Photo-Video

After the bridal fair, I got tons of brochures from wedding suppliers. I only sorted them out lately and I made a tally of how much is the ongoing rate of different wedding services available.

First stop, photo and video.

Minimum rate of a photo and video package is P39,000. You get 40 album pages with 80-200 pictures, blow-up picture with frame, 1 non-linear video (I don't know what non-linear means tho), etc. There are companies who offer a traditional package (P15,000-20,000). However, the photographer will use rolls of film instead of the digital one.

For our wedding, I was thinking of hiring a fun photographer. Someone who'll take candid and movement shots. I'm not so into having pictures wherein guests stand in line, compress and smile as the photographer takes the perfect shot of everybody. I'm more into shots which captures people's laughter and emotions. I don't want the usual wedding photographer that acts as a director – shouting instructions on where to go, when to stop and smile, etc.

Note: For weddings outside Manila, there is an out-of-town charge. Not good for us.

Intimate Weddings

I found a website via A Practical Wedding called Intimate Weddings. As the name says, the website promotes intimate weddings. It has articles (which are insightful and fun to read) small weddings of actual couples (not just models) that will inspire you, tips, DIY projects, etc.

If you are like me who wants a simple and intimate wedding, go check it out.

Naive Bride or Just Being Practical?

My 2 BFF and I met over the weekend to talk about The Wedding. As I showed them my wedding budget, they were aghast. They said I underestimated most of the things such as the flowers, food, etc. They cannot believe I budgeted small amounts for this and that. :(

I said I'm being practical. There's global recession and I'm not going to splurge on The Wedding. I'm not going to spend ₱₱₱₱ for my bouquet that will only wilt the next day. For me, it's throwing away money that could well be spent to other important wedding stuff. They joked (but they are serious) that if I don't have money to pay for the flowers, they'll pay for their own bouquets.

Here's part of our conversation:
Me: I just want to relax before the wedding. Let's go to a spa and get massages and body scrubs.
BFF1: We should go to the spa two days before the wedding.
BFF2: You'll be busy the day before.
Me: I don't wanna be busy. (thinks for a moment) What are the things that I'll be busy with?
BFF1: The caterer, the tables, the bouquets, etc.
Me: I don't want to think about those things. I don't want to have alot of expectations. The only thing that is important to me is that my fiancé and I are at the wedding ceremony with our friends and family. Period.
BFF 1 and 2: Impossible.
Me: (Hides under a rock.)

Tips when going to a Bridal Fair

Here are some tips I want to share to other brides-to-be when attending a bridal fair.

• Register online. Most likely, there is a website for the event where you can register. When you are registered, you'll get information on how to get in without having to wait in line. Entrance fee may also be waived for registered users. You not only save time you can also save money! Another plus, when you are registered, you can also receive newsletters and information to other bridal shows that you may want to attend.
• Create an e-mail account for all wedding stuff. You may want e-mails about wedding be directed to that e-mail account. Use unique accounts like future_mrs, or blushingbride. Mine is soon_to_wed. :)
  
• Arrive early. You can see lots of booths and talk to wedding suppliers longer. You don't have to compete with other visitors when you want to know more about the services being offered by a wedding supplier. Peak hours are in the afternoon and evening.
  
• Eat before going to the fair. You don't want to cut your trip short when your stomach is grumbling for food.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes. Of course.
  
• Bring a friend(s) or if your fiancé (if he's up to the challenge). You have someone there on your side whom you can share comments with. Believe me, there are lots of comments and opinions to share.
  
• Carry another bag to put your brochures. There are lots of brochures!

Spoils of the War

Here's a tip for those going to a bridal fair: Bring an extra bag or paper bag to carry all the brochures that you'll get at the fair. Unlike me, I had to carry all of those in my hands!