DIY Tip #3: Location, Location, Location

We both knew we wanted an intimate wedding with just family and friends. Considering that we both had big families, we knew we'd be above 150, add or subtract a few parties here and there. So we wanted a ceremony venue that would give us the intimacy and warmth we wanted while also considering the traditions of our Catholic faith. We checked out several venues, including our parish churches (Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Manila, or Christ the King in Greenmeadows). They were both beautiful, but too big and roomy for the look that we wanted. We tried smaller churches, like Mary the Queen in Greenhills or Santuario de San Jose, but they still didn't make the cut. And so we waited and researched a bit more. Finally, upon the recommendation of my future mother-in-law, we checked out Villa San Miguel (348 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, MM), the Archbishop's Palace in Mandaluyong. And when we stepped into the white-walled chapel nestled among shady trees, we knew we had found our place. (Incidentally, his mom and dad were married here too.)

The church seats around 150-160 people depending on the availability of the seats. And since they only accommodate two weddings a day (morning and evening), you can be sure that you won't feel rushed, especially during those long-drawn photo sessions post-ceremony. Also, the church is very flexible! There are no photographer's restrictions, and you may opt to toss flower petals (which some churches do not allow anymore). Plus, the venue fee is a steal at 5k only. They have a preferred in-house florist who is a dear and easy to work with; you can even give her photos of your preferred arrangements and she can do her utmost to meet your style. For all its virtues, the church does have its limitations too, such as lack of ample parking space especially for big vehicles. But given that you have a driver or your family members decide to carpool to avoid taking up more parking spaces than needed, the location provides shaded parking spaces for about 25 cars.

Requirements for Villa San Miguel

1. Baptismal Cert. (for marriage purposes)
2. Confirmation cert. (for marriage purposes)
3. (3) Sunday publications of wedding banns
4. Permission from Parish priests of bride and groom
5. Marriage License (Valid on the wedding date) 6
. License to Solemnize Marriage from the Officiating Priest (include License #)
7. Delegation from the Sacred Heart Parish (which the Chapel is listed under), and processing fee of P500.00
8. Fully accomplished Canonical Investigation form; interview by Officiating Priest
9. Pre-Cana Seminar
10. Reservation fee for Chapel (P500.00)

Contact persons
Emman (VSM representative) 531-7069, 531-7034
Rosalie Almeyda (in-house florist) 6956946
Noel Ignacio (choir) 5333902

Total Cost: P10,500.00 (P6,000.00 chapel fee; P4,000.00 flowers: aisle, altar, offertory; P500.00 chapel reservation)

DIY Step 2: Make a Check List

I am the to-do list person. So naturally a wedding to-do list was on my mind as soon as I said "yes" when my fiance proposed. I needed to know what I had to do so that all the aspects of the wedding would be covered.

I logged on to theknot.com for starters, since I had their book (one of the most valuable resources ever). Once you register on the website, you can create your own online wedding planner. It's really convenient, because someone else has done the thinking for you, hehehe! Since The Knot is an American site, I just took bits and pieces from the checklist that applied to me and discarded the rest. I created an Excel file for the checklist, and updated it as necessary.

Great tools to try:

The Knot Wedding Planner. You can create your online To Do list, which allows you to prioritize your events as needed. You can opt to receive emails to remind you of your current "to do," which is great. Plus, I just love the whole flavor and convenience of theknot.com! (Free)

EZ Wedding Planner. This is similar to what you'd find on the previous planner option, however this includes a TON of other items, including the groom's responsibilities. You can even input when you want to be reminded for your hair test, next facial, or even when your groom needs to have his haircut! As for looks, well, you can always copy-paste the list onto a word processor if you can't take moving gifs, hehehe. (Free)

Modern Wedding Planner. This takes the cake. You can even include your budgets in this one, and it has a built-in finance tracker and balance sheet which you can conveniently update. It's going to cost you though (around US$ 20 for the download).

DIY Step 1: Get Inspired for Your Wedding

I have always wanted to get married. I was the type of girl who had her wedding planned out by the time she was eleven. I had a mental scrapbook of what I wanted my ideal wedding to be. So when I started planning what I wanted my wedding to look like, I started to browse and scour magazines and the Internet.

I knew what I wanted initially, and so I made a list:

1. Outdoor, garden
2. Shades of pink, blush, cream and chocolate (my favorite colors, incidentally. Your favorite colors can be your theme.)
3. Sweetness and lightness (the overall tone and mood)
4. Characteristic of me and my fiance: I didn't want anything that seemed to contrived or thought-out. I just wanted a look and feel that was distinctly "us": a mix of the girly-vintage-inspired me, and the fun-loving-carefree personality of my fiance.

Inspiration boards were an excellent launching pad for me; I must have browsed through hundreds. The ones I liked best were on stylemepretty.com, such as this board here. It really made the overall brainstorming a lot easier!

My DIY Wedding

I am two weeks away from walking down the aisle. In the last five months of my engagement and wedding preparations, I'd have to say that I learned a lot, enjoyed a lot and actually saved a lot! A pretty sweeping statement for a country that is so big on kasalan, or weddings.

I decided to begin this blog for two reasons: (1) I like to write, and I haven't done enough of it myself, and (2) to share the planning and outcome of my wedding. I hope to be able to provide some kind of resource for future brides out there.

Yes, a wedding in Manila can be chic and not strain your pocket. Let me share with you how.