It has been two months now from the day Louie proposed. Since we are two busy working individuals, we only have the time during weekends to plan for our wedding. Fortunately, there are wedding exposΒ we could attend to help us make educated decisions in a time-efficient manner. Going to Themes & Motifs in SMX and Weddings & Beyond in World Trade Center, Pasay made us learn about a myriad of event options with much convenience. We did not have to visit several places and meet potential wedding suppliers one at a time.
Armed with notes, a collection of business cards, and about fiveΒ pounds of brochures, we have shortlisted wedding suppliers and have done booking the major ones (with β). If you’re planning your own wedding as well, you may find it a great idea to have a checklist and break down what you need to threeΒ parts, as we did. π
just signed a contract with Photogenics
Wedding Planning Checklist Update
The Big Picture
β Budget – Envision your wedding and draw up a budget. Work out your budget and establish spending decisionsβwhere to save and where to splurge.
β Guest List – Compile your preliminary guest list. The size of the guest listΒ is important as this will serve as basis forΒ the venue. Make a head count database to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant information.
β Venue – Explore ceremony and reception venue options and reserve your date.
Primary Vendors
βΒ Photographer and Videographer – Most photographers and videographersΒ have a finite number of weddings they can book each day, and the best ones usually book weddings many months in advance, so it’s highly recommended toΒ lock downΒ on this one early. See sample shots and videos. Plan the concept of the shoots and think styling, design, and storyline.Β Discuss where to hold the pre-nuptial shoots, angles, location, and specific shotsΒ that you find appealing.
β Wedding Coordinator – There are at least three types of wedding coordinators: those that you involve from the initial phase of the planning, those that you meet only to touch baseΒ with wedding suppliers, and those that take charge only on the day of the wedding. We will hire an on-the-day wedding coordinator to assist us from the hotel to the church and reception.
β Host/Emcee – GetΒ someone that speaks eloquently, one who can really make guests feel excited and at ease. The host/emcee will beΒ getting on the microphone to announce the grand entrance of the entourage, first dance of the newly weds, welcoming people for toasts, hosting games and activities, cake cutting, etc.
Secondary Vendors
β Florist – We are not yet firm on our wedding palette but have decided on the florist we are booking. The choice of flowers and package inclusions (backdrop, floral accessories on the cake, draping, entourage, and table setting) are important considerations.
β EntertainmentΒ – Attend gigs of potential acts to see how they perform in front of audiences, then reserve your favorite. We will be getting a team of musicians/singersΒ for theΒ ceremony and reception.
β Hair and Makeup – Looking decent and presentable on this big day is crucial. Booking the perfect stylist to do the hair and makeup entails doing hair and makeup trials and comparing results.
β Attire – Choosing the wedding dress of your dreams can be very overwhelming especially now that we have free access to designs posted on Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding sites like Bridestory. Figure out the silhouette that best suits your body shape and focus on your personal style. People also notice the gowns and apparel of the entire wedding entourage so make sure to have all are well-chosen.Β Schedule time for at least three fittings.
β Invitation Cards – Ask stationers for samples of invitations and have the designs revised to suit your preferences. The rule of thumb in mailing invitations is six to eight weeks before the ceremony. RSVP cutoff is set at three weeks after the postmark date.
β Cake – Choose cake style and attendΒ tastings before committing to any baker. Know the lead time and additional charges such as prepping at the reception and delivery.
β Lights and Sounds – Keep a running list of songs that you want and do not want played. Though you probably wonβt be able to dictate every single song played, you should come prepared with a wish list.
β Wedding Bands – As a symbol of your love and commitment to each other, wedding bands are a big decision.Β Which metals do you like? Would you like to include stones on the bands? We like ours simple but elegant.
We are still looking for wedding suppliers of items without a check mark. If you have recommendations, please feel free to share in the Comment sections below. Thanks! π
Update as of May 15, 2016:
Completed all except for Wedding Coordinator, Host/Emcee (Chinese), Attire, Lights and Sounds π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Wow!,,,, loooooks like you guys are getting there! Super excited for you guys!!!! Wohooooooooo!!!! Take it slow and breath in! Kaya niyo yan guys! Tiwala lang! Hehehehe cheers guys and great job! Konting tiis na lang hahahahaha
Haha thanks, Jeng! Oo nga, parang ang bilis ng panahon. Haaay sana maging okay ang lahat. π
I remember when we were planning our wedding, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. It was just one big headache. I finally had to enlist help from family and friends. Seems like you’re doing a great job!
Thanks, Amanda. I think planning a wedding can really be stressful because there is a lot of things to be considered and you don’t want to get anything wrong.
Hearty hearty congratulations and best wishes!!! Looking forward to see your wedding pics..
Thanks, Bhushavali. π We still have 11 months to go!
This is a great checklist! It seems like you’re having a fun time planning for your beautiful day. Thank you for sharing.
We’re just squeezing in the little time we have to plan this whole thing. I don’t want to hire a professional wedding planner because part of me also likes to experience planning myself. π
You’ve already got the major ones done, yay for you!!! You don’t have to rush as long as you’re still within your working timeline. π
Haha. My heart pounds fast every time I remember about this wedding. I’m the type who likes planning waaaay earlier than usual.
You are a really organized couple. It helps to plot it this way since you are both busy. Enjoy the planning process.
Thanks, Franc! I’m even more excited for it to be over and done with. π
A lot definitely goes into wedding planning. You’re doing great with it, by the way. Although there’s a long way to go, I’m sure you’ll find all that you need in not time. It’s good that you’re also following a budget. That keeps you on track.
Organizing particulars at the start of the engagement can prevent stressing out at work over wedding details and allow focus on the tasks at hand. π
Wow! There’s just really so much stuff to consider, it’s crazy! Wishing you all the luck and happiness in your wedding! π
Thanks, Jason. π Itβs really important to set a checklist with goals to help with the process. This way, we can make full use of workdays and weekends while still having some treasured βme time.β
I love weddings and I think that next to the wedding itself, the wedding planning and preparations are so exciting. And looking at your checklist I see that you’ve got it spot on. Congratulations to you and the groom!
Thanks, Kathy! π The wedding industry constantly attempts to up-sell brides and grooms on so many items. Using a guideline will leave us feeling more confident that we’re on the ball. Researching for the ideal will also help realize that none of those (expensive) superfluities actually matter.
Congrats! Our wedding was very low-key, but we would love to go bigger when we renew our vows. I will definitely keep this in mind to use as a template when we’re ready! I hope your day is one you will cherish forever!
Wow! That would be nice. Thanks, Jessyca. π
Heartiest congratulations to both of you. I am impressed the way you are organizing everything.
Thanks, Pooja. π I’m a newbie at planning wedding parties and such occasion. Planning a wedding can be like having a second job. Most of what I do is simply searching for inspiration, reviews and recommendations online. Planning comes later when I have to make decisions with my fiance.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. It’s good to see that you are making progress on your wedding plans. I wish you both all the best.
Thanks, Claire. π Any progress is good. I don’t like cramming. π
I remember reading your post about his proposal and now you are really getting married. Wow. Looks like there are a lot of things to do. Best wishes to both of you.
Thanks, Fred! One year of planning is the norm these days. We still have so many things to do. π
Reading this list brings back memories of our own wedding many years ago. Things were more simple then, without wedding coordinators, which also meant we had to do all the organizing ourselves with our close friends.
Nice! Delegating tasks to trusted friends and family members is most ideal.
congrats on tying the knot real soon! for me, i don’t think i’ll wanna do printed invitation cards (if i ever hold a wedding). cost-saving aside, i would wanna save some trees too. π
Some couples just send out invitations via Facebook Events. π Also, they create a website where all details can be read or post a save-the-day video so guests will know the date, time and venue of the wedding.
You guys look good together. Best wishes to both of you! I hope you guys are enjoying the wedding preparation. The list is kind of long but I am sure it will be all worth it.
Thanks, Garf! I hope that with the help of some good-natured friends and family, luck, and a solid plan, we will be able to manage and pull off a stress-free wedding. π
All the best to you. Looks like you are quite prepared for your big day. Congratulations! can’t wait to see your wedding photos.
Thanks, Kelly! Haha, those will be posted in a year. π
Congratulations to both of you, you will be entering a new and exciting time of your lives , I wish you all the best life can offer. And thanks for the post this will be helpful to me soon or maybe later lol
Thanks, Bhuboy! Right, things can get too overwhelming when they are not broken down into details. Making a list like this can set the vision and goals from conception.
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your list, I shall pass this along to my friend who is planning for her wedding π
Thanks, Danessa! Sure. π
This is going to come in handy soon. π
Congrats to the both of you!
Thanks, George. π Planning for a wedding is not a piece of cake. It will be best to figure out the big picture before dwelling in the details. π
congrats on your soon-to-be wedding! and thanks for sharing valuable tips. i personally will not want to get printed invitation card if i were ever to hold a wedding reception, though.
Thanks, Mia. π That’s a modern take of couples these days. For guests who don’t have a computer and probably the seniors who don’t appreciate virtual invitations, we really have to get those printed and follow the tradition.
On point! Definitely bookmarking this one, who knows maybe we’ll have the wedding with all the trimmings one day when we’re not too busy raising the kids. We just had a simple civil ceremony 13 years back and I’m kinda playing around with the thought of having another one.
That’s so sweet. π I think renewing vows and getting married to the same person once again is a nice way of reaffirming your love.
First of all. Congratulations to both of you.
I was googling for something and found this article. I wish i found it a month ago, before my cousin’s marriage. This post is very useful.
Thanks, Ravi. Congratulations to your cousin as well. π