Wedding Trend in the Philippines for 2011

Being in the wedding coordination business since 2007, I've seen different wedding trends emerging, revolutionizing every year.  When I got married in 2006, miniature cakes and cupcakes were becoming a big hit as souvenirs for couple and guests; 2007 was the year of the DIY souvenirs;  then in 2008 the photobooth revolution started, in 2009 I've seen the rise of the Onsite Video as well as photobooth, wine and chocolates as souvenir and in 2010 the couple's unique wedding dances...


Although, every year gives us a snapshot of newest trend, this trend would then be carried on to the following year and so on and so forth .. one example would be photobooth.  I've seen it make a BANNER HEADLINES in 2008 but until now you can see it's one of the major supplier every couple is eyeing into as souvenirs for their guests.


And now 2011, I've made my research/observations/survey as to what was the year's biggest WEDDING TREND here in the Philippines, so here goes my list in random order:


(Disclaimer:  This is just my honest opinion and observation, wink, wink!)


1.   Modern Choices

• Brides are now opting for the non-traditional dress choices for them, for their entourage etc.

(just like my bride Pebbles' modern and beautiful wedding gown c/o Frankie De Leon)

(the uber-unique and uber-comfortable choice of the ENTOURAGE'S dress from Jennifer's wedding - look at those sexy-skinny pants, cool right!)

• The cool backdrop and couple's chair so perfect for couple's pictorial during dinner

 - so the traditional couple's table is out

• Couple's steering away from the customary round table but would opt to mix table shapes and sizes like this elegant long table set up

• choosing cupcake and a small wedding cake for cake cutting instead of the traditional 3 or 5 layer wedding cake)

2.  DIY Weddings

• This started long, long time ago and now 2011it's still a big hit (and I guess in the coming years as well) so definitely this will forever be part of the wedding trend
• And also now, couple's are getting wiser and making use of their creative juices to make their wedding as unique, affordable and as cool as possible with the DIY stuff

DIY Couple's Welcome Banner

DIY wedding matches

DIY Stuff Toy to represent the couple in the wedding

DIY coloring books and kid's play pen in the wedding reception

3.  PHOTOBOOTH

• This I have to say PHOTOBOOTH is definitely here to stay in the Philippines and there will be more and more photobooth suppliers

4.  Couple's Unique Grand Entrance segue to their Unique Couple's Dance

• Well, thanks to the power of YOU TUBE as many couples are now learning the ropes of doing their unique dance; this is one way for the guests to show THE DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE COUPLE;  definitely this will continue on to 2012 and so on...

(This is one of my favorite couple Eric and Michelle doing their couple's dance in a very unique, creative and cool way, good job!)

5.  SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE and WEDDING WEBSITES

• Definitely, we'll get to see social media play a big part in the wedding planning process. Many of my couples nowadays would keep guests informed through their wedding websites and post updates or shout-outs about their plans/accomplishment on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc.  

6.  UNIQUE PRENUPTIAL VENUES

• Gone are the days that couple together with their photo/video would have their prenuptial shoot at La Mesa Eco Park as couples nowadays are thinking of unique ways where they can  have their prenuptial shoot (although La Mesa Eco Park still continues to be the No.1 prenuptial venue and most affordable place to be)

(this couple of mine Jennifer and Mark had their unique prenuptial shoot at the beautiful kitchen of one of the prominent political figure in the Phils. - Photo shot by Icebox Imaging)

(this couple of mine Dom and Roni had a flair for coffee specifically at The Coffee Bean so they've had their prenuptial shoot at one of the TCB branches - Photo was shot by Nice Print)

So there, I hope all of you enjoyed and agreed with what I have to say about 2011 Wedding Trend in the Philippines.

Best,

Cel

We Love PHOTOBOOTH!!!

Most of our clients now would avail of photobooth as their main souvenir - less cost on their part and the guests truly enjoy it (evidently, we  Filipinos love posing and even making different faces in front of a camera).

The following pictures are proof that YOUR EVENTS love PHOTOBOOTHS!

Right now there are over 60 photobooth suppliers (or i guess more)  that clients can choose from -so  it's just up to them what really matters - would that be cost, quality, freebies,  years in the business etc.  So I'm making this prediction Photobooth would still be the "IN THING" in 2011 and I guess even in 2012.  We'll see.  Let's just enjoy

Wedding Sneakers

In my previous bridal event – January 5, 2010 – I’ve had the privilege of working with one of my coolest bride (hi lee and miko!).  She’s so down to earth, full of energy, super cool and yet simple.  In fact during their first dance as a couple, both of them wore chuck tailors and their first dance was “Forever” by Chris Brown.

Cool. Nice.  Fun.  Entertaining. 

What was so memorable that day was that Lee enjoyed dancing with her shoes.  Some of my bride-clients would change their wedding shoes during reception with a different color, different design, different style but for Lee it was totally different – from the traditional wedding shoes to a wedding sneakers (in the form of chuck tailors!)

So what I’d like to discuss right now are WEDDING SNEAKERS.   

Not so many Filipina brides have accepted the wedding sneakers style unlike in the US.  So hopefully this creates more information for my brides who are on the lookout for comfort, uniqueness and ease in walking.

Wedding Sneakers are beautiful, comfortable and affordable alternative wedding  shoes for bride on the lookout for comfort and pain free wedding day. 

The good thing about this is you can also make your own unique wedding sneakers if you’re the savvy and meticulous bride, here’s how:

1.               Buy a new pair of sneakers in any style, color or type. Make sure that they are comfortable. Walk around in them awhile in the store to be sure.

 

2.    Create your own style. Go to any craft store and purchase craft paints. Acrylic paint dries faster and is easier to use than oil paint, is odor free and washes off easily. Use this paint to decorate your shoes by adding designs or even your new name after you have been married.

3.  Fancy silk laces.   Look at the various types of craft supplies available. Check out the smaller stencils. Buy some fancy lace or ribbon to make shoe laces. Little pearls or beads can also make great decorations. These may be glued onto the shoe using a hot glue gun or sewn on using a needle and thread. Create designs with the beads by gluing or sewing them in a pattern.

4.   Finish off your frilly and fancy wedding sneakers with a bow of your choice and color scheme.

 

 

 So there, enjoy and have fun with your wedding sneakers.  It's the next big thing in the wedding industry - a trend and a great idea.

Wedding Color Combinations

Last saturday I received an inquiry from one of my bride-client about her preferred wedding motif and what would be a complementary accent to it.. and as her wedding coordinator I gave my suggestion - the pros and cons.

So I did my research and hopefully the following wedding color combinations would help out my future bride in choosing their wedding color combinations - enjoy:

• Blue and White
• Emerald and Aqua
• Red and Aqua
• Blue and Silver
• Marigold and Pewter
• Pink and Gold
• Green and Brown
• Fuschia and Taupe
• Lilac and Brown
• Lavender and Red
• Pink and Copper
• Brown +Green+ Orange
• Light Pink and Black
• Purple and Blue
• Cranberry and Bold Pink
• Black and White and Green
• Light Pink and Brown
• Blue and White
• Red and Orange
• Green and Brown
• Orange and Brown
• Green and Purple
• Orange and Green
• Yellow and Orange
• Green and Pink
• Orange and Bright Pink
• Light Pink and Bright Pink
• Purple and Orange
• Green and Cream
• Lavender and Pink  
• Turquoise and Orange

 Below are sample pics of the color combinations-

And this one is my favorite color combination as well - Light Pink and Black - modern look but with a classic touch  (this is sooo nice, if I could redo my wedding in the future I'll go for this one Light Pink and Black - so refreshing)

But in the end, I always tell my bride there's no such thing as a perfect wedding color combination - as long as you're comfortable with the color, as long as it exude you and your groom's personality and as long as you're happy on your wedding day - that's what makes the color motif perfect.

My Wedding Subject: FLOWERGIRLS

Last March 23, I organized a small talk entitled "Photography 101 with Atty. Raymond Fortun" and got inspired in another pasttime PHOTOGRAPHY.  I'm not so sure if I have the eyes for this thing but if ever given the chance, and if God is listening and would like to give me another talent I'd like to go into this field.

I was inspired by what Sir Archie said "you need to choose a wedding theme".  For him it was wedding shoes.  Try going to his multiply account - www.raymond42n.multiply.com and be inspired.

Well for me, i'd pick FLOWERGIRLS.  I'm always fascinated by the little girls walking the aisle, how they are feeling and what was the reason they were chosen by the couple.

Look at them VERY CUTE  right...

So why choose them as my WEDDING SUBJECT just in case I'll be a photographer (and as soon as I have my DSLR), the following are my reasons:

1. they have a special role in the wedding - the flower girl walks up the aisle with a basket full of petals of flowers, the petals which are usually rose petals are spread or scatter on the way of the wedding aisle - this prepares for the entrance of the bride
2. they say that the petals brought by the flowergirls meant good luck to the bride; so the more flower girls means more good luck
3. they are so BEAUTIFUL with their wedding dress
4. sometimes they STEAL THE SHOW - especially during their walk in the aisle 

So you see i love FLOWERGIRLS as my photography subject - they complement the BRIDE during the WEDDING.

Little bride or flowergirls?  I would still go for the FLOWERGIRLS - they spruces up the wedding with special innocence, fun and charm. 

Latest trend in Wedding - VINTAGE

What's the newest wedding trend? 

VINTAGE INSPIRED NUPTIALS.  Yes, based on my research, I found out that Vintage Inspired Nuptials is fast making banner headlines around the world even here in the Philippines - in fact I have bride's who'd advise me that their wedding theme is vintage. 

So why is vintage or RETRO WEDDINGS making a comeback? I guess many of our brides and grooms nowadays are into SIMPLICITY.  Hosting a retro weddings can help cut costs on their part so I'd like to say that brides are beginning to budget -  meaning couples now are limiting their wedding expenses.   Is it because the crisis? I guess partly but I'd like to believe it's more of the solemnity, the simplicity, the stress free event that they'd like to experience by having a wedding theme such as this.

What other factors are taken into account here?

• Vintage inspired weddings are easier to manage
• Good options for brides on a budget
• Venue options becomes really creative - you're not confined to larger banquet halls ; you can also consider venues like restaurant, bed and breakfast, art galleries, museums or even your family home
• it's easy to look for vintage items as souvenirs

So again why vintage?  Are brides and grooms turned off by extravagance?

I would say NO ...

Those who prefer VINTAGE just want INTIMATE, FAMILY COZY FEEL. 

So for soon-to-be married couples, no worries VINTAGE INSPIRED THEME is still STYLISH and still has its OWN stamp.