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Start Planning for your "I Do" with this Wedding Primer!

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Wedding Budget

I have been asked countless times "How much does it take to get married?" and I normally throw back a question straight and direct to the point... "It depends on how much you want to pay for it?".

Yes, it all depends on how much you want to spend for your wedding. You can get married for as low as Php 7,000 (just enough to pay for legal papers) or the moon is the limit (well here, anything goes - the most expensive wedding we did was at 2.5M).

When my clients get confused with their budget, I get them to answer a short questionnaire just to find out if they are at the same page in their wedding preps and their priorities.

In planning your dream wedding and staying on the budget, here's what you need to do:

                            

Think about your dream wedding. Each of you should list down everything that you want to make your dream wedding come true. Once you're done with that, time to go back to reality and compare notes (to find out if you are at the same page), determine how much you both are willing to spend or save up for your wedding.

                         

Now, you have to work with your fiance on the following:

1) Be realistic... up to how much do you want to spend?

• Getting married these days is pretty expensive. Better to know early on what your limit is would be a great help. Remember, there is still life after the wedding. You don't have to impress anybody.

2) Identify your top 3 or top 5 priorities and your least priorities.  

• Knowing your priorities will help you determine where you can splurge - food, venue, photo and video?
• It will determine what items you can skimp on - souvenirs, decor, flowers, etc.
• Make sure that both of you have the same priorities. If not, it's time to talk about it and compromise if needed (e.g. You want a vintage bridal car but he wants a Mercedes Benz bridal car). 
• Our clients normally decide on prioritizing the following: photo and video, venue (church and reception), food, entertainment and gown

3) Allocate a specific amount for all the items in your list

• If you prioritize your photo and video allocate a certain budget for this. Packages from good photo and video suppliers starts at Php 35,000. The most expensive we know of is at Php 150,000. 
• If you're not prioritizing your gown, you may opt to buy it at Divisoria at Php 5,000. Just don't tell anyone about it. Nobody would really know it's from Divisoria. For all they know you had a big time designer to create it for you (as long as it's nicely done).

4) Tally everything

• Add the total cost of the amount you alotted for your wedding based on your "dream wedding"
• If you're over budget, find out which item made you go over budget
• Determine what items you can skimp on, do it yourself, delegate, let go or keep the optimism high by finding the next best thing.

5) Search for your suppliers

• The best way to meet suppliers is to attend bridal fairs. It's just like shopping but here you'll be shopping for the best deals for your wedding
• Buy wedding magazines. For international magazines, I prefer Martha Stewart Weddings because of their do-it-yourself crafts but I would still buy our local wedding magazines as reference since it features local suppliers.
• Browse thru wedding portals such as kasal.com 
• Ask your coordinator (if you're getting one)

6) You can always ask for a wedding package

• Some suppliers, normally caterers and hotels, have wedding packages that includes almost everything. Making it easier for you to plan your wedding and sometimes it comes out cheaper

Hope this helps you plan your wedding!

Feel free to add more tips!

Scribbles of an Event Planner

Before I Do Couple: Christian and Michelle

Christian and Michelle's wedding made me realize that anything is possible.

By just listening to their onsite video you know that they went through a lot and the love is there to stay.

"There's one thing, the only thing I want you to remember, kahit magka Alzheimer's ka kailangan mo syang tandaan. I will love you for the rest of my life that's the only promise I know how to keep."

Michelle shared with us some thoughts on how she prepared for her wedding and a bit of an advice for soon to wed couples.

"The best thing that happened during the wedding preparation...hmmm....nothing so unique but being surrounded by the people I love, bringing them all together it's....wonderful. Knowing that they made an effort travelling back to Philippines to be with me and witness a very special event in my life. They just made it extra special."

"The best thing that happened during our wedding:
#1 Finally were married!!!! aside from that...
#2 the Sun came up after few days of rain and aside from that ...
#our very special friend who had been with us all through out the wedding prep was there even though she was on the rough spot and dealing some personal issues she was there with us to help us and make sure that everything will run smooth. Hands down very professional. I respect her for being so professional. By the way she's our Coordinator, Summer." For more about this visit http://vrccreative.blogspot.com/2013/08/of-beginnings-and-endings.html)

"I haven't seen or talked to my father for years and hearing his speech was something I never expected. The memories and how well he still know me was just so special to me."

"I splurge on the major things like the venue, food, photographer, dress and the stylist and saved on invitations. I also did some DIY on few details."

"Ohhh!!! The wedding is very fun to think about like thinking about you're dress and imagining your wedding, but wait till you start the real preparation it wasn't that easy at all."

"It will take most of your time doing some research and all that to put up your dream wedding. Good thing that I have people to count on during those time when I don't know what to do. Not one bride knows what to do with their wedding except for those who are already involved on the wedding industry, I think."

"You're best friend is Mr Google. Before you hire a supplier or plan something research first check everywhere. There's forum, there's Facebook and other social media and every possible way you can check them so you're sure you're getting the right supplier for you. If you're based abroad never neglect hiring a Coordinator because she will be your person."

"I wish I had more time preparing for the wedding there's something more I wanted to do."

"Our best decision was we hired a very professional suppliers to create our dream wedding. We never risk on hiring suppliers for the sake of saving. If you trust and like the work of a supplier and you feel that they will give you what you want I say go for it. It's a once in a lifetime event so why not make it special."

Surprise birthday cake for the birthday boy

"Married life is a mix up fun and challenge. It's fun because we made it fun as much as possible even though there is absolutely down time on some days. I think it actually depends on the couple how they will handle their marriage. I say it's challenging because now you have to consider you're husbands thoughts and feelings not like when you're single I will just do whatever I like. Also let's not forget that there's a lot of adjustments to make. Also a bit of advice give you're partner freedom let you're partner do whatever he/she wants as long as both of you know your limitations. I swear it avoids a lot of conflicts and arguments."



Featured Before I Do Bridal Fair suppliers:
Full Planning & Coordination: Simply Beautiful Events
Ceremony and Reception: The Mango Farm
Invitations: Wingdingz Invitations
Entertainment and Sound System: Notecracker
Mobile Bar: GQ Mobile Bar
Bridal Car: Don Roberts Bridal Car
Photo booth: Fantasy Kiosk

Your Most Awaited Offer!

Book Rachebeli Wines at the Before I Do Bridal Fair and get 50% OFF on custom labeled chocolate bars when you avail of the wines! 

Go Beyond Printing with Annasthetic Designs!

Book Annasthetic Designs onsite at the Before I Do Bridal Fair and avail of the ff:

In every 120 sets of order: 

   FREE table number

   FREE thank you cards or gift tags 

   FREE E-vite save the dates, and

5% OFF on invitations!

Let Clint Carl Flower Shop Arrange a SMILE with LOVE for You...

Book Clint Carl Flower Shop at the Before I Do Bridal Fair and avail of their 10% to 20% DISCOUNT and FREEBIES for onsite bookings!

MargaRush is here to Crush your Party!

Avail 15% OFF when you book MargaRush at the Before I Do Bridal Fair on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall!

Get Complete Sounds and Lighting for your Events from LST Mobile!

Avail 10% OFF plus FREEBIES when you book LST Mobile (Light and Sound Tech) at the Before I Do Bridal Fair on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall! 

Get Classic, Elegant Gowns from Fashion and Weddings by April Dalid!

Watch out for Fashion and Weddings by April Dalid at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Florists

Watch out for the ff. Florists at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Dangwa Florist
2. Julius and Carol Flower Shop
3. Clint Carl Flower Shop
4. Mr. Hardinero
5. Holland Tulips Flower Shop

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Cake Suppliers

Watch out for the ff. Cake Suppliers at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Top Cakes
2. Vista Barista
3. Minka's Sweet Tooth Baking and Party Needs

The Small Group with the BIG Sound!

Watch out for Enrico Braza's Entertainment Center at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall

Your Health and Beauty Expert - Dermaesthetique Clinics!

Watch out for Dermaesthetique Clinics at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!

Dangwa Florist: Supplies the Finest Flowers Available!

Watch out for Dangwa Florist at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall.

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Wine and Liquor Supplier Category

Watch out for the ff. Wine and Liquor Suppliers at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Rachebeli Wines
2. MargaRush

Before I Do Before Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Events Place Category

Check out the ff. Events Place at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Le Jardin Rosella Events Place
2. The Mango Farm

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Invitation Services Category

Watch out for the ff. at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Annasthetic Designs
2. Invitation Designs by Kenneth Uy
3. Perfect Designs Invitation
4. Print Divas
5. Written in Ink (WINK)

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Photo / Video

Watch out for the ff. Photographers and Videographers at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall.
1. B.A. Studio
2. CD Worx Multimedia Center
3. CGM Studio
4. Raymond Fortun Photography
5. One Love Photography
6. H Studios
7. Filterpan Photography
8. Ariel Javelosa Photography
9. Power Image Photography
10. Danielle Lei Studio
11. Imagine Nation Photography
12. Extreme Detail Photography
13. East Digital Studio
14. RJM Digital Photography and Videography
15. LightShapers
16. Ralph Alejandrino Photography
17. Treasured Memories Productions
18. Studio 1 Photography
19. Nice Print Photography

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Hair and Make Up Artists

Watch out for the ff. Hair and Make Up Artists at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening this November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. CJ Jimenez Makeup
2. Cel Sabile Professional Make Up Artist & Accesories Design
3. Jo Barba Make-up School & Studio
4. Realm Salon
5. Make-up by Abbie Feraren
6. Make Up Artistry by Nybie Ng
7. Mary Ann Martinez HMUA
8. EG Make Up Studio
9. Beauty by Ria
10. Makeup by Eula Paula

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Jewelers

Watch out for the following Jewelers at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Ami Jewels
2. Goldenhills Jewelry
3. Maristella Jewelry
4. Jewelry by Franco
5. Gems by Me
6. Imelda's Jewelry
7. La Real Jewelry
8. Odysseus Suarez Wedding Rings

Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. - Event Coordination Services Category

Watch out for the following Event Coordinators at the Before I Do Bridal Fair 16th Ed. happening on November 22 to 24, 2013 at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall!
1. Bridal Fantasy
2. Events on Demand
3. FYI Events
4. Candies and Themes Event Consultancy and Styling
5. Events Republic
6. Monina E Events and Marketing