wedding advice – Page 2 – Weddings At Work

Bridal Blurbs: Bridal Fair Blues

August 31, 2016/in Blog, Bridal Blurbs /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bridal fairs are not new to me and my fiancé. Before we got engaged in 2015, we have attended a few while we were organizing his brother’s wedding in 2010, which is why I can say that we kind of knew what we want for our wedding even before he proposed.

Couples who are planning to wed may scope out the wedding industry by visiting bridal fairs to benchmark how much they should spend for the most necessary supplier down to the littlest detail needed (or wanted) for their big day.

Let’s admit it, some suppliers who are very visible online don’t come cheap, while some suppliers have little to no online presence at all, making it hard for soon-to-weds to see their sample works. A number of these suppliers take advantage of bridal fairs to showcase their products and/or services, and that’s where you and your partner should be to see their actual work.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BridalFairBlues5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bridal fair organizers usually announce their event at least three months before the actual date, so couples can plan their trips accordingly. Part of the planning process you need to do is to pre-register online. Why? While the door charge on the day of the event is minimal, you are still letting go of your hard-earned money. As I would say in Filipino, “Hindi ka makakabuo ng isang milyon kung kulang ka ng piso,” so save that for your wedding budget and pre-register!

It is also important to know what you need before you go to the fair. Event organizers usually post the list of participating suppliers on their Facebook or webpage. If it’s not posted, you may send them a message on Facebook or e-mail to ask.

If your goal is to scout for hair and make-up artist, have a look at the list of suppliers participating in the bridal fair and research about them. If you are interested to get to know about a particular HMUA, send her a message before the fair and ask for her regular rates, and compare her bridal fair rates to see if the deal’s a catch or not, so you can move on to another supplier. After all, you are given a day to think, compute, and research further to decide if you are going to push through with the booking or not.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BridalFairBlues2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Now that you are ready to go to an upcoming bridal fair in your area, heed these tips to make your trip just like a walk in the park:

Bring your pegs: If you are looking to inquire about invitations, cake, or event stylist fees, it would be best to prepare your pegs so they can give a quote based on your requirements. You may print it or save it on your mobile phone or tablet for easy access.
Bring an extra bag: Be it in canvas, paper, chic plastic bag, or an ecobag (because we love Mother Earth), this will help you store the brochures you will be collecting during the bridal fair. Some fair organizers give these away for free or with a minimum purchase, but it won’t hurt if you bring your own. After all, it won’t take too much space in your purse when folded!
On brochures: If you have a goal in mind, get only the flyers from suppliers you are interested in transacting business with. If you are looking for photobooth suppliers, concentrate on getting flyers from these businesses. You may refuse suppliers giving out these promotional materials POLITELY, because it takes a great amount of effort and money to produce these, only for you to dispose of it. Don’t worry, it’s okay to say no if you say it in a nice way, and don’t forget to say thank you!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Ask for rates: Some suppliers don’t have their price list on their flyers or brochures, and some give additional discounts on top of the promo price, that is if you haggle nicely. If you are reaaaally considering to book the supplier but still need some more time to contemplate or have a chat with your fiancé(e) whether face-to-face or online, have them jot down the deal you are about to close on their available stationery with their logo, or on the promo mat they gave you. Don’t forget to ask for the name of the person you spoke with, and write it on the same paper that he/she wrote on so you can have it as proof that you already transacted with them previously, whether in the event or after the fair.
Do the 3 Ts: Track, Talk, Think. Bridal fairs are usually a two-day event, so you usually have two days to do the 3 Ts.
First, track down your shortlisted supplier. Search for reviews on Google or on Facebook, and sift through the million messages sent on WeddingsAtWork Yahoo Groups or Facebook Groups. If you don’t find any reviews, start a thread and ask your fellow w@wies for supplier reviews. The last two T’s are Talk to your fiancé(e) and Think together and do the pencil pushing and the decision making together.
Before booking: As soon as you sit down with your prospective supplier to finalize things, lay down all the cards you have and discuss what you have previously agreed on. At this point, some suppliers may suggest upgrades or say that they will charge this sum for this and that on top of the previously agreed price. Listen to your supplier and read the fine prints carefully before signing the contract and handing them your reservation fee or down payment. If you are not satisfied with this last step, don’t be afraid to back out politely.
Book! This is the final stretch of your supplier-hunting sojourn. As with any supplier dealings in and out of bridal fairs, make sure your supplier gets all the details, the production timeline, and your contract and acknowledgement or official receipt with you for filing. Scan and convert your documents to soft copy when you get home so you still have it on digital file in case you lose it. And while we’re at it, PLEASE DO NOT LOSE YOUR RECEIPTS AND CONTRACTS AND HAVE IT IN A SAFE PLACE UNTIL THE WEDDING IS FINISHED, OR UNTIL THE OUTPUT IS DELIVERED!

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/waw-logo-fair-2.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]With the innovations in today’s technologies, almost everything can be done online! Watch out for WeddingsAtWork’s second installment of the Bridal Fair Online on September 5-10, 2016. It’s like participating in a typical bridal fair, only that you could be sitting comfortably in the comforts of your own home, with your husband- or wife-to-be! What’s more, the online event will last for five days so you have a lot of time to do the 3 Ts.

Are you ready for your next bridal fair?

Read more of Kassy Pineda’s Bridal Blurbs at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/bridal-blurbs/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Kassy Pineda:

When not engrossed with her day job as a Digital Media Manager for a utilities company, Kassy muses about her thoughts on wedding preparations and her future married life with her fiance.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Did You Include These In Your Budget?

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Often, one computes the budget according to supplier categories — food/catering, attire, coordination, emcee, photographer, videographer, sound system, projector, musicians, florist, etc. Because such is the case, other items that should be in the budget are forgotten. What are these items?

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]a) Crew Meals

If you will take time to read every contract you signed, you will see this notation. You can get the headcount from the suppliers, or you can ask your coordinator to handle getting the headcount as well as the meal allowance requirement if you’d rather not provide the actual meals. If you will provide meals, you can just stick to getting the number of heads and the number of meals that need to be provided.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DidYouIncludeTheseInYourBudget2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Meal allowances are between 150 and 250 pesos per head, while actual crew meals usually range from 150 to 450 pesos depending on the source. Please inform your supplier within the week of your wedding if you are providing meal allowances and not actual meals. That way, they can incorporate buying and/or eating out in their schedule/timeline. (In all truth, this is hard to do given the fast pace of preps, but informing the suppliers ahead of time that they will be getting meal allowances on the day helps them prepare — researching for a place to buy that’s nearby, having staff who can take care of meals while the rest are shooting or doing their tasks, etc.

b) Tips

You are not required to provide meals for waiters since the catering company takes charge of feeding them, but it’s a good idea to provide tips because you’d like to thank them for good service. Think about it: At a restaurant, you give a tip even if the service was just for an hour or two. With these waiters, service starts with the set up, at least 3 hours before the cocktail period, they will be hauling tables, chairs, and other items into your respective venues. Then, they will have to be on their toes for at least 4 hours. If you will have a period for partying, then it can stretch to 6 hours. It’s no joke to avoid sitting down for 7 or more hours straight. What’s the usual amount? At the minimum, 100 per head, but the average is 200 per head.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Waiters need to haul these many items for a typical 150 to 200 pax event. This collage does not include yet the linens, the cushions, the food, the backdrop, and the styling elements.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Since their work also involves carrying equipment and the like, the staff of stylists and sound system providers are often given tips, too. A hundred per head is the going rate.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The stylist’s men need to fasten the wires to create the web, then screw each light bulb — no mean feat if you think of the sheer number of light bulbs that need to be screwed into the sockets.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

For those who are with you during preps or who are working in your venues during preps time, 2 meals are requested — photo and video teams, coordination team, styling team, sound system, etc. For those who are only present during reception like the emcee, the projector provider, the mobile bar staff, etc., only one meal is needed. For the hair and make-up team, it’s best to ask since a lot of them only require one meal while there are others who stay till reception and require 2 meals.

Of course, these are recommendations based on experience and you can be as generous as you feel you can be given the circumstances of your big day.

c) Meeting-related Expenses

Meetings usually cost the clients because of gas, parking, and toll fees when applicable. The tab for drinks and food usually gets shouldered by the client as well. Thus, having lots of meetings in malls can cost the client a hefty sum. It’s better to avoid having a meeting over every little concern. Instead, determine which problems you can address via email or online calls.

Reserve the meetings for major stuff you need to do, for instance, it’s just a meet and greet, do it online, reserve the face to face meeting for discussing important details. And yes, do your homework, so that your meeting number 1 does not have the same agenda as your meeting number 2 and your meeting number 3. It will cost you more if you keep having meetings but you never do what’s needed from your end. (That’s also the reason why a lot of suppliers have limited number of meetings included in their packages. It is meant to make clients focus and finish their tasks so that they won’t end up cramming.)

d) Cocktail Food Items

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DidYouIncludeTheseInYourBudget1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]While you can depend on the caterer to provide this, some lower their packages but remove these oh-so-important items from the menu (or they leave just one item which won’t cut it for guests who skipped a full meal just to get to the ceremony on time). Cocktail food items placate guests when they are waiting for the couple to finish their post nuptial shoot and retouch. Thus, the couple will have to spend for this if only to buy time for their pictorial after the ceremony.

e) Accessories & DIYs

Sometimes, designers don’t include in their packages the accessories one will need for the ceremony — the cord, the secondary veil, the pillows, etc. Sometimes as well, there are accessories provided but you’d like to get personalised items. Of course, the expense will add up. Add to the list your hair piece, your jewelry, your groom’s stuff (socks, hanky, tie pin, belt, watch), and both pairs of shoes.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Some also add personalised items to the registration table, the guest tables, the vip tables, and the like. These are the couples who chose not to hire a stylist and to DIY. Buying stuff to create personalised items will of course entail expenses not only for the items needed but for the transport and food that one will consume while hunting for the necessary items. We can’t quantify but the effort to make the DIY items and the toll they will take on the faces and hands of those who are working might mean trips to the derma. (You never know so better have it here, right?).

I’m sure you can think of other things that can creep up on your budget — among them are extra alcohol (beer, hard drinks), gifts for principal sponsors (if you didn’t hire a supplier to provide these), extra food for extra guests who decided to come last minute, and fees for extra hours in the venue, for the bridal car, for the sound system in case things don’t happen as planned in the timeline.

Bottomline: Have extra money prepared for your big day. Do not max out your savings and what you expect to get from your job and your gift-givers.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Budget_Collage5.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Whenever you look at photos of an event, think of all the hard work that went into preparing the place and the set up so that it would be a feast for the eyes.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Thank you, Thoffy Consulta of Events by Thoffy and Queen David of Just Like Ours, for serving as my consultants for this article. Thank you as well to Ayie Tuates of Imbitado for the behind the scenes photos of the set-up and Myio Okamoto for the actual reception and ceremony photos.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015):

Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Bridal Blurbs: Nifty Apps You and Your Fiancé(e) Can Use While Planning Your Wedding

August 3, 2016/in Blog, Bridal Blurbs /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Note from Mimma Benz: Am happy to have on board as our columnist, Kassy Pineda. She’s a Wawie who will write about her adventures and experiences as bride. Her first article is lifted from her Tumblr Account talking about how to survive in this digital age of planning. Please welcome Kassy to the WaW Fam![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s the scenario: You (or your fiancé[e]) own(s) a desktop or a laptop, or if you two are of the techy kind, you own a tablet. Because seventeen or more years in school and/or work requires you to be equipped with basic knowledge of tinkering around MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you use these applications to help plan your wedding.

But, alas! Your twelve-year-old laptop crashes…on the ground. Your desktop tower suddenly refuses to cooperate because of that motherboarding motherboard. Or your tablet gets stolen. Did you keep all your updated files in a USB or did you back it up on a hard drive? No? Darn.

Okay. Something similar happened to me a few days back. You see, I’ve been using my work laptop for my personal use (sorry, boss!) since I turned over my six-year-old Macbook Pro to its new owner, my colleague’s teenage daughter. I was supposed to do some work at home during this week’s city holiday when my laptop’s screen decided to conk out on me. I NEED TO WORK! I NEED MY FILES! OUR CUSTOMERS NEED ME! I NEED TO UPLOAD ADVISORIES ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS!!!

The next day, I sent my laptop to our IT guys and they revealed that my laptop screen and keyboard are not functioning, but my files are still intact, so they backed up all my work files as I wait for a proper diagnosis from the technicians.

You ask now, why am I not worried about our wedding preps files? You get your answers below:[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WeddingApps1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Dropbox.

Back when I was working in a Digital Media agency, I used to share files with my colleagues on the fly. I was a Manila-based writer doing Social Media content planning for Singaporean companies, and most of my officemates are in the Little Red Dot, so we found it efficient to exchange files through Dropbox. Now that we are planning our wedding, the fiancé and I keep our files in a shared Dropbox folder where we consolidate supplier quotations, guest lists, pegs, and other files. I have now migrated my Dropbox files to my dad’s laptop while I wait for IT to fix my laptop, and I can also access my files using my iPhone! Pro tip: Increase the capacity of your Dropbox by referring friends to join Dropbox, tweet about it, or connect several computers to your Dropbox.

Evernote.

If you are less effective in jotting down notes using pen and paper, it’s faster to type it in! Like Dropbox, you can sync your notes from suppliers’ meetings, do a checklist, and even write your vows! You may also access Evernote on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Google Docs and Google Drive.

This is an alternative to Dropbox, since you can edit your guest list using Google Docs on your web browser simultaneously with your fiancé(e). Also, you can keep your files in Google Drive. Personally, I find Dropbox easier to use than Google Drive, but I like Google Docs especially when you and your fiancé(e) are discussing guest lists on Skype (hello, LDR couples!), Facebook, or Facetime.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/WeddingApps2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Viber/Facetime/Line/WhatsApp/whatever.

If you have a mobile data plan, or if you carry a pocket wi-fi with you all the time, you may want to use this to call your fiancé(e) in the middle of a meeting with a supplier, or in the middle of a meltdown because of a supplier or somebody else (maybe you? Loljks!). Phone bills are no joke, and your existing data plan may just save your bank accounts from its possible demise. But what if you do not have a data plan?

Sign up for unlimited call and/or text promos.

Call your service provider and know your options. Calling your suppliers, fiancé(e), entourage, or family every so often during your preps may cause your communication expense to skyrocket. Some mobile service providers offer boosters for this purpose, and it’s better to pay a minimal amount instead of experiencing a shock of your lifetime when you see your bill!

Facebook/Messenger.

Some suppliers respond faster on Facebook, plus you get to see their sample works before you even send them a message. Also, you get to gauge your suppliers on how they have a relationship with their (potential) clients through their responses made in their Facebook page.

My favourites? Evernote, Dropbox, iMessage, Viber, and Facebook. What are yours?[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]

About Kassy Pineda:

When not engrossed with her day job as a Digital Media Manager for a utilities company, Kassy muses about her thoughts on wedding preparations and her future married life with her fiance.

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WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of an Outdoor Wedding

July 8, 2016/in Blog, WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Out-of-Town weddings have become popular — in fact, too popular, that suppliers are so used to flying in and out of Manila or going on long drives week in and week out.

What does it take to mount one?

Let’s focus on out-of-town garden weddings.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The ideal timeline would look like this:

Friday Check-in at the Preps Venue

Saturday Big Day:

6:00 AM – Wake-up and shower, have breakfast

8:00 AM – Start of make-up and hair (Usually there are more people for make-up during out of town events, this assumes bride + 4 to 5 ladies & 1 make-up artist + 1 hair stylist.)

10:30 AM – Arrival of photo and video teams (detail shots using paraphernalia in the bride’s room)

11:00 AM – Lunch delivery, distribution, and actual eating time for all (Count heads very well and order extra packs for unexpected heads; it might not be easy to order from a fast food outlet.)

11:30 AM – Dress up of all those included in the groom’s pictorial; lunch time of the bride

12:00 NN – Groom’s pictorial along with his side (including dress up & detail shots)

1:00 PM – Everyone should be finished with make-up, ladies & gentlemen are dressing up to join the bride’s side pictorials

1:30 PM – Bride’s pictorial along with her family and entourage (including dress up and leeway for sewing the gown and what-have-you)

3:00 PM – Travel to the area of the ceremony (Usually roads are narrower and bumpier so even if the venue is near, it’s good to allot some time for hitches along the way or for the slowness of the car/buggy due to the uneven terrain.)

3:30 PM – Invitation time for a garden wedding

4:00 PM – Line up and marching time, ceremony starts right after

5:30 PM – End of group pictorials, recessional; couple pictorials should start immediately to capture the sun’s rays

6:30 PM – Start of programme

7:00 PM – Dinner

8:30 PM – End of formal programme and start of party time (Still not so bad for those who will go back to Manila right after the out-of-town event.)

Note: Even if it ends a bit later given that the programme may not start at 6:30 PM due to the number of possible areas for in-between pictorials, the guests will most likely be willing to stay since Sunday is a non-working day/no-school day anyway. A Sunday out-of-town wedding might be a bit more difficult since guests might choose to go but leave early or not to go at all in order to rest and be ready for the work/school week ahead.

Of course, Sundays have less traffic so it’s a good idea as well. One just has to be more conscious about following the timeline and ending early enough to give people time to travel back.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What are the look-out points?

Because you will be at the mercy of the elements, please check on the following:

a) a Plan B covered area in case it rains — with air conditioning units please, or…

b) have stand-by tents (some tent companies have stand-by rates which are lower than their regular rates)

Said tents or the area where the event will be held should have cooling fans around, so people won’t be too uncomfortable.

It will not be easy to follow the timeline if the people doing set-up are held up by dark clouds and the chance of rain or if rain suddenly falls and almost everything gets wet right away. Sometimes, there are no droplets, it comes down in torrents right away.

Some caterers or chair providers and stylists might also charge for double set-up since their people will not just be tired in the usual sense — they will be terribly tired with all the carrying they will have to do to remove the items that are exposed to rain and return them when the sun comes out again.

Tip: It usually rains in May. March and April seem to be safer when it comes to having sunny weather all throughout. Of course, there’s climate change and all the hullabaloo it brings.

Make sure your invitation helps people understand what they ought to wear. I’ve seen ladies come in stilettos thinking that the area would be cemented and covered, only to find out too late they would need to walk on a grassy area wearing stilettos. Think of how many times their heels will sink into the soil. Not a pretty sight plus their heels might get damaged.

Do a thorough check of who is coming. Attrition rates usually increase with venue distance, unless you are providing vans or means of transport.

Give detailed maps to guests with instructions on how they will get to your venue/s. That way, no one will complain about getting lost. If you can put up signs, better. Such signs are good for venues which are pretty far from the main road. Remember, it might be the first time for your guests to go to your venue/s, and their cellular phone signals may fluctuate; thus, preventing them from calling or sending an SMS to you and your coordinator just to clarify if they are still going the right way.

If you got a van for them, please make sure the van driver knows where to go. That way, no one will be late for your ceremony.

Your gown, the groom’s attire, and your entourage attire should match the venue and its nuances. Your designer will most likely design something else for you if you were to have the event in a hotel compared to having it close to nature. Less bling, no ruffles, tried and tested cuts, and designs that don’t have too many layers would be best for you and your entourage. An outdoor ceremony is also the best excuse you could have for using a birdcage veil or a shorter one, since a long veil might fly off or get caught on brambles. Your groom might be better off with a less formal top since the heat might be too much if he’d wear the usual 3-piece suit.

Yes, you might end up spending less for your clothes since you don’t need as many layers and you definitely don’t need a lot of beadwork as well. Oh, and don’t forget to purchase shoes that match the terrain.

Due to the number of hours required for travel and the length of time before dinner, the couple should provide a hearty lunch for all those present at the preps venue — suppliers, parents, family members, entourage, etc. Be sure about the head count since it will not be easy to look for a quick fix due to the distance of fast-food outlets.

Also the couple should provide cocktail food items that will tide guests over. Imagine that they didn’t have much time for lunch just so they will be on time and they didn’t have snacks as well since your ceremony is in the middle of the usual merienda hours. This will also ensure that guests will not complain of hunger and cut short your in-between pictorials as bride and groom.

Have dinner for your suppliers as well. Just as your guests will travel a long time to get home, so will your suppliers.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Have useful giveaways — fans, umbrellas, sunscreen, mosquito repellants, and slippers. People will surely use them. The coins and paper bills they will give in exchange for the slippers could be given to a nearby church. {Why coins? We, Filipinos, have a little superstitious belief that prevents us from giving away footwear, unless the recipient “pays” for it, even with a peso.}

Giving away fans and umbrellas makes it possible for people to endure going to the ceremony area even if it’s still a bit sunny, i.e. the assembly period and marching period between 3:30 and 4:15 PM.

If you’d rather not get a tent, you can also use the umbrella giveaway as a “safety net” in case it suddenly rains in the middle of the ceremony. It helps you have peace of mind that guests would be fine no matter what climate change throws your way.

The officiant must not be late. Garden weddings are usually mounted because the bride and groom would like to have nature and sunset shots. If the officiant is late or takes too long with his message, most likely, the bride and groom will just look wistfully at the sunset — no actual couple shots will be taken.

One option to have safety shots is to have a first look* type of pictorial or to have pictorials the previous day — assuming the photo and video teams agreed to come in earlier. The latter will entail extra expense though due to additional labor as well as accommodations.

*First look refers to having pictorials together even before the ceremony time. This one is done by the bride and groom in order to have more photos at the chosen venue instead of the time-bound pictorials between the ceremony and reception.

The relatives must be advised that the pictorials will follow the set number of photos — even if there is no church structure. This will ensure as well that the couple will have the couple pictorials needed at a point when darkness has not set in. After all, the couple can’t start the ceremony earlier as well since it would still be too warm. There will still be time to take more photos with groups of relatives in the reception area, but the sun has a time limit. Usually because there’s no church structure, relatives add additional groups — cousins of the bride from her mother’s side, cousins from the father’s side, all nephews and nieces, etc. This wreaks havoc on the timeline which allots only 30 minutes for pictorials after the ceremony.

Because out of town gardens have preparations, ceremony, and reception venues in one big compound, it is easy for entourage members to dress up and change before the program. If you’re a stickler for the uniformity of their entourage dresses, tell them to dress up after their parade/entrance.

Fireworks for outdoor events are great — one can have them set off at the end of the first dance or upon the couple’s grand entrance. After all, guests don’t need to move from their seats to see the lights show in the sky. One can’t have such with indoor receptions.

Incidentally, you will also have more buffet options — including on-the-spot cooking since you are outdoors. You can also have a lechon baka with the full roasting oven simply because you have enough space for it.

We had a Filipino fiesta themed wedding before, and we were able to bring in a man selling isaw only because the cocktails happened to be situated in the garden.

Get photo and video teams who can create their onsite AVPs pretty quickly. That way, there will no need to stretch the programme just to wait for them to finish. Stretching the programme will cause it to end later; thus, some guests might leave before the onsite AVPs are shown.

Note: If your reception is over brunch or lunch, or if you will start around 5 PM, you might want to consider getting LCD TVs or an LED wall so that you can really see what is being shown on screen. The sunlight will overpower even your 5,000-ANSI lumens projector and screen combo. This happens even with indoor venues that have glass wall.

12. You might not need a mobile bar or a full band for the after party as well given the long drive home. Thus, you may channel your savings to a coffee bar for them to have coffee before going home. Or you may get caterers who offer coffee service already.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/AnatomyofanOutdoorVenue3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Bottomline: Will you save because you’re using a garden venue? Not really, the savings you will have from having simpler attire designs, avoiding having a mobile bar and full band, and paying for a venue without air conditioning will be balanced off by having to provide air coolers, tents, and out of town fees.

Needless to say, out-of-town weddings are more difficult to mount. Thus, if you have the budget to hire suppliers who know the venue or the over-all area and have much experience with handling out-of-town events, go for them. The wisdom they’ve gained from experience will be useful in the long run, especially in handling problems that might crop up when you’re close to or you’re in the middle of your big day.

Special thanks to Drs. Allan and Hannah Corpuz whose photos are in this article. Thank you as well to their photo team led by Alex Ruelo.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s’ Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.

Read:

Part 1 – Anatomy of a Morning Wedding

Part 2 – Anatomy of an Afternoon Wedding

Part 3 – Anatomy of an Evening Wedding

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015): Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Aisle Do: Kid’s Activity Pack

June 17, 2016/in Aisle Do, Blog /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your kids activity pack. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Kids are adorable especially during weddings. They bring joy every time you see them walking down the aisle. Expect the children to do the unexpected—from walking fast, falling down on their knees, or worst, not walking at all. Come reception time, they need to do something enjoyable. A foolproof scheme can come in the form of an activity pack to keep them preoccupied especially when the program starts.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_KidsGift1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s what you need:

Brown paper bag
Paper doily
Papier mâché letters
Glue stick
Glue gun
A pair of scissors
Washi tapes
White paint
Ribbons

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Cut the doily in half, put glue, and and stick it on one side of the paper bag.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 2: Paint the papier mâché letters in white to make it easier for the kids to decorate them.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 3: Place rolls of washi tapes inside the pack which the kid can use to decorate the letter assigned to him/her. (In this case, we use the initial of the kid’s first name.)[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_KidsGift4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 4: Label the activity pack to avoid confusion during the distribution.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 5: Let the kids enjoy the activity.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_KidsGift10.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bespoke Tip: Put candies, chocolates and coloring sheets to keep the kids a lot busier. Have an extra bag or two for unexpected children attending the wedding reception.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Read more of Ernest Pascual’s Aisle Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/aisle-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Aisle Do: Gift Wrapping

June 15, 2016/in Aisle Do, Blog /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your gifts for your principal sponsors and wedding entourage. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Our aim is to give you and other soon-to-wed couples ideas on how you can personalize your wedding by undertaking easy and simple do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. We also want to help you create some lovely touches or details to make your nuptials extra special. We will tell you what materials to source, the step-by-step procedure, as well as show you how these crafted little items will look on wedding day.

Gift Wrapping

During weddings, the bride and the groom are not the only receivers of gifts. A considerate couple thinks of appropriate gifts to give to the principal sponsors and members of the wedding entourage.

Below are two ways by which you can dress up your gifts.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V1GiftWrapping1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Here’s what you need:

Wrapping paper
A pair of scissors
Double-sided tape
Glue gun
Glue stick
Jewel stickers
Puncher
Washi tapes
Buttons and acrylic jewels
Boxes
Cupcake liners

Here’s how to do it.

Version 1

Step 1: Put the gift inside a box. Cut the wrapping paper according to size.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V1GiftWrapping2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 2: Use double-sided tape on the wrapper to secure the gift.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V1GiftWrapping3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 3: Start sticking washi tapes on one side. Add washi tapes according to your preference and design. Place a “thank-you” card.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 3″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 4: Embellish the project with jewel stickers.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V1GiftWrapping7.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V1GiftWrapping8.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Version 2

Step 1: Put the gift inside a box. Cut the wrapping paper according to size.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V2GiftWrapping1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 2: Use double sided-tape on the wrapper to secure the gift.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V2GiftWrapping2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 3: Put ribbons in a criss-cross direction. Place a “thank-you” card.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Step 4: Adorn the project with folded cupcake liners, jewel stickers, and buttons.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V2GiftWrapping4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AisleDo_V2GiftWrapping6.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bespoke Tip: Always place your gift inside a box. Assign your coordinator to distribute the gifts on your behalf. If you haven’t hired one, ask your bridesmaids to do this task.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Read more of Ernest Pascual’s Aisle Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/aisle-do/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Before & After I Do Workshop

June 13, 2016/in Blog, Events /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]5 out of 10 marriages fail but yours doesn’t have to. Learn what to do before and after you say I DO. Join the next Before & After I DO workshop.

“Before & After I Do” is a marriage starter workshop designed to help couples learn the principles needed to have a wonderful and lasting marriage. This workshop is geared towards couples who are getting married or who have been married for up to 20 years.

The next workshop to be held on June 25, 2016 at the A. Venue Mall, Makati Avenue, will feature the following speakers:

Edric and Joy Mendoza
Wisdom and Betty Sy
Gino & Vida Rodriguez
Albit & Gina Rodriguez

For more information and to register, visit www.ido.com.ph.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WAW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of an Evening Wedding

June 6, 2016/in Blog, WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]While some chose a morning slot and others went for the popular afternoon slot, you decided to go for an evening ceremony slot.

What’s the usual timeline? Let’s tackle the 7PM ceremony time since a lot of churches reserve their 6PM slot for angelus, the rosary, and a public mass.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AnatomyofanEveningWedding3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]12:30 PM – Set up of the hair and make-up team
1:00 PM – Make-up starts in the bride’s room — assuming bride plus 2 or 3 heads
2:00 PM/2:30 PM – Arrival of the photo and video teams
3:00 PM – Snack delivery arrives (staggered snack schedule for all)
3:30 PM – Pictorials of the groom’s side
4:30 PM – Pictorials of the bride’s side
5:30 PM – Leaving time of the groom and his side (since those going to the ceremony usually expect the groom to be there earlier than the bride)
6:00 PM – Leaving time of the bride and her side (assuming her preps place is pretty close to the ceremony venue)
6:30 PM – Invitation time
7:00 PM – Ceremony time
8:00 PM – End of ceremony; Start of group pictorials
8:30 PM – Recessional and start of couple pictorials
9:00 PM – Cocktails
10:00 PM – Start of programme
10:30 PM – Dinner Time
12:00 MN – End of programme[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AnatomyofanEveningWedding2-1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What is good?

a) If you’re not getting a peak date, you might be able to get away with just checking in early and booking your rooms for just a night instead of the usual 2 nights of other time slots.

b) People might be willing to go to your ceremony and reception even if it’s a week night because they can still go to work for half the day or even the whole day then just go to your event after work/school. (Staying on and finishing the programme might be a different story though, especially if the next day is a school/work day.)

c) This time slot is good for those who want intimate weddings. Since it’s not a common time slot, the couple can invite only those who are really close to them — the kind who would be willing to sacrifice and sleep late.

d) You can request people to wear formal attire and even jewel toned hues since you’re having an evening affair. (However, do note that you will need to spend as well for the formality of the attire of your entourage due to the time slot.)

e) If you want a fireworks display, this would be the perfect time slot. You can have it before people enter the venue, i.e. during cocktails, since you don’t need to wait for darkness.

f) You don’t really need to prepare for after party or have a band since you aren’t expecting a lot to stay beyond programme time. However, do check if yours is a crowd that parties till the wee hours. Then you’d have to prepare alcoholic drinks and at the least, a DJ who will keep the music going.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AnatomyofanEveningWedding4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What do you need to prepare for?

a) Hunger… Some might not have taken their snacks to get to your wedding on time or if it’s a week day, they may have rushed through office/school work foregoing meals just to make it on time, so you do need to provide substantial food during cocktail hour. Note also that cocktail hour is also past dinner time already since your ceremony happened during dinner time. It’s a good idea to talk to your caterer re: opening the soup and salad area or a particular food station so people will be willing to wait for the main meal without getting cranky. If you’re having a hotel reception, you can opt for sit down service and request that the first course be served even before the official start of programme, just so people have something to tide them over beyond the usual nuts and chips during cocktails.

b) Shorter pictorials after ceremony… Since people are waiting and it’s late, you will not have the luxury of having time for pictorials. Also, you won’t have natural light. So, it might be a good idea to have a “first look” type of pictorial prior to the ceremony — only if your parents will allow you to be less traditional, i.e. you will see your groom already prior to the walk down the aisle. This will help in terms of lessening the waiting time of guests.

c) Since it’s not the usual type of time slot, you will need to hire really efficient suppliers since you will not have much room for schedule errors. Even the onsite photo/video editor needs to be the type who can finish quickly without sacrificing quality. That way, no need to stall or needlessly lengthen the programme just to wait for the said AVPs.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AnatomyofanEveningWedding1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Bottomline:

No other time slot demands sticking to the schedule and being quick than an evening wedding. There is hardly any room for error and for tardiness as well as their domino effects, so it’s imperative to hire efficient suppliers and invite only those who really love you enough to adjust to the rigors of this time slot.

Note from the W@W Team: Read the Anatomy of a Morning Wedding here and the Anatomy of an Afternoon wedding here. Find more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015): Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Before I Do: Temperaments

May 16, 2016/in Blog, WaW Before I do /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Monique and I are really quite different. I am a born leader and visionary. I want to make things happen and will do everything to reach it. I am very result oriented. I get the greatest high seeing things accomplished.

Then I met Monique. She is very creative. She loves talking and is the life of the party. She is Ms. Congeniality. But there are things that gets to me. She has the tendency to be late. She is a great starter and she inspires people but she thrives in short projects and can’t seem to be doing something on a routine.

I realize while we were dating that we are really two different people. This is my proof that I do love her because despite the flaws I have learned to love the whole package and appreciate how God made her. But as we know many couples will find themselves in a major hurdle because they can’t seem to pass the fact that their spouse can irritate them. Are these one of the things that are issues to you?

Pressing the tooth paste just about anywhere
Being Late
You’re off to travel but don’t have concrete plans
Clothes left in the floor
Being forgetful
Hearing harsh words when making mistakes
Too chill and relaxed

If one of these things bother you, we have good news for you. It’s really no biggie. Every person has a kind of temperament. This is how God designed all of us. There are no right or wrong temperaments — Each one has its own strength and and it’s own weakness. Each one needs the other. We can’t have just one. Understanding your temperament can really impact your relationship with your spouse, your office mates and even your kids. I am even quite surprise that even churches use this. The author of the book Personality Plus actually turns out to be a devout Christian herself.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Temperaments-e1463384569749.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]So there are 4 Major Temperaments (major because I’ve seen several off-shoots) and they are:

1. Choleric – are the born leaders and master builders. They are very strong willed, decisive, courageous and practical. They know what they want and know how to get it. They want things done immediately at all cost which sometimes rubs people differently. They can be very opinionated and domineering. They can be cold, insensitive, sarcastic and insensitive.

2. Phlegmatic – are the diplomats who are calm and quiet listeners. They would rather be led than to lead. Usually, they just sit waiting for anyone trying to start a conversation. Their strength is in the fact that they are resilient.

3. Sanguine – are outgoing, creative, passionate and enthusiastic people. They are your best salesman and speaker. The are charismatic and pretty much the life of the party. A sanguine though being carefree in nature can be disorganized, unproductive and undependable.

4. Melancholic – are the philosophers and the gifted artist of the group. They are idealistic, analytical, organized, perfectionist and sensitive. They are also very moody, negative, critical; and self-centered.

So here is where the conflict lies. Imagine a Melancholic Husband married to a Sanguine. The wife wants to talk but the husband has a list of things to do and he won’t be free till a few hours later. He is distracted because the wife is too noisy. When they travel, the husband wants everything planned out and refuses to leave without a booking but the wife thinks it would be just so romantic to jump on the plane and on to a mystery adventure. Both are right and yet their difference causes them major conflict.

What must you do? We can learn how to grow together as husband and wife. Just because you have a certain temperament does not mean you can’t try to adjust and learn to live harmoniously with others.

Choleric needs to Tame down and relax. Learn to be more loving, patient & compassionate. Be aware of the limitations of each temperament and admit that you are not perfect and at times at fault. Admit your mistakes unconditionally justifying your actions.

Motivate Phlegmatic to liven up and learn to do things with excitement & zest. Learn to accept responsibility and try not to put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Practice making decision and that includes learning to say no. Initiate talking even when you’re not comfortable.

Organize the Sanguines – must learn to talk only half as much and be aware when you are already getting bored. Be sensitive to other people’s interest and learn to listen. Write things down and don’t think that you always need to fill in the gaps. Put your life together and grow-up.

Melancholics must learn to cheer up – Realize no one likes gloomy people. Don’t look for trouble and and not be too sensitive. Search for the source of your insecurities and be aware of your false humilities. There are times wherein you need to relax some of your standards.

If you are aware of each other’s strength and weakness, you can change your expectations of each other and make the right allowances. Each personality has its strength and weakness and knowing your temperament will enable you to know what kind of role / task your partner or even children will be best at doing.

So do you want to take the test? Find it here together with more information about your temperament: www.anounceoffaith.com/free[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About John & Monique Ong: Husband and Wife John and Monique Ong are partners in every sense – from homeschooling their children, running their business Imagine Nation Photography Inc, blogging, and in helping equip soon-to-wed couples and newlyweds for their lives together.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of an Afternoon Wedding

May 11, 2016/in Blog /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]You’ve said “yes” to his proposal and now it’s time to choose your time slot. As you pondered over which would be best, popular opinion took over your choice and you want for the so-called safest bet: the 3:00 PM ceremony slot.

What’s the usual timeline? Read on.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]7:00 a.m. – Wake up, take a bath, breakfast

8:30 a.m. – Arrival of hair and make-up artist to set-up shop in the bride’s room (Yes, everyone will have to come over for their styling needs except the groom – the HMUA does not need to bring much anyway when styling the groom.)

9:00 a.m. – Make-up begins (assuming you have the usual bride plus 2 or 3 plus groom; 1 hair stylist and 1 make up artist)

It would most likely go this way: both mothers at 9:00 a.m., then at 10:00 a.m., the bride starts with either hair or make-up. The other head would be on stand by to take the other chair, for instance, if the bride’s hair is being styled, the other lady, usually the maid of honor, sits on the chair of the make-up artist.

You know what’s great about this time slot? Your girls/entourage can actually go to their respective parlors or make-up artists because the preps won’t happen at ungodly hours. No need to have a crowded hotel room from start of preps till pictorial.

11:00 a.m. – Lunch arrives (If to be delivered, so everyone can start having lunch – staggered basis, but the groom and family members are usually asked to eat right away since their pictorials will start earlier.)

11:30 a.m. – Groom’s pictorials (The groom should not be wearing his groom’s attire yet, those are part of the shoot.)

12:30 a.m. – Bride’s pictorials (The bride should have eaten before this time, the same is requested of her family – only the family and entourage should be wearing their wedding attire; the bride will have to wait for instructions.)[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]2:00 p.m. – Bride leaves for church

2:30 p.m. – Arrival at the church; assembly and line up (Also the time stated in the invitation)

3:00 p.m. – Ceremony time

4:00 p.m. – End of ceremony, Group pictorials

4:30 p.m. – Recessional. Guests will travel to the reception venue. Bride and groom will have pictorials together.

5:00 p.m. – Cocktail time at the reception venue
*Upon arrival, the bride and groom may continue the shoot or go straight to the room for retouch and a light meal.

6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. – Start of program

6:30 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. – Dinner

8:00 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. – Party time[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What details do you need to take into consideration?

a) Your attrition rate could be lower when you get their responses via your coordinator’s RSVP report. Why? Because this is the most common time slot — people expect to go out in the afternoon (2/3/4 p.m.) on a Saturday or even a Sunday. They won’t mind going to your wedding.

If you really can’t invite too many but you really can’t handle the early preps of a morning wedding, you can choose to have a weekday afternoon wedding. Even a Sunday wedding would most likely yield fewer “yes” responses than a Saturday afternoon wedding.

b) Given that your preps would cut into lunch time, you can expect that some will decide to forego lunch in favor of getting dolled up. So yes, provide heavy cocktail food items as well. These are especially necessary since your post-nuptial shoot + retouch & eating time will take longer than the usual cocktail hour. If you will go beyond the maximum waiting time of 1.5 hours — open the soup and salad station as well. However, note that not all caterers/venues allow this option.

Since your time slot takes up snack time and dinner, you can really expect to provide more food. If you can get away with 3 viands for a lunch time reception, you may not be able to do the same now. People will expect a bit more since you’re providing dinner — minimum of 4 courses plus dessert, salad, and soup.

c) Expenses could go higher as you might feel compelled to hire a band for entertainment and party time, and hire a mobile bar or bring in additional booze for your guests. You may also feel the need to have more elegant evening gowns (long & with bling-bling) for your entourage. Your male entourage will most likely look more dapper in suits as well.

d) This is the only time slot though that gives you a bit more leeway in terms of post ceremony pictorials. People won’t pressure you to serve dinner right away especially if you will provide cocktail food items that aren’t just plain nuts and chips. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. traditionally so if they get to the venue at 5:00 p.m., they won’t expect dinner, unlike a morning wedding wherein they will arrive at almost the exact moment they expect to have lunch. They are also crankier during lunch events coz it’s generally warmer unlike afternoon ceremonies which usually end when it is much cooler already.

e) You can go all the way with mood lighting and even fireworks. Plus you can get even a 3,000-ANSI projector and people will still see the AVP. Note though that the recommended ANSI lumens is around 4,500 to 5,000 so the colors are more vivid.

f) You can expect a few more guests to stay longer for party time since it’s neither too early nor too late. Of course, if you will go for a weekday, your end time will be just right — enough time for them to travel to their homes and rest for the next day’s school and work challenges.

Although you can expect guests to have a better tolerance for the program and its contents, do try to stay within the usual 1.5-hour maximum cocktail time and 2-hour program. That way, you won’t end up with a near empty hall by the time you will show your SDE or give your final speech.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AnatomyOfAnAfternoonWedding4.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Other points to consider:

1) For garden & beach weddings, it is best to follow the timeline below:

3:30 p.m. – Invitation time (An earlier time would cause guests to fry and bake.)
4:00 p.m. – Ceremony
5:30 p.m. – Recessional (No extension for additional group pictorials.)
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. – Couple pictorials (while there’s still a bit of sun)

2) For those having weekday or Sunday weddings, please do not choose a wedding time of 5:00 p.m. Stick to 2/3/4 p.m. That way, you can still expect people to finish the program. A 1:00 p.m. wedding really cuts through lunch so it’s not very advisable as well.

3) While a lunch wedding reception can’t occur in an open air venue, a late afternoon to evening reception can take place at a garden or by the beach. Do provide fans and the like to make everyone a bit more comfortable.

4) Give yourself enough time to plan (read: a year or more) so you can get these coveted afternoon ceremony and early evening reception slots. They go so quickly. Sometimes, even if you just dilly dally for a few hours, someone will snatch the slot away and you’d end up either changing your date or going for the so-called less desirable time slots.

5) Get enough sleep the night before your wedding. The wake up time is not too early so there’s really no excuse to come to your reception looking sleepy or groggy.

BOTTOMLINE:

This is the time slot people expect, so it’s going to be pretty easy to invite guests. However, there is more competition for venues and suppliers so couples who wish to have this coveted slot should start booking ahead of everyone, i.e. 1 year to 1.5 years ahead of the date, especially if it falls on a Saturday. People will be in the mood to party so you can go for everything – elegant clothes, a band, lots of booze, and the like.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Note from the WaW Team: Having a morning wedding? Read the Anatomy of a Morning wedding here and the Anatomy of an Evening Wedding here.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015): Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

Looking for the Perfect Wedding Venue and Caterer? Hop On and Join The Wedding Tour!

May 5, 2016/in Blog, News, Press Release /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Wedding planning is always exciting for any engaged couple. However, we all know how much of a challenge it can be given that there’s so many things to decide on. Two of the most difficult choices usually involve reception venues and caterers. Luckily, The Wedding Library has come up with a new concept that will help couples with these major decisions.

The Wedding Library has been assisting couples with all their wedding needs for the past 20 years starting with their all-in-one wedding shop. The shop has always provided unique and innovative offerings to answer untapped needs of engaged couples, including a unique bridal shower or honeymoon line and the first Bridal Fair to offer a major on-the-spot booking Cash Raffle Promo.

This year, The Wedding Library asked some brides for ideas on any needs in the wedding industry that have yet to be met and two of the most predominant answers were wedding planning seminars and ocular visits to reception venues. Voila! The Wedding Tour was born.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WeddingTour1.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The Wedding Tour is a fun, convenient, educational, time saving, and cost efficient way to scout for the right venue for your reception. Also available to debutantes, the tour likewise gives couples an opportunity to network with other about-to-be-wed couples and get tips from long time wedding suppliers, all in one fun-filled, enriching, and worthwhile day. The Wedding Tour promises to be:

Fun: Couples get to mingle with each other, play games, share tips, talk about common experiences and issues and more while en route to the venues.
Convenient: Couples do not need to sweat driving through traffic and worrying about parking.
Educational: A newlywed speaker and a wedding supplier will share tips to the couples/debutantes en route to the venues.
Time Saving: There will be 3-5 venues featured in one day. As this will be a scheduled group visit, the venues will be ready to present to The Wedding Tour participants.
Cost Efficient: The tour price is a fraction of what will normally be spent on gas, parking, and lunch to visit all 3-5 venues.

As if that’s not enough, some of the venues will also be giving discounts or freebies to The Wedding Tour participants. More freebies and games en route to the venues also await participants. Couples can enjoy all of these for a tour price of only Php 750 per person, maximum of 2 persons per wedding/debut per tour.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WeddingTour3.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Couples can also choose among different types of tours depending on the budget they are allocating for the venue and caterer. There are six different tours to choose from:

1) The Wedding Tour Standard Series (venue packages below Php 100,000)
2) The Wedding Tour De Luxe Series (venue packages between Php 100,000-150,000)
3) The Wedding Tour Premier Series (venue packages between Php 150,000-200,000)
4) The Wedding Tour Gold Series (venue packages between Php 200,000-250,000)
5) The Wedding Tour Platinum Series (venue packages between Php 250,000-350,000)
6) The Wedding Tour Diamond Series (venue packages between Php 350,000-450,000 and up)[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WeddingTour2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The price range of the venues are based on their weekend rates and the most inexpensive menu offering of at least one of their accredited caterers. Initial tours will be scheduled in June based on responses from interested couples. There are currently initial tours being planned for Tagaytay, Quezon City, Rizal, and Metro Manila.

Interested couples can start by answering this questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S5NQP8P. The Wedding Library will then correctly match the slots of The Wedding Tour itineraries based on the couple’s needs and preferences. Couples who completely answer the questionnaire will also get a chance to win FREE or discounted slots for the initial runs.

For more information, visit www.weddinglibrary.com.ph. Wedding venues interested to be part of the Wedding Tour Packages can email inquire@weddinglibrary.com.ph or call 9751596 or 0917 8822608, or call The Wedding Library SM Megamall branch at 6385791 (Mon-Sun 10 am-9 pm).[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Wedding Tip Sheet: Anatomy of a Morning Wedding

April 29, 2016/in WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]While many would opt for a 10:00 a.m. slot, I decided to focus this post on the most ideal time slot, the 9:00 a.m. ceremony.

What’s the usual timeline? Read on.

2:00 a.m. – Wake up, take a bath
2:30 a.m. – Set up of HMUA stations (one for make-up, one for hair)
3:00 a.m. – Make-up begins (assuming you have the usual bride plus 2 or 3 plus groom; 1 hair stylist and 1 make up artist)
4:00 a.m. – Breakfast arrives (Check if the hotel allows such an arrangement.)
5:30 a.m. – Groom’s pictorials (The groom would still be in his prep clothes by the time the p/v team transfers to his room for his pictorial with family; the rest though – family and entourage should be dressed and ready to take part in the shoot by this time.)
6:30 a.m. – Bride’s pictorials (The bride would be in preps clothes at this point while the rest should be dressed and ready to participate in the shoot.)
8:00 a.m. – Bride leaves for church
8:30 a.m. – Arrival at the church; assembly and line up (also your invite time)
9:00 a.m. – Ceremony time
10:30 a.m. – Recessional
11:00 a.m. – Cocktail time
12:00 p.m./12:30 p.m. – Start of program (This makes the 9:00 a.m. slot ideal. Your program will not be too late for lunch.)
12:30/1:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:00/2:30 p.m. – Party time/End of program[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WaWWeddingTipSheet_MorningWedding2-e1461933967395.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”right” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]What details do you need to take into consideration?

a) Your attrition rate could be higher when you get their responses via your coordinator’s RSVP report. Why? Because this time slot requires everyone to wake up pretty early and if your wedding is on a weekend, some may not be willing to get up even earlier than they would on a week day. Nonetheless, if you really wanted an intimate gathering anyway, the lower number of attendees would be ideal.

b) If your wedding is on a weekday, you will have to brace yourself for traffic, so you may need to allot more time for travel between the hotel and ceremony venue & between the ceremony area and the reception venue. It will help to book places that are really close together.

c) Note that the early preps would most likely require you to have extra space for your entourage to have their make up done there in your hotel. Maybe a 2-bedroom suite would be better than a 1-bedroom suite. You see, it’s hard for them to visit their friendly neighborhood parlors at such an ungodly hour like 3 or 4 a.m. Best to hire a team for your entourage. Do not forget to give the exact number of heads in advance so the HMUA team can bring the right number of people as well.

d) Given that their preps would cut into breakfast time, you can expect that some decided to forego breakfast in favor of getting dolled up. So yes, provide heavy cocktail food items to compensate for the breakfast they missed. These are especially necessary since your post-nup shoot + retouch & eating time will take longer than the usual cocktail hour. If you will go beyond the maximum waiting time of 1.5 hours — open the soup and salad station as well. Find out if the caterer/venue allows this kind of arrangement though, some don’t give in to such a request.

e) Expenses could go lower since you will not need to spend too much.
– On clothes (No need to have suits. Suspenders or vests would be fine; dresses could be knee length or may reach mid-calf only, no need for long gowns and bling.);
– On booze (In fact, no need for alcohol because people don’t necessarily look for an alcoholic fix during lunch.);
– On entertainment (no need to have a full band, strings would do);
– On lights (Especially if the venue allows the sun to filter in), and
– On food (It’s a lunch reception, so you can go with comfort food, not necessarily steak and other expensive dishes. You can even get away with brunch type meals.)

f) However, despite the savings, you may expect to spend on an LED wall instead of a projector and screen combo because it might not be possible to see AVPs on a projection screen if the sun filters into the venue.

g) This is a time slot that does not allow for punctuality-related problems. You can’t be late for preps because it would create a domino effect and guests won’t appreciate having lunch at 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. — although this time slot is one you can’t avoid with a 10:00 a.m. wedding ceremony.

h) People are also more inclined to go home after eating because they are sleepy or they have other stuff scheduled in the afternoon. They usually expect the event to be done by 2:00 p.m., and they aren’t usually in the mood to party since by 2:00 p.m., some may have been awake already for 10 to 12 hours.

i) You can’t have fireworks but you can always have confetti, which would cost a lot less.

j) This one is most important: get enough sleep. Do your best to check in on time, relax, and sleep earlier than usual. It won’t help to have too many people in your room. So do your best to have only a few individuals, and do not attempt to finish DIYs and forego sleep. Give yourself at least 6 hours of sleep so you can handle the rigors of your big day.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WaWWeddingTipSheet_MorningWedding1-e1461934105696.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Other points to consider:

Ceremony Time Constraints:

If your chosen church only has a 10:00 a.m. slot or worse, a 10:30 a.m. slot, you might want to consider either of the ff:

1) Go for couple pictorials prior to the ceremony — check first if your parents are ok with this.

OR

2) Go for couple pictorials after the reception – you will have to make arrangements in advance with your photo, video, and HMUA teams.

Both measures are designed to make the waiting time shorter. Of course, you can always provide heavy cocktails for waiting time.

10:00 a.m. – Ceremony
11:30 a.m. – Recessional
12:00 NN – Cocktails
1:00/1:30 p.m. – Start of programme
1:30/2:00 p.m. – Start of meal time
3:00/3:30 p.m. – End of programme

For a 10:30 a.m. slot, cocktails will be at 12:30 p.m., programme will start at 2:00 p.m., and lunch will be at 2:30 p.m. End of programme will be at 4:00 p.m..

For garden & beach weddings, it is best to follow the timeline below:

6:30 a.m. – Invitation time
7:00 a.m. – Ceremony time
8:30 a.m. – Recessional
9:00 a.m. – Cocktails
10:30 a.m. – Program starts
11:00 a.m. – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – End of program

You may also adjust:

7:00 a.m. – Invite time
7:30 a.m. – Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – Recessional
9:30 a.m. – Cocktails
11:00 a.m. – Program
11:30 a.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – End of program

However, if you’re having a garden or beach wedding, please make sure you have a covered, air-conditioned area for the reception. It won’t be fair to have people stay under the scorching and deadly heat of the sun for reception. Usually the heat can still be a bit bearable before 9:00 a.m.

Do provide fans and the like to make everyone a bit more comfortable during the ceremony. Reserve part of the budget also for getting a tent to ensure protection from the harsh rays of the sun.

BOTTOMLINE:

Overall, this is a time slot that is supposed to save you money. It takes away a lot of things you may find necessary given evening receptions. It also usually lessens the need to invite too many guests — it caters to those who want intimate celebrations.
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Note from the W@W Team: Having an afternoon wedding? Read the Anatomy of an Afternoon wedding here and the Anatomy of an Evening Wedding here.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015): Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started “The Wedding Tip Sheet“, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points in planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

WaW Tip Sheet: The Perfect Wedding

February 9, 2016/in Blog, WaW Wedding Tip Sheet /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]They say “the perfect wedding” is a myth.

I dare say, “the perfect wedding is not a myth”. It can happen anytime, anywhere.
But where do you get the perfect set of suppliers? How do you ensure perfect weather?
My response?

Before you can have the perfect set of suppliers or ensure perfect weather, you will need first and foremost, the perfect couple.

How do you become the perfect couple?

Let’s take it from those who have already achieved that status.

a) They are the ones who researched for suppliers before booking. They joined a reputable online community like Weddings at Work to get feedback from fellow couples before making decisions on whom to book.

b) They are at peace with their choices because they know they chose according to how the suppliers match their needs and their personalities — not just the price or the freebies.

c) They dutifully did their part as a couple by filling out templates, being fully present during meetings, and properly labelling all turnovers. They also did RSVP call outs and text blasts (either on their own or through their coordinator) and they worked on their guest list with much focus, despite it being one of the most difficult tasks of a couple prior to marriage.

d) That way… on the day… they can let go and let God. They can smile with immense joy because they know they are in good hands. They can let little things pass without betraying frustration or disappointment on their faces. They are mature enough to know that things can only be as perfect as they want them to be.

e) They can’t control guest attendance, traffic, weather, and even the beauty of the batch of flowers that would be delivered on their day, but they can control their reaction to irritants. They can be contented with what they have and still choose to have fun.

Let’s think of “what if” scenarios.

So it rained, right before your bridal march. Are you going to cry or shrug it off? Wouldn’t it be better to show the guests what a trooper you are and how ready you are for the real world as a wife?

So not all your guests arrived despite having confirmed? Will you start mentally computing how much of your money went to waste right after you entered the hall? Or will you smile, enjoy your guests’ applause, and dance to your heart’s delight with your groom without thinking of the empty seats?

While decline in guest attendance costs money, it will be cost you more if you don’t smile or you betray too much annoyance on your face. Why? Because by frowning all the time, you will end up wasting the otherwise great photos and video clips your teams could have captured on your day.

So your suppliers are late because of an accident on the road that caused a major traffic jam…Will pouting and throwing a tantrum make things move faster? You can always shrug it off and smile. Let your suppliers weave their magic despite limited time. (And i will tell you that if you got reputable ones, they will be able to weave their magic more when you show them how confident you are in their abilities despite the unexpected hitch.)
Bottomline: Choose the members of your team wisely then trust them to fulfil your expectations. Your contentment with what they can deliver and your inner peace that everything will work out for the good can do wonders.

Smile, enjoy, and let your guests see what a perfect wedding you have. Nothing and no one can literally or figuratively rain on your parade if you have that inner joy that only real love and real trust can exude.

Photo courtesy of Manny & April Photography.

Read more of Darlene Tan-Salazar’s Wedding Tip Sheet articles at www.weddingsatwork.com/category/waw-wedding-tip-sheet/.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]About Darlene Tan-Salazar, W@W Supplier of Year (2015):

Darlene started out as a Planner/Coordinator of Perfect 10 Weddings. Since she needed more time for family matters, she opted to focus on emceeing, and has since started The Wedding Tip Sheet, a Facebook page that tackles the practical points of planning a wedding.[/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

5 Things to Remember When Getting Married during Rainy Season

December 15, 2015/in Blog /by W@W Editor

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Most brides cringe at the thought of a downpour on their wedding days, especially when they want to hold their ceremonies or their receptions outdoors.

Just imagine mud on your shoes and the trains of your dress, or having all your guests in their suits and cocktail dresses trying to fit under a small roof to avoid getting soaked; Rain can easily turn your special day into a disaster.

It be all that bad. Rain, after all, can be a glorious addition on the day you exchange your I do’s.
We weighed in with some of our W@Wies and got some really great tips on how not to let the rain ruin your wedding day:

1. Get efficient and trustworthy suppliers

Many of the W@Wies raved about how their organizers and suppliers saved their wedding for them and how they didn’t let the bride stress out.

W@Wie Sarah Ingles’ garden-themed wedding was almost relocated indoors, and credits her suppliers for their efficiency.

She shares, “…even if I was quite stressed with the weather pinaubaya ko na lahat sa suppliers ko (I entrusted everything to my suppliers) and they all performed marvellously.”

“Happened to us at Antonio’s,” Nina Comsti said. “Buti na lang may indoor venue and napakagaling ng coordinator mag-troubleshoot!” (It’s a good thing there was an indoor venue and the coordinator was good in troubleshooting)

There are many low-cost organizers and suppliers out there, but it’s in times like the rainy season that you’ll understand why the ones who will cost you a little bit more is worth your investment.

They think on their feet and will make sure everything’s covered even before your notice that anything had gone wrong.

2. Have a Plan B

The most practical thing to do when you schedule your wedding outdoors during rainy season is to have a contingency plan.

Make sure that you have tents and umbrellas ready, and brainstorm with your coordinator on what to do in case the original plan needs to get thrown out the window.

You can even talk to your photographer about using the rain as your backdrop for your wedding photos!

Photographer Noel Salazar advice for would-be brides to just go with whatever happens and adds, “Also, make sure na if rainy season then outdoor wedding, the couple MUST prepare tents. I shot a wedding on the beach while it was raining. Everybody got wet, except for those who had umbrellas.”

Wedding coordinator Ayie Tuates says that she always pushes until there’s no choice but to relocate. She coordinates with the caterer and stylist on how much time they need to spare for the setup and adjusts accordingly.

This is so the setup team will not have too much trouble transferring everything to another venue if it begins to rain.

3. Plan alternative routes going to the venue

Puy Talde reminds suppliers to coordinate a travel plan. “Rains = baha (flood) = traffic,” he says. “If I can’t send an advance party, I tell the driver to stay close to the bridal car even if the route that the bridal car takes doesn’t make sense. At least you arrive in church with the bride.”

You should also make sure that your guests are provided a copy of an alternative route to your wedding venue especially if you’re getting married out of town. This way you can be sure that they are going the best routes possible to make it to your wedding on time.

4. Hire the best entertainers

Since you’re all going to stay indoors for a while, make sure that you have good entertainment lined up.

W@Wie Charo shares about her cousin’s wedding in Phuket last year. She says that the light rain during the ceremony made the wedding look more romantic. They had to transfer to the villa for the reception as the rain started getting stronger, and the cultural performers and the fire dancers entertained the guests while they waited for the tables to be set up. “Galing ng coordinator!” She gushes. “Naging maayos pa rin lahat.” (Everything still turned out well)

5. Keep your sense of humor

One of the things that brides need to remember is to have a sense of humor. You don’t need to crack jokes to entertain your guests, but try to see the best in every situation.

W@Wie Cris Zanrie Cruz attended a wedding when a rumbling of thunder happened while the bride was saying her vows. “It was remarkable! Instead of being sad about the weather, nag-joke yung bride nung kumulog nung vow niya.” (The bride made a joke about the thunder)

Letting the rains affect you may ruin your day completely. Just keep calm and work with your suppliers.

One of our N@Wies who was once a W@Wie, Naj Fernandine, talks about her experience with a storm during a wedding held in Rosemont. She ended up wet along with the coordinators and the photographer’s lens was starting to moisten, but she said that the venue was packed with guests and the event was successful.

“Minsan talaga when the worst comes kayo na lang magkakatrabaho na supplier ang magkakasamang mag-work yun kasal,” she says. “Team work ika nga!” (There will be times when the suppliers are the ones left to make the wedding work. It’s called Team Work.”
“Had a bride before, stressed na stressed kasi it was raining and she wouldn’t be getting her garden wedding, so it was hard to shoot her,” says Noel Salazar.

Focus on the person you will marry, not the weather.

The reality is that sometimes no amount of preparation and planning can make everything alright. At the rate the climate changes are going, rains are bound to happen even in months you are not expecting them to happen.

You should not let it dampen your spirit nor should you let it dictate your day. Don’t spend your days worrying about it, learn how to take it all in stride. Things are better when you don’t stress and you don’t stress everyone around you about it. Just make sure you’ve got a great team behind your wedding and trust them to handle the curves.

As Noel Salazar reminds the brides-to-be, the most important thing in your wedding is the person you’re getting married to and that should be enough to make you smile.
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About the contributor, May De Jesus-Palacpac:
May jests that writing for W@W makes up for the details she missed at her own wedding. Prior to jumping into writing and editing full time, she was a full time musician who spent her last two years in the circuit serenading newlyweds and their guests. May is the Editor of the books Productive Pinoy and Right Start. She is also a blogger and a contributor for other websites and publications.

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Aisle Do: Table Numbers

October 12, 2015/in Aisle Do, Blog, What's New /by W@W Editor

In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your table numbers. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.

Make your table numbers interesting so as to complement your tablescape.

Here’s what you need:
• Papier mâché numbers
• Abaca string
• Faux flowers
• Glue gun
• Glue stick
• A pair of scissors

Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Tie a knot to secure one end of the abaca string on the papier mâché number

Step 2: Wrap the string in around the number, making sure that the papier mâché is still seen.

Step 3: Tie a knot at the end of the string.

Step 4: Decorate the table number with faux flowers. Stick these flowers using the glue gun.

The end result:

Bespoke Tip: For your table numbers, choose a color that is different from that of the centerpiece. These numbers must be visible from a distance.

Read more of Ernest Pascual’s Aisle Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/aisle-do/.

Aisle Do: Twig Napkin Ring

September 28, 2015/in Aisle Do, Blog, What's New /by W@W Editor

In this column, Ernest Pascual of Bespoke Manila talks about how to DIY your twig napkin ring. With the help of Adrian Ardiente for photos, Ernest shows you how to add these personalized touches for your wedding.

Our aim is to give you and other soon-to-wed couples ideas on how you can personalize your wedding by doing simple do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. We also want to help you create some lovely details to make your wedding extra special. We will tell you what materials to source, the step-by-step procedure, and how the details we have designed look during an actual wedding.

Twig Napkin Ring

The dried twigs, hints of lilac, and silver touches on the twig napkin ring will make a pretty addition to your table setting.

Here’s what you need:
• Twigs
• Wire
• Faux flowers
• Beads
• Glue gun
• Glue stick
• A pliers of pliers

Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Form a small wreath using the twigs.

Step 2: Secure the trimmings and wreath with the wire.

Step 3: Add beads on the wreath using the glue gun.

The end result:

Bespoke Tip: Since caterers/hotels fold napkins differently, endorse these napkin rings to your coordinator, caterer, or hotel account executive ahead of time so he or she can suggest a napkin fold to match the napkin ring.

Read more of Ernest Pascual’s Aisle Do articles at weddingsatwork.com/category/aisle-do/.

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