- Couples should go for packages because it’s cheaper than getting itemized wedding supplies because (usually) a package is composed of different suppliers who give special rates, discounts and freebies.

- If you’re going to get your own suppliers make sure that they’ve already worked together or they already know each other. This is to minimize the hassles, mishaps of your wedding and its additional fees.

- If you’re planning a thematic wedding, go for simple themes like luau, Filipiniana and minimalist. Themes which need not have too much amenities, props, lights, etc or too expensive materials. I personally like the minimalist style since it looks simple yet elegant, very pleasing to the eyes and wouldn’t blow away your budget

- Just get what you really need.

Josiah’s Catering

Mr. Boyet Versoza

- Plan ahead of time. This would contribute to correct distribution of your budget to their suppliers.

- Look for suppliers that would suit your taste and budget. They are usually in bridal fairs and exhibits. Suppliers would usually work from your budget.

Juan Carlo The Caterer

Mr. Alex Del Rosario, Proprietor

- In selecting a venue, it should be nice enough so you don’t have to soften the place up with decorations. It will make you save up on decorations and flowers.

Gazebo Royale

Ms. Bleu

- Book early before your wedding. Suppliers usually give discounts if you book 6 months to a year before your wedding.

- Suppliers usually have a second team. Ask for discounts if you get the second team because it is not actually the person, the supplier himself you booked who is covering your wedding.

- Check the list of suppliers if you’re going to get a wedding package because you might just get mediocre suppliers.

- In bridal fairs, do canvassing. Compare and contrast wedding suppliers- do your homework.

- Decide based on the quality of your suppliers who are offering you the same price.

Fol Rana Jr. Photography

Mr. Fol Rana

- Know your budget first.

- Don’t get something you know is expensive and in the end, after the wedding, you’d get big debts.

- Prioritize and compromise. You have to know your priorities. After which you’d know where you can spend more (top priorities) and cut down (less priorities).

- It’s important that you should be nice and kind to your suppliers. They might just give you discounts or let you pay in terms. It depends.

LITO SY PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. Lito Sy

- Be strict with your guest list. A big chunk of your budget goes here. It’s better to have an intimate wedding rather than having people you don’t know attend it. Just invite the people who are close to you.

- Stick to the essentials. Don’t spend too much on secondary items.

- Book your basic necessities.

APRIL AND KAREN YU

Misses April and Karen Yu

- Don’t buy anything for your wedding just because they’re branded.

- Know the significance of your wedding. You don’t need to buy a seven layered-cake for your cake cutting; a simple cake would do just as long as you know the essence of your wedding and its rituals.

- Be resourceful and simple. Example, instead of renting a bridal car, you may have a friend who has a nice simple car whom you can actually borrow from. You don’t need anything ostentatious.

SMARTSHOT STUDIO

Mr. Lito Genilo

- Know what your really want. Focus on your priorities so as to avoid spending on unnecessary things.

- Don’t go after branded or high-end suppliers. Go for good quality suppliers.

MANILA CATERING SERVICE

Ms. Milit Baron, Proprietor

- Know the exact quantity of your invitations. To minimize additional costs of reprinting or surplus invitations.

- Explore the things that you really want. Materials need not be expensive.

WRITE IMPRESSIONS

Ms. Ghia Pastoral

- Give extra efforts to prepare. Hard work and patience pays off when you plan your wedding well. You can save up on incidentals this way.

- For give-aways or souvenirs, practice your artistic and creative side. You can just make your own give-aways. It’s more meaningful and personal that way. Besides, if you just buy your give-aways, your Ninongs and Ninangs can always buy it themselves. It adds your personal touch into it without blowing your budget.

LEE LLAMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. Lee Llamas

- Compare the rates of different caterers to find out who offer the cheapest. It is advised to look for a caterer that has its own venue so; you don’t have to pay for the venue. Normally, venue rentals are waved if they are also the caterer.

- You may consult your previously married relatives for tips on getting married. They already have the experience; you may get them to help you out in coordinating your own wedding.

PATIO IBARRA

Ms. Cecile Sarthou

- Join wedding fairs. Suppliers usually give out promos and discounts in those events.

OASIS

Ms. Melody Mallare

- Look for designers who have a one-stop shop. They offer packages where you don’t have to worry for looking for other suppliers for your wedding; stress-free. And of course, you get discounts from those packages.

- Look for designers who allow you to pay their service fee only. You can buy your own materials and have it made by your supplier.

- Don’t be afraid to ask and look around for wedding suppliers.

- Don’t be afraid to tell your designer/supplier your budget. Consult first before having something made. You and your supplier can work within your budget just as long as you had an agreement on the budget and style.

EDWARD TENG

Mr. Edward Teng

- Learn cash flow management. For example, for your wedding, you can just pay the service fee of your photographer and just have your album made six months after your wedding. It’s going to be easy on your pocket since you don’t have to spend a big chunk of money in just one instance. And in doing this, you don’t sacrifice the quality of the service of your supplier.

- Know your theme. There are a lot of special effects available in the market right now. You don’t have to get them just because it looks nice. Sometimes, it overkills the theme of your wedding and you spend on unnecessary expenses.

DINO LARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. Dino Lara

- No guts, no glory. Be brave enough to tell the designer your budget so you can both compromise.

- Build a good rapport between you and your supplier

- Ask for a working contract from your wedding suppliers. It will minimize you from paying "add-ons" and protects you (and the suppliers) as well.

- Scout for other designers and suppliers. If you think you like a particular designer’s work but it’s too expensive for you then, you can look for other designers. But it has consequences. You may get another designer but not the gown and quality that you wanted. Compare and contrast their designs. Then decide.

JOEL BAUTISTA

Joel Bautista, Designer

- Ask a friend who’s savvy enough to do your presentation.

JASON MAGBANUA DIGITAL VIDEO

Mr. Jason Magbanua

- If you do haggle for prices, don’t give the quote of other suppliers and their names.

- Look for new photographers. But you should look at their background and track record first before getting them.

- Join e-groups of weddings. You’d get to learn a lot of things from there. From new suppliers to brides’ experiences. This is also where you can get track records of your suppliers.

- Be careful of photographers who are overeager to get the full payment before your wedding.

DECISIVE MOMENTS

Mr. Mel Cortez

- Do it yourself – if you have the luxury of time and creativity, I highly recommend that you coordinate your own wedding, buy your won cloth, souvenir, table arrangements, invitations, pillows, cords and flowers from kamuning or tutuban and have cheap mananahis and florists do the sewing. Just make sure you have fabulous pegs to ensure a cohesive design in mind. You can even customize the gown beadworks for your entourage!

- Talk to friends, ask for help – some are more than willing to help. Get friends to sing or host, assign friends to specific tasks for the day itself and in running errands for the wedding. That’s what your bridesmaids are actually for!

- As for makeup – trim down your options to 3 artists and get those who can give you additional incentives at affordable rates.

JASMINE MENDIOLA