Author Archives: nikki

How to Feast on a Budget: The Wedding Edition

A wedding is considered to be one of the grandest occasions society has ever bore witness to. It’s the union of two people in love in front of their friends and family. In other words, a wedding signifies the start of a new life between two individuals.

However, as touching as it seems, a wedding is no cheap feat for anyone to avail of. The couple, who is planning to get married, has to take care of a few factors, including the décor, the service provided on their big day, the wedding food, as well as the clothing and apparel to be worn by their entourage (the bridesmaids and the bride herself). Most of these things are, of course, not cheap – which could cause some minor complications in your wedding planning.

If you are looking for ways to save sums of money on your special day, fear not as there are many ways to achieve this goal. With that said, here are some things you can apply to lower the costs of your wedding:

On the Décor

On the Décor

When it comes to any wedding, it’s important to capture the eyes of your guests and stun them with such beautiful and intricate color schemes and designs. However, as previously stated, these are not easy to afford, which is why if you’re looking to save money on your wedding decorations, here are some things you can consider cutting down on:

Hiring Professionals

  • Hiring Professionals

Professional designers lending a helping hand in your wedding are all the rage right now. They are able to come up with elaborate and extravagant designs and genius color pallets for any theme the wedding is based on. However, the fees they charge for their services can be a bit exorbitant.

Using Extravagant and Expensive Materials

  • Using Extravagant and Expensive Materials

In most cases, wedding days exude an amount of style and luxury. However, it doesn’t always have to be the case, as there are alternative materials available for anyone’s use. All you have to do is look and consider them well.

Preparing your Invitations

  • Preparing your Invitations

This is one of the things that most couples tend to spend a lot of money on. They focus on intricate designs on the invitations to the point where it becomes expensive. But it is important to remember that an invitation does not have to be costly to be captivating. In fact, there are many do-it-yourself invitation tutorials available online that you can follow without having to spend too much on them.

Flowers

  • Flowers

Managing this aspect is easy enough to handle. Depending on which fauna you want to showcase in your wedding, make sure to not buy too much and find the best flowering service to better service you in this field.

On the Venue

On the Venue

One of the key factors to a great wedding is a great venue. Depending on the venue, it can speak of serenity and memorability in terms of the celebration at hand. Touching as it sounds, availing for one does not come cheap. Here are some things you can do to manage your costs of the venue:

Locations

  • Locations

This is one thing one must try to avoid. The further the venue from everyone’s locations, the more likely it is to cause an exorbitant amount.

The Size of the Venue

  • The Size of the Venue

When it comes to the size of your desired venue, all you need to consider is if its size is just right for the number of guests you wish to invite. The venue will be more likely expensive, if it’s a bit too big for you and your guests to celebrate in.

On the Food

On the Food

Of course, what makes a wedding more complete than the food you enjoy with your guests? When one thinks about ensuring high-class, quality food to serve to their guests, one must also think about the expenses it will cost. To help you out in this endeavor, here are some things that you need to consider:

Hiring a Waiting Staff

  • Hiring a Waiting Staff

In most cases, it’s better to have a buffet set-up instead of having to hire waiting staff on your wedding. By doing this, you won’t have to pay extra fees once the celebration is over.

Serving Extravagant Foods

  • Serving Extravagant Foods

Good food, given any kind of occasion, can guarantee a good time with your guests. However, you must remember that expensive is not actually synonymous with good. This is why instead of getting extravagant choices like lobster, steak, and others of the sort, you are better off choosing something much simpler.

Desserts

  • Desserts

Desserts are one thing couples usually splurge on. They do this as part of their efforts to impress all of their guests. However, one does not have to go to such lengths to do so. All you really have to do is concentrate on the quality (instead of quantity) of the confectionery treats you plan to share with the congregation.

On the Drinks

On the Drinks

Besides the food, one mustn’t forget about the array of drinks available in the reception for every adult’s indulgence. If you’re looking to save money on this one, here is something you could try:

Limit your Alcohol Offerings

  • Limit your Alcohol Offerings

There is an abundance of alcohol for you to choose from. But that doesn’t mean you should serve them all. Just pick several kinds of alcohol to serve that fits in your budget.

On the Apparel

On the Apparel

Lastly, this aspect should be taken into heavy consideration when it comes to saving some money. For this, here is the one thing you must take into account:

Trust in your Local Designers

  • Trust in your Local Designers

While getting married in a gown that’s designed by an internationally-renowned designer is every bride’s dream, it is definitely not an easy and cheap feat to achieve. With your local designers, not only will you be able to get the best dress that there is, but you’ll also be able to save a lot of money.

Key Takeaway

Everyone dreams of having a grand wedding. But sometimes having one is not really ideal. This does not mean, however, that your wedding day will no longer be a day everybody will remember. As mentioned above, there are a lot of things you can do in order to have a beautiful day worth celebrating without entirely breaking your bank. Just follow these tips and tricks, and you’re good to go!

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30+ Ideas for Unique and Memorable Wedding Delicacies for your Guests’ Enjoyment

30+ Ideas for Unique and Memorable Wedding Delicacies for your Guests’ Enjoyment

What unique and memorable delicacies can you serve in your wedding?

 

Doughnuts

Shepherd’s Pie

Pizza

Mashed Potato

Potato Chips

Various Candies

Assorted Popcorn

Macaroni and Cheese

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Ribs

Tacos

Steaks

Burritos

Fried Chicken

Barbecue

French Fries

Ramen

Kimchi

Sushi

Philly Cheesesteaks

Tempura

Pancakes

Pies

Waffles

Macaroni Salad

Cereals

Shawarma

Cookies and Milk

Fruit Salad

Brownies

 

When it comes to a wedding, food has always been part of the factors that contribute to a celebration that is truly spectacular. There is nothing like the feeling of being united in holy matrimony with your lover coupled with a number of good and delectable food around you.

In addition, when it comes to the food that will be dished out at your wedding, the enjoyment of your guests serve as one of the topmost priorities in this momentous occasion. It is expected that the food served meets the tastes of your guests – ranging from appetizers, the entrees, even right down to the desserts. Luckily, there are a variety of food choices out there both for you and your guests to enjoy.

When it comes to food choices for your wedding, there are two aspects that come with it. First, there are the more standardized choices of wedding food such as pasta, finger food, and the iconic multiple-tiered wedding cake. Then, there are the more unique, unorthodox choices that you wouldn’t expect to make it to a grand occasion such as a wedding. If you are looking for inspiration and ideas to widen your scope on wedding food choices, here are 30 of them that are ready to be served to you:

Doughnuts

Doughnuts

These frosty treats are just some of the unique choices available for your wedding. To make it more interesting, stack your doughnuts into elaborate towers to form an entirely new kind of wedding cake.

Pizzas

Pizzas

These savory foods are all over the internet and in people’s minds as well. Everyone loves pizza – no matter what toppings are on it. So, if you want your guests to eat something massive using just their hands, include this in your menu.

Potato Chips

Potato Chips

These snacks go well with just about anything, even with a bottle of beer. What’s more are the array of dips available for your chips, thus, adding more thrill with every dip and every bite.

Assorted Popcorn

Assorted Popcorn

There is nothing like the feeling of watching something – especially a grand wedding – unfold with a bucket of popcorn at hand. But an assortment of flavors to go along with it? Even better!

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This is for every sweet-tooth that has come to witness a celebration of love and unity. While this is usually geared for children, this treat is also for the young at heart. What’s even better are the variety of toppings and ice cream flavors available for you to choose from – making this one a food choice for all ages.

Tacos

Tacos

These shelled delicacies are loved by many ‘foodies’ alike, not just for their hard and soft shells, but for the variety of fillings you can put into it. To make it more interesting, don’t just limit this dish meat and other savory ingredients. Have you ever heard of a dessert taco? Yup, they are a thing and are guaranteed to make your wedding day a whole lot more exciting.

Burritos

Burritos

Speaking of Mexican treats, this food choice also made the cut for their widespread popularity. Burritos are the kind of food that entices you to devour the entire thing. In addition, you can even stuff it with meat, veggies, and rice – making it a meal wrapped into one. With a day as special as your wedding and a dish like this, what’s not to love?

Barbecue

Barbecue

In the Philippines, this dish is quite popular due to their savory and aromatic flavors. There’s no better feeling like the mouth-watering desire for a marinated meat that is skewed on sticks. Just remember to save the best bit for last, otherwise known as the ‘fat’.

Ramen

Ramen

Japanese Cuisine has always remained a staple option for those who wish to dine out. If you are looking to conceptualize your wedding day into something extraordinary and diverse, why not add Ramen to your menu? It is always served hot, has a long list of toppings, and there are a lot of other kinds of ramen to have for your special day. This food is truly a unique addition to the celebration of your holy matrimony.

Sushi

Sushi

The second of Japanese delicacies to make it into this list, this dish makes a great addition to your appetizers. Sushi can be prepared in a lot of ways, either rolled or stacked. Also, you have your choice of adding fish or meat to the dish and if you’re wishing to spice your dish up, as always, wasabi is always there for your choosing.

Tempura

Tempura

This dish just makes shrimp lovers squeal in delight. If you are looking for a different seafood experience to try, then tempura is undoubtedly the one for you.

Pies

Pies

Pies are just the classical desserts you never fail to indulge in any occasion, especially in a wedding. These delicacies are known for their various fillings and crusts, making it one of the most diverse dishes to make the cut (pun intended). Fruit pies aren’t just the staple choices for a pie as there are also savory varieties.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad

Who knew that macaroni would make a great salad? Certainly the folks from the Philippines! With a lot of delicious recipes under its belt, it would be a travesty that this dish would not be included in your roster of wedding dishes.

Shawarmas

Shawarmas

This is the burrito’s more “exposed” relative. The reason why it is exposed is because, unlike the burrito, you can see what is inside without breaking the shell. Plus, you can eat this dish with a spoon, going for the meat first and then saving the shell for last.

Fruit Salads

Fruit Salads

If you think macaroni and greens are the only kinds of salads available, think again. Another classic favorite amongst Filipinos, the Fruit Salad is the dessert of a lifetime. With its creamy texture and assortment of fruits, it is always unique in every bite… or in a spoonful.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

This dish caters to those who love meat and potatoes in one dish. This dish will never be complete without its signature meaty texture and mashed potato topping. Speaking of which…

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

That’s right. You can’t have a party without this famous dish. As long as it is mashed to perfection and perfectly seasoned, you can put this on anything, or eat it on its own.

Various Candies

Various Candies

This is more for a tableside thing. While waiting for the food to be served or if you are just craving for something sweet, feel free to grab a piece. If you wish to make it more extravagant, don’t be afraid to hire professionals to make the candy for the celebration. Additionally, widen your scope when it comes to this dish – whether it be gumdrops or lollipops.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

Another classic to make it on the list, macaroni and cheese will always be in the taste buds of many. Besides its numerous modes of preparation, it can also be served in numerous ways – whether it be as it is or deep-fried in a ball-shaped dish.

Ribs

Ribs

Since Barbecue was already discussed, it is time to move on to the more ‘intricate’ kind. Ribs are the kind of food that makes you want to get your hands dirty for the sauce. Just don’t forget to put on a napkin before you eat.

Steaks

Steaks

Whether it be medium-rare, medium-well, or well-done – you can never go wrong with anything related to steak.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken

Here is something else that is definitely meant to be eaten by hand. With or without gravy, fried chicken is a staple of any cuisine in any occasion, weddings included, is not going anywhere anytime soon.

French Fries

French Fries

This is more than just a side dish, it is an icon of classic outdoors dining. With this on your menu, you will never hesitate to ask for it every second.

Kimchi

Kimchi

This is for those who wish for a more ‘ethnic’ and Korean kind of dining experience. Instead of just giving or receiving this as a gift as it is usually done, why not serve it instead in your wedding reception? It will really kick the spice up a notch in your banquet of love.

Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly Cheesesteaks

For sandwich lovers and cheese-fanatics everywhere, this dish is for you. The Philly Cheesesteak is a dish loved and indulged by many, and like many other dishes, can be eaten with only your bare hands.

Pancakes

Pancakes

Breakfast-themed wedding feasts are something that is about to enter the mainstream today. So, why not start the trend by serving pancakes in your reception? Be sure to include numerous toppings and the ever-famous maple syrup in your roster.

Waffles

Waffles

Speaking of breakfast, waffles are something that should never be excluded in this feat. Like pancakes, you can serve them however you want and you can add a lot more twists to it to make it more interesting and mouth-watering.

Cereal

Cereal

Cereal isn’t just for breakfast, it is a food that can be eaten anytime of the day, especially during a wedding. Just remember to bring milk.

Cookies and Milk

Cookies and Milk

This is the snack of every generation. With warm cookies and a glass of milk, indulgence has never felt so good.

Brownies

Brownies

This dessert has its fair share of varieties and tastes. No matter how you like it, brownies in your wedding menu are sure to spell a good time for you and your guests.

Key Takeaway

These unique treats are sure to bring a lot of fun on your special day. So, if you are thinking of ditching the classic set-up of a wedding, why not try these unique food favorites instead? Either way – you, your spouse, and your guests – are sure to have a blast!

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Sugar? Yes, Please: A Healthy Lifestyle Practice

Thanks to several medical discoveries and experimentations, it is indeed great news to hear that you may not need to avoid sugar altogether. Those, who have a sweet tooth, can finally rejoice, given that there are too many delectable dishes and desserts for them to ignore. People, who are planning the menu for their wedding, may tell their catering service not to shy away from serving sweet treats to your guests – making your special day even sweeter!

But you have to ask, yourself, how did this become possible? How can you include sugar into your meals without taking in too much? Well, you don’t have to wonder too long because below, you will find out all the information regarding sugar and how you can incorporate it well to your diet.

What you already know about sugar

What you already know about sugar

As you already know, consuming too much sugar is not healthy. But this does not mean you have to get rid of it altogether. This is because your body – particularly you cells – needs sugar in order to use energy.

It is important to note that sugar, with the right amount of intake, helps maintain a balanced diet. Unfortunately, more people often exceed the recommended amount of sugar that is necessary for their body.

With that said, sugar has created a bad reputation globally as it has been a common cause of viral diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, over time.

What you barely know about sugar

What you barely know about sugar

In light of this matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a guideline to reduce the intake of free sugar, which are particularly those that are added to food and drinks made by people from manufacturing companies, restaurants, among others. The most common examples of products that use too much sugar in their ingredients are honey, syrups, and fruit juices.

To make the long story short, WHO recommends both children and adults to lessen their daily intake of free sugars to 10% of their total energy intake. They even recommend, if it is possible, to lessen this amount to 5% (the equivalent of 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of sugar) because it will be so much better for the body.

As you may know, lowering the number of sweets you eat per day doesn’t necessarily reduce your sugar intake. There are many studies that show sugar is also present in processed food – hidden actually, and that a tablespoon of ketchup may actually convert to 4 grams of free sugar.

Luckily, there are many available healthy products including fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk that you can eat. These foods do not have free sugar, they have natural ones, which does not cause any side effects to your body!

What you need to know about sugar

What you need to know about sugar

Is it possible to stay healthy and eat sweet stuff? The answer is yes. However, to be able to do so, you will need to abide a particular set of rules. These are the following:

  • For breakfast, it is most likely that you will consume sweet foods such as cereals, muffins, bagels, pastries, jam, coffee and many others. But don’t fret – you can choose to eat specific breakfast snacks/meals that are high in protein and fats, such as cheese and plain yogurt. They will be able to help add sustainable energy and support chemical processes in your body. By abiding to this, you will become energetic all throughout the day without consuming too many sweets.
  • Your drinks are the most probable source of unnecessary and unhealthy sugar. Thus, it is highly recommended that you drink water. It may be hard at first, but there is no doubt that you will make it. However, if you need to drink coffee occasionally, you may just increase the level of cream to reduce the bitterness and try omitting sugar from the mix. Aside from reducing the level of sugar intake per day, this will also help you sleep better and work with much greater energy for the entire day.
  • Another way to sweeten your life is to mix tea with honey. This will help you get the sugar you need without sacrificing your health. According to Keri Keri Glassman, founder of Nutritious life, though honey is mostly comprised of sugar, it also has minerals and antioxidants that you can benefit from.

Key Takeaway

While most people think that sugar is the enemy, the problem can actually easily be resolved by changing your perspective. If you are aware of what you eat, then you would know how much sugar you are particularly consuming. Eventually, this could lead to you making a healthier choice in the foods and drinks that you intake. If you do so, you can decrease your chances of experiencing the various diseases and side effects that come from sugar.

To sum it all up, you must always remember to discipline yourself, as this is the key to a healthier lifestyle.

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8 Inspiring School-Themed Wedding Ideas

Congratulations, you’re finally getting married! Of course, planning might take some time, from hiring wedding planners and organizers, to choosing one of the best catering services in Manila. Before settling everything in, how about talking with your loved one and reminisce on a few things, you might even be able to think of your own idea of wedding before approaching an organizer or planner.

Now, if you are planning on going back to your school days, when you two possibly met, then you might want to consider the following suggestions on how you could have an inspiring school-themed wedding.

Wedding Invitations

  1. Wedding Invitations

To be able to pull off the school-themed wedding idea that you wanted, you should start your effort with the wedding invitations. Your invitation cards will stand as your representative, hence, first impression should be duly delivered. Given the idea of school, you can opt to use a vintage paper from a notebook or a library card (especially if both of you are self-declared book worms) and then write or print from there. You can also use an attendance report card to indicate who’s attending your wedding for further emphasis.

  1. Wedding Decors

Regarding wedding decors, you may just need to be a bit more creative. You can try using the items one can often find in a classroom, say a globe, an old-fashioned pencil sharpener, books, a vintage wall clock, an abacus, or even a typewriter! You could definitely look for them at garage sales or online stores. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, then you can try wrapping some books with patterned paper or craft paper (like you do during your primary and secondary years) and write some inspiring love messages on its spine!

Your wedding day will definitely feel nostalgic.

Wedding Cake

  1. Wedding Cake

For your wedding cake, you can try requesting a customized cake that could resemble your idea of school. You can also try adding details such as origami, books, or the daisies in your school garden. This could hold plenty of memories that you and your guests will surely enjoy reminiscing!

  1. Wedding Bouquet

For the wedding bouquet, you can opt for friendly flowers that would portray the good old times you’ve had during your school years. A picturesque example of this is Minhee’s bouquet at her wedding with Truman, where they hand-tied a handful of flowers including carnations, Marguerite daisies, variegated tulips, Alchemilla, and chamomile.

Wedding Guest Book

  1. Wedding Guest Book

For the guest book, it is best to go for something more interactive. You can try customizing your yearbook, wherein your guests could sign on, or you can install a photo-op booth at your reception where your guests can take pictures and insert the pictures in a vintage accounting book with ready-to-fill photo corners. That way, your guest book can also be a souvenir after the wedding!

  1. Wedding Pop Quizzes

To draw in some fun, you can use pop quizzes about you and your partner for the guests to fill out. The questions could vary from your first meeting place to where the groom proposed. Also, you may leave a box for the guests to deposit the papers too.

Wedding Favors

  1. Wedding Favors

If you’re looking for great favor deals, you could choose something that your guests could use afterwards. Perhaps some books or custom imprinted pencils! You can order them online and have them imprinted with your names and wedding date for a more personal touch. For the details, you can tie them with a thin ribbon and put in a custom thank-you tag (you can use a vintage index card for the paper) that your guests will truly appreciate!

  1. Wedding Reception

The reception table is your opportunity to further emphasize the theme of your wedding. You can use black paper and write the names of the guests on it. You can, then, place it atop the guest’s table. Use a cafeteria-style theme on the tables and utensils, and opt for a subject name rather than a number to mark the tables.

Key Takeaway

Once you’ve settled your ideal arrangement, do not hesitate to request this to your wedding planner, organizer, and your chosen catering service to make your school-themed wedding happen!

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How to Avoid Wedding Drama

How-to-Avoid-Wedding-Drama-JUAN-CARLO

Some of the best days of your life also have the highest potential of stirring up some drama. On your wedding day, this could come in the form of undelivered gift packages, wedding catering miscommunications, and relatives quarrelling.

Unexpected circumstances cannot be avoided completely. The earlier you accept this, the better it would be for everybody. That doesn’t mean though that you can’t minimize the chances of drama happening.

 

Communicate

Let your fiancé know of any changes you’ve made, big or small, and ask him/her to do the same for you. This is especially useful if you don’t have a wedding planner. This would mean that the two of you need to act as a solid unit so that all the 3rd party elements (caterers, venue managers, etc.) can follow your lead. It will be confusing for them if you make contrasting decisions separately, and unfair to get them caught up in the middle. Such a confusion could lead to miscommunication between the two of you and your 3rd part elements.

As for your guests, try not to make any big changes such as location, time, gift registry, theme, etc. once you’ve sent out invitations. If there are unavoidable changes, inform them immediately so they can rearrange their plans accordingly. Nothing will cause drama more than embarrassed guests who come in the wrong attire or time. Also be upfront about your rules for plus ones and children.

Time Tables

More precise information means less drama. Plan an itinerary or time table of your program and give a copy to suppliers, bridal party members, and other involved parties to ensure a smooth flow. With all the moving parts and people of your special day, one misplaced element can ruin everything. If you can get a set of professional stage managers to make sure everyone and everything is in place at the right, then do so. This will ensure that everyone will enjoy while making sure they attend to their responsibilities.

Delegate

Be leader and delegate tasks properly. Don’t do everything yourself because it is near impossible and will stress you out on your special day. For this reason, it is important to know your limit and look for help when you’ve reached it. Trusted friends and family could be good for this, but a wedding planner along with his team would be perfect.

 

Guest List

If you and your spouse know your guests well, then you will also know which ones are prone to drama. With this information, you can intelligently plan your guest list and where these people will be placed in the reception and wedding. Anyone with bad blood must conveniently be separated at all times. However, when in doubt, leave them out. It could be a cold thing to do, but you really wouldn’t want these people making your special day about them.

One particularly good example is if one of you have separated parents who are not in good terms. The first thing you should do is talk to them about being civil, and if they have any terms that they would like you to consider such as not having them seated in the same table. If you’ve invited either of the parents’ new significant other, make sure to inform the other in advance so as they can prepare themselves or opt to back out. Should anyone start any trouble, you have every right to calmly ask them to leave.

Break Tradition

Another perfect example of wedding drama is people fighting about the coveted maid of honor or best man position. Even though tradition says that you must only have one, you don’t need to follow this. If you have two best friends, then why can’t you have two maids of honor or best men?

When walking down the aisle you can also choose to go solo to avoid any drama amongst the people who feel that they should walk with you. You can even walk down with your fiancé. Be creative and think outside of the box about which traditions you can bend or break.

 

 

Unplug

Turn off your phone. You don’t need any external factors such as a passive aggressive tweet ruining your special day. Besides, you need to focus on the present 100%. It could be tempting to do so to see the latest pictures of your wedding or to see if everyone is having fun, but this is your wedding. You’re meant to have fun at the celebration; not in cyberspace. Give social media rest for the day and live in the moment.

Avoiding drama on your wedding day is all about being prepared, smart, creative, and practical. But above all, you must be transparent with everyone and respect yourself and your fiancé. Your wedding is all about the two of you and nothing should ruin this day. Your friends and family love you dearly and making the right rearrangements and informing them of it is the key to a drama-free day. D

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How to Accommodate Handicapped Guests

How can I make sure an event is accessible to persons with disabilities?

  1. All pathways and doorways must be at least 32 inches wide and that the corners are maneuverable.
  2. The entrances and exits must have wheelchair ramps. If they don’t, then rent out portable ones.
  3. Bathrooms must have cubicles for the disabled with grab bars.
  4. There must be elevators or other alternatives for reaching higher or lower floors of the venue. It’s best if the elevator has low controls or an elevator operator.
  5. Work with the venue manager regarding the accommodations for the disabled.
  6. Allow such guests to bring a plus one that can help them throughout the event.
  7. Leave ample space for guests to sit comfortable at a table or pew.
  8. Have ushers attentively standing by in wait to address any concern a person with disabilities may have.
  9. There must be handicapped parking

Accessible Wedding JUAN CARLO

While choosing the best place to celebrate a wedding in Manila, catering to handicapped guests could easily slip out of your mind. Forgetting to make your venue accessible to disabled people could force them to go through inconveniences that could ruin their day and, subsequently, yours as well. You don’t want this type of complication at your wedding if you know you’ll be having guests that are persons with disabilities. Ensure that they will have a fun and stress-free time during your special day by going the extra mile to accommodate them.

Choose an Accessible Venue

Of course, when finalizing a church and reception venue, you would want to conduct an ocular. Usually, this is done to see if it fits your preferences and, more importantly, if it can accommodate your guests. Thus, you should check it for accessibility (the term used for products, devices, services, or environments made especially for the disabled). You should do this for both the reception and wedding venue.

The first few places you should check are the entrance and exit. These should have ramps for those that find it difficult to use stairs.

Then, check the pathway going to the specific room(s) and function hall(s) that you wish to rent. Be sure that there is no obstacle that can hinder a disabled guest. The hallways must also be at least 32 inches wide to have enough room for wheelchairs to pass through comfortably. While you’re at it, measure all the doorways, elevators, bathrooms, and ramps to see if the fit this criteria.

For the bathroom, check to see if there a cubicle for the handicapped. It must have a grab bar for your handicapped guests’ convenience.

If you’re venue has more than 1 floor, then it’s an absolute must that your guests have an alternative to taking the stairs. Check to see if there is another entrance aside from the main one for the higher or lower levels. Also, check the elevators (if any). These must have either low controls or an elevator operator for those in wheelchairs. If you know that you’ll be having a blind guest without a caregiver attending, then check if the elevator has brail.

Lastly, try to avoid booking a historic church as much as possible if you know you will have many elders and/or disabled guests attending. These venues may be beautiful venues, but they were also built during a time where accessibility wasn’t a priority. However, you may still choose to book this type of wedding venue if you can make the space work.

Make the Space Work

Regardless of whether or not you made sure that your venue is accessible, you must be prepared for special cases. Some venues may have accessible facilities, but these were designed around common disabilities. Your guests may have more specific needs. The most common of these special needs come when the wheelchairs and walkers that your handicapped guests are larger than regular ones. Even if you’ve made sure that the ramp is 32 inches wide, it may still be too narrow to such a guest. Other complications include narrow hallways, cramped pews, and maneuverability issues.

But don’t fret just yet. It doesn’t hurt to ask the venue managers what can be done about these. If the venue is a common venue for any family gathering, then the managers would know exactly how to handle guests with specific needs. For sure, they’ve seen it all. Let them know of your guests’ specific needs and they in turn can let you know what they can offer you.

It will also help to warn guests in advance of these complications. Then if it is okay with you, allow them to bring along a guest or caregiver that can help them. This will make them feel more at ease with the situation.

Wheelchair Ramps

If the venue cannot offer any means to address your guests’ accessibility problems, then you can choose either a customized ramp, portable ramps, or a different venue. Customized ramps are good as a carpenter can build exactly what you need; this will depend on the measurements of your guests’ need and the steps/ledges they will need to pass through. Portable ramps, on the other hand, offers mobility and flexibility you may need in case of an emergency.

Seating

At an accessible wedding venue, there should be spaces next to some pews for those in wheelchairs. These should be spacious and easy to get to. Be sure to tell ushers to inform guests on wheelchairs or crutches of these spaces and bring them there if choose to sit there. At the same time, these guests should be given a choice to sit wherever they want.

At the reception, remove chairs at the tables where for the wheel-chaired guest will sit. With a proper seat plan, you should be able to plan ahead of time where these empty spots should be in. Also, be sure to leave ample space in between tables so that maneuvering between them is easy. This will also ensure that sitting at a table will be comfortable.

Lastly, have ushers or waiters assigned specifically to assist persons with disabilities in both venues.

Parking and Transportation

No matter what the situation is for your guests with disabilities, there are two things you must check: the parking and the driveway.

At the parking, you must make sure that there are parking made especially for the handicapped. These are usually marked by the usual handicap parking signs. If this is not available at your venue, then you can assign the parking spots nearest to the entrance for them. Make sure that these have ample space for the guests to be able to exit their car comfortably.

But if these guests choose to get a drop off, then parking won’t be a problem. But you must make sure that the driveway has accessibility as well. If it doesn’t, then you must absolutely have a portable ramp.

For those coming via taxi, you must make sure that taxis or similar transportation services are available going out of your venue.

Key Takeaway

Taking the extra time (and going the extra mile) to make sure the wedding is accessible will ensure that your beloved family and friend with disabilities can celebrate your special day with it. All the trouble will be worth it when everyone enjoys the culmination of love you and your partner share.

 

 

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How to Keep Kids Entertained at a Wedding

How to Keep Kids Entertained at a Wedding JUAN CARLO

Deciding whether or not to have kids present at your wedding is up to you – on one hand, having a wedding exclusively for the adults means less chances of having a screaming child during your vows. On the other hand, some invited parents might not be able to find a sitter and bail; kids can also be wonderful to have around.

Kids can be rowdy during the wedding and the reception, after all that’s just what kids do. However when they get upset and start throwing tantrums, it usually means that they are either hungry or craving for attention. Having a kid-friendly wedding means adjusting some things like the wedding catering (there should be dishes that the kids can enjoy) and of course, something to keep them busy while the adults are busy.

 

Treats

Most kids can stay in a good mood by giving them sweets and treats. Have someone trusted such as a family member walk around to offer treats and ask the kids to promise to stay on their best behavior. Be sure to choose snacks that are white or clear (like marshmallows and gummy bears) so that it won’t stain their clothes. In addition, permission from the parent must first be granted before giving kids any treats.

Childcare

Guests want to bring their children to the wedding but often choose not to because they know they might cause a ruckus. You can designate an area just for the kids and hire a professional childcare service for your wedding to make sure all the kids are entertained. They can hold games, arts and crafts, and movie showings to make sure the kids have fun while the adults are free to mingle and enjoy the event.

Hire a Professional Kids’ Entertainer

While childcare services are trained to entertain kids, nothing beats a showman. You can hire an artist, a clown, or a storyteller. If you have the budget, then invest in a good magician or superhero impersonator. This would be epic if the entertainer plays perfectly into your theme. Kids playing with the showman could not only be fun for them, but also it could be delightful sight for your wedding so long as it doesn’t distract from the main event.

Have a Game Room

Sometimes kids don’t need adults to have fun; just each other, a lot of energy, and a few games. Assign a room in your reception venue just for them and fill it up all sorts of activities! You can have ping pong/hockey tables, board games, hula hoops, jump ropes, dolls, and even video games there to entertain them. If you’re going to hold your reception at a hotel or club, then you might find that their game room is good enough for this. For a garden reception, then outdoor games are the way to go.

Plan the Meals

Consider dividing the buffet into two sections: a big one for adults and a small one for kids. A separate table could be dedicated to kid-friendly food such as nuggets, hotdogs, and burgers. It’s like holding a mini kids’ party at your wedding. The reason why you want to do this is because kids don’t like waiting long for dinner and could end up getting rowdy or mad; they just want to eat and play. At this table, you can add cups of crayons with white butcher paper to give them something to do.

Goody Bags

Along the lines of the idea of having a kids’ party within your wedding, you can also give out goody bags. These can have snacks, little toys, bubbles, etc. that will keep the little ones entertained. The best part of this is these are really cheap to purchase and prepare, especially if there are only a handful of children at your wedding.

 

It is important that the kids are well fed, entertained, and cared for. Make them feel like it’s a celebration for them as well. You’re going to want to remember your wedding as the day that everyone was happy and celebrating for you and your future husband/wife; even the young ones.

 

 

 

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How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Wedding

How-to-Choose-the-Right-Colors-for-Your-Wedding-JUAN-CARLO

How do I choose the right colors for my wedding?

  1. Prioritize either the venue or the colors. Whatever you choose, the other needs to adapt to it.
  2. Base the hues off of the season in which the wedding will be held in.
  3. Understand that colors, psychologically, place people in mental and physical states. Think of the emotions that you want to be felt on your special day. Then, research what colors you need to convey this.
  4. Look at magazine, art galleries, and other sources for inspiration. The way artists use colors can make you look at your favorite palette in a more unique way.
  5. Use a color wheel to get perfect matches of two or more colors.

There are a lot of things to plan in a wedding; catering, seat plans, transportation, etc. Choosing the main colors for the event might seem like a small task compared to the rest, but you shouldn’t underestimate its importance. Just like the theme and venue, the colors will greatly affect the overall aesthetic and environment of the wedding! Particular things like the décor, dress code, and even the food garnish are greatly influence by the colors! Thus, choosing the right hues is absolutely important. Choose the wrong palette (or rather, no particular palette) and you may end up with an eyesore of a wedding! Here are a few tips so you don’t make that mistake:

 

Venue Hues and Other Outside Factors

You will find that you will be adjusting the style and design of your wedding and reception to your chosen venue; including the colors. But since you are trying to get both the perfect location and the perfect color scheme, it is very possible that these two will clash if you don’t think of them as one aesthetic unit. Thus, you should learn to prioritize. Think which of the two is more important to you. Whatever you choose, the other factor should adapt.

So, for example, you’ve already set your eyes on a specific venue. Your colors should then complement the over design of the said location. This works vice versa as well. Venues such as warehouses, lofts, or tents are good choices as they are far more easily styled than places like gardens and beaches. Then again, that’s your call.

Aside from the location, there are other details that you need to think of as well when picking your colors. For example, the flower arrangements will definitely have a dominant color to them and you don’t want them to clash with your hues. Other factors such as the family’s preferences or heritage could also influence your choice.

Go with the Seasons

Just like how people change what they wear to the changing seasons, your wedding theme can also depend on the time of the year. In fact, it can be pretty specific with how it influences your hues. For example, coral pink is better for the summer while a blush pink is more fitting for the rainy season. While they’re both pink, they are still very different from one another in terms of emotion. Psychologically, colors and the season will heavily influence the overall mood and vibe of your wedding (we will discuss this psychological effect of colors shortly). Thus, you want these two factors working together.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t choose your favorite colors. It only means that you have to be on the lookout for different hues and textures of that same color.

Mood

Colors convey emotions; at least psychologically. This is why certain places irritate a person or calm him down. The colors they see in this place set them in a certain physical or mental state depending on the dominant colors they see. While the topic is very broad and detailed, the general effects of colors are the following:

  1. Warm colors, such as red, yellow, and orange, can make a person feel comfortable or hostile.
  2. Cool colors, such as green, blue, and purple, can make a person feel calm or sad.

With such psychological effects of colors, these can set the right or wrong mood for your wedding; especially when in combination. Black, gold, red, or emerald can add a dramatic flair to the celebration, while light colors can bring out more joy. Think about the emotions you want you and your guests to feel and remember when you think back to your wedding day. Once you know, study what colors you need to add to your color scheme to convey this feeling.

Get Inspired

While it’s good to be original and avoid trendy themes, sometimes your mind can be limited creatively. To help you with this, you need to get inspired.  You can get this from many sources. Magazines, art galleries, and museums are all good places to look at to give you some ideas. The way artists use hues can help you see your favorite colors in a different way. Who knows? Maybe the perfect color scheme is in a photograph someone on the internet and you just haven’t seen it yet. Just be sure to add your own flair to these inspirations if you really want to be original.

Looking around your home can draw inspiration as well. Of course, you choose the designs and colors of your home décor based on your preferences. Thus, the colors in your home are something that you know you can live with seeing those every day. Why not use the same palette for the wedding? Doing this will give the celebration a personal touch that will be familiar – maybe too familiar for some – yet surely pleasing to your eyes. Plus, you can take home those expensive pieces of décor that you will buy just for wedding and these will fit right in.

Look at the Color Wheel

You don’t need to be an art major to be able to use a color wheel. The basics are pretty easy to understand and you can use these as a starting point to choosing your personalized choice of matching colors: These basics say that these combinations on the color wheel go well with each other:

  1. Opposites: This pairing gives the perfect contrast of warm and cool.
  2. Neighbors: The colors are similar and share the same primary color.
  3. Neutral & Bright: The neutral colors will accent the bright colors.

Key Takeaway

Most importantly: don’t stress out. Hiring a wedding planner is a good option for when you’re unsure about what you’re doing (or if there’s simply too much to do.) Better yet, as long as you promise not to turn into bridezilla you can ask for help from family and friends!

 

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The 8 Unforeseen Critical Details You Need To Check with Your Caterer

Holding a nice party? Organizing a wedding reception? If the answers to those two questions are a yes, then hiring a caterer is definitely a must. Caterers provide a diverse selection of food choices and packages for events like weddings, parties, and various social gatherings. Having a caterer for your big event makes sure that all your food and beverage needs are covered and that your guests will have a more pleasant and satisfying experience.

But before finalizing any deals with the caterer of your choice, you must look into a number of important details that can be the difference between a good experience, to a great one. To ensure that you have your money’s worth on the caterer of your choice, here are some critical details that you need to check with your caterer.

Presentation of the tables and dinnerware

Presentation of the tables and dinnerware

The presentation of the venue will be handled and done by the event designers. These designers will work out a theme of your choosing, which they would arrange accordingly. With a specific theme in mind, it is also important to inform the caterer about it, so the presentation matches with the theme. While most caterers provide the necessary designs and dinnerware, it is important to ask the caterer about this matter to make sure that it will be organized. Having the design of the tables and dinnerware be consistent with the venue’s theme can improve the overall look of your event.

Working with the venue

Working with the venue

For big events like ceremonies and wedding receptions, it is important to communicate well with the venue. With this in mind, you need to make sure that the caterer is able to work comfortably and properly with the guests at the venue, along with other services like photographers and videographers. It is important to address the rules and concerns of the venue to the caterer, so the caterer will have the necessary adjustments and preparations done well before the day of the event.

The length of the Reception/Party

The Length of the Reception/Party

One of the important details that you need to communicate to your caterer is the length of the event itself. They must also be in the know with regards to the program flow and length. This is important to them as they would know the right time to finish their service and clean up during the event. This would ensure that they would be able to wrap-up properly, while also making sure that the venue is left as clean as it was before the event.

Keeping an eye on health

Keeping an eye on health

With the quality and variety of cuisine that caterers can provide, guests would definitely enjoy and be satisfied. But there are cases in which certain guests cannot eat or drink certain food and beverages due to reasons like allergies and prior ailments. For scenarios like this, it is best to communicate to your guests that have any health concerns to ensure that everyone in the event enjoys the food and drinks that you will serve.

Special request on the menu

Special request on the menu

Caterers usually have a variety of menu choices for you to pick for your big event. Some menus have different themed food like Chinese and Mediterranean, or offer a diverse selection that will cater to the taste of the guests. While most of the menus are already in set, there are some cases where you can add an entirely different dish or two. For example, you want to have an additional dessert on the menu, or you want your favorite dish to be served as part of the main course. For these kinds of requests, it is best to ask your caterer whether or not adding special requests on the menu would be allowed.

Emergency situations

Emergency situations

With all the preparations and arrangements for the event at hand, it is important to still be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Venue safety and security is one of the most essential things to make sure in any event. It is important to ask the caterer their protocols in case of emergency situations. In cases of acts of nature like typhoons which may cause the postponement of the event, communicating with the caterer with regards to rescheduling is of utmost importance.

Liability Insurance and Health Permits

While you may be blown away by the food and service of a caterer, that shouldn’t cloud your judgment especially when it comes to their legitimacy. Any talented caterer can bring beautiful styling along with delicious food, but a professional one will have all the safety measures to reassure their clients. Be sure that whoever you get to serve at your event has the right liability insurance and health permits. If they are not willing to show it to you or they give you an excuse, then they probably don’t have it. You wouldn’t want this type of service for your gathering.

Water and Electrical Needs

A talented catering service cannot cook food without adequate water and electricity. Thus, you should always check if your venue has this; especially in an outdoor setting or in a raw space. In such places, water and electricity are hard to come by or are in a hard to reach place. For the sake of a smooth event, you must make sure that the caterers have an ample and convenient supply of water and electricity. Otherwise, your get-together will be a disaster and you will waste money on a catering service that you won’t get to use.

Key Takeaway

There are many details you have to go through when organizing a big event and preparing for them is essential. Checking in with these specific details with your caterer would help you ensure that you get the best out of your catering service. With these concerns in mind, you can make sure that even the smallest details are done.

Are there any more details that you think should be included in the list? Feel free to comment below.

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