10 Budget Wedding Tips

Learn how to save on your wedding through these budget wedding tips:

1. Invitations

If you want to save some cash on your wedding invitations, make it less bulky. The bulkier and heavier the invitation is, the more costly the shipping gets. And though you want your wedding invitations to stand out with boxes, extra ribbons and other stuff, you must ask yourself if the extra cost is worth it.

Settle with one or two colors for your wedding invitations. This will help you establish your color motif while saving on the extra cost of having more than two colors on your wedding invitation. Simple and elegant designs can go a long way.

Wedding Invitation by QP Designs
QP Designs print their own invitations, which means you get first-class
invitations at affordable prizes. 

Think over the wedding details you need to put in your wedding invitations. Do they really need a map to the church and your reception venue? With new technology, you can have a free wedding website where guests can check the specific details of your wedding. The less number of pages on your invitation, the less expensive it will be for you and your partner.

Kasal.com's myKasal Planner offers free wedding announcements
for soon-to-wed couples. 

2. Color Motif

White is the most common color for weddings and it can also be a color that can save you some cash on your wedding day. Reception venues will always have white linen and draping available (and free) with their wedding package. They may charge you extra for special requests if you have other more complicated color themes that they have to incorporate for your wedding styling.

Even inexpensive flowers look simple and elegant in white. White carnations can be turned into beautiful creations for centerpieces, bridal bouquets and other wedding décor. White candles placed in candle holders can also be a cheap addition to the ambiance of your reception tables.

3. Flowers

Choose flowers that are local and are in season on your wedding day. Transporting imported flowers and flowers out of season are more expensive.

Use flowers sparingly. The bridesmaid bouquets and groomsmen boutonnieres don’t need to be as elaborate as the bride’s. You can also use greens instead of flowers in your reception décor and bouquets. Some brides even use rose cacti on their centerpieces and bouquets.

White Bouquet by Gemma's Flowershop
Gemma's Flowershop is located at Dos Castillas St.
near Dangwa Terminal in Sampaloc, Manila

4. Desserts

Instead of having a full blown dessert table with a variety of choices, you can double your desserts as favors. Guests can opt to eat them during the reception, or bring them home.

Wedding Cake by Goldilocks
Goldilocks produces high-quality, high-valued products at affordable prices.
Their celebration cakes are perfect for couples on a budget. 

5. Fireworks

We agree that fireworks in a wedding is truly romantic and pretty in pictures. If you want to have the same but don’t want to spend as much, you can use sparklers. Have the bridesmaids and groomsmen light up sparklers around you for that picture perfect moment as you enter the evening reception.

6. Wedding Theme

Choose a wedding theme that does not have to be elaborate. A minimalist black and white wedding is simple but elegant. You can save up on centerpieces by placing a single flower on elegant vases or even empty wine bottles. A minimalist wedding gown can be partnered with a not-so-elaborate bouquet as well.

A Black and White Set-up by Alba Catering
Alba Catering is known for their quality personalized services, inexpensive
yet sumptuous dishes and elegant arrangements even at a low budget. 

7. Reception Venue

If you want to have an outdoor wedding but can’t afford garden venues for rent, you can ask friends and family who have big gardens/backyards that can accommodate your number of guests. You can also consider renting local public parks or parks within your village. These venues can give you the same ambience for a lower price.

Watch out for promos from garden wedding venues. You might get lucky and find one that can fit your budget. 

Wedding Ceremony at Sweet Harmony Gardens
Sweet Harmony Gardens has a DOUBLE DOUBLE DISCOUNT PROMO.
For as low as P15,000, you can have 7 hours use of their venue.
Hurry! Booking period  is up to Dec 15 2012 only.

8. Wedding Program

Have your friends help you with your wedding program. They may have unique ideas and suggestions that they can execute for you on your wedding day. Plan with them so you'll have a team ready to take over the reception. All you need to give in return are a lot of thanks and a nice gift. 

9. Wedding Gown

Like it or not, you or your bride will only wear the wedding gown once. Twice, if you decide to remarry (and you will still fit). Ask yourself, do you really need an expensive fashion designer for a gown you will only wear once? If you really want to save, you can find gowns for rent at malls or even online. 

Another way to save on your wedding gown is to find cheaper alternatives at the department store. It's not one of a kind but if you find one that suits your design tastes, then why not?

Special Wedding Promo by Elegant Star Photos and Gowns
For as low as P5,000, brides can rent new season wedding gowns from Taiwan.
It's a limited time offer only so call them now at 0915-510-3737. 

10. Catering

If you don't want to maximize your budget for the wedding feast, choose a buffet style catering. This type of catering is less expensive as there are less waiters and time needed to distribute the food. Some guests prefer this style because they can choose the kind and amount of food they put on their plates. If you want to save some money on food but not skimp on the quantity and quality of food, then go buffet style.

Wedding Feast by Evelyn's Catering
Evelyn's Catering takes pride in providing affordable, quality cuisine in weddings.
Their catering set-ups are held at De Rivier Cafe and Resto in Marikina City. 

Before planning for your wedding, have a splurge and save list. Know what wedding items are negotiable and non-negotiable with your budget. If you've always dreamed of a designer wedding gown, then go ahead and just save on other aspects of your wedding. What's important is that you are happy and your wedding will be complete. 

For more wedding promos, visit Kasal.com Special Promos Section.

If you have your own budget wedding tips, share it with us on Facebook. Happy planning!

Planning for Your Wedding Feast

The Filipino wedding celebration will not be complete without the wedding feast. If you’re going to celebrate your wedding, it’s best to spend a little extra on the food. Because no matter how pretty the wedding venue is, bland food and food in disarray is a wedding disaster you need to avoid.

To help you plan for your wedding feast, Hizon’s Catering, one of Manila's top wedding caterer, has come up with a list of things you need to consider:  

Duo of Pork and Mango Appetizer by Hizon's Catering

1. Budget – Do not skimp your budget on your wedding food. If you have a limited budget, it’s best to cut down on other wedding details than the wedding feast. You need to find a caterer that fits your budget but does not sacrifice the quality of the food. Take time to find the best caterer that will fit your budget.

2. Time of the wedding – Before anything else, book the time, date and venue for your wedding reception. The right kind of food is dependent on the time of day and location of your venue. If it’s a 11am wedding, then a lunch menu is best. The season or climate is also important. A December wedding in Tagaytay, will be perfect with warm and hearty meals including a delicious soup. A Boracay wedding in April should include cocktails and fresh fruits.

Watermelon Feta Cheese Salad
by Hizon's Catering

3. Menu – Ask yourself: What type of food would you like to serve at your wedding? You have to consider various factors such as the theme, time of day, and your budget before deciding on a menu. Don’t forget that your choices for each part of the menu should complement one another.

4. Banquet Service Style – A big decision you have to make is with your Banquet service style. It will determine how your reception program will play out and will also have an impact on your budget.

A Sit Down service is more expensive basically because of the extra service charge for the waiters that will be preparing and serving food to your guests. It is difficult to achieve this kind of style for your wedding banquet if you are planning on doing the preparation on your own and only with the help of your family and friends. It would be safer to hire people who are trained for this task to avoid problems during your wedding. Also, the choice of food on the menu will affect the cost. But what you are mainly paying for with this type of service is the convenience that your guests would feel on not having to stand-in-line to get food, and the elegance that it reflects to the totality of your event.

A Buffet banquet is quite cheaper than a sit down style. You can also give your guest more freedom to choose what food they want to put on their plates. The downside of a buffet though is that it can be a hassle to your guests, especially to the elderly, if lines become long and they have to stand-in-line for a couple of minutes to get some food. The key here is to anticipate this scenario and provide enough buffet areas where your guest can get food. For example, if you have 200 expected guests, have a two-way buffet instead of just one. It will help avoid the formation of long lines in the buffet area.

Spaghetti with Aligue and Lemon Sauce Pasta
by Hizon's Catering

Lauriat style on the other hand is like a combination of the Sit down and buffet services. With this type of service, your guests will also have the option to choose the food they would like to put on their plates and at the same time they won’t experience the hassle of standing-in-line to get the food. A possible problem that may occur with this type of service is that the food per table may not be enough for the guests if not properly monitored by the waiters. Make sure that the waiters in-charge per table will be attentive to the needs of the guests.

Cocktail style is the cheapest of all the banquet services because it only serves cocktail or bite-size food items. If your event falls on a lunch or dinner, this option may not be your best bet. But if you should insist on this, make sure that you advise your guests beforehand so that they will not expect a heavy meal during your reception.

Beef Cheek and Crispy Tripe Kare-Kare by Hizon's Catering

5. Number of Guests – Having a lot of food wastage or having insufficient food is a no-no in weddings. Make sure you know the number of guests attending your reception. An estimated number is okay for a buffet style banquet but a plate banquet would need a specific number of guests.

6. The Theme of the Wedding – Knowing the theme of your wedding can help you decide on the menu. A Zen or Japanese-inspired wedding would go for Japanese food like tempura, sushi, sashimi and Japanese tea. On the other hand, if you’re wedding is classic Filipino, Filipino cuisine will be a perfect match.

7. Catered vs. Do-It-Yourself – If you have enough resources, cooking equipment, and people to help you prepare the food then this may work for you. But if not, then it is best that you consider getting some professional help.

For more wedding guides, download Hizon's Catering free e-book today. 

Wedding Table Setup by Hizon's Catering

Wedding Table Setup by Hizon's Catering

About Hizon's Catering:
Hizon’s Catering has been in the wedding catering industry since 1987. What first began as a small family business grew into one of the best catering businesses in the country today. With an average of 1,588 weddings a year, Hizon’s catering has prepared an e-book to help soon-to-weds plan their own weddings. With owners who love merry occasions and sumptuous dishes, Hizon’s Catering dedicates itself to taking the stress of their client’s shoulders and make sure that the planning is as enjoyable as the event itself.

Contact Hizon’s Catering today for your wedding needs or drop by at their upcoming schedules of food tastings.

Double Happiness Bridal Expo @ Golden Bay

Book your calendars this September 1-2, 2012 for Golden Bay’s Shuangxi or Double Happiness Bridal Expo! The event will showcase your overall wedding needs such as wedding gowns, formal wear, jewelry, make-up, photo and video, cakes, bridal cars and many more.

Golden Bay is the brainchild of a group of friends who wanted to share with Filipinos and Chinese in the Philippines their love for the culture, tradition and, of course, the cuisine of China. Three years into the establishment of Golden Bay, its first class interior, elegance and fine cuisine has attracted an increasing number of Chinese and Filipino-Chinese weddings. Their continuous success in the wedding industry has led them to organizing an event for soon-to-wed couples as a way of giving back to the community.

The two-day bridal expo will introduce Golden Bay’s Chinese clientele to the many Filipino wedding suppliers. Fifty-eight (58) booths will be set up for wedding suppliers who will have great discounts for soon-to-wed couples. Guests will get the chance to see Golden Bay up close while booking for their own wedding suppliers.

Golden Bay has also prepared many prizes and surprises for all guests! Come to the event and you may have a chance to win round trip tickets to any domestic destination courtesy of Zest Air.

Golden Bay is located along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City. It is only 15 minutes away from NAIA and only 20 minutes away from Makati. Don’t worry about parking as the property can accommodate up to 500 cars. So what are you waiting for? Block your schedule for September 1 or 2 and see you guys there!

For booth reservation, get in touch with Golden Bay Marketing office telephone numbers 556 7525 and 556 7527. 

Related Article/s:

Unparalleled Wedding Experience At Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant

Wedding Set-up at Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant 

Jardin de Miramar: Prenuptial Tips and the Perfect Promo

As the rainy season comes to a close, outdoor pre-nuptial shoots are on the way. If you still don’t have a venue for your much awaited outdoor pre-nuptial shoot, check out Jardin de Miramar's Prenuptial Shoot Promo. Below are some tips, tricks and the reasons why Jardin de Miramar is the best choice for you: 

1. Ten Themes in One Location

You will only have a day with your photographer for a pre-nuptial shoot. Wasting time going from one place to another to get different looks is impractical, costly and time consuming. We suggest choosing a pre-nuptial venue that can incorporate different themes like Jardin de Miramar.

Jardin de Miramar offers ten different themed locations - seascape, tropical paradise, old wall city, barrio fiesta, palm grove, Noah's Ark. Did we mention that all of these are just in one venue? It is! No need for extra travel.

2.     Pre-Nuptial Shoot Fees

Ask your photographer for the necessary fees for pre-nuptial shoot venues. Gardens, streets and establishments charge fees that you have to be prepared for. The more venues you choose for different themes, the costlier it gets. Aside from the price, it will also be a hassle to coordinate with many different venues.

At Jardin de Miramar, all you need is to reserve one location and get up to ten different themes! If you book with them today until September 30, 2012, you get all these and more at a discounted rate of P3,500 plus additional 1 hour FREE!

3. Proximity vs Cost

Before choosing a venue, you have to weigh the pros and cons of having a pre-nuptial shoot out of town versus the cost. The farther it is the more expensive it can get. On the other hand, you don’t want to settle with limited pre-nuptial venues that are just around the corner.

Jardin de Miramar, located at Antipolo, Rizal, is just 1 - 1.5 hours from Manila and about 30-45 minutes from Quezon City. With up to 10 different themes for just P3,500, the distance and cost is just perfect for your requirements and your budget.

4.     Reliable Customer Service

The perfect combination for pre-nuptial venues is location, cost and customer service. You want your pre-nuptial shoot to be perfect and the venue staff can help you.

Jardin de Miramar has made a name for itself not just for its beautiful venue but also for its reliable staff. Trusted for its professionalism, Jardin de Miramar’s venue has appeared in various movies, TV production and commercials, including international television coverage through Associated Press and Reuters.

Book with Jardin de Miramar today and get:

Ten different themed locations - seascape, tropical paradise, old wall city, barrio fiesta, palm grove, noah's ark. All these and more at a discounted rate of P3,500 plus additional 1 hour FREE! The promo period is up to September 30; photoshoot period is from September 1 to March 31, 2013.

Should your wedding fall during the Christmas holidays, you may want to consider including the internationally recognized Casa Santa Museum in your photo shoot for a minimal fee. You can pose playing chessboard with a life size Santa, or just merely pose amongst the 3,005 Santas.

For more details about why Jardin is a perfect venue for your photo shoots, 
you may visit their website at www.miramar.com.ph or add them in facebook (type Jardin de Miramar).

Prenuptial photos at Jardin de Miramar: 

 

10 Do-It-Yourself Wedding Signages

Outdoor weddings are fun for crafty brides as they get to play around with plenty of wedding details including Wedding Signages. If you're a crafty and budget-conscious bride whose outdoor wedding dream includes romantic, vintage or even comic wedding signs, then scroll down and be inspired! Kasal.com gathers these DIY Wedding Signages from Real Weddings, blogs and DIY wedding websites to get you started on your wedding craftiness!

1. String & Nail Wedding Signs
This DIY wedding sign suits backyard, home and garden weddings. It adds up to the quaint, intimate and cozy feel to your wedding.

String and nail wedding signs by weddingwindow.com

2. Burlap Banners
This one's also well suited for garden, backyard or even beach weddings.

Burlap Banners by weddingwindow.com

3. Pipe Cleaner Wedding Sign
If you want more color in your wedding decor, then this DIY wedding sign is for you. It uses furry pipe cleaners (wire) so it can be shaped into the words you wish to display.

Pipe Cleaner Wedding Sign by weddingwindow.com

4. Chic Wedding Chalkboards
Using chalkboards for wedding signs never gets old. It's not too formal but chic nonetheless.

Chic wedding chalkboards by craftzine.com

5. Photobooth Sign 
This one's pretty and easy to make. Free templates are made available so all you need to do is change it up a little, print and hang!

Photobooth sign by weddingchicks.com

6. Just Married Banner
This just married sign is made from two differently colored fabrics sewn together to make this lovely piece.

Just married banner by thesweetestoccasion.com

7. Calligraphy Wedding Signs
Guests won't normally sit on the Mr and Mrs designated chairs, but it's fun to label so go ahead! These are free customizable wedding signs that you can easily print on specialty paper.

Calligraphy Wedding Signs by Laura Hoopers in weddingchicks.com

8. Vintage Bride & Groom Do It Yourself Signs
Instead of the Mr and Mrs signs, you can also use Bride and Groom. You can make it vintage, comic, or minimalist, it's up to you!

Vintage Bride and Groom Signs by weddingchicks.com

9. Hand-painted Wooden Wedding Signs
This one caught our attention because of it's funny play on words. I DO for the ceremony and WE DID for the wedding reception. Witty isn't it?

Hand-painted Wooden Wedding Signs by rufflesandbelles.wordpress.com

10. Chalkboard Snap Station
And lastly, this fun couple turned their wedding into an adventure and used chalkboard signs to label different areas at the reception. This one's called the Camp Kasal Snap Station.

DIY Snap Station from Kasal.com Real Weddings

If you have your own DIY Wedding Ideas, Photos or Guides, email them to kasal.comteam@gmail.com and we'll feature them in Kasal.com and on Facebook. We can't wait to see yours!

Looking for an outdoor wedding venue? Go to Kasal.com Supplier Directory - Garden Weddings.

Rainy Season Weddings: Tips and Tricks

In the Philippines, the rainy season falls on the months of June to August. If you set your wedding date on any of these months, expect that there's a higher possibility of rain on your wedding day. Your wedding date may hold a special place in your heart so changing the date may be non-negotiable. If this is the case, then here are some tips for preparing for a Rainy Season Wedding. 

1. Wedding Location

Pick a location that is easy to get to and not easily flooded. Research for flood-prone areas and avoid them. 

2. Paved Floors

Make sure that the parking area and the pathway of your wedding venue is paved, not grass or dirt. Walking on soft soil may not be suitable for guests wearing heels.

Paved Pathwalk - Photo from decorating-trends.com 

3. Umbrellas

Don't forget to take care of your guests! Prepare enough umbrellas and seek the help of ushers/usherettes to help your guests stay dry. 

4. Tents

If you're planning for an outdoor wedding, make sure you have big tents prepared. These may be part of your original set-up or as a back-up plan in case of rainfall. Make sure that it's big enough to cover the food, the stage, the dance floor and your guests' tables. 

Uniform Wedding Umbrellas - Photo from christinereidphotoblog.com

5. Prepare Guests

Keep track of the changes in the weather. If there's a big possibility of rain on your outdoor wedding, inform your guests beforehand. This will help them prepare and choose appropriate clothes and shoes, in tune with the rainy season. 

6. Challenge your Bridesmaids

To keep your bridal gown trail dry and dirt free, enlist the help of your giddy bridesmaids. Make it a challenge for them to keep the bridal gown perfect. Commend their efforts at the wedding reception to show your appreciation. 

Bridesmaids in Boots - Photo from wedding101.net

7. Rainy Romance

 Make the most of the rain by asking your photographer to capture awesome romantic rain shots. How else can you have these pictures on your wedding day? 

Rainy Wedding Kiss - Photo from njbridesblog.com

It's okay to celebrate your wedding during the rainy season for as long as you can keep your guests safe and dry throughout the ceremony and reception. It's always better to plan ahead and think out of the box. For your Philippine wedding supplier needs, visit the Kasal.com Supplier Directory. 

----------------------------------

Share your wedding and be featured in Kasal.com! Simply email your love story, wedding photos and wedding suppliers to kasal.comteam@gmail.com. 

Looking for a Wedding Venue? 

Alternative Wedding Venues

Garden Wedding Venues - Featured Suppliers

Garden Wedding Venues - Supplier Directory

Restaurant Wedding Venues

Hotel Wedding Venues

Beach/Resort Wedding Venues

What's Your Bridal Bouquet Color?

Do you know what flowers suit your wedding color motif? Flowers are an essential component of weddings. These beautiful natural decorations set the romantic tone that will complement your wedding theme. To help you plan for your wedding flowers, here’s some quick information on the most popular flowers and colors used in bridal bouquets and wedding styling:

WHITE: rose, sweet pea, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and gypsophila.

White, Green and Simply Elegant
Bridal Bouquet by 2171 Floral Creations

White and a Touch of Pink
Bridal Bouquet by Julius and Carol Flower Shop 

PINK: rose, ranunculus, peony, sweet pea, carnation, tulip, protea, boronia, and lily.

Fifty Shades of Pink
Bridal Bouquet by Jacqs Floral Design Studio

Pink and Stylish
Events Styling by Henry Pascual

A Pink and Purple Romance
Bridal Bouquet by Natural Art Flowers and Decor

In Love with Pink
Bridal Bouquet by Jacqs Floral Design Studio

LAVENDER and PURPLE: lavender, lilac, anemone, statice, iris, delphinium, and hydrangea.

Sophisticated in Deep Purple
Bridal Bouquet by Ysabela Florist

Vintage in Violet Hues
Bridal Bouquet by Ysabela Florist

A Lavender Sensation
Bridal Bouquet by 15-58 Flowers and Styles

A Purple, Pink and Blue Rendezvous
Events Styling by Henry Pascual

YELLOW: daffodil, sunflower, tulip, gerbera, lily, and freesia.

A Yellow Romance
Bridal Bouquet by Jacqs Floral Design Studio

A Yellow Summer Affair
Bridal Bouquet by Jacqs Floral Design Studio

Simply Elegant in Yellow
Bridal Bouquet by Ysabela Florist

RED: gerbera, rose, dahlia, poinsettia, and amaryllis.  

Passionately Red
Bridal Bouquet by Ysabela Florist

A Red Celebration

Bridal and Entourage Bouquets by AA Wedding Essentials Provider

You don't really have to memorize all the flower names before you go to your florist. All you need to remember is that your flower colors should complement the overall wedding theme, your bridal gown and the color hue of your entourage's attire. You can also check with your florist about the seasonality of flowers. It will help your budget if your chosen flowers will be in season on your wedding date. Lastly, ask your florist if your chosen flowers can be compatible with your wedding ceremony or reception venue. Some flowers may last long in an air-conditioned room but may easily wilt in an outdoor wedding.

For your wedding flowers and styling needs, visit the Kasal.com Supplier Directory. 
--------------------------------------
Your wedding can be featured in Kasal.com! Simply send your love story, wedding photos and a list of your wedding suppliers to kasal.comteam@gmail.com.