EJ and I were in the process of completing our budget. We had long engagement period for this reason - we are on the budget wedding.

Simple Yet Memorable

Where are you cutting in your budget wedding?
I would like to share some areas that we saved from our wedding budget below.

Church and Church Package 
We chose a church near to where we currently live to save time in travel (visiting the church, arranging papers, etc.) and money (we picked the basic package).

Our wedding is Christmas time, we believe that the church will be already joyfully decorated.

Florist
I wanted to have cascades bouquet but when I was quoted a price it cost more. I sent the number of entourage we have and cut some pieces to save cost.  I've fallen for a semi-cascading one because it seems romantic and perfect for me. I dreamed it.

It's not super important to us to have so many flowers around the church and on the venue. We will have beautiful red and white semi-cascading bouquet, 1 piece Rose with fillers for boutonnieres, nosegays for the bridesmaids and pinned corsage for the sponsors.

We have saved for our florist because the price includes everything, entourage and ceremony set-up with labor and delivery.

Wedding Rings 
Wearing a wedding ring is a wonderful tradition. Yes, we agree! It symbolizes love and commitment to one's spouse. But for us, any ring can be our wedding ring as long as we loved its style/design and we are comfortable wearing it.

Sometimes jewelers mark up the prices because they understand that getting married couples are willing to spend for the perfect rings.

I'm proud we've got our pair of wedding rings for 15,000-20,000 pesos our initial budget was maximum 40,000 pesos. It's perfect! We didn't know at first that it was actually possible.

This saves us a lot in our wedding budget. Our advice - know your budget, compare prices and purchase rings that you're comfortable to pay and wear. Pusuan mo! :) Try not to get caught up in what you’re expected to buy that is out of your budget and instead enjoy picking out a wedding ring you love the most that you are comfortable to pay.

Hair and Makeup (Bride plus 2 heads) 
We hire a makeup artist at a good price recommended by our OTD coordinator. At first, I don't want to hire an HMUA. I really want to save cost here. I think I'm beautiful and I believe I will be more beautiful on the day of my wedding with or without HMUA.

For the bridesmaids, something beautiful and simple makeup. Since we are paying for their dress we asked them if they can do their own hair and make-up to save cost. We will provide some makeups for retouch in the hotel (I have makeups).

Bridesmaid Dress and Groomsmen Attire
We got infinity dress for the bridesmaids at PHP 1,250 each (with tube) and we will rent for the groomsmen attire. We found the suppliers already, they are both in Quezon City.

For the flower girls dress, my Mother Merlie (tita) was a seamstress and she is currently doing the beautiful dresses for my 6 pretty flower girls - aged from 2 to 6.

Wedding Gown
I really liked ready-to-wear (RTW) wedding dress. I want to fit directly if the dress looks really good on me but I purchased made to measure to perfectly fit in my body with almost same design as the RTW.

I go with the mermaid wedding dress. I think it flatters my figure. I have a "this is it feeling". It was very simple and I love it. Love at first sight really  exists in the world of gowns, I'm super excited about my wedding dress.

Groom's Suit
EJ bought his suit at ZARA Men at a 70% sale price during Great Singapore Sale.

He felt very comfortable when he was fitting the suit. He will wear a different color than our groomsmen. He goes with the gray color and black for our the boys. ZARA Men was our first stop and he bought it directly. My fiance is not picky about what to wear, comfortability is his main priority.

Wedding Shoes = My budget is < $SGD150 or PHP 5,000
Waah, I bought my wedding shoes at $69 Singaporean dollars or PHP2,346 pesos. I saved almost half in our written estimated cost.

I was looking for a pair of heels that are not too high, elegantly beautiful and are comfortable and I'm glad I found Elisa Litz. Their designs are classy and no doubt it can suit any dresses, gowns or even jeans! I really loved their bridal design selections.

No Mobile Bar. We will buy a bottle of wines and beers and will serve those who want to drink only.

We only have two things that we are not cutting, it is our venue and caterer. This two eats a lot from our budget but we are okay and happy with our supplier.

Planning a budgeted wedding is beautiful, we don’t want to spend on anything that does not really matter. It is not about the money and showing off, but about having a meaningful wedding celebration with our closest family and friends.

For others, our wedding can be expensive, for some, it is super budgeted but for us, this is a comfortable amount we could spend - 11 years in the making.

We don't want to ignore working on our budget because we don't want to end up with some add-ons that we simply can’t afford.

How did you save money on your wedding budget? Please share your best tips and experiences in the comments below! :)

I was busy in the kitchen when Nicole sent me a screenshot from Practical Finds on Instagram.
I was so surprised! I didn't expect these hangers will be ready so soon.

Excited to share this beautiful hangers!

Hmmm..match made in "webby heaven"? :) #brideandbreakfast #brideph #weddinggiveawayph #weddingsph #couplehanger #personalizedph #customizedph

A photo posted by practicalfinds (@practicalfinds) on Sep 9, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

Here's our draft before we order.


I'm thankful they featured our orders on their portfolio.
How I wish all our clothes would hang on these engraved wooden hangers, haha :)

We're on budgeted wedding but we decided to purchase because we wanted to add "something special" to our wedding photos and these personalized hangers will still be useful after our big day.

Another wedding accessories, "nice to have" - personalized wedding hangers handmade for your special day.

These custom wooden hangers are ideal for suits and coats. Perfect to hang wedding dress/bridesmaids dress too! And, can make amazing gifts.

We recommend Practical Finds. They were very helpful, good seller and smooth transaction. Please check them on their Facebook.

• Each hanger cost 185 pesos.
• Production time 2.5-3 weeks (delivery excluded)
• Practical Finds Order Form

We're so excited to see the actual hangers we ordered from them.
Happy preps!

xoxo,

Let's make a list!

Woohoo! Ej and I we're getting married in less than 4 months, I'm hoping to finish all the "must haves" items by November so we could have weeks to finalize, relax and rest. I've been wanting to create a list from the start but I always forgot.

EJ and I prepared a list of wedding suppliers for payments and balance only. We keep it updated and also our growing guest list. We don't have wedding checklist for the ceremony, reception essentials, stuffs for us to double check.

It's overwhelming when you're not sure what's next on the to-do list. Thanks God, almost everything has been taken care of at this point.

Here's an online wedding checklist for us and future brides out there who need reminders as well. I recommend get yourself a copy of W@W Wedding Primer, it has the complete list, guides and tips for all the wedding preps.

Wedding Essentials

For the Ceremony Unity Candles and matches Wedding Bands Wedding Vows Wedding Cord Secondary Veil Missalette (Wedding Program) Bible Rosary Ring and Arrhae pillows Flower Girl Baskets  Flower Petals Pen Offertory items (wine, host, fruit basket, flowers) Officiant Fee / Stipend Music - processional and recessional songs, etc. Gift for Kids Other Ceremonial Candles Dove Here Comes The Bride Banner	Bride, Groom & Entourage Bridal Gown Bridal Veil Bridal Jewelry Hair Accessories (headbands, headpiece, combs, tiaras, hairpins, etc) Bridal Garter Engagement ring  Bride's Shoes Groom's Shoes Groom's Tux + Suits  Groom's Accessories (watch, perfume, socks, belt, handkerchief) Bridal Robe Lingerie (spanx, chemise, etc) Bridesmaids Dress / Infinity Dress Groomsmen Suit Groomsmen Bow Tie/Neck Tie Flower Girls dress Bearer (Suspender and Bow Tie) Mother's Dress Entourage Gifts and PS Souvenirs Mannequin Hangers Flat shoes or sandals
For the Reception Guest book (don't forget the pens!) Champagne / Wine Toasting glasses Cake Knife & Server Wedding Cake Bells CDs of wedding music, list of songs Growing Up Slideshow Table plans Extra Touches Wedding Signs Souvenirs for the guest	Florals for Entourage Loose petals Corsages Boutonnieres Archway Brides Bouquet Bridesmaids Bouquets Throw Away Bouquet Stationary Save the Dates Invitations Thank you Cards Wedding Program Place Cards Envelope Seals Location Map
Wedding Suppliers Church Ceremony Venue for Wedding Preparations Reception Caterer Photographer Videographer OTD Coordinator Photobooth (photobooth backdrop, props) Lights & Sounds Bridal Car / Van service Florist Em-cee / Host Hair and Makeup Hair and Makeup for Entourage Invitation Printshop Calligrapher Bands /Strings Musicians Wedding Cake LCD Projector Screen Mobile Bar Food Carts Crew Meals  Souvenirs	Hotel Preparation Snacks Coffee / Water / Juice Cup Noodles Biscuits / Bread Candies / Chocolates Documents to Remember (Church & Civil) Obtain a Marriage License Birth Certificate CENOMAR Baptismal Certificate Confirmation Certificate Pre-cana Certificate Permission and banns List of Principal Sponsors (For church requirements, please check full details here). Others Honeymoon airfare and accommodations Passport Camera

Please note, not every bride will want all of the listed accessories & details above. I just compiled this list that we can look through and decide what we want and don't want, and what we have forgotten or never thought of to help with our planning and budgeting.

Tell us: Newlyweds, what did you forget to do/bring before the wedding? Do you have things you’d like to share? Am I forgetting anything? Share the love ladies!



Happy preps!

xoxo,

At first, we don't have a plan to get a Prenup Stylist. It is out of our written budget and we thought we can manage our engagement shoot as we've been to few photo shoot session already. We just need to buy few nice clothes so we can use it afterwards, makeup on, provide accessories and prepare to DIY props.

I informed our Photographer and Makeup Artist that we don't have a stylist on the day. We will just bring our own clothes, create our own props, etc. But, I have other errands as well with no time to manage about our prenup props, concepts, etc. and everything overseas.

I opened up to EJ that we need help from professional stylist to execute our ideal photo shoot session. We don't have a collection of clothes and accessories plus time to scout props can be a time consuming.

"If you can, get a stylist."

Sharing below are list of our shortlisted suppliers. They are all good at their own craft. Prices below are their price starts (when we inquired to them).

Indie Hippie
www.facebook.com/indiehippiestyle
We contacted one possible supplier only in Metro Manila and it's Indie Hippie. Their price starts at PHP 9,500 (in Metro Manila) and their out of town rates starts at PHP 2,000 for Rizal, Tagaytay area. They have lots of great reviews from W@W Community and we liked their portfolio.

Indie Hippie Flowerbeds and Sunshine (All in Package) PHP 20,000

Conceptualization of 3 layouts Unlimited consultation 3 sets of clothes will be provided Hair and airbrush makeup On the day styling Accessories and basic props are provided

Since we finally decided that we will have our Prenup session in Cebu, I scouted few stylist in Cebu that suites our style and really stands out based on their portfolio.

Geof Lagria Styling
www.facebook.com/geoflagriastyling
When I was looking for a stylist who already have a portfolio in Temple of Leah, Geof website appears on the first page. I browsed his portfolio and I liked everything. I contacted him and Geof replies fast to all my inquiries, his package starts at PHP 15,000.

Geof Lagria Styling Price starts at PHP 15,000

Outfits Accessories Concept Location Scout Creative Direction Props Arrangements Itinerary

TheCenterpiece by Roderick Bautista
www.facebook.com/thecenterpieceofcebu
While browsing on their Facebook photos TheCenterpiece has done prenup styling in Temple of Leah too. They  shared a photo with a lady in red, I loved red dress.

When I inquired Roderick gives me a call. He is very responsive. Their price starts at PHP 5,000. You can add or lessen the services and customize your package based on your requirements.

The Centerpiece Price starts at PHP 5,000

Conceptualization Consultation for outfits 1 full set design- complete with props and other materials needed for its production quality Production Assistance and Creative Direction for the entire duration of the shoot Please note: Clients wardrobe shall be shouldered by the client.

Laure's Vanity
www.facebook.com/lauresvanity
Laure Facebook page caught my attention while looking for possible stylist because of her calligraphic profile picture. I loved it! She's very helpful while chatting on Facebook and it looks like she's giving a recommendation for conceptualization already. She is really nice and have a stunning portfolio as well.

Laure's Vanity Price starts at PHP 10,000

(2 set design ) 1 major set, 1 minor set Conceptualization of the overall feel and look of the shoot Outfit advice for a maximum of two – three (2-3) outfits On hand props and set design materials Location scouting for two (2) venues Transportation of the Materials

Please note before contacting your shortlisted supplier to send them your preferred prenup date and location. If you don't have location in mind yet date is enough for them to check their availability.

Price starts rates given are for June - July 2016 inquiries only. For more info please contact them directly.

Looking forward!

xoxo,

Choosing your perfect venue for wedding reception is a strenuous task, especially if both couple are overseas. Even though you can ask help to ocular the place from your families the final say is still yours in booking the venue. That's why it's really great to see and visit the place on your own if you have time, to decide properly. It should be part of the first phase in planning your wedding.

There are lots of good wedding venues in Quezon City. We had a mistake in choosing our first venue, so when we are choosing again for our final venue, we took time carefully to get honest feedback from family and friends, our emcee and coordinator and answered questions below.

1. Is the venue near to our chosen church?
2. Can we afford this venue?
3. Does this venue recommended by our families/friends?
4. Is the venue’s capacity fit our estimated guest list? Enough parking?
5. Is the venue air-conditioned? Picturesque? Appealing?

Sharing below are some of the venues we consider. Hope this helps for couple who are also looking for possible wedding venues around Quezon City.

Felicidad Mansion #2 Baler St. corner Roosevelt ave, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City www.felicidadmansion.com	Paris and Venice / Capacity 250 Paris with Pool / Capacity 150 Venice / Capacity 130
Fernwood Gardens 69 Cenacle Drive, Sanville Subd, Quezon City www.fernwoodgarden.com	Venue 1 -Fernwood Gardens  / Capacity 270 Venue 2 -Courtyard Gardens / Capacity 200 Venue 3 -Cycad Garden / Capacity 250 Venue 4 - Coral Tree Garden / Capacity 300
Gazebo Royale Rona's Garden compound 29 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City www.gazeboroyale.com	Phoenix / Capacity 150-200 Champagne / Capacity 300++
Blue Gardens Wedding & Events Venue 28 Samonte St via North Zuzuaregui Road. Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City www.thebluegardens.blogspot.com	Venue with partner caterers complete wedding package
Hanging Gardens Events Venue Block 9 Lot 1 Belfast Ave. Neopolitan Business Park, Fairvew, Quezon City www.hanginggardensevents.com	Lafayette Garden 150-200 guests Paris Garden 150-200 guests Luxembourg Garden  150-200 guests
Light of Love Events Place 1163 Santol St, Quezon City www.lightoflove.com.ph	Atrium Capacity 180 Love Capacity 150 Trust Capacity 450 Integrity Capacity 150 Loyalty Capacity 300 Cherish Capacity 250
The Grand Terrace Events Venue #5 Villanueva Drive corner Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City www.facebook.com/thegrandterraceeventsvenue
Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan Robinsons Bridgetowne, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis, Quezon City 1110 www.theblueleaf.com	Monet, Picasso and Matisse can accommodate 330 guest
Ibarra's Garden No. 77 Timog Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City www.ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph
Verandas de San Vicente Events Venue 221 Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City www.facebook.com/verandasdesanvicente
Bulwagang Recoletos    81 Alondras St. Mira- Nila Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City	Vision 21- 200pax all aircon Veranda de Toledo- 200pax Cassiciacum Gardens- 300pax
Cities Events Place 30 Sgt. Esguerra St. , Brgy South Triangle, Quezon City www.citieseventsplace.com	Main Hall 180 pax aircon Deck 200 pax open hall
Casa Español Wedding Venue 28 Francies Drive, Mindanao Avenue. Quezon City www.facebook.com/casaespanol/
Le Reve (Events and Pool Party Venue) 28 Sgt. Esguerra St. South Triangle, Quezon City www.facebook.com/lereve.eventsvenue www.lereve-venue.com	Main Hall (200 or more people)
The Skydeck at Barrington Place 31 Congressional Avenue, Quezon City www.facebook.com/BarringtonSkydeck	Whole function room (max 200 pax) rental for first 3 hours PHP 19,500 (Venue Rates as of January 2016)
55 Events Place 55 Scout Rallos St., Brgy Laging Handa, Quezon City www.55eventsplace.com	Venue Rental for January – November: Whole Ballroom (Max 250 pax) = PHP 70,000 December: PHP 80,000 (Venue Rates as of January 2016)
Elements at Centris Eton Centris, Edsa cor.Quezon Ave. Quezon City www.facebook.com/CentrisElements	Function halls prices depend on the lean months. 1 Hall – 350 guest 2 halls – 700 guest
Venue 142 Penthouse, L Building, 142 Katipunan Extension Avenue, Saint Ignatius, Quezon City www.facebook.com/Venue142	Venue for Weddings & Debuts PHP 45,000 - Capacity 200 Corporate/Kiddie Party PHP 25,000 - Capacity 250 (Venue Rates as of January 2016)
Circle Events Place #1 Timog Ave. cor. Quezon Ave. Quezon City www.circleeventsplace.com	The Gala Hall with capacity of up to 250pax, rental package is at 58k; The Premiere Hall can accommodate up to 120pax, rental package is at 38k; Half of the Premiere Hall rents out for 20k, rental package is at 28k (Venue Rates as of January 2016)
Secret Garden 7 Seiko st. Interville 3, Novaliches, Quezon City www.facebook.com/secretgardenph
Solea Gardens #10 Baler St., San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City
Quezon City Sports Club E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City www.quezoncitysportsclub.com	Quezon Hall (Max 500 pax) with minimum food consumable for 4 hours, PHP 130,000
Don Jose Clubhouse Dona Carmen St Cor. Pantaleona St, Commonwealth Ave, Quezon City www.facebook.com/DonJoseClubhouse2015	All inclusive of: 5-hr use of aircon, ceiling swags, eElectricity charge included, NO CORKAGE FEE, Ample parking area ONE EVENT PER DAY POLICY, early set up is possible. PHP 20,000 Weedays, PHP 25,000 Weekends and holidays. PHP 5,000 to block off the date.
Windmills & Rainforest 60 Scout Borromeo Street South Triangle, Quezon City www.facebook.com/windmillsevents
Oasis Manila 169 Aurora Blvd, San Juan (near Quezon City) www.facebook.com/TheOasisManila	Pavilion (Garden) - Max capacity 400 guests Verandah - Max capacity 350 guest Orchard - Max capacity 200 guest (Venue Rates as of January 2016)

Some tips: If you're looking for venue ask if they have albums ready. When we went at Gazebo Royale, they had several real wedding albums to look through at our first walk.

Before booking the reservation fee to blocked your date, don't forget to ask if there's any other charges, corkage fees and taxes. Some staff will not tell you those things upfront, you wouldn't want to be surprised later.

A fancy venue is optional depends on your preference as you can have your wedding venue simple but memorable without breaking your finances. Some couples choose the venue with caterer package or restaurant option because it's less expensive and less hassle.

*** Update ***
We've visited our chosen venue yesterday, it was rainy morning and there was no AE yet to accommodate us around but the Caretaker was very helpful he allowed us to see the venue entirely. We were impressed with the spaciousness of both floors. What a great restoration. We booked the venue simply from seeing it's Facebook fanpage and from our Mother's recommendation, they told us seeing it with actual wedding day makes it stand out even more. The venue also has a large bridal suite perfect for getting ready and the location is easy to find (infront of Mcdonalds).

EJ and I fell in love with our venue, it is perfect for us as we are looking for simple and classical venue set-up.

We will visit again this coming October! :)

xoxo,