Sorry guys, I was experiencing writer's block so I just had to de-tech for a while to revive myself. Well, you know what they say, "you can't rush art." *haha*
So, where was I in my Love to Wedding Blog Series?
hmmm... *light bulb* Oh yah...
Have you ever imagined what your wedding will be like when you were a kid? From the dress, decor, even the church where you will say your "I Dos" up until the whole wedding reception? Well in reality, when you reach that point in your life when you're actually engaged already, some of your ideas or even the whole thing will be scrapped! Why? Simply because it's not just about you... that's the ugly truth.
JM and I were the first ones to get married from both sides of the family. Aside from the fact that there's no one to tell us the dos and the don'ts of planning a wedding, imagine the pressure of "EXPECTATIONS." *I'm saying this in a big low voice in a very slow manner*
Before the pamamanhikan----
Pamamanhikan - a Filipino ritual where both families of the affianced pair meets so that the guy's family can officially ask the girl's hand in marriage. The guy's family is required to bring food for everyone. There, both families ask the couple about there wedding plans, when they plan to get married, ideas on where, how much the whole wedding will cost and sometimes who will take care of what. The custom symbolizes honor and respect for the parents. Want Tips?
----there are five important things you both need to discuss and agree on.
1.) Date
When selecting the date for your wedding, think about the weather/ season or if you're a lil workaholic, like us, choose the month when you think you're the most relaxed. Avoid "planning" season, usually October to December, because it will be hell for you both. For us, we chose January 14, 2012 - second Saturday of year 2012. "Planning" season is already over, the weather is cool and we'll have a reason for an extended Christmas break every year! *haha*
Oh, also consider how long you both need to save up for the wedding. JM made use of his budget planning skills by creating an excel template to plot our cash inflow & outflow schedule. Good thing our wedding planning OC-ness match.
2.) Number of Guests
This is critical especially when you're starting to look at possible venues already. You both must agree whether you like an intimate celebration (50 - 200 guests) or an extravagant one (200 guests & up). Draft a mock guest list so yo'll have an idea how small or big your wedding will be like. You also have to be very firm on this as you go high-speed in wedding planning and remember to apply the 20% no-show rule. If you're looking at 200 guests, your invite list should be for 240 guests to avoid empty tables, which will cost you an est. P10K - 15K per table loss, just so you know.
There might be some tears and conflicts as you filter and filter and filter your own guest list, your dads', your moms' and your siblings' but try not to easily give in because you'll suffer the bills after if you're both lenient too.
3.) Concept
To start your wedding planning, make sure the overall concept reflects you as a couple. Ask each other simple things like "do you prefer light colors or dark colors?" then agree on the color set that you BOTH like, maybe your two favorite colors combined? How about "formal or fun", "traditional or modern," "simple or extravagant." Once you agree on the core details of your wedding then you now have an idea on where the whole celebration will revolve around.
For our wedding, we wanted dark colors, modern and fun! So, we came up with this inspiration board.
Wedding links I love:
My parents wanted to kill me for some of my ideas (ie. black invitations) and for sure your parents might want to kill you too but remember, this is YOUR wedding and this will only happen once in your life so, be sure to make it uniquely YOU!
4.) Venue Options
When choosing a venue, consider again how intimate or extravagant you want your wedding to be, your budget and the ambiance that you want to create for your guests. Do you want your guests to stay long or you both just want a quick celebration to head straight to the honeymoon?
If you want an intimate, short & sweet wedding, go out of town. Tendency is, less guests will come and they also won't stay long because they still have to travel a distance going home.
Now, if you want to "parteeee" and max out your venue rental, do it within the Metro. Just make sure you have a good mix of party music + overflowing booze to make your friends stay.
I know my reception tips are bitin but don't worry, I'll give more in my succeeding posts.
I know my reception tips are bitin but don't worry, I'll give more in my succeeding posts.
5.) Budget
As much as you just want to go on and on with planning every money-burning detail of your wedding, you simply just can't avoid facing the inevitable truth - the BUDGET.
Sit down and agree on how much you both are willing and capable to spend for your wedding. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT just go straight to the nearest bank to apply for a loan to splurge on your wedding. You do not want to start your marriage in debt, right?
Now, the OC cash inflow/ outflow template JM authored really helped us in keeping our major expenses within budget--- I'm just sO proud. *blush* If you're lacking funds here & there, don't be distressed, blessings will come your way in the most pleasant and magical ways.
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Take note, it's never too early to start planning your wedding. Trust me... We had one whole year and two months to prepare for the big day but it still seemed too short.
For newly engaged couples out there who get to read this post, hope this helps!
If you want to get a copy of our OC cash inflow/outflow excel template or if you need more wedding planning tips, just email me at aiza.soller@gmail.com and I'd be more than happy to help.
xoxo,
The Clueless Mrs.
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