on what type of rings they prefer. From diamond rings of different carats to gold rings, silver or chromium type of rings and the two-toned rings.
Prices depends on what the ring is made of. From precious stones, to carats of gold and its purity. The design will vary also if you wanted more definition to your ring aside from the printing of names in the ring.

This looks a lot like our wedding ring

Our wedding ring is very simple. It was Chinese gold and has our names printed inside it. Rings are considered the symbol of love but this does not mean that it will play as important once your married because the couple is still the one who would live their lives together. Even if the ring is cheap or expensive, what matters most is that the relationship will last for eternity and will not end up for divorce or separation.

Looks like the ring of Eva Longoria and his hubby Tony Parker who got Divorce recently

A wedding Ring symbolizes your status but is just a material to wear. It will not even guarantee that the smooth sailing of the relationship is always present since couples need to adjust to each other on the very first part of being together.

In a wedding, the exchange of rings are very much awaited second to kissing of the bride. But for me, a person should not tie his/her emotions to any material things and that includes the wedding ring. I said to myself that if my husband loses his ring for being so clumsy, I will really need to teach him a lesson or else buy us a new ring. I sometimes criticize my husband for not wearing his ring at times when it seems too loose for his finger. He taught me that with a ring or not, it will not make any difference to him because he shows his love and loyalty to me.

Sounds cheesy at times, but since I know him very well, it was not an alibi to hide his status to others since they know him already married and has been a good husband to me. If there is anyone who would be so nosy to report him to me, that will be his friends and colleagues. But I am thankful to God as we do keep our vows in the sanctity of marriage.

Symbol of Love But definitely will not make any relationship smooth sailing

Wedding Rings are not lucky amulets to keep the couples away from fights and disagreements. But it is a vow that reminds you to keep and tied you to make your relationship work in sickness and in health, in riches or poor, through thick and thin. The ring just like the couple should bond together. As long as the husband and wife honors their vow to God and obey His Words, our relationship will be patterned according to God's will.

Wedding Guest Book for your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Wedding Guest Book for your wedding can be so great and beautiful to create. But if you have your own supplier who has a complete package to include your guest book, then by all means grab the opportunity.

Getting it separately is your decision if you consider making it a DIY. I have it on my mind to make one for my wedding since I do have a lot of handmade notebooks here which are really hard bound covers and all I needed to include was a cute color motif ribbon or lace or a picture or our own monogram to match the covering design.

I have browsed some wonderful guests book online and these pictures are just for representation only as I have mentioned it courtesy of the site where I got the pictures. I do like the designs that was really included on all these wedding guest book, simple but elegant.

Simple Designs

I like the matching design of this one

Crafted but it is really beautiful and long lasting. I just wish that I can do the same thing on my wedding guest book. I have tons of ideas but only the money is what I needed to make it more stylish and yet not so much for my budget.

White and Elegant

By the way, these types of traditional guest books are still okay to consider although there are more than that to decide like a signature frame for your guests and a signature plate for your friends and relatives remarks on your wedding day. I might skip on glasses and breakable stuffs and I would still prefer the traditional way on this part. Any other ideas out there which is economical and yet the price is still affordable and right?

Wedding Table Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Wedding Table Numbers is one of the easiest DIY thing that you can budget for yourself and you don't need to worry about it unless there is a supplier that will cater to do this for you. But certainly I do like to design my own simple things. I can also start within next month itself on my own version of wedding table numbers as long as I get the confirmation of guests coming so that I can really know the number of tables to prepare and arrange them accordingly.

Since a bride-to-be should consider arranging a table or seat for her guests, mine is easy since I only invited closed family relatives and friends which are all first degrees. Even on my own circle of friends, I also invited from level one to two only which are close to me because I do like to keep my wedding simple and very private.

So arranging for the table numbers and designing it on the table will be much more easier and cheaper to consider without worrying who will be my supplier for such stationary stuffs.
Sample Table Number which is so Simple and Easy to do

All you need to consider for making such are:

good paper choice
color motif of your wedding
ribbons
some wedding accessories
pictures of the couple (depends on your design)
glue gun or any glue drop
gems, paper flowers and more art crafts

A table number which got accentuated with a flower centerpiece

Wedding table numbers can be fun to create as long as you know what you are doing and you really like what you are doing. Preparing such is a one lifetime experience if you still have the time to consider such preparations.

Note: pictures showed are for representation only.
Courtesy of weddingwindow.com,mustloveweddings.com,marthasteward.com

Pomander Balls For your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Strawberrychocodahi) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Pomander Balls For your wedding is one of the most effective and "IN" trend of weddings today. The first time I see pomander balls, I was really fascinated because it was so lovely and yet it was just easy to prepare and you don't need to spend too much about it particularly if your creating it using tissue napkin papers that you can easily find on craft stores.

I do like paper pomander balls because they can be so affordable and budget savvy for bride-to- be's who is on a very tight budget. Yet, the quality of it was still there and you can elegantly present this to all your guests as they see it decorated on the aisle of your wedding or being handled by your secondary sponsors.

A sample pomander ball made of white and red roses

You can create your own DIY (Do-it-yourself) pomander balls as long as you have the following materials.

Styrofoam balls (sizes depends on your preference)
ribbons ( colors of your choice) - to hold your pomander ball
glue gun
soft wire to pin your flowers
flowers of your choice (roses, gerbera, daisy,etc.)
some accesories you wanted to put on your pomander ball

How to Make a Pomander Ball - Actually you can do this by watching it on youtube for a sample demonstration. I myself will consider doing the same thing since I will try to hands-on on my own pomander balls which I prefer to use a soaked paper arts made from crafts store. It will be much more cheaper for me if I use the said material in replacement for flowers to my entourage or for my aisle decor.

Green Pomander Ball

I just hope that I can post my DIY pomander balls here. I am not yet starting my project but I do hope soon. I would be using different colors of paper for my rainbow color motif. It was really a challenge but I do hope to get helping hands from friends back home. Remember that pomander balls can be fun by creating it with the colors you assigned for your wedding like the picture below courtesy of weddepot

note:
All pictures showed are for representation only as I have posted their names for courtesy