So, have you started preparing for your big day? Imagining
all the things you need to settle (especially the cost) is really stressful. Done
with your wedding checklist for all your suppliers?
I was a bit confused too on what to look for first,
is it the venue or the Church? Ofcourse it MUST be the Church since the
sacrament of matrimony is more important than the after party/celebration. But
I believe most couples look for wedding reception venue first before the Church.
As they say, Church is everywhere unlike the venue –cost is the main concern
here.
Anyway, done with my own wedding checklist as
follow and hopefully you find it a bit useful:
1. Church – for me is the most important supplier you
should look for first since your wedding day is all about getting the sacrament
of matrimony and all else follow. Ask for the:
a. Availability
of your preferred date and time
b. Do's
and Don'ts (entourage/guest clothing) / Terms and conditions that apply
c. Payment
(inclusions as some offer packages like floral arrangement, soloist, pianist,
choir, etc.)
d. Nearby
potential reception since some churches have their own events hall which you
might consider checking
2. Reception
Venue
a. Accredited
suppliers
b. Payment
terms and conditions
c. Nearby
churches if you still don't have it
d. Discounts
and promos/ Freebies which I believe is better when you book them during bridal
fairs
e. Inclusions
and packages - I hope all brides-to-be know that most often than not, Venue+Caterer
package is cheaper than having two separate suppliers as you are paying service
charge and VAT twice than just paying it with the venue owner.
3. Caterer-
Look for a caterer which you feel they really want to help you with your big
project not just to be their client. Arrange food tasting with them as early as
you can so you still have spare time to schedule more FTs with other caterers.
Read more reviews per caterer so you’ll have an idea if their food, service and
styling are better than others. Don’t forget to ask for freebies and discounts
like more desserts. Hhmm..Yummy. hehehe
4. Photo+Video
– For me, this is one of the things that couples should spend more since your
event will happen only once in a lifetime (you’ll not look the same when you
have your silver/gold wedding anniversary, right?), so every moment on your
wedding day should be well captured.
5. Wedding
Rings – Just like photo and video, this is what you’ll have forever so make it also
a good choice.
6. Bridal Gown (+ entourage) – consider a couturier who accepts your ideas and adjust
his/her design according to your body type. Let’s be honest, not all designs
can fit on all body types. Do some research on which design you’ll look best and
tell your couturier about it. Ofcourse
always mind your budget and be blunt about it so you won’t end up spending more
than what you initially planned.
7. Wedding
Coordinator – Do some research for other couples’ reviews so you can expect a
stress-free wedding. You may alot higher budget here if you choose a complete
coordination or OTD (on-the-day) coordination only for those tight-budget
couples.
8. Florist - you may consider going to Dangwa (flower suppliers everywhere). Ask them their sample design/style and bargain for higher discounts on your prefered flowers.
9. Other
paraphernalia like mobile bar, emcee, cake, souvenirs, bridal car, etc.
10. Hotel
accommodation before and after your big day - as early as you can, book with
your preferred hotel specially if you're targeting December event to avail
discounts and get your ideal room.
Try to attend as many wedding expos/bridal fairs as
you can so you can haggle with your potential supplier/s. Paraphernalia
mentioned above are offered as freebies by most suppliers during expos so make
the most of it.
Always remember that the most important preparation
you should do is preparing yourself for the life after the wedding event -physically,
mentally, emotionally, financially and most importantly, spiritually.
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