prep talk

We are sure there is a fresh new batch of soon-to-wed couples out there eager to start planning their dream wedding. January has always been the peak month for our website, WeddingsAtWork.com, and we can only assume that the reason for this is simply because a lot of women say "Yes!" after being proposed to during the Christmas season.

And so, for the newbies to wedding planning, welcome! If you are going to plan a "just-want-to-get-over-with-it" wedding, then we warn you that what follows may sound a little (okay, a lot!) over the top. But if you think you are the type who wants to make a production out of your wedding, then this article is for you.

Myths & Facts

MYTH: Most of the wedding facts I've heard so far from those who got married 10 years ago still applies today.

FACT: Duh?!!

- - - - -

MYTH: Twelve months before our chosen wedding date is a safe enough time to book the church, reception venue, and suppliers.

FACT: Yes, except for December weddings. If you are exactly 12 months away from the big day, your wedding date will fall on a peak season. It's not a widely known fact that in the Philippines, December is the wedding-est month. Brace yourself as your preferred church and reception venue is likely to be booked on your chosen date. Unless you're a Tsinoy (Chinese Filipino), in might be better to hold your wedding in August as it is the lean month, and most venues and suppliers are likely to be available. TIP: It is generally easier to haggle with suppliers for weddings taking place during lean months.

- - - - -

MYTH: Holding our wedding during a national holiday would be like holding it on a weekend; it's convenient for guests as there's no work and less traffic.)

FACT: Don't count on it as our holidays are now 'movable.' Ever heard of 'Holiday Economics?' Foresight is the key to planning.

- - - - -

MYTH: The reception eats 50% of the wedding budget.

FACT: Yes. but only if you are reserving the remaining 50% for photo & video ALONE! Most couples are surprised by the cost of photography and videography packages nowadays. Before, only about 5% of the budget was allotted for wedding coverage. Nowadays, the advancements in digital technology, coupled with talented lensmen (often with big names in the business) at the helm and artistic video editors on board, the standards have skyrocketed and the rates along with it.

- - - - -

MYTH: I can finally have the garden wedding of my dreams.

FACT: Sorry to burst your bubble, but no, if you're having a Roman Catholic ceremony. Forget what you've seen in Hollywood movies, as Catholic weddings in our country are only done in churches. You can have a garden reception, though. But if you want one, make sure you do not schedule your wedding during the typhoon months, and make sure you have a Plan B option just in case it rains.

- - - - -

MYTH: There's no need for a plan B if we offer eggs to Sta. Clara.

FACT: Our beloved nuns know that an egg too many is too much cholesterol. Try fruits, and have a back-up plan just the same.

- - - - -

MYTH: In these hard times, it is now acceptable to put, 'Cash Preferred' on the wedding invitation.

FACT: Hell, no! No matter how you word it-even if it is in the form of a "poem"-it will still turn off some (if not all!) of your guests. Remember: you invite people to your wedding for them to grace the affair and join you in the celebration, and not to ask for presents. A wedding is not a fund-raiser. Of course, we want them to give presents but saying it to their faces is a different matter.
We still cringe whenever we remember a line we saw in one invite: "Your presence is good, gifts are better, cash is BEST!" It's too honest; it's painfully embarrassing.

Justice for Mike Llorin

Last November 13, our friend and industry colleague Mike Llorin met his untimely demise due to a bullet fired by a still-unidentified assailant aboard a Pajero at the Shell Gas Station on Congressional Avenue (near Mindanao Avenue) in Quezon City. The Llorins are appealing to any witnesses who may have remembered the plate number of the suspect's vehicle to come forward and help facilitate a speedy investigation of this unfortunate incident.

Mike was a generous friend and a talented photographer. As a fitting tribute, his work-along with other wedding images captured by 22 other noted Filipino photographers-are included in the 2005 W@W Desktop Gallery. The photographs featured in this desk calendar will also be on display in a special photo exhibit to be held on January 10 to 22 at The Alcove of the Filipinas Heritage Library (across Peninsula Manila) in Makati.

= = = = = = = = = = =
prep talkback: Send comments and queries to P.O. Box 233, Greenhills, San Juan City 1502 or email: mail@WeddingsAtWork.com.

return to top return to home page