Showing posts with label weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weddings. Show all posts

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Zamboanga Restaurant

Zamboanga Restaurant is located in Adriatico, Manila and offers seafood and native dishes and cultural performances nightly. If you would also check their website, they also offer competive wedding, baptismal and birthday packages. Theirs even start cheaper than what Ibarra's offers.

For an authentic Zamboangan dining experience, make sure you sample their crab delicacies, especially the Curacha (cockroach-looking crab).

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Buying Rings?

Buying rings and don't really want to pay for the brand and the fancy stall? Then head to Binondo instead for the diamond rings your heart is longing for... or that precious gem you want to put on your beloved's finger.

Come prepared though. Do your research first on reputable suppliers. Ask for recommendations. Know your diamond. Don't be swept off by the cheap rates some stalls will offer. And consider the ring prices in terms of the ring quality... how many grams of gold were used? How is the appearance? Can you have it checked in other shops to corroborate quality? What is their policy on returns? What do they do if the customer feels his specifications weren't followed?

And of course, make sure you keep your receipt.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Go for Cruises

Say you and your intended are discussing what to do for your honeymoon, or rather, where to go.

You want to shop, he wants to relax on the beach. You want to check out old Churches and flea markets, he wants to try extreme sports. You want to immerse yourself in different cultures, he wants to sample differently-cooked seafood. You want a massage, he wants to party!

Plus, you both have a limited budget. And limited vacation time.

What to do? Hmmm.

You can consider cruises instead. Usually, cruise ships will take you to a different city/port of call everyday so you literally don't run out of things to see and do and will be able to manage trying different things in one go. It can also be one of the cheapest ways to visit many countries in just one vacation.

You even have the option of just getting cheaper accommodations on-board and splurging on shopping and dining in the places you'd visit, or getting a fine room to sleep in to ensure a comfortable night's rest after a busy day of sightseeing.

Work with the cruise line you're going with, however, to ensure that you get there on time for its departure, and that there'd be minimal unwanted surprises. Maybe they can furnish maps for each port of call, or at least a travelogue brochure.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Buy Gold Now

In the Philippines, this is one of the best times to buy gold, say, for your wedding rings. Also the best time to buy other jewelry pieces as prices tend to dip since people are saving/spending on enrolment fees for their kids instead. More people are likely to sell/pawn their pieces during this time.

Gold prices start going down around March-April until September, then it gets back up around October again as people start getting their Christmas bonuses, thirteenth month pays and other incentives. Plus, jewelries are common gifts around the Holidays till February, for Valentines.

If you're living abroad, ask your local jewellers if the trend is the same. So if you're about to wed, you'd know when to buy your rings and other gold accessories.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

White Bird for Bridal Showers

White Bird is a gay bar located along Roxas Blvd., past the Redemptorist Church and Seaside Market.

Best friends and maids-of-honor throwing a bridal shower party have two options: hire the machos (White Bird guys) and get them to perform in a private suite somewhere or just go there with your friends. Going there with friends is, of course, the cheaper alternative. Plus, it offers you the opportunity to people watch and get a better feel of just what the culture is like in such places (or the politics among the machos and their patrons).

Last time I went there, they charge P300 each for entrance.

Try to also time your visit to their 'events', a monthly thing they hold in time with paydays, the best of which happens in December, when they also crown the Mr. White Bird of that year. Basically, if you when there's an event, there will be more guys to drool at and performances to watch.

What did I mean by people watch? Actually, a nice surprise White Bird offers is the fact that a lot of Koreans go there, even men, and not because they're matrons or dirty old men. White Bird actually attracts the young, hip crowd too and Koreans seem to like just hanging out there. Thus, the machos usually channel anime through their hairstyles and make-up (yes, they do put on make-up).

And it's not risque all the way all night. The club also offers stand-up comedy and boy dance groups. And the best buttered chicken I have ever tasted in my life. I swear, it is a must try!

One other thing I like about the place is the presence of masseurs. So you can oggle hunky, chunky men and get massaged too. It's really your call how much you give these masseurs, but I can assure you that the massage they give is not just some token touching and pressing here and there. They really trained and you will get relaxed.

Of course, I must also say that their comfort rooms leave much to be desired, but the bowls can be flushed and there's running water to wash hands with... which really are the most important things.

So if you're considering throwing a bridal shower, you might want to call Hazel (or ask them who you can talk to) at (632) 855-2622. Just make sure you include some of the details I posted here (and others which may be helpful) with your bridal shower invitations so attendees will be forewarned... and forearmed.

One other thing, as a courtesy to the machos, picture-taking of the machos isn't allowed. They won't ask for your phones with cameras but if you're really itching for a picture, ask the staff first.

Oh, and if you 'table' a macho, his drink will cost times four the usual price. Just so you know. Hope this helps.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Wedding Day Savior : Delegate Tasks

If you hired the services of a coordinator, chances are you are already getting all the wedding planning help you can get. Most probably, they have also walked you through every every imaginable boo-boo that can happen on the day of your wedding and has been holding your hand for every wedding planning stress that you meet. Still, here are some insights from my two stints of assisting in weddings and from attending so many weddings over the years.

One sure way to minimize wedding day problems is to delegate tasks. As much as possible, try not to assign them to a member of your entourage who will be worrying about her gown and make-up to have the presence of mind to remember. Unless you were upfront that you are getting him for certain tasks, that is. Or, assign a list of related things to one person you can trust, as opposed to one small thing that will be easily forgotten:

example:
* one will be in charge of the processional, recessional and offertory people... so assign someone who knows everyone in your wedding party. Remember that the coordinators do not know your friends (unless they were introduced in a rehearsal dinner) and may get confused which ones are the actual primary/secondary sponsors since even guests are wearing gowns and barongs
* one will be in charge of all wedding ceremony paraphernalia... so he/she would box everything he/she'd have to bring

Better yet, assign a set of colleagues to do all the readings for you... and a set of cousins to do the offertory. That way, they know they're in charge of that particular part of the ceremony and can already cover for each other. It seldom really matters who reads the passages from the Bible so long as the task is done wonderfully. At least, there'd be no more running around looking for one specific person (as if the wine cannot be brought to the altar by some other person). Ushers can be another group of friends. This will facilitate the execution of the task because they'd know each other and can easily make up for each other's slack, without grievously upsetting other people because one or two turned out unreliable.

For other wedding planning help, you can also visit www.romance-fire.com which is a thoroughly updated blog that informs and even makes stressed wedding planners laugh.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Helpful Tips on Planning Weddings

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH. After the proposal, or agreement, on a wedding date, start doing your research. The internet already allows for speedy gathering and consolidation of information, rates, pictures, etc. No, you're not going to book suppliers just yet. But before planning your wedding, you have to have a pretty good idea of how much major items cost so that you and your beau can plan your wedding with a more REALISTIC budget. At least, you are also forewarned that invitations can cost a lot now, depending on the design, or that people actually use Save-the-Date cards now, which you can create on your own.

2. ATTEND BRIDAL FAIRS AND EXPOS. Again, this is only to arm you with information on the latest trends. Some suppliers in such shows also do a mock set-up which will also allow you to envision a THEME for your wedding.

3. TALK ABOUT THE WEDDING DETAILS. Ask yourselves important questions such as, "Does your chosen date fall during the rainy season? What things are MUST-HAVES? What things are you willing to scrimp on? How do you envision your wedding? Will there be many guests? What are they wearing? Will you need luminaries? Will a CD for the reception do?" Etc.





4. ARM YOURSELF WITH LISTS AND PICTURES. Cut pictures from magazines. Consolidate list of poses and songs. Draw designs if you can. Try to avoid gray areas by just describing what you want. This way, it will be easier for a prospective supplier to give you accurate estimates/quotations for what you want, as well as deliver what you thought you ordered.

5. DRAFT A BUDGET. Using information gathered before, itemize each detail and come up with a budget. Set a limit for how much you can exceed said budget per item (5%? 10%? 50%?)

6. INTERVIEW SUPPLIERS. Armed with ideas, pictures and budget limitations, start interviewing prospective suppliers.

7. TAKE REFERRALS AND SUPPLIERS' REVIEWS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. Note consistent complaints while also making sure that you spell out everything with a supplier before booking him/her. Sometimes, some suppliers are just really unprofessional. Sometimes, the negative comments actually were a result of overly-exacting couples with unrealistic expectations (e.g. do not expect 2 dozens of tulips for only P300). Miscommunication can also happen, and it's the bride/groom's responsibility to make sure they are getting their money's worth... unless they paid coordinators to do it. And even with wedding planners, you still have to be vigilant about details.





8. BE VIGILANT ABOUT DETAILS. Not exactly encouraging compulsion, going over your lists time and again and making follow-ups, while also repeating agreements before with suppliers will help you, and your supplier to remember better. Note everything down. Add addendums to contracts for your specifications. Be clear with the look you want, and the overall effect you're after, and not how perfect each item/aspect should be.

9. KEEP IT SIMPLE Sure, you can have the Moroccan wedding you want... but make sure it's something you'd still appreciate 5 years down the line. And even with themed weddings, make sure no activity is overly-elaborate that will only just leave you distressed or worried (e.g. will this really big crown of flowers fall off my head?). Remember, you and your guests are there to have fun.





10. DO NOT OVERDO YOUR THEME. Whatever your theme is, just choose certain aspects in which to feature the theme (e.g. butterflies shall appear on your invites, flower girls' wings and cake, but not on everything where you can put them). Guests will appreciate it all the more, it will save you on costs, and there'd be less detail you'd be worrying about.

11. RESEARCH YOUR WEDDING GOWN STYLE. Ask yourself, what silhouette or dress type has always flattered you best? Just because most brides march in strapless gowns does not mean you should too. And just because you want to be different shouldn't find you in boleros that do not really flatter your build. Play up your strengths/assets and hide (if you can) what must be hidden.

12. TUNE IN. Flip through your CD collection for ideas for your wedding ceremony/reception. Are there songs that you really love playing? Is there a movie soundtrack close to your heart? This will help you to envision the mood you want to create for your own wedding.

13. CONSIDER FAMILY/PERSONAL HISTORY. Your family history and personality will help you in coming up with personal, unique touches for your wedding elements. Include a dish you're renowned for, use pictures of happy couples in your family, use/modify designs of grandmothers and aunts' wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses or wedding rings, give away recipes of the first thing you cooked/baked as a child. Go over your history as a couple, and incorporate some things (dish you tried on your first date, the first poem he ever gave you, etc) in your wedding. Note cards telling stories of your childhood, your hobbies or your courtship will also add intimacy to your wedding without requiring much effort.




14. MAKE YOUR SUPPLIERS YOUR FRIENDS. Do not antagonize them until you really have to. Choose your words and modify your approach. It doesn't mean to say that you should forget that they should also please you, but be careful not to treat them as hired help. Call them at reasonable hours. Be considerate. Be nice. Always remember to say your "thank you's". Explain why certain things have to be a certain way so they'd know if it's really a nice idea or you're just being difficult/eccentric.

15. CONSIDER EXTRA COSTS OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS Even if you plan an intimate, out-of-town affair, you'd still be exerting a lot in terms of effort (going back and forth to conduct inspections, submit requirements, pay deposits and show around other suppliers) and money (transport costs and out-of-town charges by suppliers). So unless you have the time, money and attitude for the tasks ahead, forego the wedding by the beach if you live nowhere near it.

16. MAKE FLEA MARKETS AND BAZAARS YOUR WEEKEND JAUNT. When you don't really have anything planned, walk the length of these places for cheap giveaways or ideas. Not only will the experience give you bonding time, you'd also have a better view of each other's limits (hot and crowded places are stressful) and a clearer view of what each other wants where wedding elements are concerned. Plus, it is exercise you can benefit from.

17. DON'T BORE THE GUESTS. A 2-hour reception ceremony is usually the max before some of your guests start impolitely leaving. And the 2 hours already include picture-taking, toasts, performances, speeches, thank-you's and meals. If you must, just include one sentimental ritual into the program but don't try making it into the Guinness Book of World Records for "most unique ceremony program". There can be dancing and merrymaking after the usual program, after the couple has thanked everyone who came. Speeches and testimonials and special performances by friends and relatives and other inebriated guests may be done while the guests are eating. They're more likely to applaud (politely) with mouths full rather than when they're already on the road anyway. The objective is for people to still be around when you cut your cake. Be creative and add personal touches some other way. Also, make sure you get reliable emcees that can entertain your guests and also remind them (sweetly) to stay for the other parts of the program.

18. GET DANCE INSTRUCTORS. If you expect guests to dance, from oldie guests who partied hard in the 70s or friends who haunt clubs, hire professionals who can start the party for you. If your dancing friends are none too shy to initiate dancing with strangers, ask them to do this favor for you. This would maximize the venue rental and sound system, and also entertain your guests as you rest your feet. Just make sure you don't end up with gigolos and ladies in skimpy outfits for DIs though.

19. MAKE SURE THERE IS ONLY ONE GUEST LIST AND SEAT PLAN. But make sure that many people are armed with copies of these. Do not ever let the groom's side have a separate seating arrangement, expecting guests you didn't even know was invited.

20. FEED YOUR SUPPLIERS. That might just spell the difference between excellent service and headaches. They need not necessarily eat off the buffet table your guests are enjoying but snacks and meals should be provided to them to keep them happy.





originally posted in my wedding blog