How to Plan A Frugal (but not cheap!) Wedding

There are many ways to make your dream wedding come true without drowning in debt afterwards. Going frugal in your budget does not mean you will choose cheap wedding suppliers; being frugal bride and groom means allocating the budget to the top priority wedding suppliers.

Just recently I met the most frugal couple I've met in this life. We met two years before their wedding day when the couple reached out to me via email asking for wedding planning packages. We discussed what they wanted to inculde in the package and what things should be omitted. The bride has clear vision on what she wants for her wedding and how much they are going to spend for it. 

The Surprising Twist

Their wedding was nothing like mainstream weddings. It was extraordinary in so many ways. Here were the ways their wedding stood out from every wedding event I have ever handled:

FRUGALITY. 

SIMPLICTY. 

ELEGANCE.

Most weddings I've handled have all the bling, glitz and glamour but not this wedding. 

First, they have NO Best Man, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girls and Bearer Boys. The bride requested her sister to secure the rings and the coins that will be used in the ceremony. 

Family of the Bride

Second, the bride only wanted Baby's Breath for the wedding aisle and nothing more. She had that radiance ever since that morning!

Third, the couple wanted corsage (buottonierres) only for everyone else, including the female principal sponsors which were usually holding a bouquet of flowers in my past weddings. Nonetheless, the principal sponsors were more than glad to know that the couple chose minimal fresh flowers to save on costs and spend the budget on something of more value.

Fourth, they had not printed official invitation cards but instead used electronic mails to invite everyone. They also wanted an unplugged wedding as indicated and it was a solemn ceremony! As their Davao Emcee, I reminded the guests to turn off their phones during the ceremony. Their guests were very supportive by not using their phones especially during the bridal march! They had AMAZING GUESTS indeed!

Fifth, the reception decors centered on the woodsy rustic theme. The bride loved wood and she drew what she wanted to include in their reception venue. I had to provide the nearest materials similar to what she envisioned. The entertainment did not involve a professional wedding band but instead it was composed of raw unadulterated presentations from the couple and their families! Such a talented family converging to another exceptionally talented family! 
 

And of course, I was the Master of Ceremony during their reception program. We talked over a couple of years ago and they specifically requested me to host their wedding! Being my expertise, I gladly accepted. Being a Davao Emcee, I want the clients to express their emotions just as it comes! Just look at those happy faces (including mine!) during the entrance of the newlyweds! I love to see newlyweds flashing their happy smiles and laughter because I irked them to!

One thing was TOP PRIORITY  for these lovebirds - FOOD!
Chippens Catering was known as institution when it comes to Catering Company in Davao City. They have been in the business since time imemorial. The couple wanted to satisfy the palate of their guests and leave them wanting nothing. So the majority of the budget went to the FOOD! Salome's Garden never disappoint!

With the expertise of Michael Creations Photography in collaboration with DeeGee Sounds and Lights and Leah Jacobe Weddings and Events Team, their happy wedding moments were beautifully captured, smoothly organized and well cherished and preserved for years!

Theirs was the most frugal wedding I was ever part with but with all the right reasons! They didn't go broke after the wedding and yet the had a beautiful wedding day to remember!

Cheers to more beautiful moments in your marriage! Toast to the newlyweds Lyell and JD Escoto!

List of Things to Consider in Planning Your Wedding

Davao City, Philippines offers a lot beautiful places to get married to celebrate special occasions. You can tie the knot in a beach setting, in a mountain setting, in a church, in a hotel or a combination of all. With vast numbers of wedding suppliers, you can never go wrong in picking Davao for your destination wedding.

You can also make your own wedding and event package according to your budget or according to your dream wedding. If you think that a achieving a wedding well within your budget isn't possible, well you thought wrong. In my experience as a wedding planner, I have helped countless couples deliver their dream wedding while staying within their spending budget.

To give you an idea on how I make the wedding and event package, I will share to you my ultimate wedding package costing breakdown:

FOOD AND VENUE

Clubhouses/Venue Rentals Only

•       North Crest,  Cabantian: 15,000
•       Ladislawa, Buhangin: 15,000
•       Woodridge, Maa: 12,000
•       Fuente De Villa Abrille, Tulip: 8,500
•       Fernwood, Eden Toril: 12,500
•       Eden Ridge, Eden Toril: 12,500
•       Bellevue Square: 18,000
•       DCG Inland, Toril: 15,000
•       The View: 50,000
•       Rue Mango: 7,500
•       Matina Enclaves, Ecoland Quimpo Boulevard: 10,000
•       Bahay Ni Tuding, San Pedro St.: 8,500
•       The Orchard Hotel: 12,500

Catering:

•       250/head (1 rice, 3 viands, 1 dessert, 1 softdrink)
•       350/head (1 rice, 4 viands, 1 dessert, 1 softdrink)
•       450/head (1 rice, 5 viands, 2 desserts, 1 softdrink)
•       550/head (1 rice, 7 viands, 2 desserts, 1 softdrink)
•       700/head (1 rice, 10 viands, 3 desserts, 1 softdrink)
•       1pc Lechon good for 40 guests: 6,000

Hotels (minimum of 100 guests):

•       Grand Menseng: 650/head
•       Tulip Grand Plaza: 750/head
•       Jack’s Ridge: 750/head
•       Davao Convention: 750/head
•       Home Crest: 650/head
•       Royal Mandaya: 850/head
•       The Pinnacle: 1000/head
•       Apo View: 800/head
•       Seda Abreeza: 1,500/head
•       D’Leonor Hotel: 550/head
•       Hotel Tropika: 550/head
•       Chateau Del Mar: 500/head
•       Waterfront Insular: 800/head
•       Villa Carmelita: 450/head
•       Orchard Hotel: 450/head
•       Regency Hotel: 450/head
•       Linmarr Apartelle: 450/head
•       Marco Polo: 1,700/head
•       Eden Nature Park: 800/head
•       Loleng’s Mountain Resort: 550/head

Venue and In-house Catering:

•       Helen’s Kitchen: 550/head
•       Salome Garden: 850/head
•       Rancho Palos Verdes: 550/head
•       Garden By the Bay: 500/head

   

PHOTO AND VIDEO

•       Photo Coverage On Wedding Day Only: 6,000
•          Video Coverage On Wedding Day Only: 6,000
•          Photo and Video Coverage On Wedding Day Only: 15,000
•          Prenup Session Only: 6,000
•          Photo and Video Coverage with Prenup Session: 20,000
•          Photo, Video, Prenup Session and Same Day Edit Video: 35,000
•          Photobooth: 3,500
•          Photobooth with ref magnet prints: 5,500
•           Photo, Video, Prenup Session, Same Day Edit Video, Aerial, Photobooth, frame pic, 100 Printed copies: 55,000
•          Elite Photo and Video Teams: 65,000+, 85,000+, 120,000+

HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS (10 persons including flower girls)

•       Traditional Makeup for Bride and Entourage: 8,000
•       Air brush for bride, Traditional for entourage: 15,000
•       Air brush for bride and entourage: 25,000
•       Prenup Session Hair and Makeup: 2,500

CAKE AND CUPCAKES

•       2-layer Icing Cake: 3,000
•       3-layer Icing Cake: 4,500
•       4-layer Icing Cake: 5,500
•       5-layer Icing Cake: 6,500
•       2-layer Fondant Cake: 4,500
•       3-layer Fondant Cake: 8,000
•       4-layer Fondant Cake: 12,000
•       5-layer Fondant Cake: 16,000
•       1PC Icing Cupcake: 45.00
•       1PC Fondant Cupcake: 65.00

INVITATIONS (minimum order of 50pcs)

•       Simple Cut + Ordinary Print: 100.00/pc
•       Simple Cut + Embossed Print: 120/pc
•       Simple Cut + Metallic Print: 150/pc
•       Die-Cut + Ordinary Print: 120/pc
•       Die-Cut + Embossed Print: 150/pc
•       Die Cut + Metallic Print: 180/pc
•       Laser-Cut + Ordinary Print: 150/pc
•       Laser-Cut + Embossed Print: 180/pc
•       Laser-Cut + Metallic Print: 220/pc

SOUVENIRS

•       Mason Jars, Personalized Chocolate Bars, Ref Magnet, Bottle Opener: 80/pc
•       Embroidered Towel: 150/pc
•       Succulent plants: 150/pc
•       Wine bottle: 280/pc
•       Mini Wine: 150/pc
•       Glass with decals: 130/pc
•       Others (pls. Specify______________________ )

TRANSPORTATION

•       Sedan Bridal Car: 2,500
•       Vintage Bridal Car: 8,500
•       Luxury Bridal Car: 15,000
•       Van Transport (within downtown): 2,500
•       Van Transport (outside downtown): 3,500

FLOWERS, VENUE SET UP, CHURCH SET UP

•       Local Flowers, Simple Venue and Church Setup, No Ceiling treatment: 25,000
•       Local Flowers, Simple Venue and Church Setup, With Ceiling Drapes: 35,000
•       Local Flowers, Customized Venue and Church Setup, No Ceiling treatment: 35,000
•       Local Flowers, Customized Venue and Church Setup, With Ceiling Drapes: 45,000
•  
•       Imported Flowers, Simple Venue and Church Setup, No Ceiling treatment: 45,000
•       Imported Flowers, Simple Venue and Church Setup, With Ceiling treatment: 65,000
•       Imported Flowers, Customized Venue and Church Setup, No Ceiling treatment: 65,000
•       Imported Flowers, Customized Venue and Church Setup, With Ceiling treatment: 75,000
•       Elite Teams of Wedding Stylists: 85,000+
•  
•       Others (pls. Specify___________________ )

ð      For Venue Only or Reception Only, set an appointment with Leah Jacobe to discuss costing.

SOUNDS AND LIGHTS SET UP

Credits: Handumanan Photography

•       Basic Event Set up (2 speakers, 2 mic, 2 set par led lights, stage highlights, smoke machine): 8,500
•       Basic Event Set-up + 1 Spotlight: 10,000
•       Basic Event Set-up + 1 Spotlight + 2 Confetti Machine: 13,500
•       Basic Event Set-up + 1 Spotlight + 2 moving heads: 12,000
•       Basic Event Set-up + 1 Spotlight + 2 Confetti Machine + Low Fog: 20,000
•       Full Band and Event Set-up: 12,000
•       Wedding Singer + Keyboardist: 6,000

EMCEE AND SPINNER

•       Emcee: 3,500
•       Music Spinner: 1,500

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER + COORDINATORS

•       Wedding Planner + 4 On-the-Day Wedding Coordinators: 20,000
•       4 On-the-Day Wedding Coordinators: 10,000
•       3 On-the-Day Wedding Coordinators: 6,000
•       2 On-the-Day Wedding Coordinators: 4,000
•       Wedding & Event Planner Only: 25,000

WEDDING & EVENT ESSENTIALS

•       Projector and Screen Rentals: 2,500
•       Candle: 65
•       Cord: 50
•       Veil: 200
•       Coin and Arrhae: 250
•       Party Poppers: 300
•       Bible: 650
•       Wine for wine toasting: 250
•       Guest Book: 120
•       Manikin for the gown: 500
•       2 pillows rentals: 150
•       Others (pls. Specify__________________________)

GOWNS AND BARONGS/SUIT

Credits: VA San Diego Photography

•       Basic Set Up (Bridal Gown, Barong, 3 bridesmaids, 3 groomsmen, 3 flower girls): 6,500
•       Basic Set Up + Parents Attire: 10,500
•       Upgraded Basic Set Up (tuxedo for groom) + Parents Attire: 12,500
•       Tuxedo Set up (Bridal Gown, Tuxedo, 3 bridesmaids, 3 groomsmen vests, 2 bearers vests, 3 flower girls): 15,000
•       Imported Gown and Tuxedo Set-up: 25,000
•       First Use of Bridal Gown, Tuxedo, Entourage: 35,000
•       Debutante Ball Gown Class A: 10,000
•       Formal Dress rental: 1,800
•       Others (pls. Specify_______________________ )

MOBILE BAR

•     Basic Set up for 60 pax: 9,500
•     Upgraded Set up for 80 pax: 12,500
•     Unlimited Set up for 100 pax: 25,000
•     Customized and Unlimited Set up: 50,000+

DESSERT AND SWEET STATION

•     Basic Set up for 50-80 pax: 5,500+
•     Upgraded Set up for 100 pax: 10,500+
•     Special Set up for 100 pax: 15,000+

Note:

·       Package applies for 100 guests only. The bride and groom | debutante and her family are included in the guest head count.

·       The client must shoulder corkage fees, electric charges, service charges, church fees and cash bonds.

·       The client must provide 2 sets of crew meals for the working crew on the day.

·       The couple must handle the expenses in procuring legal documents and church requirements.

So there you have it, my complete guide for costing weddings and events. Feeling overwhelmed now? Let me and my team help you in creating the wedding dream to reality! Here's my contact details if you ever need my help:

Contact:

Leah Jacobe

Mobile: 09497702829

Email: leahjacobeweddings@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Leah Jacobe Weddings and Events

Intagram: leahjacobeweddings

DTI Name: Leah Jacobe Weddings and Events

Business Permit #: 86628

Business TIN #: 284 066 078

Business Address: 38 Japan Street, Matina Executive Homes, Matina Aplaya, Davao City

How To Create A Wedding Timeline

Just got engaged? Woohoo! Congratulations! You're getting married! This is one milestone in your life worth celebrating. Take time to enjoy the engagement bliss before you dive into the wedding planning process. 

Now, you ask yourself, how soon should you start planning your wedding? The answer depends on your availability. Some couples have regular work schedules while others may have unpredictable schedules. Couples who work overseas could be having a hard time reconciling their schedules due to different vacation leave approval from their respective companies. But thanks to the presence of internet connection, planning a wedding could be done remotely.

First Things First

Creating a wedding planning timeline is the first thing to do before anything else. There is no fixed formula on the how long you should plan your wedding. Some couples start planning 2 years away. Others could plan their wedding in 6 months, while others in as short as 2 months. The entire wedding planning process could take an average of 6 to 12 months usually.

* Select the Date of the Wedding. 

There are bad days and good days to get married. In selecting for the date, here some tips on how to pick the best day to say "I do"

- Consider the month of the year with the least chance of rain. This is beneficial for both of you if you want an outdoor wedding. This can also be advantageous for the wedding vendors and  especially to your family, friends and guests. Summer time is a good time to get married. Aside from the least chance of weather disturbances, it is also the time for family vacation because there are no classes on those months.

- Think Weekends. Some venues and suppliers charge higher when you choose a weekend wedding but weekends are the best time to tie the knot because your closest friends and family will be able to attend the event because there's no work on weekends, well, usually.

- The Wednesday's Good Luck. If you are superstitious, tradition holds the belief that if you get married on a Wednesday, you will have a balanced married life and more good luck than when you get married on any other day.

- Days with No Work, No School or Official Holidays. If you get married on a holiday, you could be expecting a large crowd attending your wedding. But prepare for higher charges. When your wedding day falls on a holiday, there's usually a surcharge in everything to cover the salaries and holiday fees of people working that day.

* List the Vendors You might be needing. 

- When you have already set the date, start listing down the vendors you would want to be included in your wedding. I will list here the wedding vendors you will need according to its importance. The top vendors should be booked immediately after setting the date:

1. Venue of Ceremony or Church

2. Venue of Reception

3. Caterers

4. Wedding Photographers

5. Wedding Videographer

6. Wedding Planner and Wedding Day Coordinators

7. Florists and Set Stylists

8. Hair and Makeup Artist

9. Baker

10. Invitations Maker

11. Souvenirs Maker

12. Gown Designer / Attire Rentals / Wedding Couture

13. Sounds and Lights System Provider

14. Wedding Singers or Band

15. Wedding Reception Host

16. Music Spinner or DJ

17. Bridal Car Provider

18. Transportation for Entourage Provider

19. Mobile Bar Provider

20. Photobooth Provider

21. Sweet Station or Dessert Station Provider

In order for you to organize these vendors, create a file compilation folder - a clear book is fine. Label each page with the vendor and compile prospect vendors and their business packages including their contact person, mobile number and email addresses. You can ask for a quote on your wedding visions and compile them in one binder with necessary labels. Discuss your wedding vision and expectations with them. Go with the vendor who matches all your needs and someone you could work with smoothly. 

How Soon is Soonest?

Depending on the what the couple wants and how their schedules would allow, there is no timeline that fits all. In my years of experience, I've had weddings that we had planned for just 2 months and there were weddings we had planned in 2 years! But in my experience, six to eight months (6-8) are enough time to get things done gradually. The most convenient way that brides and grooms could do is contact a wedding planner. This way we can arrange the wedding timeline for you. We have all the contacts and source out new contacts for unique and specific requests you may have.

However, if you want to do the wedding planning by yourselves, take note of the list of vendors above so you can now plot your schedule around meeting the prospective vendors one by one before the wedding day. You must prepare a list of questions you want to ask the vendors, print out your mood boards and note specific arrangements you may want to implement.

A Wedding Planner's Help

The wedding planner can help you in narrowing down your choices of vendors and could suggest wedding trends, themes and timeline. Since we have been in this industry for a long time, we know very well the dynamics of the business. We know who have been naughty and nice vendors to work with and which venue, church or location that are best for your wedding ideals. It is crucial to have a wedding planner assist you in your big day. This is the time when all you've been planning for will come together to create one memorable day for both of you together with your loved ones. 

If you are planning to get married in Davao City, call Leah Jacobe, your awesome wedding planner at +63949 770 28 29. Email your wedding ideas to leahjacobeweddings@gmail.com

Happy Wedding Planning!

60th (and beyond) Birthday Ideas

Let me begin this post with a narrative about my dream of honoring my mother on her 60th birthday. 5 years ago (2012), my mother celebrated her 60th birthday. I was still working as a virtual assistant then and event planning was only my sideline. I wanted to give my mom a birthday party. Back then, I was alone in shouldering all the expenses since I was the only working among my siblings and my dad went to heaven in 2007. I understood the agony of scrimping all my earnings just so I could orchestrate a simple but memorable birthday celebration of mom. For her 60th birthday celebration, i was able to pool a budget of 20k for food, cake, decors, etc.. with more or less 80 guests estimated.

5 years forward, me and my siblings sort of had a pact to give mom a birthday party every five years after she turned 60. Just last July of this year  2017, we orchestrated another birthday celebration for her 65th birthday this year. This time, I had help from my siblings. 

My mom has a bubbly personality. She is life of the party. So I made sure that the colors of her backdrop will signify a bursting of life that woukd represent her. Orange and green are the perfect colors to describe her. For her 65th birthday, we had a meager budget of 35k inclusive of food, venue, decors, etc.. for estimated 90 guests.

I am very happy seeing my craft in decorating birthday stages improved with time. My budget for these decors never go beyond 5k. I always make sure I only spend what is necessary.

So earlier today, I dressed up Albertino's Restobar for my close friend's mother who is celebrating her 60th birthday. Auntie Yen, is musically inclined so she chose to celebrate her birthday in a restobar. The challenge was to decorate the place with also a limited budget. I had to use whatever existing materials I have and didnt have to buy brand new. I just had to buy some balloons, candles and fresh flowers.

Joan, my ever reliable assistant, helped me set up the place. I loved how it turned out.

There, for five thousand pesos, me and my reliable assistant was able to add flair to a boring looking pub, an empty function hall and ordinary house veranda and made it lively and timely for a party. These are just some of the 60th birthday decorations I can do with a limited budget. I hope I can improve more in the coming years.