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 expos 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 five pounds of brochures, we have shortlisted wedding suppliers and have done booking the major ones (with ☑). 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 three parts, as we did. 🙂
just signed a contract with Photogenics
Wedding Planning Checklist Update
The Big Picture
☑ Budget – Envision your wedding and draw up a budget. Work out your budget and establish spending decisions—where to save and where to splurge.
☑ Guest List – Compile your preliminary guest list. The size of the guest list is important as this will serve as basis for 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.
☑ Venue – Explore ceremony and reception venue options and reserve your date.
Primary Vendors
☑ Photographer and Videographer – Most photographers and videographers 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 to lock down on this one early. See sample shots and videos. Plan the concept of the shoots and think styling, design, and storyline. Discuss where to hold the pre-nuptial shoots, angles, location, and specific shots that you find appealing.
☑ 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 base 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.
☑ Host/Emcee – Get someone that speaks eloquently, one who can really make guests feel excited and at ease. The host/emcee will be 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
☑ 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.
☑ Entertainment – 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/singers for the ceremony and reception.
☑ 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.
☑ 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. Schedule time for at least three fittings.
☑ 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.
☑ Cake – Choose cake style and attend tastings before committing to any baker. Know the lead time and additional charges such as prepping at the reception and delivery.
☑ Lights and Sounds – Keep a running list of songs that you want and do not want played. Though you probably won’t be able to dictate every single song played, you should come prepared with a wish list.
☑ Wedding Bands – As a symbol of your love and commitment to each other, wedding bands are a big decision. 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! 🙂
Update as of May 15, 2016:
Completed all except for Wedding Coordinator, Host/Emcee (Chinese), Attire, Lights and Sounds 🙂
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