Wedding 101 and Do It Yourself Wedding Planning

Whenever I search on something, Huffington always comes up. And I've discovered that they have a special
section for weddings. So here are some things I got which you may want to check out from the below posts.

Source #1: Huffingtonpost: Brunch-Meals

Source #2:  Huffington post: 150-ways-to-make-your-wedding-unforgettable

• No need to buy unessential stuff: e.g: Giveaways, programs, etc...
• Book early to get a discounted rate and there is no such thing as an inclusive area. If you get the place there might be some things you can ask to get from the outside.
• Attention to details are a plus - Transformer dress, props, decors on the back of the chairs, etc..
• I always knew I wanted to surprise him with something on the wedding day. Confirmed!
• Include fun wacky photos.
• Time Guide

Hello there Brides and Grooms! The first big thing that fiance and I had on our lap was getting the best photographer we can get.

We said - Choosing the right photographer is crucial. 

We wanted to get it right so badly, that I took so much samples from wedding expos. Looked at all the wedding magazines that I have. And stared at wedding photography websites for hours. That's how dramatic it was.

It was like, even if fiance and I may spend as much as we want to the rest of the things in the wedding. Even if we get everything else perfect but this one be a failure, we are doomed. Because photographs are timeless. It will be all of whats left other than the memory and the wedding rings after the ceremony. Our created generation (our kids,their kids, and the kids after that) will see the photos. And so this has to be perfect. 

After three months of choosing. We finalized the contract last May 27, 2013 with our photographer.

And here are a few tips I learned from this experience:

1. No regrets on checking everything that's out there. Better to check everything than being sorry later. Yes, I was overwhelmed. And I compared prices, photos and spent long hours on the internet. But if you have the perfect wedding without the best photographer for you to capture it... that would be worst. I had my top three. And then just compared what would be most beneficial. But surprise! The one we chose was a last minute discovery. I was praying for "the one" and while checking wedding photos in Baguio under google search I opened one picture, then another and then I saw their website. Sent an email and it was like God's plan. We considered it as a blessing, but after contract signing the team posted on their Facebook page that we are a blessing. Imagine that.

2. Consider your budget. Be realistic.

3. A nice and approachable photographer is a must. You have to be a friend of that person. Make sure you are comfortable posing on his/her camera. It will show.

4. If you're budget savvy, a photographer in your area will save you Out Of town Charges and other expenses from a travelling photographer. 

5. Be honest. Let them know what you want. And be open of their suggestions too. 

Our Final Choice: Big Bang Photography and Events

website: http://www.bigbangweddingsandevents.com

1. They have very beautiful photographs. The pictures depict or tell a story.
2. The colors are timeless. And they know the best color scheme for that photo. Every album has a combination. And we appreciated that.
3. The owner, Richard was approachable and honest. He also listens to what we wanted.
4. They even suggested my make-up artist. And they did give several feed backs. Again, back to basics, the attitude of the photographer must be considered.
5. Rate wise, it was 25,000 pesos for the package. Plus we got the additional, 10,000 pesos Engagement shoot. So for a total of 35,000 pesos we got the whole deal. They are also Baguio Base so we are not paying for extra charges on accommodations, travel and what not.

What can you do with 1 peso? A candy perhaps. Three pieces of paper. Not even a biscuit or a drink.

How about 500 pesos? Where will that take you? A one way ticket to Baguio with a bag of chips? One massage. One hair treatment. And a movie date for two with no popcorn?

Its tough. 

In this day and age... How long can 500 pesos really go? Not much really. I went to the grocery store the other day. I only brought 800 pesos with me for grocery shopping. Thinking that would be enough for me. I will be shopping for myself. Just me. I live here in Makati to work and study my MBA. To my surprise I only have 1 dozen of eggs, half kilo of chicken, a few toiletries, several fruits and that was it! Not even a vitamin in tow. I had to go back the next day to purchase some more.

It made me do an overhaul on my spending habits. I don't really spent on so much. I am not as frugal as one of my housemates, another D, but I am definitely not a spender. Specially that fiance and I are saving for the wedding day.

I splurge on a few like watching Despicable Me the other day and eating out but on a scale, I don't really like going to the mall. And though it may be nice to have so much, I am quite contented with what I have. I've got everything I need. Hopefully in time, I get to say that my financial status is an A+.

So though I may not be a master on money, here's a few tricks that saves me money.

• I buy my Groceries than eating out. And I cook healthy meals with it too. Plus I burn calories walking around. Ha! Win win!  

• I buy bigger or in Bulk. Which with the power of value over time will total to several. 

• Since I cook my own meal, I bring my baon everyday.  With that I save 50-80/day and I get better with cooking. (Pwede ng mag-asawa, as our previous house help says) 

• I avoid loans as much as I can. Loan sharks = euw! 

• I don't shop! hahaha. This is wierd I know. But its the truth. I rarely go to the malls. :) Some of my clothes are brought by my sister, fiance and mom. While my shoes are all given by my dad and so are my bags. Seriously!!! I shop for my office clothes on sale weeks in GreenHills and I  love buying dresses when there's an occasion but all in all I don't really make the trip..

• If I want a massage or eat out at a fancy restaurant, I buy through Metrodeal and Ensogo. 

• I have two insurances. One with AXA and one with Sun. This serves as a force savings to my retirement. I don't want to grow old.  (tip #1) Get the lowest they can offer for your age so that in the future if you get sick or you lost your job or whatever you don't end of closing the insurance because you can't pay. Thinking of saying, I can afford a high insurance so that I get more in the future, guess what you can just give a top up for your extra investments that you want. (tip #2) If you're working and you also have insurance at work, you can opt to take away a few riders in the insurance bundle. That way, you get to pay less. 

• I cut my old jeans to shorts. :) Hip and sexy. :) 

• I don't have a gym membership. Because I exercise at home and its effective. I'm highly motivated too so I usually run around parks, swim at a local public pool and I buy few equipment  But hey, I'm 5' at 110 lbs. I'm just maintaining and sculpting my body. If you are someone who needs professional help, go to the gym sweetie. Health is wealth. And its fun going to the gym too. But for personal preferences at the moment, I'm just saying this is a choice where I get to save a lot. 

• I bring water every time I go out. I learned this from fiance. ;) And works well specially if your in another country travelling. Drinks can get expensive or the added cost can be avoided so why not.

So this are things that I do. 

If you are undergoing so much hardship on your finances right now, guess what:

Anything that makes us need God more is a blessing. Its not about money, its not about stuff.
We need God. - Revive our Hearts (http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/play/how-older-women-teach-younger-women)

God's economy is always right. - Nancy Leigh DeMoss


WHATS YOURS?