Renewal Of Vows: Four (4) Steps To Planning A Renewal Of Vows

The renewal of vows is a powerful way to re-establish the connection between couples. Regardless if you have been married for one year, a decade or 25 years and counting, the celebration aims to elevate your love and commitment to each other that no other occasion can ever do so. It is not surprising then that it has become a trend both locally and internationally.

How To Plan A Renewal Of Vows

Just like weddings, it takes careful time and consideration to plan for the occasion. Here are four (4) steps to help you get started.

1.       Determine what the event is for. There are multiple reasons to celebrate vow renewals. Do you want to highlight a milestone in your relationship? Have you been having some major bumps along the road that you need a reminder why you are together right now? Were you not able to host a formal ceremony the first time? Or perhaps, your parents missed the wedding before because you held it overseas? Whatever motivates you to do it this time around, ensure that you identify the purpose behind all these. Doing so will allow you to personalize certain elements to make it more meaningful and significant.

2.       Communicate with your spouse if he’s agreeable to the idea. Since this is basically between the two of you, it is necessary then that he supports the whole concept. Decide whether you’ll do it publicly with families and friends in a posh location like La Castellana for example, or privately in a tropical island with limited people witnessing the event.

3.       Start planning.

• Weigh your budget. Whether it’s a simple or grand celebration, keep in mind that you still need to consider your finances during the planning stage. Do you prefer to have a new set of formal clothes for yourself, partner and children? Do you like done in a church, beach or on your backyard? How much do you want to spend for the entire affair?
• Clear up the details. Do remember that vow renewals and weddings are two different things. For instance, you do not need bridesmaids and the whole entourage during the service. Your kids will naturally take their places. Your father isn’t required to walk you down the aisle to hand you over to your hubby either since you are married already. Therefore, itemize anything and everything related to the affair. Finalize the date, choose an appropriate venue and work on what to include and exclude in the ceremony.
• Come up with a guest list. Who will you send the invites to? How many are expected to come? Suppose you’ll hold it in your own house in Ortigas. Will you take care of the food yourself or hire a catering service in Pasig instead? 

4.       Compose your vows. Last but not the least, focus on what you are going to say to your partner. What words and statements will emphasize your love and commitment? How are you going to deliver them – through songs, poems or quotes? 

Wedding Vows: To Write Or Not To Write Your Own Vow

The exchange of vows is a huge part of a wedding ceremony. Regardless if you’ll pick a religious service, civil, military or opt for non-traditional, this element will always be there as this is the most treasured moment of the entire event. During this time, couples face each other, take a stand and utter solemn words to prove their lifetime commitment.

As a bride or groom, you can either decide to follow tradition or do away with the norm by personalizing your vow. Here are four (4) tips to help you make up your mind.

1. Challenge. Are you up to it? It could be a very challenging task for anyone. Since you get married only once, the ultimate goal would be to make it as heartfelt as possible. Are you confident with how you write? Putting too much drama into it may give soap opera programs a run for their money. On the other hand, keeping a light tone may turn it into something forgettable. Could you balance them equally?
2. Time and Resources. It could take hours to pour your heart out and make it perfect. With a lot of things on your plate – from the entourage to the reception details, could you afford it? Do you have a list of inspiration to guide you through the process of writing it? The whole experience of customizing your promises should be fun and meaningful in itself. The point of doing it would be useless if you would rush towards finishing it just for the sake of getting over and done with it. Could you manage them all simultaneously?
3. Significance. There are several reasons why you should stick to custom-made vows. However, how vital is this aspect to you? Would it make a big difference? There are others who focus more on the legality of it, meaning it’s practically the same for them if you tie the knot in a barn and backyard or in grand locations like The Oasis and The Glass Garden. For them, simple or grand, it does not really count. The important thing is what it represents. Are you one of these people?
4. Mutual decision. How does your partner feel about saying his/her intentions in front of everyone? If you see no problem with it, proceed. However, if one is indecisive, do not make hasty decisions. You wouldn’t want to be the object of embarrassment in case something goes wrong just because one of you did it half-heartedly, would you?

Destination Weddings: Eight (8) Tips To Make It A Success

Nowadays, more and more couples are deviating from the traditional way of getting married. While there are still many who wish to perform the matrimonial rites in a religious church, there are others who opt to do it either in tropical beach miles away from home or in an exotic resort island perfect for partners in love. If you’re one of those who want to do away with the usual, destination weddings might just be an attractive choice. It’s cheaper, private and stress-free too! Here are eight (8) basic tips to make it a success.

1.       Make a prior ocular visit to learn its pros and cons. Before you make the final decision, stay there for a couple of days to get the feel and ambience of the place. Can you envision how it would look like on the day of your wedding? Weigh in all its positives and negatives. Check all the activities that it can offer to make the trip enjoyable to your guests. Do they have the facilities for visitors who love diving or water-skiing? If you have a limited budget, you can have both the ceremony and honeymoon on the same location. Just make a separate reservation in a different hotel so you can have your own privacy.

2.       Take note of the language or dialect used in the area. Will you be able to communicate with the natives in terms of arrangements needed for the affair? Make sure that you have a common language and can understand each other.

3.       Be sensitive to the needs and convenience of your family and friends. It has been a common practice that the people who will witness your union will pay for their own travel and accommodation expenses. On this note, how convenient will it be for them to attend your event? Is the venue one ride away or do they need to make multiple rides? Is the ticket price affordable for an average employee?

4.       Time it wisely. Do not schedule it during the hurricane season. If possible, plan it during summertime or semestral break so that your attendees can fully enjoy the experience. For those who have work, inform them six months in advance so they can fix their calendars. If your catering consultant will tag along as well, let him know ahead of time so he can arrange his sched. Always book early so you can get the best of what is intended for honeymooners.

5.       Be creative with your theme. Remember that you have the freedom to do what you like so be as imaginative as you can. Think about how you can incorporate the cultures of the region with your own personal touch – your bridal dress, the entourage outfits, the motif, food, invites and favors. Consider shipping the wedding items as necessary.

6.       Find the experts. Be familiar with the local vendors – the photographer, DJ, musicians and catering crew. This will help you decide if it would wise to hire them or go with the guys you already trust. Perhaps you should stick with your QC catering services to serve the menu or pick your favorite florists to make the flower decorations. It may be more expensive but you’ll be guaranteed with top quality service. Consult a friend who loves to travel to setup the traveling procedures. You can employ the help of a sister or cousin to overlook all aspects of the occasion. Keep your goal in mind: to make this as memorable and significant as possible.

7.       Pay attention to the paperworks. Gather all the requirements such as marriage license. They may vary depending on the region so do a thorough research. Bring the necessary documentation to avoid any mishaps.

8.       Expect the unexpected. Things may not always go according to your plans. Have a back-up checklist in hand. For instance, some items like the cake may not be delivered on time so ensure that you triple-check everything.

Seasonal Weddings: Five (5) Tips for A Rainy Wedding

Planning for your big day takes a huge amount of preparation. One of the first items you need to consider is the month when you’ll tie the knot. Will you be a June or December bride? Will it be an indoor or outdoor event? How do you know which season is the most apt for you?

If you’re one of the brides who love to listen to the rain as it softly hits the roof or likes the feel of the cool air as it creates comfort and calming effect, holding the celebration during the rainy parts of the year, i.e. June to November, might be the perfect time for you. Here are five (5) tips to a successful wedding during the wet seasons.

1.       Venue. Where will it be? It would be wise to keep it indoors as you need not worry about the possible changes in the forecast nor making huge effort to prepare for contingency plans. For instance, if you live in Manila, you can have the ceremony in a historic cathedral like Our Lady of Remedies or San Agustin Church. Afterwards, your guests can proceed to Palacio de Maynila for the reception. Whichever you decide, should it be in a chapel, mansion or even lighthouse, select a place that would highlight the occasion. Just imagine this, how can the weather add to the romantic ambience?

2.       Date. When in June do you want to get married? First week, second, third or fourth? With the Philippines receiving an average of twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) typhoons per year, ensure that you do a thorough research about the past storms. Does it have a trend somehow? Compare and contrast. If possible, visit your desired site exactly a year before your wedding. When it comes to timing, should it be done during the morning, afternoon or evening? Keep in mind that afternoons tend to bring more rainshowers.

3.       Motif. What color combos would be nice to the eyes? Some popular options include the shades of blue, aqua and anything pastel. They are great reminders of the breezy atmosphere. Be creative in incorporating items that you can associate with the drizzles such as colorful umbrellas and stylish boots for the bridesmaids and trendy raincoats for the groomsmen.

4.       Theme. What’s your overall concept? Rains symbolize blessings, unity and a new day. They signify good fortune too. How do you set the mood so the people who’ll witness the exchange of your vows would remember this moment forever? Consult your photographer for suggestions. Perhaps you would need to add toy boats in the favor and invite designs or water accents as backdrops.

5.       Special Items. What are the things you need to take care of to provide the best comfort to your attendees? Distribute rain cards that instruct everyone on alternate picture-taking location or travel arrangements. Stock up a bunch of umbrella for individuals or use a bigger one fit for groups as they walk from their cars to the nuptial area. Have some hand towels readily available as well.

Seasonal Weddings: Four (4) Tips To Help You Decide Which Season Is Apt For You

The you one of the brides who cannot make up their minds in choosing the best time to get married? Here are four (4) tips to help you decide which season is apt for you.
 

1.       The Big Date. Setting the date is no easy task. It basically depends on your preferences. Here in the Philippines, the preferred months are June and December. Some may favor being a June bride wedded in a baroque church such as Santuario de San Antonio while others may prefer it done on a breezy December in The Glass Garden. Which month brings more significance to both of you? Select one that is hard to forget – when your paths initially crossed, when you first uttered “I love you”, when he popped up the question and offered the ring. Whichever it may be, bear in mind that this is your moment so the ultimate goal is to make it memorable and meaningful. Remember that you’ll also spend anniversaries on this very day all throughout your lives.

2.       Venue. Should it be an indoor or an outdoor event? It is advised to stay indoors during rainy days. This includes churches where the reception will be held in a hotel or indoor gardens for nature lovers out there. For dry seasons, the choices vary widely. You can have it by the beach if you love the waters, or perform it at your backyard for a more intimate gathering. You can book for a destination wedding too if you’re the adventurous type. Pick a place that fits your budget. While this is one of the most momentous moments in your life, do not forget that this is just the beginning of your journey to having your own family. Thus, do not put all your money to the celebration alone. Save something for the future.

3.       Color motif. Another consideration is the theme of your wedding. The colors may depend on which time of the year would you choose. For June to November, it’s recommended to lean over the shades of blue, blue-green, aqua, gray, pink, lavender and anything pastel. These are cool to the eyes and great reminders to enjoy the rain and cool breeze. For December to May, you can go white, yellow, orange, brown, tan and anything bright. These complement the sunny surroundings and the tones bring out a relaxing effect.

4.       Menu. The set of food you’ll serve is something you ought to consider as well. You can opt for a casual buffet on a dry month and provide light meals and refreshing drinks on a sunrise affair. Something grilled and barbequed are good options to keep the summer impression. On the contrary, hot comfort food is excellent for a wet month – soup, stew and perhaps hot chocolate with mallows to maintain a warm and cozy ambience. 

Wedding Reception Timeline: Cheat Sheet To A Traditional Reception Schedule

A carefully planned reception timeline is necessary to maintain a smooth wedding affair. After all, this is when the celebration really starts. Below is a quick cheat sheet to a traditional schedule followed by millions of couples all over the world. It may be customized based on the bride or groom’s preferences. It may also differ depending on the customs and traditions of a specific country. However, the basic order of events is itemized here. Let this be a guide to those who are tasked to organize the party and have the huge responsibility to make this occasion extra-memorable.

Part 1. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres.

As soon as the ceremony ends, the new husband and wife often head off some place for picture-taking. Meanwhile, the guests are asked to proceed to the reception venue. While waiting, appetizers and wines are presented to them.

The term “hors d’oeuvres” refers to food items served before the main course. The variety of choices is determined by the formality of the theme and the culture of the attendees. Popular picks comprise of vegetable salad, bread rolls, taquitos and imported or domestic cheese with crackers. On a cultural perspective, if you’re having a catering event in a Philippine setting, some exotic recipes include kebab frog or frog barbeque in Filipino and kuhol or expensive snail/slug.

Part 2. The Grand Entrance, Introduction and Dinner.

The arrival. The parents (bride first, groom after), the entourage (bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, best man, flower girl and ring bearer) and then the newlyweds enters the hall.

The first dance. This is like announcing publicly that “two becomes one”. So they dance – him and her. Then, her with her father, him with his mother.

The toast. Usually headed by the best man, he speaks his best wishes. The maid of honor, and the parents make their speeches as well. This segment officially marks the end of the cocktail hour.

Dinnertime. Everyone takes turn to go to the buffet area. Otherwise, the catering guys hand out their shares.

Part 3. The Party.

The Dancing. After dinner, the sweethearts take the center stage to take the lead. This formally announces that it’s grooving time.

The Cake Cutting. As they cut it together, the action signifies that they would be there for each other no matter what. Afterwards, the cake serves as a dessert for all.

Special Program. Majority considers a special program to follow. This includes the tossing of the bouquet and garter.

Wedding Photos: Must-Take Shot List After The Wedding Ceremony

Whether you’re hiring a professional or a newbie to handle your photos, it’s always advisable to have your own ready-made checklist of the important times you wouldn’t wanna miss looking at later on while you’re currently busy tying the knot with your partner. Significant frame-worthy moments such as the dressing up for the affair, the limo’s arrival to the nuptial location, your groom’s expression while waiting at the end of the altar, the momentous exchange of vows, the first kiss, and afterwards, all the activities and happenings in the reception like the cake cutting, the dance and everything in between – capturing them all on cam is what defines a successful wedding from an unsuccessful one.

Start the ball rolling by getting your photographer’s ammo ready with a “must-take” shot list. Here is a quick guideline.

The Venue and Details.

• The banquet hall from afar and up close, outside and inside.
• The wedding caterer menu, the centerpieces, name cards, place settings and flower decors.
• The food, the signature or specialty drinks, the buffet.
• The cake.
• The favors and guestbook signatures.

Group and People Shots. This may be done right after the ceremony, during the cocktail hour or during the party itself.

• Portraits of the man and woman of the hour. Smiling, hugging, kissing.
• Her with parents, him with his and vice versa.
• Her with bridesmaid, him with groomsmen and vice versa.
• Them with the whole entourage, family, colleagues.
• The musicians and the band prepping and playing. DJs in the background if there are any.
• The wedding catering staff at the food center and while at work.
• Attendees partying.
• Children having fun and laughing.

 The Reception.

• The pool of guests coming in.
• The new husband and wife arriving.
• The dance. Them together. Her with dad, him with mom.
• Tossing of bouquet and garter or guarder belt.
• The cutting of the cake. Them feeding each other.
• Them eating. Or whispering and having their own little world.
• The toast. The person making it while the pair is listening.
• Per table. Guests per table with the couple.
• The party and the people. All the dancing and the performing.
• Them distributing souvenirs.
• Them leaving on their way to the honeymoon. Husband holding wife’s hand and assisting her in riding the limo.
• Them inside the vehicle – holding hands, or looking into each other’s eyes, all smiles and dreamy looks.
• The back of the car with a banner saying “Just Married”.