Planning a wedding has never been trickier. There’s regulations that change almost every month, and health & safety protocols to make. Among many things, your wedding budget might be taking the most of the dent.
What’s a realistic budget for a bride today? This is difficult to answer, as your guest list, the prices of swab tests, and even supplier prices change.
But we asked the best wedding coordinators in Manila for their practical advice for any bride who might feel stuck or overwhelmed. We hope that as you read through, you feel encouraged to continue planning and making your dream wedding happen.
Know your priorities. We are scaling down weddings, not only in terms of guest count but also in the details to have. That said, it doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have nice things. You only have to manage your expectations on how your wedding day will pan out.
Pandemic or not, it is important to discuss with your partner what your major and minor priorities are. Church, venue, food, the look of the wedding – you need to know what’s on top. While a lot would say that food is important, some couples might prefer more budget for the photo and video team because it’s their only remembrance for the day. Other couples might splurge on their attire. To each his own so discuss this thoroughly with your partner and allocate funds correctly.
– Ayie, Imbitado Events
Research well. Though researching can get overwhelming, it’s the best way to make sure that everything will go smoothly come wedding day. Don’t hesitate to inquire with suppliers you like, and join bride groups on Facebook.
Study and focus on package inclusions instead of just on the price before deciding on a supplier. You might end up spending more because lots of necessary add-ons were not declared at the onset of an offer.
– Sheena, SMA Weddings
Make sure to research not just about the style but also the actual going rates so you won’t be surprised. The rates 2 years ago are different from today.– Ayie, Imbitado Events
Download our 2021 suppliers directory & worksheet here.
Maximize your resources. Work with what you have. Instead of gloating over your incapacity to afford a wedding like this celeb or that influencer, look at what you have as an opportunity to celebrate your love in your own authentic way. Years from now, you’ll look at your wedding photographs and remember everything you went through to make it happen. You want these memories to be poignant and happy ones, instead of stressful.
Some items can make or break the wedding outcome. If a supplier has good reviews and an impressive portfolio but your initial allotted budget for that item is not enough, you can always adjust the other items in your checklist that you feel is only a nice-to-have and will not make much of a difference in the overall wedding experience.
-Sheena, SMA Weddings
Do not be afraid to explore your options, be it a DIY item, borrowing from a friend, or using what you already have. These things can help you maximize the budget. You can also seek the support and help of your friends or family members. While it can be fun to involve your loved ones in the preps, you need to make sure that the final decision is yours.
– Ayie, Imbitado Events
Be realistic. This is a tension you need to balance, because planning a wedding is such a fun thing to dream up. You want this and that, and why not, right? Sometimes, you just have to let your bubble be burst by sharp reality checks. Keep on dreaming, but don’t be jaded.
They think that because it’s pandemic, they can have a super low budget just because they have fewer guests. You have to understand that with the absence of a guest list, there will be additional costs. Buffet for instance isn’t allowed, so definitely a sit down dinner will be required, it will be more expensive. Social distancing also needs to be observed, which means that you need a bigger venue than your guest list.
– Mayette, MCC Events
In planning your wedding today you need to have option B and C. Option A | will be your original plan with the right venues and guests. Option B | should carry a more intimate setting. Option C is if in case we need to move the date or make adjustments. Couples should consider these options to avoid stress should they encounter last minute changes.
– Vangie, The Wedding Treasures
Keep planning.
No matter how stressed you might feel with all the changes, try to relax and talk out your plans with your families. With your families’ support, you can pull through with all the difficulties in planning a wedding during this time.
– Vangie, The Wedding Treasures
It’s ok to feel disheartened at times, what you are feeling is valid. Always remember though that you are not alone in this journey. Despite all these uncertainties, what is certain is you will have your partner waiting at the end of the aisle to start your life as husband and wife. All these will pass and you will be able to celebrate your union one way or another in God’s perfect time for you. Your wedding suppliers are there for you, do not hesitate to reach out to them for additional wisdom in your decision-making.
– Sheena, SMA Weddings
Keep planning, and keep praying. Just because you are discouraged, doesn’t mean you should stop planning. We’re in a play by ear status, in terms of the quarantine guidelines. As long as you keep on preparing, you’re advancing. Pray as you plan. Be open to the many possibilities that are there.
-Mayette, MCC Events
ENJOY! This is something no one can take away from you – the joy & kilig in planning your wedding. It’s completely up to you to approach your wedding preps in either a joyful spirit or a discouraged one.
Regardless of your plan to do an intimate wedding or completely foregoing the reception, remember that this is your wedding day. Do not sell yourself short because of the pandemic. Make this day (no matter how small) special for both of you. Plan your dressing prep, make your ceremony special even with a small wedding party, do pictorials after the ceremony and make a special arrangement for your dinner reception with families. Let your Photo and video teams cover your event the right way regardless how small it is. At the end of the day – when you see your photos you and how they look… you will appreciate that you made it special.
– Vangie, The Wedding Treasures
Give yourself time to relax when you’re getting overwhelmed and you don’t know the answer anymore. Respect yourself also, find means to entertain yourself, find an outlet until such time when you’re able to bounce back again.
There are two circles in your wedding planning – the first has all the things that are not within your control – quarantine, weather, guests that will come. On the other hand, you have your circle of control – your response to everything.
– Mayette, MCC Events
In a way, coordinators ease off the burdens of wedding planning. This has been the case pre-pandemic, and it persists all the more now. If we could give you any planning advice, it’s this: Book a coordinator. You wouldn’t only have a smooth-sailing day, you might also gain a friend in the process! These coordinators we interviewed are more than able. They’re thoughtful and sincere in their craft, so make sure you have one by your side from your planning to the wedding day itself.
Reach out to these awesome coordinators through their official Facebook pages:
