Wedding Planner In The Philippines: Steps To Success

Planning a wedding in the Philippines can be a stressful task, so it's no surprise that many couples opt to hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners can charge anywhere from P20,000 to P65,000 or more, depending on their experience and the services offered. While it may seem like an added expense, a good wedding planner can help you save money by offering packages that include everything you need for your big day. In this paragraph, we will discuss the benefits of hiring a wedding planner in the Philippines, as well as some of the top planners in the industry.

Qualifications and requirements

To become a wedding planner in the Philippines, you don't need a particular qualification or degree. However, having certain skills and traits will help you succeed in this career.

First and foremost, you should be creative, self-assured, and composed under pressure, as couples are relying on you to execute their vision with style. Strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail are also a must, as you will be managing multiple tasks and coordinating with various parties. Excellent communication skills are essential, as you will be dealing with many people, including couples, their families, and vendors.

In addition, having knowledge of event planning, customer service, and basic business operations will be beneficial. Familiarity with budgeting, contract review, and marketing can also set you apart.

While not mandatory, you may want to consider pursuing a certification in wedding planning to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and set yourself apart from competitors. Organisations such as the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute offer training and certification programmes.

If you're just starting, consider gaining hands-on experience by interning or volunteering with an established wedding planner. This will allow you to learn the ins and outs of the industry and develop your skills. Building a network of reliable vendors and venues is also crucial for your success.

Lastly, while not a requirement, it is helpful to be familiar with the legal requirements for marriage in the Philippines, including the necessary documents and procedures, so you can guide your clients effectively.

Salary expectations

Wedding planner salaries in the Philippines can vary depending on experience and the type of service offered. Small wedding planning businesses with little experience can start at ₱20,000, while high-end wedding planners can charge up to ₱65,000 or more. These prices are for the planner's services only and do not include extras such as transportation and accommodation for destination weddings.

Wedding planners typically offer three types of services: full coordination, partial coordination, and on-the-day coordination. Full coordination means the planner will handle everything from managing vendors to assisting with legal documents. Partial coordination is suitable for couples who already have their suppliers booked and only need help with tasks prior to and on the wedding day. On-the-day coordination is the most affordable option, where the planner only coordinates with vendors on the wedding day itself.

The price of a wedding planner in the Philippines can also depend on the wedding budget. Couples are usually advised to budget 15% of their overall wedding finances for this service. Planners may charge a percentage fee, typically 20% of the overall budget, or an hourly rate. The average starting cost for a wedding planner is $75 per hour, and it takes at least 100 hours to plan a single wedding.

Wedding coordinators, on the other hand, charge lower fees, typically ranging from ₱3,000 to ₱15,000. Coordinators are in charge of the overall flow of the festivities, from taking bridal shots to packing the wedding cake after the event.

When choosing a wedding planner or coordinator, it is important to consider reviews, location, and price. It is also advisable to choose a planner or coordinator based on referrals from people you know who have recently gotten married.

Wedding packages

Boracay Wedding Packages

Boracay, a beautiful island in the Philippines, offers a range of wedding packages to suit different preferences and budgets. The island features several wedding venues and hotels, from luxury resorts to intimate beach settings. Here are some examples of wedding packages in Boracay:

• Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa: This resort offers six wedding packages with various venues, including the beach, poolside, or landscaped gardens. It provides privacy and exclusivity for couples.
• Mövenpick Boracay: Located on Punta Bunga cove, one of the most exclusive spots in Boracay, Mövenpick offers four wedding packages with a maximum capacity of 200 guests. They also offer a beach villa for more intimate celebrations.
• The Lind Boracay: Ranked as one of the top hotels on the island, The Lind Boracay offers five wedding venues, including the beach, poolside, gardens, ballroom, or their Teal Room.
• Sea Wind: Located on White Beach, Sea Wind features a dedicated website for wedding clients. They offer several wedding packages, including one that can accommodate up to 500 guests.
• Discovery Shores Boracay: This resort, featured as one of the World's Best Hotels, offers six customizable wedding packages with complimentary amenities and personalized services.
• Asya Premier Suites: This luxury resort provides five wedding packages with different themes, venues, and concepts. They also offer bespoke celebrations with an assigned in-house wedding coordinator.

Other Wedding Packages in the Philippines

Aside from Boracay, there are other destinations in the Philippines that offer wedding packages:

• Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan: This resort in Cebu offers world-class facilities and accommodations. They have three venues for weddings: the beach, the Coral Ballroom, and the Events Pavilion.
• Fairways & Bluewater Boracay: This resort has been commended for their exceptional service and dedication to making couples' wedding days special.
• Henann Prime Beach Resort: This resort in Boracay offers all-inclusive options and is a great choice for wedding proposals and celebrations.
• Event Planner Philippines: This destination wedding planner, led by Joyce Bella, specializes in bespoke destination weddings. They offer a full-planning service that includes venue selection, theme and concept creation, budget management, vendor selection, and more.

When considering wedding packages, it is important to note that the prices can vary, and some packages may not include certain elements such as photography, videography, or customized styling. It is always advisable to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of each package to ensure that it aligns with your specific requirements and budget.

Full, partial, and on-the-day coordination

There are three main types of coordination services offered by wedding planners in the Philippines: full coordination, partial coordination, and on-the-day coordination. The scope of services, level of involvement, and pricing vary for each type.

Full Coordination

Full coordination means the wedding planner will assist the couple from start to finish, from the initial planning stages to the end of the wedding reception. They will manage all the technical aspects of coordination, including vendor and supplier management, legal document assistance, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. The couple will still have control over the theme, colours, menu, seating arrangements, and other details, but the planner will execute their vision. Full coordination is typically the most expensive option.

Partial Coordination

Partial coordination is suitable for couples who have already booked most of their suppliers and feel they can manage the planning process themselves but need help with the remaining tasks before and on the wedding day. The planner will coordinate with suppliers and vendors at the venue, ensuring everything comes together as planned while the couple and their families get ready.

On-the-Day Coordination

On-the-day coordination is the most affordable option. It is ideal for hands-on couples who have booked all their suppliers and managed the planning themselves but want to enjoy their wedding day without worrying about coordinating with vendors and suppliers. The planner will create a detailed timeline for the day and ensure everything runs smoothly, from the couple's hair and makeup to seating guests during the reception.

Choosing a wedding planner

When it comes to choosing a wedding planner, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to do your research. Look at reviews, location and price. Be wary of wedding planners who don't have profiles on wedding websites or reviews on their social media pages, as this could be a red flag. Try to get referrals from people you know who have recently tied the knot.

Some wedding planners may also have location limitations, so it's worth checking if they cover the area where you plan to get married. It's also important to consider your budget when choosing a wedding planner. Fees can vary depending on the planner's experience and the services offered. Some planners offer packages that include everything you need for the wedding, which can help with budgeting.

Another thing to consider is the level of service you require. There are typically three options: full coordination, partial coordination, and on-the-day coordination. Full coordination means the planner will be involved from the beginning, helping with everything from managing vendors and suppliers to legal documents. Partial coordination is suitable if you already have your suppliers booked and only need help with the tasks prior to and on the wedding day. On-the-day coordination is the most affordable option, with the planner only handling vendor coordination on the wedding day itself.

Finally, it's important to choose a wedding planner who you feel comfortable with and who understands your vision for your big day. Look for someone who is organised, has a good network of suppliers, and can offer personalised services to make your dream wedding a reality.

Frequently asked questions