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!

Tips in Choosing Your Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is a professional who plans, organizes, collaborates the weddings of couples who wish to marry. The wedding planner assists in the design, planning and and over all management of the wedding event. 

The professional wedding planner has the following responsibilities:

• ·     Initial consultation with the bride and groom, complimentary
• ·     Unlimited phone and email availability during business hours
• ·     At least three planning meetings between clients and planner
• ·     Preparation of  a detailed budget breakdown and management process of the budget during the planning period
• ·     Custom schedule/time line and checklists
• ·     Assistance with site tours, selection and booking of ceremony and reception venues
• ·     Assistance with menu selection
• ·     Assistance with selecting a color scheme, theme and style of the wedding
• ·     Assistance with selection of wedding attire and accessories, accompaniment to fitting if desired
• ·     Guidance in finding, negotiating, and booking suitable vendors. Assistance with scheduling appointments. We will accompany clients to a minimum of one meeting per vendor category.  (some vendors will require more meetings)
• ·     Baker
• ·     Caterer
• ·     Florist
• ·     Musicians
• ·     Photographer
• ·     Rental Facilities
• ·     Videographer
• ·     Wedding Attire (bridal shops) Alterations if needed
• ·     Officiate
• ·     Transportation
• ·     Ongoing updates and consultation with clients about vendors services/products
• ·     Coordination with vendors to ensure services/products are provided in a timely manner
• ·     Assistance with choosing invitations, printing
• ·     Assistance with tracking RSVP’s and who will be attending
• ·     Ceremony planning
• ·     Preparation of  itineraries to be provided to vendors
• ·     Final walk-through with client at selected venues the month of the wedding
• ·     Final time lines prepared the month of the wedding
• ·     Final phone consultation with vendors the month of the wedding
• ·     Final meeting covering all details with client, the month of wedding and the week prior to the wedding. This two hour planning meeting will include:
• ·     Ceremony planning, processional, recessional, placement, timing for music if applicable
• ·     Preparation of rehearsal and wedding day itinerary as a time line to be provided to client and vendors
• ·     Final walk-through with client at selected sites month of the wedding (meeting should include florist if possible)

Types of Wedding Planner

There are many types of modern wedding planner. Most of these professionals are multi taskers and take on several duties at the same time. Find out which of these types of wedding planner do you need most.

Exclusive Wedding Planner. This type of wedding planner is a professional who plans exclusively meaning the expertise of this professional is into planning, designing, concepts and devising the ways to achieve that plan. He/She knows which ideas are better, which are difficult to acquire and which ideas are feasible and attainable to the event.

Wedding Planner and Decorator. This type of wedding planner is both a planner and doer. He plans for wedding concepts and can create it with the right tools and supplies. They are mostly into site set up, floral decorations, ceiling and wall drapings and table arrangements and centerpieces.

Wedding Planner and Host. This type of wedding planner is excellent for program emcee. These are the professionals who can pull off a wedding program with their talents in speaking to the crowd using their wit and humor.

Overall Wedding Planner. If you have heard about Jack of All Trades, then this is the type of wedding planner who is an all around. He/She can do all of the above at any given point in time. But of course, no one can spread himself/herself too thinly in doing their work. There should be a focus of skills to achieve quality. 

Tips in Choosing the Best Wedding Planner for You

1. Ask questions. Don't hesitate to ask the wedding planner about his/her scope. Ask the following: 

• What are the inclusions of his/her services?
• What are the prices of the packages?
• What are the terms of payment?
• What are his/her experiences in the wedding industry?
• How long has he/she been to this job?

2. Ask more questions and samples of work. There are many wedding planners who are ready to cater your needs but there can only be one or a few who can meet your personality, style, and most of all budget. Do your research first before cashing out your down payment to them.

3. Security questions. This is very crucial for people who would search wedding planners online. There are a lot of fraud people just waiting for their next prey. If there's a doubt in your head, DON'T. You know that these people are fake with the following:

Photo courtesy: nextlevelvision.com

• They have no clear answers to your questions.
• They will evade some questions and mislead you with double meaning statements.
• They will pressure you to pay them immediately.
• They say nasty things to other wedding suppliers.
• They have no credibility online and no one can recommend or even recognize them.
• They will probe your private details and even credit cards and personal information.

With the easy access of information online today, there are also many if not millions of criminals online who are just waiting for an opportunity to make money by their fraudulent acts. It is imperative to be cautious always especially when it involves your hard-earned money.

I hope this post helps! For your wedding planning concerns, email me at leahjacobe@gmail.com

Happy Planning Your Wedding!!!