The Filipino Tradition of Pamanhikan or Pamamanhikan

Filipino Wedding Planning

Pamanmanhikan or Pamanhikan defined by wikipilipinas:

Debbie is the author of this blog and the Entrepreneur behing Debbieshop

I am believer of  true love and that's what puts me into wedding planning. I am a dancer behind every step and I sway positively with what life offers. I am a nature lover and thus I am also a traveler. Visiting new places and experiencing culture is the real deal for me.

Bridal SkinCare BEFORE PHOTO

Bridal SkinCare AFTER PHOTO

John 2:1-11English Standard Version (ESV) (source Biblegateway.com)

The Wedding at Cana

Congratulations!

On finding true love and being engaged. You must be floating on air and smiling without even knowing it. Its great and everything seems so perfect and then you realize that you need to plan your wedding, do so many things and yes spend some or even more.

But don't worry. Let's take a breath and take one step at a time.

Have A Vision

Would you want it to be simple, grand, close knit, funky. Your vision should be realistic and rewarding on your part. Make it yours and own that vision.

Talk with your Fiance and Family Members

With that vision in mind, its time to talk to your Fiance if you have the same idea with how the wedding should go. And if you seem to agree well great. While more often we need to compromise on several things when your fiance wants something different from yours. This is the perfect timing to practice agreement as a married couple. You can talk about it and also consult your parents and other notable family members who has a say on your wedding.

For example, we needed to move a year because my husband's older brother also decided to get married that year.

Set the Budget

Before planning anything, set the budget. You can search for a wedding budget tracker online or make your own. This is important before you buy anything. Usually on a wedding, its common to go over budget at the end. Having a set ceiling will help you not to over spend way beyond your limit and also you could see which to prioritize.

Set the date

Now that you have the budget you could already set the date. This is essential in setting up and contacting suppliers. This is the first thing they would ask you and so setting a date is essential. Sure you could move a day or two later on when you need to tweak on some details. But then again, time frame and budget wise you need to set your date.

Contact a Wedding Planner (optional) 

For those who are chooses a professional to do most of the planning, you may now contact a Wedding planner. Specially if they would do the complete planning, its essential to notify them the soonest.

(For Baguio Residents I also do wedding planning please feel free to contact me if you need any help)

Get a location

Almost a first! Now you know you are on your way to FOREVER.
Some venues take a year to reserve specially if they are known to be the best location for wedding. With these in mind, you need to see whether or not the place is available. Its always nice to have a fall back second option as so Brides wouldn't set their heart out for 1 location and then have it heartbroken if we dont get it.
 Tip: If you worry about money you could always to a pencil reservation. Most hotels and venues would allow you to just put it on hold and you would be notified if someone else wants to get it on the same date and time. While you are on pencil reservation though, you should do your best to save up or deposit ASAP to secure the place.

Invite the people (Make your Guestlist)

Sufficient time is needed in making your Guestlist. You can make this into 3 columns. Just to make it easier. On the first column write the VIPs (Family, Sponsors, Entourage) Someone once told me that this are the people that you would feel so bad if they wont be able to make it. Second column are your guests and the third column would just be available as an added list if the number already exceeds the number of guests you and your fiance agreed upon. If there are any, transfer them on the second column if there are guests cancelling.

If you have booked the place and you are already sure of the time and venue, you may start inviting guests. The best time frame for a wedding is three months prior the date. But if they are travelling overseas then feel free to help them by giving them an invite earlier if possible.

Work with the details /  Set your checklist

1. Gown

2. Accessories - RINGS

3. Menu

4. Music

5. Invitations

Deal with the suppliers

Contacts. Its always best to have a contract and to have suppliers that are well recommended by friends, colleagues or family members. That way you are sure that they have a good reputation and wouldn't ran with your money. I know someone who only searched for a planner online, they couldn;t reach the person after they deposited 50,000 pesos. What a waste

Tip: For Photographers and Videographers you may opt to give them 50% upon contract signing or depending on their requirement. Then another percentage on your wedding day and the rest upon getting the complete work. 

Double Check your checklist and Follow with a timeframe

Pamper yourself

 Mood boards could be several photos put together or just one photo inspiration that you would like to re-create. From your music, table, gowns, location and theme.

Well, we all dreamed about it for so long that its easier to panic and let the stress in.
But really do we even want that on our wedding day. I tell you it will show on your photos.

So here are 5 tips on how not to go crazy while planning and on the day itself.

1. Have a timeline. 

Setting a day to stop think plan and Beat the board will make such difference. It will help you not to miss anything out even your manicure and pedicure schedule. And it will also help you out to call out friends in advance when you need errands or lets say a day to pick up a wedding design.

2. Get help

4. Relax

You got engaged and now you are wondering how you could pay for your wedding.