Souvenirs : What to give to avoid wasting money

Souvenirs that I managed to keep

Back in our old house, I had this small bedside table full of Souvenirs from debuts, weddings, baptisms that I went to. When we moved, I threw them at the trash without a thought. They were so dirty that I couldn't bear putting them in my new room.

Full of dirt and bended

Yes this will happen to your souvenirs too. That pretty candle that you chose very carefully will most probably wind up in a sad corner of your guest’s home forgotten, which is why its high time for you to rethink the souvenir for your wedding or debut.

Its time to think about souvenirs that are NOT dust collectors.

One idea is that you give them edible souvenirs. In my wedding I gave away small boxes of Kisses Chocolates. Guests ate the chocolates and they can also reuse the box to put their small stuff at home. Some people give away Cupcakes or Cookies. This will ensure that your guests enjoy the souvenirs and not have it rot in their houses. 

Gold Box with Kisses inside

Souvenirs from Bizu

Souvenirs from Bizu

 Ok you might say that the point of the souvenir is that when they look at it they will remember your big day, but if you think about it, almost all your guests will bring either a camera or a video camera which will be what they look at if they want to remember the day. Figurines, candles are unfortunately again, dust collectors. Think about it, do you or do most of your friends really keep the souvenirs and store them properly?

Another popular idea is a Photobooth. Filipinos in particular love pictures. Take pictures in the booth with your friends, they will love it. Also these photo booths have a lot of props: Big Glasses, Colorful Wigs, Big Hats etc.

Photoholic for instance have more than 50 props provided. Print outs per shot is available and they will upload the shots in their multiply account for you to reprint if you wish or for you to share in your facebook.

Here are some:

Check the website and see for yourself . They can also create a personalized backdrop for you.

And again rethink your souvenir options. Souvenirs still cost money. Do not waste your hard earned cash in something that will most probably just end up in the trash.  

Tips in Choosing the Color Theme for your wedding

Some women when you ask them as to what color theme they want to use would already have an answer. I have a friend that would definitely choose Royal Blue and Silver when she gets married, she knows what she wants for as long as I’ve known her. But there are quite a few brides who aren’t sure as to what to choose, or how to choose. If you’re one of them, here are some things to consider when choosing your color theme:

First of which : What mood are you going for?

• Are you going for Vibrant mood? If you are you might want to consider Red and Orange. Red is a bold color, while orange is warm, making it a perfect combination for those who want the colors to really pop. 

 

• Going more for a Classy, Elegant feel? Try Gold and Bronze. The thing about Gold and Bronze is that it is not over powering. I personally chose this for my own wedding, because it looks very stylish and pristine. White flowers for the reception with Gold linens and candle light. Pefect.

Photos by Smartshot

• Are you eying a light, carefree vibe? When you imagine your wedding, you want something cool on the eyes. Colorful but subtle at the same time. A lot of colors will fit the bill but I think Pink and Peach is pretty cool and fun. 

 Another thing to consider : Where will the wedding be held? Going by my examples above, Gold and Bronze is definitely for indoors. If you're going for a garden wedding during the summer, why not go Yellow, Orange and Green? A combination of Bright, Warm and Subtle hues would look picture perfect.

These are just some ideas that you can consider. Obviously there are a lot of colors to choose from, but remember that whatever you choose, it has to be something that you really want.
 

Safe Stag Parties : The kind that ensures that your still getting married after it.

To all the Best Man out there, as you will be the one assigned to plan the Stag Party, I strongly suggest that you broaden your ideas and read this article very carefully.

Everyone always assumes that planning a stag party only means booze and a naked chick dancing on your lap. Now while I don’t have anything against it, let’s face it, some brides do not wish to have some random lass with big boobs shake their thing in their fiancé’s faces.

Photo from the movie 'The Hangover"

So for the best man broaden your mind to your options. If you’re a bit unsure, you can always hire a coordinator for the event (ehem, ehem) but if you are the hands on type, then here are two ideas that you might want to consider :

Lazer Tag – Its similar to Paint Ball. You create teams and make believe that your bad ass police officers or mafias: its exciting, fun and a great stress reliever. Rent a place and do your own twist to make it more fun. Run around butt – naked if you wish and get that adrenaline running! 

Photo taken from the hit TV Series : 'How I Met Your Mother'

Boys Game Night - Wishing for a more low - key night? Then grab a couple of beers, rent a place with a game room (or if your one of those lucky people and you have a friend with a game room in their house then just use that) 

A Poker night is always a good way to spend time with your bros

Photo taken from the movie "Pool Hall Junkies"

Nothing more fun and laid - back than playing Poker or Pool with your buddies.

Of course, to the regular male nothing still beats the Naked Chick in lacy undies but again, this is the best way my dear best man to ensure that your good buddy stay out of trouble and get hitched without any fuss.

The First Three Suppliers that you need to book

I don’t know about you, but for me, when I got engaged, the first thing that popped into my head in terms of my upcoming wedding was my dress. That perfect white dress that I’ve been dreaming of wearing since I was 3 years old. The perfect shoes, and how my hair should look like, updo or just let it fall down? And of course the rings; we need to get beautiful wedding rings!

This is pretty normal for brides. The first thing that most will look for and book for are the couturiers, look for shoes and the rings (I know the rings was what my Husband first looked for). But I tell you now, all of those can wait. 

There are three suppliers which the bride and groom should discuss before you can even consider dreaming about that perfect wedding dress.

First of which : Where will you hold the wedding?  Yes book the Church and the Reception First. It seems stupid and simple but in fact for some, booking the place can be very stressful since there are a lot of things to consider.

-         What kind of Ceremony do you both want? Is it a Catholic Wedding? Or is it a Garden Wedding? Do you want a Beach Ceremony? And if you want a Wedding Outdoors, does the weather at the time of the wedding allow you to do that?

Photograhy done by Smartshot

I remember a morning wedding at Tagaytay held at the gardens during the month of December. And of course, it rained – very hard. It is smart to ask the people around the area what the weather is like during the month that you want. Like in my example, it does rain sometimes at Tagaytay on December, so perhaps its not best to risk a garden wedding during that time.

-     Where will the reception be? Again, outdoors or indoors? Weather considerations apply here as well as the number of guests that you are planning to invite. Some places can only accommodate a number of guests. This you have to double check and plan carefully.

-     And of course, most of the hotels and restaurants can be very pricey. Make sure that your budget can accommodate the place.

Photography done by Smartshot.

Next is the Catering. Yes Food. Filipinos love to eat, so this will be the very first thing that your guests will remember when they talk about your wedding. Trust me. Even with your own closest friends and relatives. Yes, they will gush about how you are the most beautiful bride ever, or how the groom looks so handsome in his tux or barong, how wonderful the ceremony is. But when they go home and talk to their friends, this phrase will be one of the first things that they will say: “The wedding was so great! Ang Sarap ng Pagkain, As in! (The Food is soooo good)” They won’t remember the strings, band or DJ, they won’t even recognize or possibly even discuss the kind or color of the flowers that you chose - just the food. If the food is delicious, your guests will be satisfied and rave about your wedding.

Last is the Photographer. A lot of people argue that there are sooo many photographers and that they can wait, as long as someone’s taking pictures its good enough for them. But I tell you now that if your train of thought is going that way, you might feel a bit of a pang after you get married. Because in truth, that whole big day? It passes by so quickly, you won’t even remember half the people that were there. You won’t get to revel in the beauty of your flowers, get a second glance of yourself and that marvelous gown in the mirror. Nothing. Your friends? They will have more stories than you about your wedding because again, you won’t remember half of it. That is where your Photographers come in. They will ensure that you will get to relive your day the best way possible. Plus its not everyday a girl can feel like a supermodel, and when your photographer is really good, you will look like the most beautiful girl in the universe when that picture comes out.

So if you’re about to get married, check the details mentioned above. And remember : The best places, caterers and photographers? They’re sometimes booked a year in advance, sometimes even two years, so chop chop!!