Tag Archives: Wedding Packages Manila

Wedding Budget Breakdown: 6 Essential Tips For Budgeting

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What are tips for budgeting a wedding?

  1. Consider the Size of the Guest List
  2. Choose An Off-Peak Wedding Date
  3. Go For a Naturally Beautiful Venue
  4. Consider a Brunch Wedding
  5. Opt for a Dessert Buffet
  6. Allocate Funds Effectively

 

Regardless of whether you have a million pesos, half a million, or 100,000 pesos to spend on your wedding, planning is not something that you should take lightly. Save some budget for your honeymoon. Take note, after years or months of planning, you might want a week off with your spouse to privately celebrate an important milestone in your life. From reducing the number of invitees to ensuring effective allocation of funds, here are some of the essential tips for planning wedding budgeting.

 

Consider the Size of the Guest List

For couples, it is quite tempting to include everyone on the guest list. While this may mean more fun, it is not a great idea if you are strict with your budget. With each head that you add to the list, your costs increase. The intimacy, as well as the privacy of your wedding, lessens.

Never feel obligated to invite the friends of your friends who you only met up with a couple of times. Conversely, do not feel you are required to invite relatives that you have not seen or spoken to for almost a decade. Although it is lovely to share the most important day of your life with every person you know, keeping the wedding intimate presents the best solution to avoid going overboard on your budget.

 

Choose An Off-Peak Wedding Date

A calendar showing a couple

Take the concept of supply and demand. Peak season means rental prices for wedding gowns, reception venues, caterers and other miscellaneous factors will shoot up due to high demand. Most Filipino weddings are held from May to June and December to February. These are the months wherein all wedding services are charged at a premium price.

Typically, couples would choose to hold their weddings on important dates in their relationship like the anniversary date, a significant month, or a notable holiday. With that in mind, many fail to recognize and consider peak seasons. Failing to consider dates and months can tremendously bloat wedding costs.

 

Go For a Naturally Beautiful Venue

Function halls provide you with the opportunity to incorporate your desired wedding theme. However, going for a mix of a traditional church wedding and barn reception presents an ideal combination to reduce costs associated with the location. When looking for a venue, you should look at the transportation costs of wedding essentials as well as your guests.

While holding a wedding reception in Manila entails higher rental costs, celebrating at a remote place could mean greater transportation costs and related fees to the consumer market. In addition, conventional venues require a minimum headcount. With that, you may be required to fill in the guest list and risk spending more of your budget.

 

Consider a Brunch Wedding

A table saying cheers during a brunch wedding reception

If you look at the data pie chart of any wedding, most couples would spend a sizable portion of their total budget on the reception. There are plenty of reasons why holding a brunch wedding is less costly compared to typical after sunset celebrations.

Think eggs Benedict, bacon, fried rice, and pancakes. You can save up on food expenses if you serve your guests a heavy brunch buffet. Apart from that, you will not have to rent a fully open bar to avail of free-flowing alcoholic drinks for the after-party. Cocktails such as mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and breakfast sangrias are great brunch cocktails.

 

Opt for a Dessert Buffet

Instead of pouring a large portion of your wedding reception funds into the main course buffet, why not allocate more for the dessert buffet? Combine the breakfast buffet with delectable sweets through a grazing table filled with sweet pastries and even savory finger-food. Put together a gorgeous grazing table for those who crave sweets in the morning.

Regardless of whether you have a buffet-style setup or plated meals, having a breakfast grazing table on the side should satisfy your sweet tooth. It should also satisfy those who are looking for finger-food as they enjoy their mimosas.

 

Allocate Funds Effectively

A couple budgeting their wedding

Correctly allocate your funds by breaking down the possible expenses you will have for your wedding. To do this, you should be able to rank the importance of each wedding essential according to your preference as a couple. For instance, others would prioritize the caterer because they wish to serve the best food to their guests. While some would rather have the best wedding photos.

Regardless of your total budget, here is a sample breakdown of wedding expenses in percentages:

  • Wedding reception: 48-50%
  • Church wedding ceremony: 2-3%
  • Bridesmaids and groomsmen attire: 2-3%
  • Flowers for the bride and decoration: 8-10%
  • Entertainment and sound system: 8-10%
  • Documentation including videography and photography: 10-12%
  • Miscellaneous costs like overtime expenses: 8%
  • Emergency fund: 5%

 

Key Takeaway

Planning your own wedding is probably one of the most exciting and tedious activities you will immerse yourself in. The key to creating an effective wedding budgeting plan depends heavily on how you want your wedding to be and the total budget you allotted for the special occasion. At the end of the day, you will face the receipts of all the wedding expenses. Let the vision of it remind you to include only what is essential for the celebration. The most important part of it is you share the special moment with the people you love at a venue dear to you.

6 Ideas For a Rustic Farmstead Wedding

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What are some rustic farmstead wedding ideas?

  1. Comfort Food Menu
  2. Retro Soda Pop Bottles
  3. Lace Draperies
  4. Table Lantern Centerpiece
  5. Rolling Bar Cart for Charcuterie
  6. Use Plenty of Wooden Decorations

 

Beach and rooftop weddings are some of the most popular venues for wedding commemorations. But celebrating at a farmstead provides a one-of-a-kind breathtaking experience for the couple and their guests. Barns weddings are perfect for couples who love to be enveloped in nature and who find solemnity in the rustic vibe that farmsteads exhibit. From table decorations to buffet setups, here are some rustic and fashionable farmstead wedding ideas you can incorporate into your theme.

 

Comfort Food Menu

Sumptuous meals and great desserts are the secret ingredients of any memorable wedding. There is nothing that makes guests happier than piling their plates with classic comfort food and going back to the buffet table for some more. To serve the best menu for your barn wedding, make sure you obtain catering from professional services. They should be able to help you come up with the best dishes, regardless of whether you wish to serve Filipino comfort food or other international culinary dishes. Here are some of the dishes that no Filipino can ever say no to.

Lechon

Is it really a Filipino celebration if there is no lechon (roast pig) on the table? Labeled as the National Dish of the Philippines, lechon is essentially a barbecued pig served on top of decorative banana leaves. They are roasted in a rotisseries movement over a pit of charcoal. Request your caterer to cut the lechon into pieces as the buffet opens so that it is easier for guests to get a portion.

Adobo

A true Filipino party is incomplete without the presence of chicken and pork adobo. The term adobo is a method that refers to simmering pork and vegetables in a marinated sauce.

Sinigang

Another popular comfort food in the Philippines that you can definitely find in every restaurant and carinderia is sinigang. There are three popular versions of sinigang: beef, pork, and fish. A medley of vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, and onions are also included in the mix. Broth is added to enhance the sour taste of the dish.

Kare-kare

Kare-kare is best enjoyed with spicy bagoong. It is a thick peanut stew made of oxtail, tripe, and pork leg. Some vegetables such as eggplant and string beans are tossed into the stew to complete the entire taste of the dish.

Halo-halo

In Filipino culture, sweets and desserts are not less important than meat, fish, and rice dishes. One of the most popular desserts is halo-halo. There is nothing more refreshing than halo-halo, especially if the wedding celebration is held in the afternoon.

 

Retro Soda Pop Bottles

Retro Soda Pop Bottle

Choose to serve drinks in soda pop bottles or anything that looks like a milk bottle to relive the days when farmers would drink milk fresh from their cows. Put the drinks in a wooden tray and use funky paper straws. Serve fizzing refreshments for your guests in soda pop bottles for a rustic and vintage feel. If you are looking for more, print out a couple of your pictures and paste them onto the surface of the bottles. Make sure the type of sticker paper you use is waterproof.

 

Lace Draperies

For table skirting, use tulle or lace draperies for a vintage effect. Usually, it is the responsibility of the caterer to provide the tables, chairs, utensils, as well as table napkins and skirting. To ensure everything goes as planned, make sure to tell the caterer about your table skirting requests. For the buffet table, instead of using table skirting, opt for a burlap or runner to differentiate it from the rest of the tables in the venue.

 

Table Lantern Centerpiece

Table Lantern Centerpiece

Lanterns look lovely and romantic during both the day and the evening. They make great centerpieces that go well with vintage lace table draperies. You can either look for rustic-looking lanterns that will match well with the farmstead or use the color of the wedding theme. To make the table decoration extra dainty, put in flowers, leaves, and a couple more candles around the lantern. Lanterns are versatile decorations. You can even hang them in entryways.

 

Rolling Bar Cart for Charcuterie

Make the after-party more fun by setting up a charcuterie bar together with the drinks. Use a rolling bar cart as a grazing table where you can display bite-sized munchies as you allow the drinks to flow. Serve a variety of cheese, meat, bread, and fruits as well as pizza or candy. Place the charcuterie boards on rolling bar carts and station them near the buffet table.

 

Use Wooden Tables and Chairs

Wooden chairs and tables for an outdoor wedding reception

You can either use normal wooden tables and chairs or get creative with wine barrels and wooden round chairs or benches for a rustic and shabby chic wedding reception. If you wish to put large groups in one table, you can use two large barrels to hold a rectangular piece of wood to fashion a make-shift dining table. Otherwise, a single barrel can hold a circular piece of wood for smaller groups.

 

Key Takeaway

If you have already decided to have a farmstead wedding, use these ideas to pull off a shabby chic and vintage theme. Mix and match modern with rustic through decorations. Lastly, make sure to plan the event well with your wedding planner and caterer to align the decorations and design with the theme of the celebration.

Why Filipino Wedding Traditions Should Be Preserved

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For couples in the Philippines planning to spend the rest of their lives together, it is necessary to know the importance of Filipino wedding traditions. Over the centuries, Philippine wedding ceremonies have developed a blueprint. And although these celebrations have gone through a number of variations, the mainframe remains the same.

As long as the country and its people continue to practice these traditions, it will never be consigned to oblivion. From offering respect to your spouse’s family to perpetuating a part of the country’s cultural identity. Here are some of the main reasons why Filipino wedding traditions should be preserved.

 

Infographic

 

Honor and Respect for Local Religion

A priest officiating a wedding in the Philippines

Church weddings solidify the union of a couple under the blessing of a priest. In the Philippines, religion is so embedded in the lives of Filipinos that it influences local culture in almost every facet. This can be particularly observed in local wedding traditions. For Catholics, marriage is believed to be a gift from a higher being. The declaration of love and commitment in front of a presiding priest is said to strengthen the foundation of any committed relationship.

 

Proper Transmission of Wedding Customs

A Filipino bride and groom

Traditional marriage ceremonies are passed on from one generation to another. Despite the new trends that occur, Filipino traditions are still common and practiced by many couples. Here are some of the traditions done to prepare for your wedding day.

 

Approval Of The Girl’s Parents

Before proposing, the man in the relationship should ask for the approval and blessing of the bride-to-be’s parents. This custom, also called pamanhikan, is done as a sign of respect to the future bride’s family. It is still practiced nowadays especially for those asking for a girl’s hand in marriage with a secure plan for the future.

 

Consultation Of Families

After the blessing is given, the proposal for an engagement can be realized. Once the girl accepts the proposal, the families of the bride and groom may proceed to discuss the details of the wedding.

 

Uphold on the Sanctity of Marriage

A bride and groom in the church

Filipino wedding traditions are also done on the day of the ceremony. One of the most common traditions is the use of lasso or rope to symbolize the everlasting union of the bride and groom. It is placed around the couple’s shoulders in the form of the number “8”, which represents the sign of infinity. Here are other Filipino wedding traditions you should uphold.

 

Barong Tagalog For The Groom And A White Gown For The Bride

For the groom, the traditional barong is normally worn to pay tribute to the traditional heirloom. The bride can usually be seen wearing a white wedding gown.

 

Lighting of Candles and Unity Candles

Catholic wedding ceremonies require the lighting of candles. The most special of which is the unity candle. The candles signify the union of families in the presence of God. It asks Him to guide the newly wedded couple.

 

Coins and Veil

Wedding coins or arras are unity coins that symbolize prosperity. The coins could be 13 pieces of either silver or gold coins that have been blessed. Often, dove figurines are found inside with a bell and a couple of other little trinkets that fit into the container.

 

Continuity of Filipino Wedding Reception Customs

A table at a wedding reception

Similar to cultures around the world, Filipino wedding receptions present a venue for relatives and friends to join the newly wedded couple for a night of celebration. From emotional and heartfelt speeches to delicious Filipino food, customary activities performed before still transpire up to this day. The speech typically comes from the bride and groom themselves as well as the maid of honor and best man.

There is no set of particular menu items for Filipino weddings. Despite that, what is a local wedding without a Filipino dinner buffet? Find the best catering services that can craft you a menu full of lechon, kaldereta, and dishes from other cuisines.

 

Key Takeaway

There are plenty of Filipino wedding traditions drawn from local culture and religion. From rituals, readings, to taboos. Continuing to practice local wedding culture will allow the preservation of the traditional blueprint of betrothal in the country. Each ritual signifies the importance of marriage and the values that come along with it in the union of two individuals’ hearts.

8 Budget-friendly Wedding Theme Ideas

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What are the budget-friendly wedding themes you can consider?

  1. Romantic
  2. Vintage
  3. Whimsical
  4. Animal Lover
  5. Country style
  6. Nautical
  7. Casual
  8. Modern

 

We all want a successful wedding. Part of the vows and solemnities that come with the day itself are the themes in which couples can incorporate into their wedding to make it pleasing and organized. While there are plenty of wedding packages in Manila to inquire about your theme preferences — something that is common for every wedding — it’s actually more fun if you and your significant other could think on your own. This way, you can showcase your creativity, and you can ensure cherished moments even before marriage itself.

Themes do not only include the gown and formal attire the couple and guests should wear. It covers the venue, food, overall program during the reception, and the vibe which sets a proper emotion towards all attendees. Food and venues can be easily catered to in Manila. You can easily call the catering service once you have a theme for in mind. So, to get you started with the different possibilities for your budget-friendly themes for your wedding, here are some suggestions.

 

The Romantic

The Romantic

This is actually quite a simple theme. As the name suggests, it exudes a romantic mood that can be felt not only by the main couples of the event but by the guests as well. To achieve the romantic vibe, ask your venue to decorate the room/hall with soft hues, delicate lighting, and lots of flower arrangements. Opt for decorations that complement the entire venue. If possible, go for hanging lights (such as chandeliers) and candles for lighting. The dress color code should be pastel.

 

The Vintage

When you hear the word ‘vintage’, you automatically think of the historical spots and/or thrift shops scattered around Manila. Draw out your inner classical feel with this theme by going for antique-looking decorations and venues. If you want to be unique, evoke the style of a true Filipina! Ask your guests to dress in the Maria Clara style of clothing as well. It’s cute, it’s fun, it’s original!

 

The Whimsical

The Whimsical

Are you and your partner the crazy, artistic, and creative types? Do you love seeing bursts of color in your wedding aside from the traditional plain white or pastel? So whimsical might be the right theme for you. This one calls for multicolored decorations — balloons, streamers, different colored flowers, and even chairs and tables of varying color. Just like a children’s birthday party, it lets you show your inner child as well.

 

The Animal Lover

The Animal Lover

Who doesn’t love animals? The animal lover theme is perfect if you and your significant other share a special love for your pets too! This creative, yet budget-friendly wedding theme incorporates not only animal-designed decorations and patterns, but real animals as well. For instance, your dog can even participate in the ceremonies and have them be your ring bearer. To make it a truly pet-friendly event, you may even invite your guests to bring in their pets on your wedding day.

 

The Country Style

It is true that there are lots of beautiful provinces in the Philippines. With a wedding package in Manila, you can bring the delight and ambiance of the countryside in the bustling city. For this theme, you can draw inspiration from you and your partner’s provincial hometown. There are plenty of designs and program ideas to work on so you can showcase the wedding traditions in your province.

 

The Nautical

The Nautical

Of all the caterers in Manila, the one that screams out cute and heartwarming the most is the nautical theme. True to its name, nautical works best when your significant other has the heart of a seafarer. This is a theme which boasts love amidst the challenges of a seaman’s duty to seas. Seafood is a plus factor with food catered to this theme, as well as cocktail bars. You can have your venue decorated as a ship or a port. You can also have fun with the attire for your guests. Opt for a sailor-look for the men and a light, carefree dress for the ladies.

 

The Casual

The Casual

Also known as a garden party, this is your best bet if you want to go for a minimalistic wedding theme. This is done outdoors, so if you are planning a cocktail-type wedding, this is a good way to set it up. It doesn’t have to be too formal, but you can be sure of an intimate moment for both you and your partner, as well as a great time for your guests.

 

The Modern

The modern theme calls for a minimal design of geometric shapes. Because it is a modern-theme wedding, break away from the traditional white colors, and exercise your freedom of creativity. This is your best bet to make a budget-friendly wedding look extravagant.

 

Key Takeaway

Weddings aren’t just fun because of the vows to be taken that day, culminates the love that is forever kept. It should also be enjoyable because of the theme you have planned for your big day. Just remember to be creative, budget your money wisely, and enjoy yourselves!

Desserts from Around the World to Include in Your Holiday Menu

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What are the desserts from around the world to include in your holiday menu?

  1. Tres Leches Cake from Mexico
  2. Apple Pie from USA
  3. Creme Brulee from France
  4. Tiramisu from Italy
  5. Pavlova from Australia
  6. Gulab Jamun from India
  7. Bibingka and Puto Bumbong from The Philippines

 

The holidays are fast approaching and as Christmas parties are drawing nearer, more wedding packages in Manila offer a seasonal menu – from savory main dishes to beloved desserts from different parts of the world. As much as it’s tempting to spend the holidays to experience different holiday food from various countries, you don’t need to go far as these make a colorful variety to your holiday menu and maybe include in your next holiday traditions. Here are some of the best desserts around the world to include in your dessert menu!

 

 

Tres Leches Cake from Mexico

In recent times, Pastel de las Tres Leches Cake or three milk cake became one of the most popular Mexican desserts. It is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream – thus, its name. Cover it with whipped cream and it’s best served with fresh berries for the ultimate tres leches cake experience. It’s a combination that makes this dessert so irresistible and well-loved not only by Mexicans but people around the world.

 

Apple Pie from the USA

Apple Pie from the USA

Apple Pie is the American’s well-loved desserts that is usually served during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply have it every day as a snack or dessert. However, the original apple pie recipe didn’t originate from the States, it became a popular dessert during the period of World War II when this was given as an answer to soldiers when asked why they’re heading off to war. This is where the American Apple Pie is born.

This famous dessert is made with macerated apples that are poured on a flaky pie crust. This is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is a popular dessert among different cultures around the world, and with that, the enjoyment of having apple pie for the holidays is here to stay.

 

Creme Brulee from France

Crème brulee or also known as burnt cream is an elegant French dessert that consists of creamy custard with hard caramel on top. The mixture of custard infused with nutmeg and a slight hint of rum give its velvety texture that is perfect for the holiday appeal. Creamy, crackly crème brulee is a delicious and festive holiday dessert that you will absolutely love including in your holiday dessert menu.

 

Tiramisu from Italy

Tiramisu from Italy

You see this dessert included in Italian restaurants and it is a great pick me up after a hearty meal of pizza and pasta. This is what Tiramisu is all about. It is a rich layered Italian dessert made with layers of ladyfinger cookies soaked in espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cream, and finished off with a dusting of cocoa powder. The wonderfully sweet coffee flavors and fluffy textures make this dessert popular for many years where not only became a staple of Italian cuisine but also became an icon of layered desserts for many centuries.

 

Pavlova from Australia

Pavlova from Australia

Pavlova is an Australian dessert dedicated to the Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s a meringue-based dessert made with soft and crisp meringue filled with fresh cream topped with a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis. It’s been a long dispute between New Zealanders and Australians behind the origin of this dessert, but no matter where it came from, it’s a dessert that stays admirable to all dessert lovers and best served and eaten right away for the holidays.

 

Gulab Jamun from India

Gulab jamun is a classic Indian dessert that is very famous and enjoyed by Indians during huge celebrations. It is made with milk powder combined with spices like cardamom and safflower then rolled into dough and shape into berry sized balls. It is then deep fried and soaked in a simple sugar syrup infused in rosewater for a hint of floral sweetness. You can also top this with pistachios for an added crunch.

 

Bibingka and Puto Bumbong from the Philippines

Puto bumbong and bibingka are the ultimate holiday delicacies that are popular in the Philippines as they are always served during simbang gabi.

Puto bumbong is a purple colored rice cake that got its name after a bamboo tube used to cook this delicacy. This is best serve hot with sugar, margarine, or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk on top! On the other hand, bibingka is made out of rice flour mixed with coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and salt. Its mixture is then poured over a banana leaf while cooked under hot charcoals. The final product is a soft, sweet, and fluffy texture similar to that of puto bumbong.

Having these two delicacies in your holiday menu, whether it’s homemade or served from the best catering in Manila, this will definitely make every family’s holiday celebration more enjoyable.

 

Key Takeaway

Every country has their own sweet treat to share in celebrating the holidays. With these desserts in your holiday menu, whether it may be for your party with friends and family or having a good time with company gatherings offered by the best wedding packages in Manila – you’re sure to have a good time!

Wedding Packages Manila: What Not to Do Before and During Your Wedding

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What are some things that are best avoided before and during a wedding?

Before

  1. Drastic haircuts
  2. Dye your hair
  3. Drinking alcohol
  4. Trying new workout schemes

During

  1. Panicking
  2. Making any last-minute changes
  3. Arguing with any member of the entourage
  4. Being too hands-on with EVERYTHING

 

Numerous wedding packages in Manila are guaranteed to give your wedding the amount of joy and excitement you crave for, not to mention the tremendous amounts of convenience you can get from these packages. With that said, a wedding is definitely something to look forward to, especially with all the right things in place and in store for you.

However, while there are some things you could look forward to do in favor of having a special wedding day, there are just as many things that should avoid completely, particularly before and during your big day.

If you do not want any unnecessary issues happening on your wedding, then here are some advice you could adhere to regarding what not to do before and during your wedding:

What Not to Do Before the wedding

Before

Preparing for your dream wedding can be quite stressful and hectic at times, causing you to do things irrationally. However, you could prevent yourself from doing some “drastic” measures by being on the lookout for them. To give you a clue, here are some of the things you could do before the wedding:

  1. Any Drastic Haircuts

Sure, getting your hair done before your wedding is a very important and exciting thing for a bride to do. But as much as possible, try and limit your hair projects to simple straightening or curling. That way, you’ll achieve a look that you are comfortable with.

However, if you really do want to sport a new haircut, then try to really think about it so you wouldn’t end up regretting your decision afterwards. Also, try to talk to a professional hairdresser that could give you great wedding hair advice.

  1. Coloring Your Hair

Speaking of hair, dyeing it with any color other than brown can definitely alter the aesthetics of your celebration. Dyeing your hair in a new color can give it a new and vibrant sight for your spouse-to-be to behold. However, it could also cause you some issues – particularly if you don’t time it right. This is because dyeing it too early before your big day could end up with you having uneven hair color.

Thankfully, this could easily be managed with the help of a professional hairdresser. Be sure to talk to one before doing any coloring to your locks.

  1. Drinking Alcohol

While numerous wedding package deals in Manila offer a great deal on alcohol, as well as a variety of drinks for you to choose from, it’s not really the best thing to enjoy before your wedding. While it may taste great with every sip, they actually pack on the calories, which can make fitting in your dress or suit a bit of a hassle.

With that said, try to hold off on the alcohol for the time being. Besides, you’ll have more than enough to enjoy on your special day.

  1. Trying a New Workout Scheme

Yes, working out is a great way to shed the pounds in time for your wedding day, especially when it comes to fitting into your dress with minimal effort. However, when you try a new workout scheme, your muscles will surely be sorry in the future.

As much as possible, your wedding should be as stress-free as possible; and with your muscles going through all that stress before your wedding, it’ll definitely be a hassle for you. With that being said, it would be much better for you to stick to your regular routine.

What Not to Do During Your Wedding

During

Problems could arise not only prior to your big day, but also during the momentous occasion. If you want to avoid these things as much as possible, then be sure to avoid the following:

  1. Panic

This is one of the biggest no-no’s during such a wedding occasion, especially during the minutes leading up to the start of your new lives together. In this case, it’s okay to keep a keen eye on any details of the wedding, while at the same time keeping a level head when things may seem out of line. Mistakes of any size are almost unavoidable, therefore it’s best to approach these little hairs out of place with a calm demeanor.

  1. Make any Last-Minute Changes

This is another thing that should be avoided at all costs! The point of planning for your wedding is to ensure that things go smoothly during your special day; and if you ever have any last-minute changes you would like to make, be sure to act on them WAY BEFORE your wedding and not during.

This is why it is advisable for you to have a wedding checklist that you could rely on and follow through to avoid any mishaps on the day, itself.

  1. Argue with any Member of your Entourage

As mentioned before, mistakes are almost unavoidable, which also goes for any personal mistake made by anyone, including you. That being said, if you happen to have any personal grudges against anyone, best keep it to yourself for the meantime, or at least until the wedding has finished. Surely, you’ll be able to mend any bridges once the air has cleared.

Also, when it comes to family drama, make sure that any fight anyone would have against the other be handled with a calm and civil approach. That way, you’ll be able to avoid any screaming matches that may ensue, as well as any fist fights.

  1. Handle EVERYTHING

This is also best avoided even before your wedding. The point of getting some help in planning your wedding, as well as availing for the best Manila wedding package deal is to help you cover all details. Stressing yourself out by overseeing or handling everything is a sure way to get your blood boiling.

In the end, you must trust your entourage and everyone, who wishes to help you out. After all, you are the one that’s about to get married, which means you should be able to enjoy your day as much as you wish.

 

Key Takeaway

These things are definitely the best ones to avoid before and during your wedding. Without any of these present in your special day, the road to holy matrimony and love is sure to be a smooth one!

How to Avoid Wedding Drama

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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

How to Accommodate Handicapped Guests

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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.

 

 

How to Keep Kids Entertained at a Wedding

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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.