Johnny Secretaria - Starter Guide - House of Dannielle (Version 02)

Wedding Theme der Blue, Pastel Pink, Lilac PAGE 22

Photo Credit: Summer Vibes W Monica Presnillo-Maninang Ruby, Navy Blue, Roy WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

Wedding Theme yal Yellow, Lime, Rose PAGE 23

Nautical Wed Navy Blue, Midn WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

dding Theme night Blue, White PAGE 24

Wedding Color Now that you've seen themes, let's check combin I compiled the best one \"This is i WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com r Scheme Guide n different shades and some exciting color nations! es to help you find your it\" motif. PAGE 25

Mint Green, Gold, Navy Blue Orange, Peach, Gray Orange, Blue, Yellow WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com Peach, Mint Green, Pink Lilac, Plum, Peach Lavender, Gray, Ivory PAGE 26

Peach, Green, Gold Mint Green, Coral, Peach Navy Blue, Blush Pink WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com Cinnamon, Yellow, Beige Shades of Blue Lavender, Yellow PAGE 27

Brown, Cream Yellow, Gray Mauve, Gray WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com Pink, Gray Lime Green, Cream Navy Blue, Champagne PAGE 28

Sky Blue, Peach Rose Gold, Marsala Red, Dark Gray WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com Teal, Copper TIffany Blue, Gray Mauve, Navy Blue PAGE 29

Pale Pink, Ivory Green, Pink Peach, Pale Yellow WEDDING COLOR GUIDE

thebudgetarianbride.com Dusty Blue, Cranberry Pastel Pink, Cedar Brown Pastel Pink, Bright Purple PAGE 30

Chapter Two Setting your budget One of the questions I am often asked is “Magkano ba ang magagastos sa kasal?\" I would often ask the couple what their vision of their big day is. “Ano bang klase ng kasal ang nasa isip niyo? It is difficult to give a definite amount on how much you will spend for the wedding. Wedding expenses can be as low as 5,000 pesos or as high as 500,000 pesos or more. Iyan ay depende sa kasal na gusto mo. Church wedding? Civil wedding? Destination Wedding? Intimate wedding? Garden Wedding? Backyard Wedding? It depends on the type, style and theme of your wedding. Some decide to have a civil wedding. They only spend for documents like Certificate of no Marriage (CENOMAR), marriage license and then they go for simple reception either at home or in a restaurant. Other couples opt to have a Do- it-Yourself wedding so there will be less expenses while others chose a lavish wedding with a lot of guests and with an elegant wedding venue. So it really depends how you want your wedding to be. Setting your wedding budget is a critical aspect of your preparation. Are you financially ready to finance your wedding? Or, will you still save up for it? Will you ask help from your families? However you put up with your budget, I strongly suggest that you do not go into debt. Umpisa pa lang ng pagsasama niyo after the wedding ay utang agad ang concern nyo. Gusto niyo ba yon? Magsisimula palang kayo sa married life, may mga utang na kayo agad? Tip: Marry according to your financial capacity.

Below are the factors you will most probably spend on for your wedding. Pre-wedding ceremony ✓ Cost of documentary requirements ✓ Engagement party or gathering (Optional) Wedding Venue ✓ Preparation Venue ✓ Church ✓ Reception Venue ✓ Restaurant ✓ At your residence Cost of the officiating minister ✓ Mayor’s or judge’s fee ✓ Priest’s stipend ✓ Pastor’s stipend Food & Drinks ✓ Hire caterer? or sk relatives, neighbors to cook ✓ Wedding Cake ✓ Cocktail Food ✓ Mobile/Drink Bar Transportation ✓ Birdal Car ✓ Transportatiion of Entourage/Guests/Family Wedding Attire ✓ Bridal gown: ready-made or made-to-order ✓ Groom’s suit: off the rack or tailor made ✓ Shoes, and other accessories ✓ Entourage’s dresses Photographer/Videographer ✓ Engagement Shoot ✓ Save The Date ✓ Wedding Photo Coverage ✓ Same Day Edit

Coordinators ✓ On-The-Day Coordination Service ✓ Semi-Full Coordination Service ✓ Full Coordination Service Entertainment ✓ Host ✓ Band ✓ Light & Sound System Flowers ✓ For the entourage ✓ Bridal car bouquet ✓ Styling of ceremony venue ✓ Styling of reception venue Wedding Ring Hair and Make Uo ✓ Bride ✓ Mother of Bride & Groom ✓ Bridesmaids ✓Self Make -up? Others ✓ Photobooth ✓ Guestbook ✓ Grazing Table ✓ Prenup Expenses ✓ Souvenirs

STANDARD SUPPLIER'S RATE SUPPLIERS INCLUSIONS STANDARD RATE/PRICE Reception Venue P10,000 - P160,000 Catering basic set-up/backdrop, waiters, tables and chairs, P350 - P1, 700/head utensils, and centerpieces P15,000 - P100,000 Photographer Wedding Coverage P15,000 - P60,000 /Videographer P10,000 - P70,000 P10,000 - P50,000 Coordinator P3,000 - P20,000 Wedding Ring P5,000 - P20,000 P15,000 - P20,000 Wedding Attire Wedding gown and Groom's Suit P10,000 - P25,000 P35 - P150/set Wedding Cake Lights and Sounds System Florist Bridal Bouquet. Wedding Entourage, Church Styling Make Up Artist Bride, Groom, Mother of the Wedding Invitation Bride and Groom

OTHER EXPENSES P40,000 - P60,000 P10,000 - P20,000 GUESTBOOK SOUVENIRS TRANSPORTATION CREW MEALS PRENUPTIAL EXPENSES MARRIAGE DOCUMENTS OPTIONAL EXPENSES PHOTOBOOTH BRIDAL CAR PRIZES FOR RECEPTION GAMES STANDARD P178,000 - P775,000 WEDDING COST Note: The above rates are indicative prices only. Pwede pang bumaba o tumaas depende kung sino ang suppliers at anong services and inclusions ang gusto mong i-avail.

WEDDING BUDGET ALLOCATION GUIDE TARGET WEDDING BUDGET: BUDGET ALLOCATION WEDDING SUPPLIERS HOTEL/ PREPARATION VENUE CHURCH/CEREMONY VENUE RECEPTION VENUE CATERING PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER COORDINATORS WEDDING RING WEDDING ATTIRE WEDDING CAKE LIGHTS & SOUNDS SYSTEM FLORIST HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST WEDDING INVITATION OTHER EXPENSES GUESTBOOK SOUVENIRS

TRANSPORTATIONS (BRIDAL CAR, SERVICE OF FAMILY/ENTOURAGE) PRENUPTIAL EXPENSES MARRIAGE DOCUMENTS OPTIONAL EXPENSES PHOTOBOOTH MOBILE BAR COCKTAIL FOOD (GRAZING TABLE, SWEET BUFFETS) PRIZES FOR RECEPTION GAMES TOTAL: Note: Your target wedding budget and the total should match.

Chapter Three The Big Day: Date, Time & Venue Once you have set the wedding budget, you are now ready to decide your wedding date, time and venue. The Wedding Date While it is easy for some couples to decide on their wedding dates, some couple struggle as there are a lot of factors that they need to consider like the budget, or if they have families from abroad. In deciding the date of your big day, I suggest you consider the season and weather on which it would fall. Would it fall during peak or lean season? would it be during summer time or rainy days? Peak & Lean Season Peak season ang April to June and September to December. During these months, maraming nagpapakasal. Take note that during these months, ang consumer prices ay tumataas. Pero kung mas maaga ang booking niyo sa inyong suppliers protected kayo ng price increase. Remember also na dahil peak season, fully booked na ang maraming suppliers especially those that are really known in the wedding industry kaya book your suppliers at least 3 months before your event kasi some suppliers sometimes ask for additional fee if it is a rush booking. To avoid spending more than what is necessary, always be a step ahead on your wedding preparation. Kapag January to March lean season naman, walang masyadong nagpapakasal. Remember, katatapos pa lang ng Christmas season and we know that once you are in marriable age, you are also in the ninang/ninong/ stage of your life. Marami ka ng inaanak, at mga pamangkin. Most probably, hindi mo gugustuhin mag set ng wedding date in months na katatapos lang ng mga kagastusan. Mayroon din naman na pinipili ang February, ang love month. Take note, however, na ang presyo ng mga bulaklak ay tumataas on this season at marami rin ang hotel bookings. Pagdating naman ng July to August, maulan na rin sa mga buwan na ito kaya naman most couples planning their wedding do not want to marry on these months.

Weather With climate change, it is difficult to predict the weather. But it is something that you need to consider in setting the date of your wedding. Kung gusto mo maging May Bride at garden wedding ang theme, baka ang mga guests mo ay mangitim dahil mainit ang panahon sa buwan na iyon. O baka gusto mong maging June Bride, pero beach theme ang gusto mo. Baka maalon ang dagat sa buwan na yan. Pero kung gusto mo talagang maging June Bride, you better choose an enclosed venue, an indoor one. Para umulan man, the wedding must go on. (You can use a weather app to see the weather forecast. However this is not as accurate.) Tip: Make sure that you have alternative enclosed venues if you choose outdoors during rainy or stormy months for your big day. The Wedding Time Anong oras ninyo gustong ikasal? Early in the morning? Afternoon? Kung morning, baka tumapat sa morning rush hour, pwedeng ma -traffic at ma- late ang mga guests ninyo. Kung morning, baka kulangin ang prep time. Baka hindi makapag photoshoot ng maayos, baka ma-rush kayo sa preparation. If it is a church wedding, you can schedule your wedding ceremony as early as 9 in the morning and as late as 6 in the evening. Schedule your wedding in- between on those hours. Not too early nor too late. Side Kwento: Here is a true story. The ceremony was scheduled that time. The bride asked the suppliers (coordinators, makeup artist and photographers) to come at 3 in the morning in the preparation venue. The bride, excited and nervous for the big day, did not have enough sleep. The suppliers did not also have enough sleep because they had to leave home at 2 in the morning to go to the venue. All told, the wedding ceremony ended at ten in the morning. Guests had their early lunch and the reception program ended at 2:30 in the afternoon. By the time the newlyweds reached their holding area, the bride collapsed. Why? She lacked sleep and had not eaten well enough. Though the wedding ended early, it was doubtful that the newlyweds enjoyed their first night together after what had happened.

Most churches have multiple weddings per day and sometimes, even if the couple do not like the time, they are forced to set the time based on the available schedule of the church because other couples have booked their preferred time earlier. If you have no choice and your wedding is scheduled at 9 in the morning, I suggest you ask your suppliers to come at 4:30 in the morning. You still have four hours to prepare and can leave your preparation venue thirty minutes before your scheduled wedding time. Brides, make sure you get enough sleep. I understand the anxiety for the day but at least have five hours sleep so you will stay energized during your big day. Here is another story. The wedding was scheduled at six in the evening. There was a lot of time to prepare! The ceremony started on schedule, ended at 7. There were postnups, second look, cocktail hour, then the reception started at 8 and ended at 11. There seemed to be no problem on the surface. But guests became uneasy and were looking at their watches. It was getting late in the evening. Some had work the next day. There were seniors who seemed sick and weak. Some did not have their own cars and the venue was far out of the main street. You have to weigh what is the ideal time to marry. Especially if you are planning for an outdoor wedding. Here, you need to be extra mindful of the time because if it is early in the morning, your guests might complain that it is too hot or if it is an afternoon wedding, mosquitos are more likely to party with you especially if it the outdoor venue is a grassy place. If this is the case, make sure that the venue has been sprayed with insecticides days before your wedding day. Tip: Pag-isipang mabuti ang oras ng kasal. An afternoon wedding, around 1:30 – 3:30 pm, is to me the best time because there will be enough time for preparation. The Wedding Venue Let us go in more detail to what you will look for in venue.

Venue capacity Make sure the venue you will book can accommodate all your guests. Some venues will tell you they can accommodate one hundred persons but on the day of the event, when all the tables and chairs are in place, the space is not enough for everyone to move comfortably. Worse, there’s just no space for the dance floor. Paano kung may mag-surprise special dance number pala? Parking space Most often couples overlook this. Ask the venue manager if there is enough space for all your guests’ cars. Baka pang ten cars lang ang kasya sa parking space while most of your guests have their own cars. Some venues accept multiple events in one day so you have to consider the parking space. O baka yung parking nila one building away from your reception venue kaya maglalakad pa ang mga guests ninyo. Senior citizen and PWD friendly If you have guests with physical disabilities or elderly guests, like your grandparents, make sure the venue has a ramp for the wheelchairs. Availability of generators You should always prepare that unexpected things will happen during the wedding day. One of these is when brownouts occur. The venue should have provision for generators so that the celebration can continue. Good and safe location Your wedding venue should be located in a good place or be convenient for both you and you partner. If you live in different places, you can choose a venue that is halfway from where either of you live. Choose a venue that is proximity wise. Tingnan nyo rin kung ito ay maaring ma-locate sa Google maps or Waze so that guests who are not familiar in the place will not lost their way. Indoor and outdoor option This is especially important if you are planning a garden wedding. It is better if you will look for a venue with indoor and outdoor option. Weather is becoming more and more unpredictable and it is better if you will have a venue to run to in case it rains suddenly.

Budget-fit And of course, your wedding venue should fit your budget. VENUE CRITERIA YES NO Venue capacity Parking capacity Senior Citizen and PWD friendly Availability of Generators Good and safe location Indoor and outdoor option Budget-fit If you are planning for a civil wedding and you opt to hold your reception at home, here’s some things you need to consider. ✓ Space Check if there is enough space for everybody. Can you put all the tables and chairs without your guests banging to one another? ✓ Lighting Consider the lighting. If you want to have quality shots, make sure that you also have good lighting in your reception. Some camera cannot capture good photos for low light environment so you really have to be mindful of the lighting. ✓Ventilation You should also mind the ventilation. Your guests might suffocate if there’s not enough air especially if you have guest with medical condition. Now let us go in more detail to what you will look for in venue.

Chapter four The wedding entourage and guests Selection of people you want to be part of your wedding is important. They are the ones to help make your day memorable: The entourage Most brides, after their groom propose, they will message their friends out of excitement and ask them to be part of their wedding entourage. It seems to be not a big deal but what about the details? Have you decided on the style, theme, motif, date, time, and venue of your wedding? Isn’t it so much better if you can tell them all these details at once? And once details are all set, your friend can decide whether they can grace your wedding with their participation as part of your entourage or not. Maid of Honor The dress of the MOH is usually different from the bridesmaids because she has special role to play. Ang Maid of Honor o Matron of Honor (if already married) ay tumutulong sa bride sa planning. Kalimitan, ang bride ang gumagawa ng lahat dahil bihira sa groom-to-be na maging hands-on sa wedding preparations. They need to be more focused to other things like where to get money for the expenses. Though kasama si groom sa meetings with the suppliers, ang bride ang madalas na nakikipag- usap. Kung ang bride ay working din, or has no idea at all about wedding preparations, or is not hands-on enough to pay attention to details, she will need to hire a wedding planner or coordinator. Kung wala ring wedding coordinator, ang makakatulong ay ang MOH. In most cases, ang napipiling MOH ay best friend of the bride. They have common tastes, common ideas, and they agree in almost everything. During the wedding preparation, the bride needs her. Kasama siya sa pagpaplano ng bawa’t detalye. She needs to be there to contribute to her ideas. She needs to help the bride decide on matters such as the style of gown, what wedding favors are good, and a lot more. Also, the MOH is the one coordinators can consult sa araw ng kasal for those things na hindi na kailangan iparating pa sa bride and groom. She is the one expected to settle unexpected things that can arise on your wedding day.

She acts as the representative of the entourage. So, choose your MOH carefully. She should be the one na makakatulong sa iyo. You should be assured that she will not be the cause of your stress at any time during the wedding preparation and the day itself. Bridesmaids Ang mga bridesmaids ay support group most especially during the wedding reception. As you can notice, bridesmaids have the same style of dress it is because they are supposed to be the usherettes on the day of your wedding. Team of coordinators are usually consist of 4-5 and if your guests is a hundred and more, they cannot welcome every guests one by one and assist them all in their designated seats. Coordinators has a lot of work to do than just welcome your guests. They need to secure and to oversee that all will work smoothly. Hindi sila pwedeng nakaposte lamang sa entrance of the reception venue. Usually one or two coordinators are assigned to man the registration table and handle gifts from the guests while the others do their assigned tasks like run through the program with the host, make sure there will be no technical problems, ensure that every material needed for the reception program is ready, and coordinate with the caterer and all other suppliers. So, bridesmaids will welcome your guests and assist them to their seats. This is the reason that their dresses are of same style and color. Bridesmaids are also there to help you out lalo na kapag stressed out ka na sa wedding preparation. They can do tasks like downloading songs for your wedding, going an errand for you or just being with you while planning your wedding. They also initiate your bridal shower where they are expected to spend for it. And, during the reception program, they are expected to be participative and not killjoy. For example, kapag tinawag ng host for a game, they are ready at hindi na kailangan pang pilitin ng coordinators. Dapat sila ang nangunguna na mga participants sa mga games. Kapag may tinanong si host, dapat sila iyong mag-uunahan sumagot. Bridemaids should be able to lead guests to a fun event. So what are expected of them? They should be available and always on time, if not earlier than scheduled, at all activities before and during the wedding. With those important roles, you should choose your bridesmaids carefully.

Ninong at Ninang Your ninong and ninang should be models of good marriages. Therefore, choose those who you know have good witnessing about their marriage. Huwag kunin yung separated or complicated ang relasyon sa asawa. Also, do not base your criteria merely on their financial or social status. Select those who are close to you, those you are comfortable to talk with para kapag dumating yung oras na nagkaproblema kayong mag- asawa, makakalapit kayo sa kanila at hindi kayo mahihiyang humingi ng advice. Bearers and flower girls Having kids as part of your entourage is fun. They are cute, lovely and adorable. They're perfect for the role of flower girls and bearers. However not-so- good things can also happen. Like they can go rowdy, or make a tantrum, or be naughty in their natural way as kids. Some would stop in the middle of the aisle because they are too shy or they are overwhelmed with the attention they are getting from the guests. Worst, they can ruin the moment. As adorable as they are, I still do not suggest that you pick them as part of your entourage. Children under three years old and below are not fit for the role. Una, hindi pa nila kayang maglakad ng solo papunta sa altar at kailangan pa silang i- assist. Andyan na iiyak in the middle of the aisle, magta-tantrums, ibabato kung anuman ang hawak nila kaya huwag ninyong ibibigay yung totoong wedding rings ninyo sa ring bearers but dummy rings lamang ang ilagay ninyo sa pillow. Meron naman hihinto ng lakad sa gitna at doon uupo. Yung atensyon ng mga tao na dapat sa inyo lang, napunta na sa bata. But if you really want to include kids in your wedding entourage, mga pamangkin ninyo (o anak), it is totally fine. Tip: If you're going to have kids in your entourage, it would be better if they are able to walk down the aisle without assistance from anyone. Choose those who are not too shy to play the role as flower girls or bearers. Or better yet, iyong kaya na talaga to walk the aisle on their own. Hindi maganda sa pictures if parents are with them during processional.

The Guests Who should you invite to your wedding? Since this is one of the important events in your life, wouldn’t you want all the people you love to be present to witness your union with the person you love dearly? In some of the wedding events we were hired as coordinators, nakakalungkot na pagkatapos ng kainan, ang mga guests ay unti-unting nagpapaalam sa newlyweds. Isipin nyo ang tagal pinag-isipan at pinaghandaan ang kasal, tapos aalis sila na hindi pa tapos ang programa. Usually, sila yung walang personal relationship sa couple. Missing the rest of the reception is not a big deal for them. Pero kung ang mga guests are really close to the couple, they will choose to stay. Hindi ba ang family members hanggang matapos ang kasal, naririyan? Hindi lang dahil kapamilya mo sila kundi dahil may personal relationship sila sa iyo. Tip: Invite only those that matter to both of you and those who truly care for you. Choose guests who will celebrate and will be there with you until the end of the program. Kids at the wedding. Yes or No? Some couples think twice whether they will include kids in their wedding guests list or not. However, I suggest that you invite only those who are part of your family and your partner's family, for such as nieces and nephews. But what about those guests who have small children? Well, you can inform them that the only kids allowed are the relatives of the couple. Pwede mong ilagay sa invitation niyo na “Exclusively for adults only” avoid putting “No kids allowed” because it has negative impression kasi ‘No’ na agad ang nakalagay. You don’t want your guests to misinterpret you, right? If you will have kids in your wedding, have their own area or a kids’ table so that they can mingle with the other kids. Prepare an activity for them para may ginagawa rin sila during your reception kasi hindi naman sila makaka-relate sa program. You can't expect them to just sit there and watch until the program ends. They are kids. They have a short span of attention. Mabilis silang ma-bored. They maybe just kids but they are also your guests. Treat them with equal importance or attention as you give to adults.

The Guestslist The guest list is important in your wedding. This is the basis of the seating plan at the reception venue. Kapag wala ito, magkakalituhan kung saan uupo ang guests. Ito rin ang guide for catering kung ilan ang head count although other caterers are not too strict about this as long as they will not run out of food. You should prepare and finalize this list at least one week before the big day and send it to your coordinator. Try to avoid last minute changes. In making your guest list, prepare an alphabetical one and another that is arranged per table so that it would be easier for your coordinators to find your guests’ names. The seatplan You must plan the sitting arrangement well because on your wedding day, wala kayong time to sit down with your guests and talk to them no matter how much you want to because time would not allow it. Your coordinators are following a strict timeline and your host follow a program. Unless you have an after party, that's the only time you can really mingle with your guests. I suggest you group those guests who know one another in one table. This way, they will be comfortable. No one will feel out of place. And if you are inviting a friend who is unfamiliar with the rest of your guests, at kayo lang ang kakilala, malaki ang posibilidad na siya ay mag-request sa inyo na magsama ng isa pa para hindi siya magmukhang outcast . O kaya naman, mag-aattend siya pero uuwi agad after na naibigay na ang regalo at nabati na kayo kasi wala naman siyang kilala sa party. So, if you will invite a friend na walang kakilala from your other guests, expect and allow them to bring one more with them. Maglaan ka din ng seat for their plus one. Pero kung limited talaga ang guests, ihalo mo siya sa mga bubbly friends mo. Kahit di niya sila kakilala, hindi nya mapi-feel na out of place siya. And when it comes to your Principal Sponsors, you can sit them in the Presidential or VIP Table. If they are coming with their spouse, sit them in the same table. Who would want to be in the same party with a spouse and on separate table? That would be very uncomfortable for them. One getting VIP treatment and the other is treated as a regular guest. Parehas niyo naman silang ninong at ninang dahil sila ay mag asawa. Have them seat together.

Pero kung driver or anak ang kasama, that's the only time you can have them seated on a different table. You better confirm it to your ninong and ninang if they will attend with their spouse. For the entourage, dahil madalas ang members ay kapamilya rin, isinasama sila sa Table for Family. My suggestion is to have the entourage sit together para kapag kailangan sila, iisang table nalang ang pupuntahan ng coordinators.Mas madali silang tipunin lalo kung kailangan silang tawagin for the parade of the entourage or kapag singles' game na. Also, they will be at ease with one another. Some couples decide to have free style seat plan. This is where guests can choose to sit where they will feel comfortable. O, kung saan may bakante, iyon nalang ang i-fill in ng guests. Actually this one is okay din naman. Kaya lang baka maging rowdy ang guests. Magpalipatlipat sila ng table kasi natanaw nila bigla sa ibang table na may kakilala pala sila doon. Tip: Sit your guests accordingly. If guests are seated comfortably and if they are seated with nice people, they will more likely stay until the end of the program. What guests can do in between ceremony and reception program Guests always arrive earlier at the reception venue than the couple. It is because the newlywed have to do postnups, they have to retouch especially the bride, and sometimes it takes them time to arrive at the reception venue because of traffic especially if the ceremony venue is quite distant from the reception venue. This is why it is good to prepare something for your guests to keep them busy while waiting for the reception to start. Have them take a photo and write a message Hire a photobooth supplier. It can lessen the boredom of your guests while waiting for the reception program to start. You can choose the one that is strip type in which your guests can also write a message for you and your partner. This can serve as their souvenir and your guestbook in one.

Have them eat You can prepare a cocktail food for your guests. (Dessert table/grazing table/pica pica station/ sushi bar/ donut wall)Alin man dito ang mapili mo, better to have one. Most of your guests, lalo na ang member of the entourage, hindi sila masyadong nakakain. Kasi they are also busy preparing for your wedding. Nagpaganda din sila, nagbihis, kasama mo sa photoshoots. Malamang, pagdating sa venue hall, gutom na sila at most of your guests. Kaya mainam na meron kang any of these suppliers. Kasi kahit mag start agad ang reception program, hindi naman kainan ang first part no’n kundi traditionals muna. Kaya have at least something for them to eat pagdating nila sa reception venue so that when the program begins, they can focus on it because they are not hungry. (At least not yet.) Have them play You can prepare a game for your guests while waiting for you. Like mga trivia questions, syempre do not forget the prize para mag join talaga sila. Any fun game will do. Ice breaker lang. Kasi madalas, wedding guests do not know each other. Kanya kanyang circle. Yung mga kamag anak ni bride sila sila lang magkakasama, mga officemates ni grooms sila sila lang din. Kapag may games, nawawala yung awkward silent moments. You better prepare games before the formal start of the reception program. In that way, nagiging good vibes din ang ambiance. Serenade them If you have the budget, hire a wedding singer or acoustic band. Serenade your guests. If you will hire, choose a band na meron babae saka lalaking vocalists. Para kiligin ang mga single male & female friends nyo. (Kasi kung lalaki lang ang vocalist, kilig na kilig na ang single girl friends niyo, ang mga lalaki naman, bitter na. Pero suggestion lang naman ito. It's up to you. Kung anong prefer niyo. ) Kung magha hire kayo ng acoustic band or wedding singer, usually 3 sets sila. Umpisa, dinner time saka after party. So sa simula, pwede niyo na ipa serenade ang inyong mga guests. They would surely sit & stare.

Have them watch an AVP Another idea you can do habang naghihintay ang guests ay mag play ng videos. Like yung growing up pictures ninyo, or prenup slideshows, or photos niyo as bf & gf. You can also include your guests in the slideshows. Kasi kapag puro kayo lang ang makikita sa slideshows, baka maumay naman sila. E meron pang save the date na ipi play, may SDE pa. Kaya kung makakagawa kayo ng slideshow na kasama yung family, friends, relatives, better. Para they will look forward to see themselves in the screen. And they have reason to laugh about pa. Maybe you wonder why I am suggesting a slideshow with your wedding guests. Well, this is to show that they have been part of your life. Kaya sila nasa wedding mo.

Chapter five Wedding Suppliers: Make or break choices The success or failure of your wedding day celebration will largely depend on the suppliers you will hire. They have the expertise but it would be a make or break outcome if you failed to prequalify them. If not selected properly, you may get over your budget. Or, you may not get the quality of services you contracted for. Worst, they may never show up at all. So it is important that you search hard and wise for the suppliers that you will book. The Wedding Suppliers Coordinators Coordinators supervise all the details. They are the ones to remind your wedding suppliers of the call time, they give instructions to members of the entourage and family of the things to do, they are the ones to signal everything, they make timeline, they do a lot of behind-the-scene works to ensure all will work smoothly on the day of the event. Coordinators plan, manage, organize, supervise, facilitate, oversee, coordinate and execute. Photographers and Videographers Hire a professional wedding photographer to capture your special moments. After your wedding, aalis ang mga bisita, mauubos ang mga pagkain, lahat ng pinaghandaan ninyo ng ilang buwan, minsan isang buong taon pa nga, ay mawawala. Ang matitira at maiiwan sa inyong mag asawa ay ang singsing at mga litrato. Mahalaga na kayo ay mag hire ng professional and official wedding photographer for your wedding. Memories matter. For photographers and videographers, their rates depends on the services that you will avail and not to the number of guests. So whether you’re planning for a civil or intimate or church wedding, their rate will not depend on that but on the service that you will avail. Kung wedding photo coverage only, then you can expect that the rate is lower compared to a service with a Same Day Edit (SDE). If it’s an intimate wedding and the reception program is shortened, some photographers/videographers will have shorter time in editing the audio video presentation (AVP) if ever meron kang SDE so they may charge additional fee for that service.

Host Hire a professional host who knows how to handle special events. She is not just hosting an event but must be able to relate and jive with guests. She should be flexible, versatile, lively, appealing, with convincing power to make your guests participate and make them want to stay until the program is over. The rate of the host is the same whether you have few or many guests. If it is an intimate wedding the host will have to think of better ways to make the reception livelier and funnier kasi kaunti lang ang guests. She would have to think of other ideas to get the guests involved in the wedding reception, and what games to do for a smaller number of guests. It will be more challenging for her to facilitate your wedding reception. Make Up Artistt Hire a professional makeup artist. Kasi kahit gaano ka kagaling mag-make up sa sarili mo, during wedding, madaming stress. madaming pwedeng maka pressure sayo, madaming hassle. Baka instead na gumanda ka, hindi mo ma achieve ang look na gusto mo for yourself kasi nga, stressed out ka na din. It's once in a lifetime moment so you should look your best! Dapat maganda ka sa kasal mo. It's your day. Ikaw ang bida. Nasayo ang atensyon ng lahat. Kaya dapat lang na maganda ka at better if may touch of expert ang beauty mo. Ang bayad sa makeup artist ay per head ng aayusan nila at hindi sa number of guests. Kung ang bride lamang ang aayusan, mas mababa ang rate compared kung maraming abay ang aayusan. Meron mga makeup artists whose rates for the bride ay katumbas ng rate ng isang makeup artist na naka- package na sa buong entourage. Meron artists whose rates are too pricey, meron naman iyong mababa lamang ang rate. Prices depend on the level of expertise and years of experience and on the quality of makeup products they use. If you’re going to book a makeup artist for your wedding, make sure that you do trial makeup before the wedding day. So that on the day of your wedding, hindi kayo trial and error. However, there are makeup artists that are really experts that they know just by looking at you what will be right for your skin color, shape of your face, and your aura. Take note also that the trial makeup is paid for unless it is part of the package. Sometimes, your prenuptial makeup look serves as your trial makeup.

Bakit kailangan ng trial makeup? Para matantya mo rin ang oras kung gaano katagal o kabilis ka kayang ayusan ng makeup artist mo. If in your trial makeup or prenup shoot halos isang oras at kalahati ka aayusan, expect that on the day of your wedding mas matagal kasi, mas aayusin , mas gagandahan, at mas gagawing madetalye ang makeup. This way you will know how much time you can allot for makeup time on your wedding day. It is advisable if you have a preferred bridal look so you can tell your makeup artist. Ano ba ang advisable bridal look? I suggest fresh look and light make up and not a heavy one so that when you walk down the aisle, your groom can recognize you. Baka sa kapal ng makeup mo hindi ka na makilala ng groom at guests ninyo. So it is better if your makeup is fresh and light only. Yung mukhang natural pero at the same time there is a wow factor. Catering Catering is a package of food, tables and chairs, utensils and basic styling of backdrop, table centerpieces and waiters to serve your guests. If you do not hire catering for your wedding, you will need to rent utensils, tables and chairs, centerpiece, you need to DIY the backdrop or hire someone to do the venue styling, you need to budget the expenses for the food, you will need to hire people na mamimili ng ingredients, magluluto ng pagkain at magsi-serve sa guests mo, at maglilinis after the event. There will be a lot of things to do. Hassle.Stressful and tiring kapag hindi ka mag-hire ng catering. What are the things you need to consider in choosing your food vendor? Unang- una fit sa budget. Pangalawa, consider the taste and quality of the food. Baka pasok nga sa budget pero hindi masarap. Pangatlo, look into the preferences of your guests. Baka may guests kayo na Muslim, o vegerarian, be mindful of them. Kung dalawa o tatlo lang naman sila out of your hundred guests, you can ask your coordinator to order a separate meal for those guests. Kung majority of your guests ay matatanda na, ano bang preferred nilang kainin? Menu may seem not to matter so much pero pagkain ang tatatak sa inyong mga guests, among other details. Caterers allocate a ten percent food buffer. Pero let's be clear. Ang buffer ay para sa mga guests na malakas kumain at hindi para sa extra guests. The buffer is there para kung gusto nilang bumalik, food can be served. Kaya kung nag- book ka for one hundred persons and there’s ten percent buffer hindi ibig sabihin you can invite another ten guests. Kung palagay niyo na kukulangin ang number of persons you have booked for catering, magdagdag na kayo. Mainam ng ang sobra kaysa kulang. O kung palagay ninyo ay magkakaroon ng mga unexpected guests sa inyong kasal, I suggest you book for a buffer. Example, you book for a hundred of guests. invite only ninety people. In that way, there will be sits and food available for your unexpected guests.

Pwede naman iuwi iyong matitirang food if ever. Just bring food containers kasi hindi lahat ng caterers, naglalaan ng lagayan sa mga natitirang food unless, this has been agreed beforehand. If you are planning for an intimate wedding, you can save a lot however most caterers have the required mimimum number of guests. If it is lower than twenty guests, it would be hard to look for a caterer especially if who you are eyeing to book is a top caterer. This is why, most intimate weddings are held in restaurants. Lights & Sounds Ang basic package ng lights and sounds supplier ay para sa fifty to maximum of one hundred guests. Kapag sumobra dito, your supplier may suggest that you upgrade the package. They also consider the venue. Is it an open space? Enclosed? The supplier will provide more or less two speakers only kung open space ang venue at basic sound system lamang ang kinuha mo, marinig kaya ng mainam ang sound system? Baka scattered ang dating ng sound. Kung enclosed naman at kauti lamang ang guests, the sound system will be much better. Ang sound system ay hindi maaaring mawala sa wedding celebration kasi sila ang magbibigay buhay sa event. What is a celebration without a music, right? Imagine your wedding ng wala man lang pa musical effect. Pero if you’re going to hire one, make sure na iyong magagaling talaga. Hindi yung kailangan pang bigyan ng instruction ng host o ng coordinator kung anong songs ang ipi-play at kung kailan ipi-play. Gayundin kapag walang light effect, magiging plain ang backdrop niyo sa pictures, walang proper lighting. Magiging boring at matamlay ang inyong event kung walang sound and light effect. Sound and light gives atmosphere to an event. Florist/Stylist A lot of soon-to-wed couples are also confused with this. A florist can be your stylist pero hindi lahat ng stylist is a florist. A florist is one who does flower arrangements for your wedding venue and for your bridal bouquet and entourage’s flowers. They charge different rates for each arrangement. Minsan iyong flowers at the aisle of the church kasama na sa package of the church you book. Minsan naman, it’s up to you if you want to avail that or you want to hire outside florist. Sa venue decoration naman, kasama na ang backdrop styling sa package ng catering. If you want to upgrade, it is either the caterer will ask for additional payment or they will suggest you to hire outside florist/stylist to do your desired floral arrangement.

Designer/Dressmaker for bride and groom Ano ang wedding gown na bagay sa iyo? O ano yung style ng wedding gown na gusto mo? I would advise that you get your inspirations from magazines, or from gown maker themselves. Choose also a wedding dress that fits you well and suits your personality as well. Kung conservative ka, of course, hindi ka pipili ng wedding dress that is too revealing. Also, yung style ng bridal gown should complement your wedding theme. If it’s a beach wedding, of course you can’t wear a ball gown. You will have to choose more comfy wedding dress. It is up to you kung gusto mo magpatahi sa designer o dressmaker o bumili ng yari na. It is also the same for the groom-to-be. Pwede syang pumili kung made-to-order or ready made. But, whichever, I hope that you will find the right wedding attires for your big day! Photobooth I suggest to have photobooth in your wedding kasi pwede na din itong magsilbing souvenir. Dual purpose na. Iwas dead air din kapag may photobooth kasi habang naghihintay sa reception venue, pwede na sila magpa picture. At the same time, souvenir na din nila iyon. But if you prefer to have other souvenirs especially for your principal sponsors, pwede din naman. You can always have souvenirs of your choice. Invitation Your wedding invitation describes what your guests can expect in your wedding. For example, nagbigay ka ng DIY wedding invitation, they can expect that you’re going to have a DIY wedding. Kung napaka-elegant naman ng invitation mo, they can say na bongga ang wedding dahil invitation pa lamang maganda na. With our modern day, you can send your wedding invites via Facebook messenger or email. Just print some for principal sponsors and for photoshoot purpose. Do not give your wedding invites too early nor too late. Kapag too early may tendency na ma- misplace ang invitation card or malimutan ang wedding day. Send it at least one month before your wedding so that they can make necessary adjustments with their schedules.

Souvenirs Minsan, kahit maliit na detalye, nahihirapan ang couple to decide kung anong souvenir ang magandang ibigay sa kanilang guests. Of course, they want it to be memorable and as much as possible, useful. What I can suggest is to give something that they will surely keep. Make sure it’s worthy, practical and useful. Your wedding souvenir can be related to your wedding theme. Kung garden wedding, you can have succulent plants as your souvenirs or anything nature- related or ecofriendly. Kung vintage naman ang theme, you can give them something vintage. Gagastusan niyo rin naman, make sure souvenirs will be worth it. Hindi yung itatapon or isasantabi lamang. Side Kwento: When we got married, I decided to have caricatures of our principal sponsors as our wedding souvenirs to them. I was sure they would be fascinated because it is their cute and funny versions of themselves. At naisip ko, itapon man nila, it is their faces anyway. Kidding aside, they all loved it and they said they remembered our wedding (and us) everytime they see their caricatures posted on their walls. Guidelines & Criteria in choosing your wedding suppliers I have encountered different suppliers in the wedding industry. I have sometimes experienced frustrations with those that have failed my clients in delivering the services they have promised. So, I am sharing with you what I have learned to look out for from suppliers and how to check them out so that you get only those that have the reputation of professionalism to ensure that they will fully comply with the contract you have signed up with them. Legitimate First, registered businesses ba sila? Ito ang guide nyo kung legit o hindi. Secondly, may legit ba silang addresses and contact numbers para kung may problema pwede niyong puntahan o tawagan? May references ba kayo ng mga naka- deal nila? You can check them via social media. Look for their Facebook pages, their personal accounts if necessary. (In this way you will know what kind of persons they are or if they are using dummy accounts. This will also give you an impression what kind of person you will work with.)

Review the feedbacks and events they have served. How to check? If you are a member of any wedding groups in Facebook go to that page and once you’re in the group, type the name or Facebook page of the supplier in the search bar and you will see if someone has posted them before. Victims usually post their experiences there to serve as caution/warning to future clients. You can post and ask the members of a certain group if they have worked with that certain supplier before. If suppliers don’t have that in their page, that’s creepy. Go and find another one. With Sound Judgment You will be able to discern this during your first meetings with suppliers. Kung may tanong ka, mabilis ba mag-isip? If you raise a problem, mabilis ba magbigay ng solusyon? Importante ito kasi doon mo makikita kung ready sila sa mga gagawin if unexpected things arise during the event. They should not just be quick to make solutions but should also have wisdom at hindi lang basta makalusot sa problems. Hindi lang basta gagawa ng paraan para makaraos lamang ang event. So, before contracting them, think if they will meet your standard. Versatile It would be better if the suppliers that you’re going to hire ay kaya ring gawin yung roles ng ibang suppliers in case of emergency. Halimbawa, yung host, for one reason or another, can’t make it on time or talagang hindi na makakarating, Since you have hired versatile and flexible coordinators, one of them can take on that role. Alam niya ang reception program flow. As a wedding planner myself, I see to it that I have even the slightest idea on how to do the works of other suppliers so that in the absence of them or when they are missing in action, I can act or do something in their place. Has initiative Mahalaga na yung suppliers na kukunin niyo may initiative. Hindi yung nakikiramdam lang, hindi yung dedma lang. Yung alam when to act and how to do it. You may be able to get an idea if your suppliers have initiative when you inquire from their past clients. It will be too late kung na-hire nyo sila and they will turn out otherwise. So, inquire, inquire

Team Player Paano mo malalaman if your supplier can work with a team? O kung marunong makisama? May masama ba silang experiences sa supplier like snubbing their co- suppliers or don’t talk to one another, o kaya nagkakainisan? Medyo mayabang ba? Hindi mo makikita itong ganitong mga ugali kundi on the day itself! And it would be too late. Again, inquire from past clients, get feedback. Wedding is a team effort. All your suppliers should work as a team and not as competitors. They should have one goal. To make your wedding day beautiful. Client-centered Book a supplier that will treat you with importance. You are valued. You are cared for. You are heard. If you call and they are busy with another client, they will call you back within at most one hour or at least text or notify you that they will respond to you as soon as they are available. Pero huwag naman ilang araw na ang nakakalipas, hindi pa nag-reply. That’s a red flag! A reputable supplier will always attend to your inquiry or needs especially if you have signed the contract with them. While it is true that suppliers may have their own personal concerns that is not your problem. It is for them to deliver what are expected of them because they want to avoid being sued for nonfulfillment of contract. Above all, Professionals Gusto mo ng maayos na event? Hire professionals. I am not talking about the certified event planner or the famous ones. You do not need a high educational background from wedding suppliers. What you need are those who have shown track record of good work and have delivered their commitments according to contract or agreement, whether verbal or written. Check their past clients for efficiency, timely delivery, problem solving ability, and, of course, satisfactory customer service. With professionals, you are more or less assured that your event will be as you have envisioned and planned it to be. Suppliers to avoid I remember I watched this story sa YouTube that a couple complained and sued their wedding planner kasi nagkagulo sa wedding celebration and reception. The planner was not able to get her suppliers to deliver their commitments for the catering, most especially. Here they are.

Overpromise under deliver Kaingat ka sa mga ganitong suppliers. They promise a lot pero on the day of your event, they don’t deliver as expected. Hindi pala kayang gawin yung requirement of the client. Usually, suppliers make promises they cannot fulfill just so they can close the deal. For example, ang client humingi ng discount. Ang gagawin ng supplier para kumita rin naman sya ay titipirin ang materyales. So, couples, kung afford nyo naman ang binigay na presyo ng supplier huwag na kayong humingi ng discount. This way, you can demand what has been contracted. Kung hindi talaga kaya ng budget niyo at pumayag naman siya sa discounted amount, be prepared for the outcome. Just manage your expectations. But, there are honest suppliers who will tell you directly, “Ma’am, sir. Kung iyan po ang budget ninyo, ito lang po yung magagawa ko.” When the supplier tells you this, know that they are not trying to insult you with your budget but they are saving you from your high expectations. In any case, always have all agreements in writing so you have something to refer to when things like that happen. Suppliers who offer super low rates Kapag masyadong mababa yung service rate, mag- isip muna kayo bago mag- book. (You can base on the standard rate sheet at the appendix 1.) Kung gusto mong makatipid, do not forget to be practical as well. Watch out for suppliers who offer super low rates. That’s a red flag. Do not be enticed by those suppliers. You are not assured of the quality of service. While supplier rates vary, this depends on the level of expertise, years of experience and reputation for quality service. May mga baguhan na suppliers din na magagaling na rin.You can compare what they have done, kahit konti pa lang, with those of experienced suppliers. If the newbies’ rates are within your budget, and you think you can trust them based on reviews then you can hire them. Still, be careful. Sa pagpili ng suppliers, paganahin ang discernment power. Choose carefully. Don’t be scammed. Baka hindi ka siputin sa inyong wedding day. Mag-ala Sherlock Holmes ka. Check and think ng maigi! Here, you can ask your bridesmaids to help you select suppliers. Or, better, if you have a budget for it, hire a wedding planner/coordinator to assist you.

If you have a friend who is a wedding supplier, hire them. support their businesses. Do not ask for discounts, if possible. Pero kung sila ang nag- initiate ng discount and freebies, that’s okay. Kung referral naman ng kaibigan, kamag- anak o kakilala mo, check mo pa rin sila. Hindi excuse na dahil referred sila ng kakilala mo ay approved na agad.

Chapter six Coordinators: X - factor in weddings When the couple starts to plan their wedding, they think first about the venue, the wedding gown, the photographers, and other wedding details. It is very seldom that soon-to-wed couples think about hiring a coordinator first thing. In fact, coordinators are just an option for them. Some couples even opt to tap a friend or a relative to coordinate their wedding. There’s nothing wrong about not hiring a coordinator, however a lot of things could go wrong. This is why choosing the right coordination team is important. The team of coordinators is composed of one Event head that leads the team for the event, a Bride Manager that assists the bride in her every need, a Groom Manager that takes care of the groom’s needs, Ceremony manager to assist the entourage in the processional line, to distribute wedding accessories and flowers, to coordinate with the church regarding the music and a Banquet Manager that takes charge of the reception venue preparations, oversees styling, monitors suppliers, facilitates reception program and makes sure all is set before the program starts. Roles of Coordinators Marami ang confused kung ano ba ang roles ng coordinators this is why, it is no surprise that some couples do not hire wedding coordinators. Wedding coordinators act as the head team for the wedding. Sila ang X- Factor in a successful, stress-free, smooth-sailing event. Coordinators are the one to help you plan your wedding. They are your guide in choosing the right suppliers, they check suppliers you will hire whether they are legit or have a good track record and they see to it that the agreements and contracts are valid. This way, hindi kayo mai-scam.

Why you should hire wedding coordinators Some couples underestimate the need to hire coordinators thinking they can do it themselves without their help. Well, it’s okay. Some brides are hands-on naman kasi sa wedding preparations. They are organized and detailed person and sometimes they have friends who are already married that they can ask help from kaya naman walang problema ang wedding planning for them. Here’s a few reasons why you should entrust your wedding to professional coordinators They are wedding experts They can bring out your ideas to life. And with their experiences in coordinating weddings, you can trust them to know what to do, especially in cases that may arise unexpectedly. If you will tap a friend or a relative to coordinate your wedding, will they know what to do when something unexpected happen? They will be your hands and feet on the day of your wedding. If you will not hire coordinators on your wedding day, who will be in-charge? Who will call the suppliers? Who will assist the entourage? Who will facilitate the program? Wedding has a lot of details that may stress you out. Do not stress yourself. Hire the experts. If you will tap a friend or relative to coordinate your wedding. will they be able to enjoy your wedding day? Signs you need to hire a wedding coordinator You are busy If you're working and no time for all the preparations, inquiring, making calls, scheduling meeting with suppliers, running an errand, going to and fro and all the hassle of the wedding preps, you better hire someone who can do it for you. You have no idea at all If you do not have any idea at all about planning a wedding, you better hire a coordinator. Hire someone who can give ideas and who can help you. Minsan, may mga mapagsamantalang suppliers when they sense na wala kang alam, they will take advantage. If you have a coordinator, makakaiwas ka sa mga mapagsamantalang suppliers.

You are capable of hiring one. If you are capable of hiring a team of coordinators, do not hesitate to do so. It’s once in a lifetime moment and every bit of it will be remembered. Do you want to look back on your big day and remember all the epic fails just because you did not hire a coordinator? A lot can happen if you did not hire a wedding coordinator. Minsan yang mga wedding coordinator, savior din ang mga iyan. Kapag may palpak ang co- suppliers, sila ang gumagawa ng paraan para mapagtakpan. Sila ang gumagawa ng remedy para hindi halata. Kaya napakahalaga ng may wedding coordinator. Categories of Coordination Services There are three categories: On-The- Day Coordination, Semi-Full Coordination and Full Coordination. ON THE DAY SEMI-FULL FULL COORDINATION COORDINATION service starts 1-2 months before the wedding day service starts 3-6months service starts 7 to 1 year 4 wedding coordinators on before the wedding day before the wedding day duty 5 -6 wedding coordinators on 6 -7 wedding coordinators on 2 face to face meetings duty duty 4 face to face meetings 6 face to face meetings The above is a guide. Please note that it still varies per coordination team. If you book for OTD Coordination service, do not demand for full coordination work. Syempre kapag On The Day Coordination, service starts one to two months before your wedding day so you can expect na mas unti nalang ang gagawin nila kasi nai-plan mo na yung iba pang detail bago ka nag book compare sa kapag full coordination service ang kinuha mo, from beginning of the preparation until you wedding day, they are there.