💍 The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide in the Philippines

1. Understand Your Vision

Before doing anything, sit down as a couple and talk about:

• What kind of wedding do you want? (e.g., intimate, grand, garden, beach, church)

• What are your non-negotiables? (e.g., church ceremony, specific date, specific location)

• What’s your ideal number of guests?

2. Set a Budget 💰

Identify your total budget and source of funds (savings, parents, loans, etc.). This will guide every decision moving forward.

Break it down into major categories:

• Venue + Catering

• Photo/Video

• Attire

• Styling & Flowers

• Entertainment(Sounds & Light, Ledwall, Musicians, Etc.)

• Coordinator & Miscellaneous

• Buffer/Emergency Fund

📅 12 Months Before

• Finalize your wedding date

• Book your church or ceremony venue

• Book your reception venue

• Hire your wedding coordinator/planner (optional but highly recommended!)

• Create your guest list

• Decide on your wedding theme/colors
  
  

📅 9–10 Months Before

• Book photographer & videographer

• Book stylist/florist

• Start browsing gowns/suits or book a designer

• Book caterer if separate from venue

• Secure legal documents (see below)

📅 6–8 Months Before

• Book makeup artist (HMUA)

• Book entertainment (band/DJ/host)

• Finalize entourage

• Send Save-the-Dates

• Do food tasting
  
  

📅 4–5 Months Before

• Shop for wedding rings and church symbols

• Schedule prenup photoshoot

• Finalize wedding attire

• Book prenup styling and location

• Create wedding website or RSVP system

• Create a general group chat with all suppliers
  
  

📅 2–3 Months Before

• Send formal invitation

• Finalize ceremony details with church/officiant

• Draft wedding program

• Finalize guest list and seating plan

• Final fitting of gowns/suits
  
  

📅 1 Month Before

• Secure Marriage License

• Finalize all payments with suppliers

• Confirm timeline and flow with coordinator)

• Arrange bridal shower/stag party if any
  
  

📅 1 Week Before

• Check in with all suppliers

• Do a final ceremony/reception run-through

• Pack wedding day emergency kit

• Relax and enjoy your last days as fiancés!

✅ Basic Requirements:

• Birth Certificates (PSA Certified)

• Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR – PSA Certified)

• Valid IDs

• Barangay Clearance

• Recent 1x1 or 2x2 photos

• Marriage License (Apply at the City or Municipal Hall where one of you resides)
  
  

✅ For Church Weddings:

• Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates (with “For Marriage Purposes” notation)

• Canonical Interview

• Pre-Cana Seminar or Marriage Counseling

• Marriage Banns (published at your respective parishes for 3 Sundays)

🎤 PREPARATION

• Glam and Preparation Venue

• Coordinators

• Food for Supplier's and Preparation participants

• Wedding Essentials and Symbols

• Transportation
  
  

🎤 CEREMONY

• Church or Civil venue

• Officiant (priest, pastor, judge, or mayor)

• Entourage (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)

• Marriage contract

• Ceremony music

• Unity candles, arrhae, bible, veil, cord, rings
  
  

🍽️ RECEPTION

• Program Host & Program Flow

• Table Management and Assignment

• Food & Beverage

• Cake

• First Dance & Toasts

• Entertainment (band, games, or DJ)

• Giveaways/Souvenirs

For the Bride:

• Wedding Gown (rent, RTW, or custom-made)

• Hair & Makeup Trial

• Bridal robe

• Shoes & Accessories (Watch, necklace, earrings , etc.)

• Bouquet
  
  

For the Groom:

• Suit or Barong

• High socks and Shoes

• Grooming session (barber/spa)
  
  

For the Entourage:

• Coordinated gowns/barongs/suits

• Boutonnières, corsages

• Prenup Shoot

• Wedding Day Photo & Video Coverage

• Drone Footage (optional)

• Same-Day Edit (SDE) Video

• Album and Prints

• Photo Booth (optional for guests)

Themes Common in PH Weddings:

• Rustic

• Filipiniana

• Modern Minimalist

• Boho Garden

• Beach/Coastal

• Glamorous/Classic
  
  

Include:

• Mood Board

• Table Centerpieces

• Backdrop & Stage Design

• Lighting & Draping

• Ceiling or Floral Installations

MUST-HAVES:

1. 💒 Venue - Choosing the right wedding venue sets the tone for your big day. Start by determining your budget, guest count, and preferred date. Consider the venue’s location, accessibility for guests, available amenities, and overall vibe—does it match your dream theme? 

What to Consider: 

• Venue capacity and layout

• Indoor/outdoor options and weather backup plans

• Inclusions (tables, chairs, lights, etc.)

• Parking, restrooms, and accommodations

• Corkage fees and preferred suppliers

What to Avoid:

• Booking without a site visit

• Ignoring hidden costs or restrictions

• Choosing a space too small or too large for your guest count

• Overlooking logistics (like travel time or accessibility)

2. 🍽️ Caterer - Food is a major highlight of any wedding, so choosing the right caterer is key. Start by setting your budget and guest count. Then, decide on the type of dining experience you want—buffet, plated, or family-style.

What to Consider:

• Menu variety and food quality (schedule a tasting!)

• Package inclusions (staff, tableware, styling)

• Experience with weddings and guest size

• Dietary accommodations and customization options

• Reviews, recommendations, and past events

What to Avoid:

• Skipping the food tasting

• Not checking for permits or food handling certifications

• Overlooking service quality and staff-to-guest ratio

• Choosing based on price alone

3. 📸 Photo/Video - Your photo and video team will capture the memories you'll treasure forever—so choose wisely. Start by identifying your preferred style (e.g., candid, cinematic, traditional) and setting a realistic budget. 

What to Consider:

• Portfolio and editing style—does it match your vision?

• Experience with weddings and familiarity with your venue

• Packages, coverage hours, and number of shooters

• Personality and communication—do you feel comfortable with them?

• Delivery timeline and output (albums, USB, online gallery)
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Hiring without checking full wedding samples (not just highlights)

• Overlooking contract details or unclear deliverables

• Booking based solely on price or trends

• Last-minute bookings that limit your options

4. 🎤 Host - A great host keeps your program flowing smoothly and your guests entertained. When choosing a wedding host (emcee), look for someone who matches your vibe—fun, formal, or a mix of both.

What to Consider:

• Hosting style and personality—watch videos or attend a live event

• Experience with weddings and handling unexpected situations

• Ability to engage the crowd and follow your program

• Clear communication and professionalism

• Language fluency (English, Filipino, or both)
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Hiring a friend or relative with no hosting experience

• Overly scripted or awkward delivery

• Not meeting or briefing the host beforehand

• Ignoring reviews or recommendations
  
  

Your host sets the tone for your reception—choose someone who can confidently lead, connect with your guests, and make your celebration fun and memorable.

5. 💄 Hair and Makeup Artist - Your hair and makeup artist plays a big role in helping you look and feel your best on your big day. Start by defining your desired look—natural, glam, classic, or modern—and set a beauty budget. 

What to Consider:

• Portfolio and style consistency—check before-and-after photos

• Experience with weddings and different skin tones/types

• Inclusions (trial session, retouch, team for entourage)

• Products used—are they long-lasting and skin-safe?

• Punctuality and professionalism
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Skipping the trial session

• Choosing based only on social media filters

• Ignoring hygiene or expired products

• Last-minute bookings with no clear contract or schedule
  
  

Look for an HMUA who listens, enhances your natural features, and makes you feel confident. Comfort and trust are just as important as skill!

6. 🌸 Florist/Stylist - Your florist/stylist transforms your venue into a picture-perfect space that reflects your theme and love story. Whether you’re going for elegant, rustic, modern, or romantic, the right team can bring your vision to life.

What to Consider:

• Style and portfolio—do their past works align with your theme?

• Packages offered (flowers, ceremony setup, reception styling, rentals)

• Knowledge of seasonal blooms and cost-effective options

• Creativity, flexibility, and willingness to customize

• Clear communication, mood boards, and site visit availability
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Booking without a detailed proposal or contract

• Overlooking setup and takedown logistics

• Choosing based solely on low pricing

• Ignoring reviews, recommendations, or lack of experience
  
  

Work with a florist/stylist who listens, understands your aesthetic, and can create a cohesive and stunning atmosphere for your special day.

7. 🎂 Cake - Your wedding cake is both a centerpiece and a sweet treat—so it should reflect your style and taste. Start by setting a budget, then decide on the size, flavor, and design that fits your theme.

What to Consider:

• Flavor options and cake quality (schedule a tasting!)

• Design that matches your motif and color scheme

• Size based on guest count and display impact

• Inclusions (cake toppers, delivery, setup)

• Baker’s experience with weddings and custom designs
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Skipping the cake tasting

• Prioritizing looks over taste or stability (especially for outdoor venues)

• Last-minute orders without a proper contract

• Choosing overly trendy designs that don’t fit your style

Choose a cake that’s not just beautiful, but delicious—one that leaves a sweet impression on both you and your guests!

8. 🎁 Souvenirs & Wedding Symbols - Souvenirs and wedding symbols add meaning and personality to your celebration. Whether they’re for tradition, faith, or guest appreciation, choose items that reflect your love story and values.

What to Consider:

• Usefulness and memorability of souvenirs (think practical or personalized)

• Theme coordination and packaging style

• Quality and quantity based on guest count and budget

• For symbols (cord, veil, arrhae, unity candle): choose meaningful, well-crafted items

• Supplier reliability and lead time for customization
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Buying last-minute or without checking samples

• Choosing generic or easily forgotten giveaways

• Overspending on souvenirs that guests may leave behind

• Using low-quality or flimsy materials for symbolic items

Opt for meaningful and well-thought-out pieces that guests will appreciate—and that you’ll cherish as keepsakes for years to come.

9. 📝 Coordinator - A wedding coordinator is your behind-the-scenes hero, making sure everything runs smoothly before and during your big day. Whether full planning or on-the-day coordination, the right coordinator can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

What to Consider:

• Experience and familiarity with local venues and suppliers

• Services offered (full planning, partial, or day-of coordination)

• Communication style and responsiveness

• Team size and ability to manage your event scale

• Past client reviews and successful event history
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Coordinators who does not account your wedding visions

• Hiring without a face-to-face or video consultation

• Overlooking their experience with weddings similar to yours

• Assuming all coordinators offer the same services

• Booking late and missing out on quality coordinators

Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with—your coordinator should be organized, calm under pressure, and committed to bringing your wedding vision to life.

10. 🎶  Sounds & Lights - Sound and lighting set the mood of your wedding—enhancing the ambiance and creating unforgettable moments. The right supplier can turn an ordinary space into something magical. 

What to Consider:

• Experience with weddings and your specific venue

• Quality of equipment (clear audio, dynamic lighting)

• Inclusions (LED lights, mood lighting, microphones, smoke or special effects)

• Coordination with your program and host

• Backup equipment and on-site technical support
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Booking without seeing or testing their setup

• Hiring the cheapest option with outdated or unreliable gear

• Overdoing lights that distract instead of enhance

• Forgetting to check if they’ve worked at your venue before
  
  

Choose a team that understands your program flow and can create the perfect sound and visual atmosphere from ceremony to reception.

11. Wedding Invitations - Your wedding invitation is the first glimpse your guests get of your big day, so it should reflect your theme and personality. Choosing the right supplier ensures your invites are both beautiful and timely.

What to Consider:

• Design options that match your theme and color palette

• Customization services for layout, wording, and materials

• Printing quality, paper type, and available add-ons (wax seal, envelope liner, etc.)

• Turnaround time and delivery options

• Package deals for invites, save-the-dates, and other printables
  
  

What to Avoid:

• Ordering without seeing a sample or proof

• Choosing style over readability or practicality

• Forgetting to confirm timeline and shipping schedule

• Last-minute orders that may lead to errors or delays

Choose a supplier who understands your vision, communicates clearly, and delivers quality pieces that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

NEGOTIABLE / OPTIONAL (But Important!)

1. Bridal Car 

2. Band/Musicians

3. Grazing Table / Pica-pica

4. Photobooth

1 Week Before:

• Final fitting for bride and groom

• Confirm all bookings and delivery schedules

• Pack ceremony essentials (rings, documents, attire)

• Assign tasks (guestbook, coordination with suppliers)

• Get a massage & rest
  
  

Wedding Day:

• Start early

• Eat light but enough

• Trust your suppliers

• Soak it in—this is your day!

• Create a shared Google Sheet or Excel to track budget and tasks

• Always have written contracts with suppliers

• Designate a trusted person to hold cash/envelopes on the day

• Have a Plan B for weather if you’re planning an outdoor wedding

• Hire a day-of coordinator if you don’t have a full planner

• Don’t compare your wedding to others—focus on what’s meaningful to you

• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination

• It’s okay to ask help from family, friends, or professionals

• Your marriage is more important than the wedding—nurture your relationship, too ❤️