Répondez S'il Vous Plaît - Is It Important?

R.S.V.P - the most common letters one would find in a wedding invitation. But what does it mean?

It stands for Répondez S'il Vous Plaît, a French phrase which means "Please Respond" or literally, "Respond, if You Please". It means that when you receive an invitation, you must send your response to the host if you are attending the event or not. Most invitations come with a response card that the guests can mail right away while some have their wedding planner's number that the guests can call or send message to.

In Western countries, etiquette follows that if you receive a written invitation, you have to respond promptly. It is a simple courtesy for someone who is nice enough to send you an invitation.

RSVP is written on almost every invitation. This is so that the guests would know who to contact to inform if they are coming, how many are coming or if not, reason why they cannot attend the event. For weddings, this is very important since determining the number of guests coming will give you the idea of how much you need to prepare for food and drinks, how big the venue should be and how many seats are needed to be reserved.

Guests should understand that RSVP is not just a list of numbers on the invitation. It is there for you to respond and give the host your answer to the invitation. Unfortunately, this is not true in the Philippines. Even with the highlighted RSVP font in wedding invitations, guests still tend to neglect them. Out of all the weddings I have handled over the last 2years, I can still count how many guests responded to RSVP. I don't know if it has become a practice but couples, to ensure that they will have enough space for the guests and enough food to eat at the reception, usually hire wedding coordinators to do the RSVP.

This may probably not a custom in our country but I think we can start learning the etiquette. Hosts have prepared so much for the event and would like for you to share their happiness. If you see an RSVP, grab your precious celphone and send your reply. It is that simple and it is but proper.

Mamba-Villaflor Nuptials

I really laughed out loud when Dencio sent me a YM message asking why I haven't featured his wedding in this blog. I just can't help it. Primarily, because I thought he wouldn't want me to share the details of his wedding in my site.

Anyway, I actually don't intend to post much wedding outside Bride's Company. Why? I don't want other planners to think that I am using their events for my personal gain. Nevertheless, I can't say no to a friend! And since I already got the permission of the groom, I am so blessed to write an article about a wedding so unique and extravagant!

As a brief introduction, the groom, Dencio was my former boss (uhurm) and friend of course! We worked together for more than 3 years and I've known him having Charo by his side since then. When one day, he called me (well, not only me I bet!) saying he's going to propose on a cruise, I was so surprised. I mean, not the proposal but really, you're getting married, I asked? If you know him, you really won't believe at first but then, he got married and I know, we know, that Charo was the only woman he loved and will ever love - *wink wink*

The Bridal March

Their wedding was held at The Fernwood Gardens last December 23, 2008. That evening, the venue was full of politicians and good friends of the couple. The priest (I should mention it!) was really astounding. He was so clever and funny. We can't help but giggle at his jokes during the Homily and in fairness, he delivered a good one.

Dencio, with the Priest
(was this taken during your confession?)

At the reception, we met old friends, colleagues and even former Japanese bosses. During the program, we were able to watch a very very funny AVP which - really, I did not expect for a wedding. But you know, it was really good (see HERE). Official wedding photos and videos were taken by Til's Digital Photography and Videography.

The food from Centertable was also great. It showed the couple's passion for good food. The wine and champaigne keep on coming. Dencio's arrogance is really in the air! Hahaha! Don't worry, he is well aware of it. He even told me the price of each of the wine served!

The musician - Da Capo, did a great job. They are not just musicians but instrumentalist. Each of their members know how to play at least 2 or 3 instruments which they showed during the entire event.

Charo and Dencio after the ceremony

Overall, the wedding was perfect for me. It was a very blissful wedding which Dencio and Charo should be proud about. Not your usual wedding though, but surely one that you will NEVER forget.

Congratulations!

Bridal Emergency Kit

Hands-on bride? If your answer is yes, then read. I've discussed in my other post the things that couple should do from the planning stage to the wedding day with the assumption that the plan is a year before the event. Now, if you have no on-the-day wedding coordinator, a bride surely must have a couple of things to prepare and bring in the hotel, church up to the reception - that is, her own Bridal Emergency Kit.

What is a Bridal Emergency Kit? - It is a collection of items and tools that a bride should have on her wedding day just in case something unexpected happens. This of course should not be carried personally by the bride. She can entrust this to someone, a family member would be best.

Why do we need a Bridal Emergency Kit? - On almost all occasions, some things that are unexpected happens. But on a wedding where the bride and the groom planned everything with care and utmost detailed were fully considered, everything has to be as seamless as possible. With that in mind, a bride would naturally think that she has to prepare for everything that could come along the way, little mishaps and emergencies included. That is why this kit will aid her in taking care of those tiny glitches that can possibly ruin the event.

What comprises the Bridal Emergency Kit? - Below is a list of some things that a bride must include in the her bridal kit and some information why they are needed.

• MEDICINES - antacids, pain relievers, loperamides, anti-allergy and personal maintenance medicines should there be any.
• EXTRA HOSIERY - just in case you need to change or the one you're using gets a bad run.
• NAIL POLISH - a clear one. can be used in stocking runs too and can easily fix chipped polish.
• MINTS - clearly. to keep your breath fresh. remember, you will be mingling with so many guests!
• HANKY - to dab those tears away or to clear some smudges like lipsticks or make-up.
• HAIR PINS - a must. to keep hair in place. i've actually done a wedding where the florist put a safety pin on the flowers girls' head dress instead of a hair pin. this always come in handy in almost all weddings.
• SAFETY PINS - another must have.
• THREADS & NEEDLES - just in case something out of the ordinary happens, you are always pretty and ready to take care of everything.
• SCISSORS - a small scissor will do. can be for loose strings, tags, etc.
• BOTTLED WATER, BISCUIT & STRAW - bride's have a lot of preparation to do before even getting in the church. she can get hungry and thirsty. a biscuit will be good and to avoid a lipstick smudge, drink with a straw.
  

This kit actually doesn't have to be for the bride alone. In case something happens to anyone in your bridal party, you can always offer your help. They will be thankful for you having this kit prepared.

Top 10 EC Droppers for January 2009

This is the first time for The Wedding Gazette to thank all who have visited my site and dropped ECs. I really appreciate your time and effort in doing so. Please do visit often and feel free to leave your comments. It will be highly appreciated ^_^

1. Sci-fi Chrome - movie and book reviews blog. articles are very interesting. you will surely love his blog if you are a fan of good movies and books.
2. Blog De Manila - eric has become a friend since i've been into blogging. a blogger with a kind heart and is keen in helping other bloggers improve their traffic, earn money and the like.
3. Chopsticks - The One and Only Original Chopsticks Blogger - just recently known the author but you will surely be amazed on the menus he present in his blog.
4. Janrafi - a very young and beautiful blogger who aims to become financially independent and get rich through passive income. very interesting posts.
5. Peek Tech Blog - a sneek peek of the latest technology...sometimes really high-tech for me. he's got reviews of gadgets and other gizmos too!
6. Healthy Embrace - talk about health, healthy food and ways to keep you healthy. it's all in here.
7. Hot In Singapore - angie, is a Malaysian who used to live in Switzerland and now in Singapore because of her husband's work. from all the pics in her blog, i can say she loves travelling.
   
8. Life According To Me - ane, a fellow pinay and young blogger who loves her family so much. she's one of the first bloggers i've known when i was just starting.
9. Smiley Earth Blog - a blog about travel, travel guides, tips and information you will need if you are planning on a getaway.
10. My Life's Adventure - gen, is a pinay mom living in the US and is now making starting to make site designs as a hobby and additional income. if you want new design for your site, just contact her.

Thank you for regularly visiting my blog.

Do-It-Yourself Wedding Planning

He already popped the question and you answered "Yes". After the euphoria, you are already engaged. and next would be...planning for your wedding day.

Most brides opt to be a hands-on bride when it comes to preparing their own wedding, even if their schedule is too busy. Here are a few tips on how you can handle the hassle and bustle of wedding preparation:

12months before the wedding.

Choose the date - first things first, this is where you will start. talk to your fiance about the date you want your wedding to be. if possible, plan when the time as well. this will help you in choosing your options when booking your preferred church.

List the wedding necessities - list down the things you need to prepare. below is a sample list (based on my order of priority - you are free to modify)

• church (requirements - CENOMAR, birth certificates, baptismal certificates, etc.)
• reception venue
• photographer
• videographer
• caterer
• couturier
• events stylist
• florist
• wedding rings
• hair and make up artist
• musicians
• invitation
• souvenirs
• host/emcee
• bridal suite
• special effects

Book the first 5 suppliers listed above - why? because these suppliers are often booked as early as 12-24 months before the actual event. plus, when you book these suppliers early, the rate they gave you at the time of your booking will be your fixed rate. should their rates increase the following year, you will not be affected anymore. make sure though that you have thoroughly checked their offers, too! do not book just because you want to assure the rate. it is just an added factor and savings.

• Church - check on the requirements needed by the church first so you can start working on them. i listed some above. check what they have to offer. do they have flower arrangement already? if they already have flower arrangement, it is most likely that you will save a portion of your budget for the florist since they will no longer handle the church arrangement. do they have their own musicians? if so, you can try watching their performance when there is a wedding - you will see how they do. if you liked them, get it. musicians are also expensive nowadays. what are their restrictions? of course you need to check on this so you'll know their do's and dont's.
• Reception Venue - scout on different venues and check on their offers. as much as possible, select a venue near the church. this is so that you won't need to provide additional transportation to your relatives, guests. venue should also have the generators - in case of power failure. if you want a garden venue, make sure to rent tents (be prepared that even on summer, rain could come anytime)
• Photo/Video - most photographers offer photo/video in one package. there are a lot of suppliers who are credible enough and offer photo/video in one contract. you can save more from this. plus, you can check their packages and you'll see, there are a lot of freebies like, sign frames, sign book, tarps, etc.
• Caterer - do check on a couple of reputable caterers. don't just stick to one. try at least 3 food tastings and check which one fits your taste buds and your budget. catering can eat up most of your wedding budget, you know. make sure you've also decided on how many guests you would want to attend and witness your wedding. number of guests is the primary question a caterer would ask from you.

9 months before the wedding

Choose your couturier - go to someone you trust. even if you have already bought all the bridal magazines to check on the wedding gown of your dreams...chances are, the gown doesn't fit your physique. it is better to consult your couturier about it. he should know what is better for you and i suggest you take his suggestions.

Choose your entourage - it's now time to choose your entourage. you can either get a separate couturier for them or not. i'd go to the same couturier - you can get additional discount when you get all the gowns from him. and who says he can't concentrate on your wedding gown if you also get the entourage attire from him? do you ever think you're the only customer he'll get? even if you don't get all the attire from him, truth is he has other customers he might consider if you only get a gown from him.

Choose your event stylist - this is just optional. you can check with your venue how they'd style the place and caterers also offer decorations for the wedding. if you have budget and can afford an event stylist, go for it.

Wedding rings - get a jeweler to design your wedding rings or you can go directly to stores and order an existing design. it's up to you but you have to prepare this early so you'll still have time if there are concerns on your order. remember, rings play a vital part of the wedding ceremony.

6months before the wedding

Choose your make up artist, musicians and calligrapher - do trial make-up so you'll know the possible outcome and flaws that could arise on the actual wedding day make-up. for your invites, make sure to proofread the invitation before having it printed to avoid print errors. for your musicians - you can ask them for a gig schedule so that you can watch their performance.

Go to your fitting - this should be your first fitting. have the entourage's gown fitting as well

3 months before the wedding

Check out the souvenirs you want - you can have a DIY souvenirs. just go stores and select the souvenirs you want. seek help from friends and family in designing them. this is fun =)

Get a good host/emcee - emcees have profiles on their pages which you may want to review. otherwise, if you really don't know one, you can ask referrals from caterers and other suppliers. hint - some caterers have inhouse host but some of their inhouse hosts are also freelancers. you can check their performance on an actual wedding - just let them know you'll need to check how they do and they will let you.

Go to your fitting - this should be the second fitting. have your entourage's attire fitting as well.

Get your wedding rings - if you ordered, this is the time you should get it.

Send your invitations - send your invitations early and have the guest RSVP.

1month before the wedding

Book your bridal suite - you should have one for your preparation. it is common now to book the same hotel for the bride and groom (to save time and effort on the photo/videographers).

Get your wedding attires - by this time, you, your groom, parents and the rest of the entourage should have their attires.

Do your stuffs - get your facials, massage and everything for yourself. do not get a facial 1 week before the wedding. you wouldn't want to have a pimple on your big day!

1 week before the wedding

Pack for the hotel and your honeymoon - start packing your stuffs for the hotel. separate your honeymoon luggage. bring in your emergency pack (extra hosiery, lipstick, oil remover, needles and thread, medicines, pins) - this could come in handy =)

1 day before the wedding

Prepare and proceed to the hotel - eat dinner and go to your hotel. sleep early and relax

THE BIG DAY

Relax - this is your day. You've done everything to prepare for it so relax, take a deep breath and smile all the time.

If this post helped you in anyway, please let me know =)