Tag Archives: Wedding Catering Philippines

10 Things To Consider When Planning A Destination Wedding

Leave a reply

10 Things To Consider When Planning A Destination Wedding

What things should I consider when planning my destination wedding?

  1. Think about the perfect spot
  2. Give your wedding party a head’s up
  3. Accommodation and travel for your guests
  4. Check local vendors and suppliers to save big
  5. Hire a professional planner
  6. Visit your wedding venue in advance
  7. Fewer guests may attend
  8. Communicate with your guests
  9. Make a welcome bag
  10. Prepare for the unexpected

Having a wedding miles away from home on a romantic beach or the chilly mountainside can make for a memorable ceremony. But, planning such a wedding is no easy feat — before you set out to marry the love of your life, there are a few things to consider when planning a destination wedding. In this article, we cover all the bases, from how to choose your venue to coordinating the small details for your big day. Read on!

Think About the Perfect Spot

Think About the Perfect Spot

The first thing you should first consider is the destination itself. The location you and your fiance will choose play a big role in the theme, feel, and experience of your wedding. For example, a beach wedding in Batangas will have a more upbeat feel than say, a forest wedding in Tagaytay.

This is also a good opportunity to choose a meaningful location for you and your fiance. Think back to your favorite vacation spots — what locales, activities, and cultures did you both enjoy? Try to find an answer that plays into both of your interests and ideas for a dream wedding.

Give Your Wedding Party a Head’s Up

The next thing to consider is your wedding party. If you’re set on a destination wedding, it’s best to tell them as soon as possible — it gives them enough time to plan, or gracefully decline if their finances are tight.

Accommodation and Travel Booking for Your Guests

Accommodation and Travel Booking for Your Guests

While accommodation and travel expenses are traditionally covered by the guests themselves, you must set expectations from the get-go. Inform your guest list if you’re arranging a hotel, or what they need to do to book their flights and rooms before the wedding.

If you want to make this process smooth-sailing, you could book a travel agent to secure group reservations, and score the best flight and accommodation deals. You could also try setting up a Facebook group or group chat so everyone can share deals and make plans to travel together.

Check Local Vendors and Suppliers to Save Big

While you may already have your eyes set on certain vendors and suppliers for your wedding, you might be able to ease up on your budget by going local. Think colorful amaryllis or sunflowers that grow in Tagaytay, or serve fresh seafood in Laiya, Batangas.

Going local not only helps you save money on transportation but also creates an immersive environment in the very location that you love.

Hire a Professional Planner

Hire a Professional Planner

Though you might think your wedding will be simple enough without a planner, hiring a professional can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. An experienced planner will be intimately familiar with your wedding destination, making the planning process much more efficient — they can pick the right venue, church, caterer, and other vendors with ease.

Do some research and find a planner that has developed close business relationships within the area. You could also ask around for referrals; you might uncover local talent you didn’t know about.

Visit Your Wedding Venue in Advance

If you haven’t been to the venue you’re interested in before, take the unpredictability out of the equation by visiting it before booking. Ideally, you should be able to experience everything your venue has to offer before finalizing your wedding plans.

After booking your venue, try arriving a few days before your wedding to finalize all your event details — make sure your clothes, makeup, decorations, and other elements are prepped and ready for your big day!

Fewer Guests May Attend

Fewer Guests May Attend

As your wedding date approaches, you may notice many people saying “no” to their RSVPs — which can be very disappointing. However unfortunate, this is part of having a destination wedding. Flights, hotel rooms, and other travel expenses may be too much for some of your guests to accommodate.

So, it may be prudent for you to plan for about only half your guest list to make it to the wedding. Luckily, Zoom is now an option — live streaming the event is a great way to include those who couldn’t make it.

Communicate with Your Guests

To make things easier for everyone involved, make sure you’re in constant communication with your friends and family. An option for you is to create a simple website with all the important details — like group rates, itineraries, directions to the venue, etc. — all in one place. This way, you don’t have to field calls and messages all day, and your guests will be able to coordinate and make it to your wedding in one piece.

Make a Welcome Bag

Make a Welcome Bag

You can show your appreciation to your guest for coming all this way for your big day by making welcome bags. These bags can be filled with items like sweet snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and the like.

Other things like suggested activities and games to do while waiting for the wedding will help them enjoy, as well as make them feel that they’re loved and valued, too!

Prepare for the Unexpected

When it comes to destination weddings, nothing is set in stone. Be sure to add some wiggle room in your budget for the unexpected — such as emergency purchases, shipping costs, baggage fees, and other expenses.

Having backups of the essentials — such as vendors, caterers, flowers, and others — will also help you be adequately prepared for problems that occur on the day itself.

Key Takeaway

Getting married in your favorite vacation spot or a meaningful location makes your wedding extra special. But as enjoyable as the event could be, don’t forget these ten things to consider when planning a destination wedding. It will help you prepare for everything you need to make sure your special day goes smoothly!

Need extra help planning your destination wedding? Send a message to Juan Carlo today. We are a reputable and highly experienced catering company, with extensive relationships with key companies in the wedding industry. With our expertise and connections, we can help you with everything you need for the perfect wedding!

A Guide To Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Leave a reply

A Guide To Wedding Invitation Etiquette

What should you know about wedding invitation etiquette?

  1. Send save-the-dates
  2. Send the invitations well in advance
  3. Include all necessary details
  4. Be specific
  5. Include your guests’ titles
  6. Reception and ceremony

Your special day can only be made better by having people there to share it with. Invitations are the way you communicate with your guests, so they should be given enough attention too. Some people take it for granted, and the guests can easily tell. To help you avoid this, we’ve prepared this wedding invitation etiquette guide for you.

There are a number of details to consider when making your wedding invitation. From the wording to the names of the guests, anything can go wrong. You don’t want to offend your guests if you want to keep the day special. Read on to the guide below for more tips!

Send Save-the-Dates

A wedding is a big event, and people who come to attend as guests know and appreciate that. These people have their own lives as well so it’s only customary to send save-the-dates for the event.

Save-the-dates are different from the actual invitations, but it is important to send them out too. Doing this would let your guests adjust or prepare their schedules even without the specifics of the event yet. These are usually sent out around six to eight months before the wedding.

Save-the-date cards are meant to ensure that your guests can block out that date on their calendars. It doesn’t have to have a venue or other specific details, so don’t sweat it!

Send the Invitations Well in Advance

Send the Invitations Well in Advance

The save-the-date cards only have the date of your event, so the other details will have to be included in the invitations. When you send your invitations, your guests should have enough time to send an RSVP, prepare for the dress code, and to finalize their plans. This is especially important if you’re having a destination wedding because making travel arrangements take time.

You also need to set the deadline for the RSVP at least one week before the wedding, so you can send the final headcount to your caterer. If you send out invitations too close to the day of the wedding, everything will be done in a rush.

Include All Necessary Details

To maintain the smooth flow of everything, you can never go wrong with keeping your guests well-informed. This starts with the wedding invitations.

Your guests should get all the information they need from the invitations alone. They should include the hosts, the request, the couple if they’re not also hosting, the date and time, the venue, reception info, dress code, and wedding website if you have one. The RSVP should be sent with the invitations but on a separate card.

If you have a registry, including them in your invitations might make it seem like you’re asking for gifts. Instead, you can include them on your website to refrain from being impolite.

Be Specific

Be Specific

Being specific on your invitations will avoid any misunderstandings. Make sure to word the invitations properly and keep them clear and simple.

The host of the wedding is usually the one who pays for everything. Traditionally, the parents of the couple do this, but more couples are hosting their weddings themselves. Their names should be included in the invitation for good measure.

The complete names of each guest should be spelled out properly instead of just saying “guest” or “guests”. You know exactly who you want to invite, and using their names makes it crystal clear. This avoids any assumptions about bringing children (if you want an adults-only wedding) or plus ones.

Put the proper time on your wedding invitations. Some couples put an earlier time on their invitations to make sure guests arrive on time, but people already know to be early. If you don’t put an accurate time, then guests might have to wait longer for the event to start.

Include Your Guests’ Titles

If you’re inviting guests with titles, make sure to include them in the card. These include doctors, engineers, and other professions that attach titles to their names. Showing respect to people’s titles is good etiquette not just for weddings, but for any event in general.

Reception and Ceremony

Reception and Ceremony

In your invitations, you should include the details for the reception. Will it take place at the same venue as the ceremony? When will it happen? Some weddings have a separate venue for the reception, so if you plan on doing so, make sure to inform our guests.

Simply adding phrases like “reception to follow” to the invitation should be enough. If necessary, you can always print a separate card for reception details.

Also, it is considered impolite to invite guests to the ceremony but not the reception. Your guests might think that you are not willing to pay for their food or something similar. We highly recommend that you invite all guests to both the ceremony and the reception. Besides, more guests mean more people to celebrate with!

Key Takeaway

The essence of this wedding invitation etiquette guide is just to treat your guests with respect. A wedding invitation should give the guests everything they need to know, and they shouldn’t be offended by anything!

As important as they are, invitations are not the only things you should prepare for. Will you be having your wedding day soon? We can help! We offer catering services for weddings and more! Feel free to send us a message here to learn how we can assist you in your preparations!

How To Style Your Wedding Reception Venue

Leave a reply

How do you style your wedding reception venue?

  1. Establish a theme or color palette
  2. Choose an aesthetically pleasing venue
  3. Hang drapes and backdrops
  4. Be creative with centerpieces
  5. Don’t forget the lighting
  6. Put up wedding signages
  7. Ask your caterer if they offer styling services

A wedding celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you want to make it memorable for you and your guests. This involves wearing the outfit that makes you happy, inviting your loved ones to witness your union, selecting food that caters to all your guests, and decorating a picture-perfect venue. If you don’t have an idea of how to make the space more aesthetically pleasing, you might need help on how to style your wedding reception. Keep on reading!

Establish A Theme Or Color Palette

A theme or color palette will serve as a guide on how you decorate the wedding reception venue. By establishing one, you can easily choose the pieces you want to incorporate into the design.

Here are some themes to get you started on your research:

  • Classic Wedding: Soft white color palette and lace decor pieces
  • Fairytale Wedding: Royalty-inspired decorations
  • Rustic Wedding: Reception venue with wood elements and a touch of greenery

Choose An Aesthetically Pleasing Venue

Choose An Aesthetically Pleasing Venue

Before you worry about the decorations, the first step is to select a wedding reception venue. This will have a big impact on the final look and mood you want to go for.

If you select a place that provides the aesthetics you want, you might not have to do much decorating. Other than that, consider the architecture because this will affect your choice of lighting, drapes, and the like.

Hang Drapes And Backdrops

Once you have your theme, it’s time to get to decorating. One of the most effective ways to transform your venue is through drapes and backdrops. You can hang fabric drapes from the ceiling to add a hint of glamour to your occasion. White is the most popular choice, as it looks formal and classy.

Backdrops are also a great way to encourage picture taking at your event. There are a number of ways to incorporate this into your reception:

  • Wall with photos of you and your spouse throughout the years
  • A giant canvas where guests can leave handwritten messages for you
  • Balloon and floral arches used as entry points into the venue

Be Creative With Centerpieces

Be Creative With Centerpieces

Centerpieces are one of the few decors where you can showcase your creativity. The most popular choice is a floral arrangement, but there are plenty of things you can use depending on your theme or color palette.

For example, instead of flowers, why not use succulents? You can also try the following ideas for your centerpieces:

  • Lamps and lanterns
  • Taper and tea light candles
  • Old books
  • Fruits
  • Palm leaves
  • Pinecones
  • Mini sculptures

Don’t Forget The Lighting

Your lighting strategy will impact the tone and mood of your wedding reception. For a romantic atmosphere, you can incorporate warm lighting into your venue. You can use lights in a variety of ways:

  • Putting a string of lights throughout the ceiling
  • Hanging paper lanterns on a string
  • Decorating tables with battery-powered tea lights
  • Installing tall lamps in key areas
  • Using twinkle lights as a backdrop

Put Up Wedding Signages

Put Up Wedding Signages

Wedding signages are a simple but effective method of styling your wedding reception venue. It’s also a great way of letting your guests know what to do or where to go.

For example, you can use it to post welcome greetings as people arrive at the venue or list down the order of events to be expected at the reception. Here are other suggestions:

  • Instructions on the seating plan
  • Wedding hashtags
  • Bar and buffet menu
  • List of giveaways

Ask Your Caterer If They Offer Styling Services

If you want to save time decorating your wedding reception venue, one of your options is to have it professionally done by your caterer. Aside from the food prepared by veteran chefs, you can also look for a package with styling services included.

This way, you can lessen trial and error with decorating. As a bonus, you won’t need to spend time having the decors delivered, installed, and put away after.

Key Takeaway

Styling your wedding reception venue is vital if you want a memorable celebration for yourself and your guests. You can do this in a variety of ways, but it’s best to start with establishing a theme and choosing a venue before you proceed. If you need assistance, you can also opt for professional styling services.

If you want to know how to style your wedding reception, we can help you! Here at Juan Carlo, we offer styling services as a part of our package. Aside from the professional catering, you’ll also get an elevated platform for the couple, linen that matches your motif, backdrop masterpieces, buffet with food labels, dressed-up dining tables, tiffany chairs, table centerpieces, and more!

If you’re interested, you can contact us today.

6 Things To Consider When Making Your Wedding Guest List

Leave a reply

What are the things to consider when making your wedding guest list?

  1. Budget and time
  2. Parents and in-laws
  3. Relatives
  4. Friends
  5. Co-workers
  6. Plus-Ones

One of the stressful parts of planning a wedding is making the guest list. Although it might seem simple, there are plenty of factors that make it complicated. You don’t want to let someone down by not inviting them to your wedding but you also have a limited budget that you’re working with. Or maybe your future spouse knows a lot more people than you. So the question remains, how do you form your guest list in the most efficient way? Here are some things to consider when making a wedding guest list. Read on.

Budget And Time

Budget And Time

 

The first thing you should consider when making a guest list is your budget. By setting one, you have a better reason to limit the number of your invites for your special day. Do this early, so you have more time to edit the final list with your spouse.

Speaking of time, make sure to set a deadline when finalizing your guest list. Send your invites early, so you can confirm people’s availability sooner. When you don’t hear back until a certain date, you can call to confirm.

Parents And In-Laws

Before you set out on making a guest list, it’s a good idea to have a meeting with everyone involved first — your future spouse, parents, and parents-in-law. This is important whether they’re paying or you’re shouldering all the wedding bills. This way, there’ll be no surprises when it comes to the guest list.

A good starting point is to divide the guest list two ways. You and your spouse each get 50% of the list. Then you can divide that with each of your parents into 25%.

Relatives

Relatives

For most of you, your relatives will be the next thing on your wedding list aside from your parents. The general rule is when you invite one member from their branch of the family, you need to invite their parents, siblings, and kids too.

But it doesn’t mean that when you invite all of your cousins, your spouse has to invite all of theirs too. They might not be as close as you are. The general rule is that you shouldn’t feel pressured to invite all the people in your family tree, especially if you haven’t talked to them in ages.

Friends

Other than your closest friends, you might have other people that you’re considering inviting to your wedding in order to not hurt their feelings. Some people do this in the hopes of rekindling an old friendship.

This is understandable, but a busy event such as a wedding is not the best venue to bond with your old friends. Instead, you’ll be far too busy mingling with all your guests and going through the program.

Co-Workers

Co-Workers

You might be wondering if it’s considered poor etiquette not to invite your co-workers. The general rule of thumb is to invite everyone in your department or invite none at all. There’s an exception though. If you have a truly close friend that you talk to outside of work, it’s okay to invite them too.

But what about your boss? Just like your co-workers, this will depend on your personal and professional relationship with them. If you’re worried that it’d be over the line to invite them, you can schedule a quick meeting to ask them if they’re comfortable with an invitation.

Plus-Ones

When making your guest list, don’t forget to take your friends and family’s plus-ones into account. This might be their significant other or spouse. Again, this will depend on your budget and the type of wedding you’re celebrating. If you have an intimate event, most people would understand if you’re not inviting plus-ones.

A general guide is that married, engaged, and cohabiting guests get a plus-one. If you’re inviting a single VIP guest who doesn’t know anyone in your wedding, it would be polite to invite their plus-one so they won’t feel awkward in your event.

Key Takeaway

By knowing the things you need to consider when making a wedding guest list, you can lessen the stress for you and your future spouse. Keeping these guidelines in mind, don’t forget that it’s your wedding celebration and you deserve to be happy without breaking the bank. Stick with your priorities, be realistic with the number of guests, and send your invites early to avoid stress later on.

If you need a wedding caterer, you can call us here at Juan Carlo for a tasting experience. We offer plated services to keep you and your guest safe during the new normal.

Ara Mina And Dave Almarinez: A Fairy-Tale-Like Wedding

Leave a reply

What makes Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez’ fairy tale wedding special?

  1. Wedding ceremony
  2. Reception venue
  3. Gown and suit
  4. Professional catering services

Last June 30, 2021, couple Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez officially tied the knot at a destination wedding in Baguio. If you already saw the photos, you will be amazed by all the elements of their celebration. Here are some of the highlights from Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez’s fairy tale wedding! Keep on reading.

Wedding Ceremony

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ? ??? ???? ? (@therealaramina)

One of the things that made this couple’s wedding celebration special was the venue. The ceremony was held at the chapel of Alphaland Mountain Lodges at Baguio, a master-planned 82 hectare property with 300 lodge-style homes. The view from the open-air chapel was picturesque and breathtaking. It also allowed the guests to experience the cool breeze of the city.

But inside, the scenery couldn’t be more perfect. The chapel was decorated with lush foliage and white flowers, which exudes an air of purity perfect for the celebration. The couple exchanged their vows, which were authentic, simple, but tear-jerking. For the bridal and groom’s car, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and a Ferrari, which are luxury cars, made the wedding extra special according to Ara Mina.

Reception Venue

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ? ??? ???? ? (@therealaramina)

The real magic happens at the reception venue which is also located in Alphaland Mountain Lodges in Baguio City. A basketball court in the same location was transformed into a Versailles Palace-inspired themed ballroom. The court was embellished with white chandeliers, glass tables, floral centerpieces, and fine chinaware — which makes it a perfect place for a prince and a princess.

This is where the couple had their romantic wedding dance. Singers such as Jessa Zaragoza, Jayda, Rada, Martin Nievera, and Dingdong Avanzado were also there to perform for the guests and the couple.

Gown And Suit

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ? ??? ???? ? (@therealaramina)

The most eye-catching element in Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez’s wedding is the bridal gown. It was designed by Leo Almodal, who is a world-class Filipino fashion designer and creative director of ALMODAL. The Baroque Rococo princess ball dress was handcrafted with crystals and made to perfection. For the reception, Ara Mina wore a figure-hugging dress made by Francis Libiran, who is a Filipino architect and fashion designer.

For the wedding ceremony, Dave wore a tailored royal blue suit which was classy and elegant. Just like Ara Mina, he also changed his attire during the reception to a black and white suit. The wedding and reception attires were designed by Francis Libiran.

Professional Catering Services

Aside from the venue, gowns, and suits, what made Ara Mina and Dave’s wedding celebration much more memorable is the food. The banquet hall was served with food that was fit for those with a finer taste. Aside from the professionally prepared food, the food plating was also pleasing to the eyes. With a commitment to serve good food, Juan Carlo was able to overcome the distance of the commissary in Quezon City and Batangas to the venue itself.

Here is the eight-course meal served by Juan Carlo The Caterer:

Amouse Bouche:

  • Assiette of Duck
  • Galloway Beef with Honey Agaric Mushroom Sauce

Appetizer:

  • Baked Hokkaido Scallops served with Pastis Prado Wine in Paprika Cream Sauce

Soup:

  • Andalusian de Tomato Bread Bowl served with Grissini Stick Squid Bread

Salad:

  • Fresh Baby Leaf Salad, Chianti Poached Pear
  • Served with Cambozola Cheese, Caramelized Peach, Candied Walnuts

1st Course:

  • Broiled Alaskan Halibut on Forest Mushroom Risotto
  • Served with Tomato & Vegetable Salsa

Sorbet:

  • Verdant Lime

2nd Course:

  • US Certified Prime Angus Rib Eye Steak
  • Grilled Marinated Black Tiger Prawn with Herb Jus Potato, Herb Garlic
  • Vegetables, and different sauces

Dessert:

  • Galaxies Delight, which is a dessert composed of the following:
    • Match Cake,
    • Chocolate Soil
    • Dulce de Leche
    • Strawberry Cream Cheese
    • Cream Custard
    • Vanilla Ice Cream
    • Fresh Strawberry
    • Cucumber Granata

The eight-course meal was served by trained waiters and waitresses wearing personal protective PPE such as face shields and masks for the safety and peace of mind of the guests. Each plate was professionally curated so both the visual and taste senses are satisfied.

Key Takeaway

As a once-in-a-lifetime event, a couple wants their wedding to be unique and memorable. Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez’s fairy tale wedding is made much more special with a picturesque location, stunning gowns, classic suits, and professionally catered food by Juan Carlo the Caterer.

If you’re interested in serving your guests with professionally catered food from Juan Carlo, you can send a message for inquiries.

5 Tips For Planning A Bridal Shower

Leave a reply

What are the best tips for planning a bridal shower?

  1. Stick to a Theme
  2. Have Fun Games Prepared
  3. Serve Light Bites and Cocktails
  4. Create an Uplifting Playlist
  5. Give Out Useful Favors

Hosting a bridal shower for the bride-to-be is such an honor for anyone in the bridal party. It’s a fantastic way to officially celebrate and mingle with loved ones from both sides. It’s also filled with fun games, gifts, and is a great excuse to get fancy with your friends! However, it can be very stressful to coordinate a great party between what the bride wants and what her bridal party may suggest. So, here are some handy tips for planning a bridal shower to help you along the way!

Whether you’ve planned for one before, or are in desperate need of some last-minute advice, this article gives some ideas to help you plan an unforgettable party for the bride-to-be.

Stick to a Theme

Stick to a Theme

When you set a theme for the party, it provides some much-needed direction for both you and your fellow planners. This makes it easier to coordinate the finer details of all the decor and other items you might need to buy for the big day. Things like invitations, linens, flowers, and party favors are all influenced by the overall theme that you will pick for the party.

There are many different bridal shower themes out there that you can choose or draw inspiration from. The best way to start deciding is to first consider what the bride enjoys. For example, if she loves swimming and surfing, then a beach-themed party could be a good idea! Here are some examples of popular bridal shower themes to get you started:

  • Tea Party: A classic theme that is perfect for brides who want something elegant and romantic. This theme can be carried out by adding an assortment of teas and delicate finger foods to the menu. Tell guests to come wearing their best tea attires (semi-formal and usually in light colors), or provide them with accessories at the shower (such as hats and gloves). You could decorate with lace and mismatched china, or tie in additional themes that suit the bride’s personality and taste.
  • ‘Girl’s Night In’: Some brides want their bridal showers to be less fancy and more comfortable. When planning for this theme, take inspiration from all the sleepovers and girl’s-nights-in that you’ve had with the bride. Include a bar, provide pizza and candy, and prepare for games and a movie marathon. Guests can also prepare short videos of their favorite memories with the bride or host a trivia quiz filled with fun facts about her. This kind of party can be hosted at someone’s house or even at a hotel suite.
  • Beach Bonanza: Nautical or beach-themed bridal showers are also a popular option for brides who love chilling at the beach! You can pull off this theme with navy blue decor, anchors and ship wheels, and cute sailors’ hats for the guests. Or, if you want a more coastal vibe, you could go with a lighter blue color palette and use seashells, wicker baskets, and beach umbrellas instead.
  • Brunch and Bubbly: Everyone loves a good brunch meal — add on some mimosas and everyone is happy! Some brides will love the idea of a cozy brunch with their friends and family, so this might be the option for you. Prepare a waffle bar, a mimosa station, and bowls of fruit and pastries. Choose decor that is light and simple, and ask guests to come in their prettiest summer outfits.

Another good tip when planning the theme is to tie in the wedding colors for the bridal shower. This is easy to do when choosing the decor for the party. For example, if the wedding colors are green and white, the flowers and plates could easily match.

While a theme isn’t exactly necessary for a bridal shower, it does add a lot of personality to the party. Feel free to get as creative as you like — as long as the bride approves of your final plan! Make sure that what you pick out ties in with the bride’s personality and interests.

Have Fun Games Prepared

If the guest list is a bit long, then it’s safe to assume that not everyone at the bridal shower party will know each other. In that case, it’s always a good idea to prepare some games for the guests to break the ice with each other and set the mood for the rest of the party.

Games that revolve around the bride are a great way to start the ball rolling. It’s a fun way to get some laughs from the group and helps make the bride feel special. Trivia about the bride and the groom or “he said, she said” games are some examples you might want to try. Collect tidbits about the couple and prepare your questions!

Serve Light Bites and Cocktails

ight Bites and Cocktails

Begin planning for the menu at the party when you decide on the theme. One of the first things to consider is what food preferences the bride will have — after all, it is a party for her — while also trying to tie in these preferences to your chosen theme. If you’ve chosen to go with the brunch theme, aside from the usual waffles and mimosa, you could also serve coffee, bagels, and muffins.

If you’re having a hard time looking for food ideas, serving an assortment of light bites and cocktails helps. For example, putting out a bruschetta bar or taco bar will let your guests have the chance to build their snacks, which they will appreciate. Additionally, creating a themed signature cocktail for the night is also a good idea. Hand one of those out to each guest when they arrive to start the party!

Depending on your budget, you could also have the event professionally catered to take some of the load off. However, you should make sure that the caterer you book can meet all your needs and specifications. To make your choice count, book a reputable caterer like Juan Carlo. Juan Carlo even offers food tasting to help you pick the right dishes for your event.

Create an Uplifting Playlist

Even if the music may not be the main focus of the day, the background noise will help set the mood of the party. Creating the right playlist for when the guests arrive, begin to mingle, and when the main event starts is important. While they might not pay attention to the songs for the entire party, they will notice if the songs you choose are ‘off’ or odd. So remember to keep your theme in mind, and try to choose mood-appropriate songs.

The music doesn’t always have to be upbeat, but avoid using heavier or intense songs for the day. If you’re struggling, using instrumental songs in the right mood can serve as fillers in between your main songs for the event — bonus points if you can find a few songs about romance to insert in your playlists!

Give Out Useful Favors

e Out Useful Favors

Giving out party favors to your guests is a great way to say thank you for coming and celebrating with the bride. Nowadays, it is popular to give favors that are genuinely useful for your guests. Some ideas of what you can give out as gifts are:

  • Bath salts or body scrubs
  • Jars of preserves or honey
  • Cookies, sweets, or pastries
  • Nail polish or cologne
  • Potted herbs or plants

If you have floral arrangements for the bridal shower prepared, you can also create smaller versions of these arrangements for the guests to take home. These kinds of favors are also a clever way to integrate the theme of the bridal shower. With these, guests will remember the wonderful time they had with the bride and will appreciate gifts that they can use at home later on.

Key Takeaway

Planning a bridal shower doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Use these tips for planning a bridal shower to create a beautiful and memorable event for the bride-to-be. Don’t shy away from asking the bride what she would like for the party, and use that to get an idea of what theme to go for. If you keep these tips in mind, you’re sure to throw a successful celebration for your lovely bride!

Find Out The Best Month To Celebrate Your Wedding

Leave a reply

What should you consider when finding the best wedding month for you?

  1. Weather
  2. Availability
  3. Costs
  4. Symbolism

 

Everything should be perfect for one of the most special occasions in any person’s life. This day may have been played out over and over again in your dreams growing up. However, that picture in your head may come out completely different because you chose the wrong month to hold your special day in. There are a couple of prime factors that play into creating your perfect day. One of which is choosing the best wedding month for you and your future spouse!

 

Weather

An outdoor garden wedding

Weather is a major consideration for your wedding. Your guests and suppliers will have to make the necessary adjustments according to the estimated weather conditions on the day of. Your theme and your venue can also ride on the expected weather conditions.

The March to May months welcome sweltering summer heat, so drop your suits and fancy gowns. Instead, have your guests go for something light and airy instead. Think: earthy garden weddings. These are also great months to have a beach wedding. But do your guests a favor and start your celebration when the sun is not at its highest peak. Do them one better and just keep them indoors with good air-conditioning.

June to September starts ushering in a high probability of rain and storms. If you are looking to have an outdoor wedding, definitely avoid these months. Even if you are indoors, the rain might impede the travel from the church to your reception area. Especially with how traffic slows down in the Philippines with just a slight drizzle. If you do decide to push for a rainy day wedding, have your organizers ensure that there are allowances for travel time.

October to January has a crisp nippy air about, with a nice cool breeze. This can be perfect for an outdoor wedding or reception, should you decide to do that.

 

Availability

A bride riding a rented car

February and March might find you in a bit of a hitch. Your scheduled day might be sandwiched between Valentine’s celebrations and the stretch of Holy Week.

December can also be quite difficult as many events and other celebrations are starting to book venues and suppliers towards the end of the year. You are also contending with heavier traffic the later you book your wedding.

If your family members primarily work abroad, then you should also take that into account and find the best month for them to schedule their leaves. Of course, being a Filipino couple, you’d want them all to be present.

You should also check on your favorite suppliers and whether they are available on your chosen months. After all, if you have your sights set on a trusted group that can guarantee a successful celebration, you should do everything in your power to make sure they’re present.

 

Costs

An engaged couple talking about wedding budget

During the stretch of December to February, the price of flowers increases because of the upcoming Valentine’s preparations as well as the season of blooming. Watch out for this as well if you plan to have your florist and stylist put together any elaborate floral designs for your venue.

June is still a widely popular month for tying the knot in the Philippines. Charges go up during this time due to the increased demand for wedding suppliers and coordination services.

Towards the latter part of the year, because of the saturation of events and other parties, costs for suppliers tend to go higher as well. If you are set on being a December Bride, book way ahead of time and avoid the spike in price with an early bird discount package.

 

Symbolism

Wedding gifts during the Christmas season

January ushers in the New Year, a fresh start for your new life as a couple. It symbolizes a bright future ahead.

December has a festive air about it, so you can bask in the energy of the upcoming yuletide season and gather everyone in the country’s favorite time of the year.

You may also want to align with the Chinese calendar to see the luckiest months for 2020 to start a bond with your significant other.

 

Key Takeaway

Good pre-planning goes a long way to finding the best wedding month. Think about what matters to you the most, rank your priorities, and let that drive your decision. But when it all comes down to it, your wedding is special whatever month you have it in. Your friends and family will move mountains to be there and see you walk down the aisle.

Ultimate List of Wedding Trends This 2020

Leave a reply

What are the top wedding trends for 2020?

  1. Sustainability
  2. Fabric Flowers
  3. Micro Weddings
  4. Photobooth Trends
  5. Minimalist Wedding Dresses
  6. Beach Weddings
  7. Long Tables
  8. Various Menu Options

 

More couples have been straying away from classic wedding traditions in exchange for new ways to express their personality and style. There are hundreds of new wedding trends that come and go, and it can be quite overwhelming to choose just one. If you are looking for ideas to make your wedding one-of-a-kind, here’s a list of the ultimate wedding trends you can incorporate for your special day this 2020.

 

Sustainability

Nowadays, people are giving importance to reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the environment. Sustainability is being considered in almost all aspects of people’s lives, even at events such as weddings. Although there is no such thing as a perfectly sustainable event, here are the elements of a wedding you can apply to reduce your carbon footprint:

Venues

One of the biggest ways weddings can cut down on energy is to get married outdoors. There are tons of breathtaking sceneries you can choose from such as farms, vineyards, gardens, and beaches. If an outdoor wedding doesn’t suit your taste, then consider holding your ceremony and reception in one venue. This saves your guests from a long travel time and reduces the amount of pollution you emit into the air.

Clothing

When thinking about sustainability and clothing, you may want to consider renting out gowns instead of having custom made clothing for your entourage. You can also choose for your entourage to wear their own clothes, but with a specific color aligned to your wedding theme. If you are confident in your sewing skills, you can even buy fabric and sew the entourage’s outfits for a more heartfelt touch.

Invitations and Giveaways

More couples are trying to be sustainable by making conscious wedding choices, such as in terms of invitations and giveaways. Instead of going for classic mail invitations, paperlessness is becoming more common, especially in this digital age. For giveaways, people have been giving out items that their guests will find useful in their everyday lives.

 

Fabric Flowers

Fabric flowers

One of the best things about using fabric flowers at your wedding is that they don’t wilt like traditional flowers. Guests can even use this as decoration for their own homes afterward. You can either get these silk flower bouquets done at a shop or have them done yourself for a more meaningful wedding.

 

Micro Weddings

It is very common for couples to go all out at their weddings. But lately, people have been doing less for more. One of the main things couples do for micro weddings is inviting a maximum of 50 people or less. This is a good, cost-effective approach to planning your special day. Fewer people to invite requires less food, invitations, and less preparation. Micro weddings value connection by inviting people that you value and have only been in touch with recently.

 

Photobooth Trends

Flat lay of props used for a wedding photobooth

Photobooth companies have been evolving their technology and services for all kinds of events. Aside from just the common method of getting your picture taken and having it printed out, there have been more innovative and creative styles done in photobooths. You can now set up photo booths that generate GIFs, 360 camera shots, and even the famous Boomerang.

Photoshoots done in a more professional setting have also been a trend. Some couples are getting more creative with extravagant backdrops and backgrounds. You can opt for this trend to ensure that your guests have an enjoyable experience that can make lasting memories.

 

Minimalist Wedding Dresses

Wedding dresses are known to be extravagant. Some come with a long tail, veil, and embroidery. With the rise of minimalism, a number of brides are opting for simple white dresses that can stand out just as much. Minimalist wedding dresses are a good option for brides celebrating their special day at the beach because of their lightness and simplicity.

 

Beach Weddings

A bride and groom having a wedding photoshoot at the beach

More couples have been opting to celebrate their wedding at the beach because of the lovely scenery it gives while tying the knot. This can also double as your honeymoon and reception destination. You can never go wrong with the fresh air, blue skies, and the beautiful scenery that the beach offers.

 

Long Tables

Wedding receptions are a time for you and your guests to start celebrating a new chapter in your lives. Make it a magical night to cherish new memories. When surrounded by all the most significant people in your life, you want to ensure that they’re all having an excellent time. For a more intimate reception experience, you can opt to use long tables.

Long tables are a perfect way to easily converse with your guests. This also saves you time in planning and organizing the table arrangements. Not to mention it is also fun to decorate because it is easily customizable. From monochromatic decor, jewels, wood, or colorful linen, designing long tables will surely make you happy.

 

Various Menu Options

A buffet spread of various menu options

How food is served at weddings is becoming grander by the year. Aside from the venue and the entertainment at your reception, your menu will also be remembered. Couples are now selecting meals and service styles that speak to their personality. There are more flexible choices for how food is served at weddings such as plated dinners, the classic buffet style, and standing arrangements.

Securing a high-quality catering service for your wedding reception can definitely make your reception a great one. Catering services have been more flexible and accommodating in terms of meeting their customer’s needs. If you want the food at your wedding to be served well, consider hiring a quality service provider with good reviews and a diverse wedding catering menu.

 

Key Takeaway

Looking for ideas and concepts to incorporate into your wedding can be quite overwhelming. But with the rise and increase of wedding trends, there is surely something out there to suit you and your partner’s personality.

6 Questions You Need to Ask When Booking a Wedding Catering Service in the Philippines

Leave a reply

What are the questions that you should be asking when booking a wedding catering service?

  1. Have they already worked on the same venue before?
  2. What, in particular, makes up their catering package?
  3. Are they flexible with the menu? Or can you only choose from the set of deals that they have?
  4. How long does the service take?
  5. Are they willing to provide a food tasting in advance?
  6. What does the caterer and the staff wear?

 

With the variety of choices for a wedding catering in the Philippines, the task of finding the best service can rather be formidable. This is especially true considering there are a lot of things you have to do to test them out, including food and beverage tasting and checking out the tableware.

Admittedly, doing all of these things can get stressful. However, some of them are really necessary in order to ensure that your big day will go as seamless as possible. Hence, it may be useful to perform a mini Q and A with your potential caterer.

 

Question #1: Have they worked on the same venue before?

Question #1: Have they worked on the same venue before?

The venue is an important factor for a caterer, hence, it’s important that you ask them on whether they have already worked on the same venue before. This is in consideration of the handling that they may need to go through in the actual day. If they will be cooking on site, it’s important for them to be able to check the kitchen, the electricity, the space, and many others that they may need for the service to run smoothly.

Even more so, there are cases that you may need to supply them a few things in the venue. Therefore, in order to make sure that you will not be surprised with the billing, it’s essential for you to be informed of this beforehand.

 

Question #2: What, in particular, makes up their catering package?

Question #2: What, in particular, makes up their catering package?

As mentioned above, there are instances that will be supplying a few things to the caterer while they are setting up your venue. Thus, it’s only important to also ask them about what things in particular will make up the package (or what wouldn’t). Here are some examples:

  • Tax
  • Staff
  • Tip
  • Service charge
  • Bartenders
  • Cake cutting charges
  • Beverage service
  • Alcohol
  • Table
  • Chairs
  • Tableware
  • Linens
  • Serving ware
  • Facilities
  • Garbage bins

With this information, you’ll be able to pinpoint which of the items listed above may be considered as an additional expense for you. Thus, enabling you to be prepared for it.

 

Question #3: Are they flexible with the menu? Or you can only choose from the set of deals that they have?

Question #3: Are they flexible with the menu? Or you can only choose from the set of deals that they have?

Flexibility when it comes to the menu is an important factor when choosing a caterer. This is due to the reason that you also have a few things in mind that you want to incorporate into the menu. For instance, you would like to serve a family dish or your spouse’s favorite food at your wedding. You have to take this into account because more often than not, the caterer will not have these food items available on their menu.

Whether they have it or not, you’d know this information beforehand, allowing you to adjust or think of something else.

 

Question #4: How long does the service take?

Question #4: How long does the service take?

When it comes to planning your wedding reception, it’s an important factor to be mindful of the time that your wedding catering service may take up. This is given the fact that you’re also renting a venue with only a limited time. Furthermore, starving your guests isn’t something you wouldn’t want to happen on your wedding day. With that said, you should ask the caterer about the specifics. After all, a great catering service knows how long specifically it’ll take them to complete a particular event.

 

Question #5: Are they willing to provide a food tasting in advance?

Question #5: Are they willing to provide a food tasting in advance?

Of course, above all, food matters. Thus, it’s only as important to know what they can offer you and have a taste of the food they will be serving your guests at the event. It’s also important that it’s not only a sample of the food that they are capable of cooking, but also the exact food that you’d want to have on the menu for your wedding day.

A good catering service in the Philippines should have a variety of options and will be willing to offer you this; therefore, you shouldn’t think twice about asking them.

 

Question #6: What does the caterer and the staff wear?

Question #6: What does the caterer and the staff wear?

It’s also important to know how your caterer’s staff will look like in the event. This is to ensure that they’ll go with the tone and theme of your wedding. After all, they’re a huge part of the event.

 

Key Takeaway

Asking specific questions to your caterer may be intimidating, but it’s standard to do so. Basically, it is because you wanted to ensure that you’re getting the right service and avoid a poor one.