Planning A Wedding In The Philippines: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in the Philippines? There's a lot to think about, from finding the right suppliers to setting a budget and deciding on the type of ceremony you want. It's important to discuss your vision with your partner and list your priorities, whether that's a specific church, good food, or an open bar. Once you've set a budget, you can start contacting suppliers and asking for quotations. A wedding planner or coordinator can be a huge help, and it's a good idea to do a trial run of your hair and makeup to ensure your styling is perfect for the big day.

Budgeting and costs

When it comes to budgeting and costs, the first thing you should do is discuss with your partner how you visualise your ideal wedding. List your negotiables and non-negotiables, and decide on your priorities. For example, is good food important to you? Or perhaps an open bar? Do you want a specific church for your ceremony? Or to hold the reception during sunset?

Before you work out your budget, decide who will pay for the wedding. You may prefer to do it on your own as a couple, or one or both of your families may want to contribute or pay for all expenses.

Once you have decided on this, set a budget range that you are comfortable spending on your wedding. Create a table that breaks down your estimated costs. It is better to do this on a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Docs, so you can track and adjust your budget as you go along.

You will also need to consider the costs of suppliers. Check out blogs and online forums to find possible suppliers for your wedding. Attend wedding fairs to compare rates of different suppliers. Ask for recommendations from your married friends, too. Start contacting suppliers and asking for quotations and availability on your wedding date. The planner or coordinator should be the first supplier you hire before everyone else. You have two choices: a full-service wedding planner and an on-the-day (OTD) coordinator. A full planning service assists in wedding planning, which is ideal for couples abroad.

Suppliers and services

When it comes to suppliers and services, the first thing you should do is hire a wedding planner or coordinator. You have two choices: a full-service wedding planner and an on-the-day (OTD) coordinator. A full planning service assists in wedding planning, which is ideal for couples abroad.

Next, you should start contacting suppliers and asking for quotations and availability on your wedding date. To find possible suppliers, check out blogs and online forums, attend wedding fairs to compare rates, and ask for recommendations from married friends.

Once you have found your suppliers, you should finalise the details with them. This includes finalising the menu with your caterer, as well as ordering menu cards, programs, and seating cards. If you are holding a traditional church wedding, you will also need to purchase a Bible, the arrhae, candles, veils, and a cord.

Don't forget to do a hair and makeup trial with your HMUA to ensure you are happy with your look for the big day.

Finally, in the lead-up to your wedding, check that all your suppliers are up to date and prepared. Turn over final payments and tips to your wedding coordinator and provide them with a copy of your complete wedding checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

Food and drink

Planning a wedding in the Philippines? Food and drink are an important part of the big day, so it's worth putting some thought into this aspect of your wedding.

First, you'll need to decide on a budget. It's a good idea to create a spreadsheet to keep track of your estimated costs and adjust your budget as you go along. This will help you to work out how much you can afford to spend on food and drink.

Next, you should think about what kind of food and drink you want to serve. Do you want a traditional Filipino wedding feast, or something more modern? Will there be an open bar, or just wine and beer? It's important to discuss your priorities with your partner and make sure you're both on the same page.

Once you've decided on the type of food and drink you want to serve, it's time to start looking for caterers. Ask for recommendations from married friends, and check out online forums and blogs to find possible suppliers. Attend wedding fairs to compare rates and services, and don't forget to ask for quotations and availability on your wedding date.

Finally, don't leave it until the last minute to finalise the menu with your caterer. It's a good idea to do this at least three months in advance, so you have time to make any necessary changes or adjustments.

Hair and makeup

When it comes to hair and makeup, it's important to do a trial run with your chosen hair and makeup artist (HMUA) at least three months before the wedding. This will give you an idea of whether your chosen style and accessories will work on the day, and allow time for any changes to be made.

It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any last-minute changes or issues. For example, you could have a backup hairstyle or makeup look that you can do yourself, or ask a friend or relative to be on hand to help with any touch-ups.

In the lead-up to the wedding, be sure to take care of your hair and skin. This might include regular haircuts or treatments, and a skincare routine that suits your skin type. On the day itself, allow plenty of time for hair and makeup, and have a timeline or schedule that everyone involved can follow.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process and the pampering that comes with it!

Wedding attire

• Discuss your wedding attire budget with your partner. It's important to be on the same page about your budget and priorities. Will your families be contributing? If so, how much?
• Research wedding attire suppliers. Ask for recommendations from married friends, check out blogs and online forums, and attend wedding fairs to compare rates.
• Hire a wedding planner or coordinator. They can help you with all aspects of wedding planning, including attire, and are especially useful if you're planning your wedding from abroad.
• Fit your wedding attire and have final adjustments made. For the bride, this could include a hair and makeup trial to ensure your styling complements your gown. For the groom, this could include choosing accessories such as a tie or pocket square.
• Write your vows. It's important to have a written and digital copy as a backup. Keep in close contact with your wedding coordinator about any last-minute changes.

Remember to keep your wedding attire choices personal and meaningful to you and your partner. Enjoy the planning process and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Frequently asked questions