Fotograpia de Josiah

Wedding Speeches Tips

2011-04-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

WEDDING SPEECHES - It will make or break the event!

Wedding speeches is one of the parts of the reception that can easily change the mood of the event. From joyful to awkward and to downright embarrassing. Don’t understimate the power of words. Here’s some tips to avoid that awkard and/or embarrassing moment on your wedding day. This is not just for the bride and groom but to all who speak during the celebration.

Make it short and meaningful - A good wedding speech is about content not length. Make it short and don’t bore your guests. In some cases, wedding speeches looks like an election campaign and turns the reception into a miting-de-avance.
Be positive and gracious - Weddings speeches should be gracious and positive. Up to now, I still can’t understand why people always tell the newlyweds not to quarrel. It’s usually a string of “do not this and do not that”. Wedding is supposed to be a joyful moment, any negative vibes are not welcome.
Pre Inform the Speakers - Inform the people who are going to speak in the reception so that they won’t be surprised and will come to the stage prepared. Sometimes it happens that in the interest of wanting to get a heartfelt speech, couples surprise the speakers. And most often than not, it turns into an equally embarrassing situation either for the speaker or for the couple.
Forget the groom’s unsavoury past - Best men are often tempted to tell stories about what the groom has done in wicked in the past (usually, together with the best man). Most often than not, it’s for the sake of cracking a joke but usually embarasses the groom. Aside from that, it might offend the bride which may ruin the mood. It’s always advisable to just mention the good side of the groom and stories like when you and the groom got lost in one of your mountain treks. At all cost, stay away from mentioning the groom’s success with other women.
Don’t Tell Smutty Stories - In an event like this where there is a mixed guest and when some of those present are emotional and sensitive, it is advisable not to tell any cruddy stories. Smutty stories are suited for very private conversations. Besides, there may be clergy and elderly people present who would be shocked.
Don’t tell mother-in law jokes - There will usually be one or two mother-in-laws present and you could spoil the day by offending them. You never know what people will consider funny so it’s safer not to tell such jokes. Again, there are usually a large crowd during reception and jokes like this may not sit well with the mother-in-laws especially in front of a lot of people.
Don’t do a Lolit Solis - Don’t thank a long list of people on your speech. If there are people to be mentioned they should be woven into the wedding speech by saying something warm-hearted or witty about them. And besides, you might forget mentioning some names that may be taken against you.
Never say something that someone else will be saying - Check with the couple or with the event organizer what are expected from you to say and what are the limits. If you are acting as a best man or speaking in another capacity, then offer a toast for the couple. Traditionally, the father of the bride toasts the couple. Imagine if all the speakers offer a toast, the couple would already by tipsy and intoxicated by the end of the speeches.
It is normal in our culture to thank our suppliers during the speech. However, it will unnecessarily extend your speech. Take note that they are paid to do their job. If you feel that they did a good job, send them thank you letters or recommend them later to your friends. Your speech is not the best time to thank them. A more private conversation is more appropriate.
Be careful on mentioning deceased family member. - Some people might still find it hard to keep from being emotional and sorrowful when remembering a lost love ones. It could ruin an otherwise happy and cheerful day.

10 TIPS TO KEEP A WEDDING CHEAP AND WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

2011-04-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

A wedding is one of life's "big ticket" items like a house or a retirement account or a car. Whether we want a quick garden wedding or a fairy tale wedding, we all look for ways to cut expenses. Sometimes we do it out of sheer necessity and other times we do it so that we can afford other important things like a nice home or car after the wedding. Whatever your reason may be for scouting out budget-minded wedding tips, the following list may be able to help you keep a few pesos in your pocket after your big day.

TIP NUMBER 1
* Ask any of your friends or relatives who has been married. One of the biggest expenses, if not THE biggest expense, is your photographer. And rightly so. You will not be able to save a piece of your cake for decades or be able to squeeze into your wedding dress forty years later, but you will ALWAYS have your photos to remind you of that blissful day. So, of course, you want tons of photos. Instead of paying a thousand or more pesos hiring a photographer who will make you stop in the midst of biting down on your wedding cake to turn to the camera and pose, see if anyone in your family or in your circle of friends know someone who offers affordable photography services. Contact us for some pieces of advise.

TIP NUMBER 2
* Another huge expense can be the flowers. When we meet with the florist, it is easy to get swept up in talks of large bouquets on each table and huge plants gracing the entryways, but really think about it. Where do those flowers go after being used for three hours? In the trash. Are you willing to spend a thousand bucks on something that will only last a few hours and that your guests will more than likely not even remember? Instead, get your bridesmaids together and brainstorm ideas about more affordable decorations. Instead of a major flower centerpiece on each table, for example, put a few single buds in some slim vases for a simple and elegant centerpiece.

TIP NUMBER 3
* Instead of shelling out tons of money on the rehearsal dinner the day before the wedding, have an intimate BBQ at a relative's house. Your wedding party will not remember the food they ate or the restaurant they went to for the rehearsal dinner. All they will be thinking about is having a good time with some good company.

TIP NUMBER 4
* Many people feel it is traditional to have an open bar or cash bar at a wedding. Eliminate it altogether. Your guests can have fun even without beer or liquor.

TIP NUMBER 5
* If you are not worried about having somebody lead your wedding guests in a rendition of the "Chicken Dance" or the YMCA, don't worry about renting a DJ and instead just have a few mix CDs with your favorite songs on there that can be shuffled through throughout the night.

TIP NUMBER 6
* Saturday nights are traditionally THE nights for weddings. Thus, reception halls and wedding event centers will charge more on these nights. If you don't mind having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, pick one of these days or nights instead and you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of pesos.

TIP NUMBER 7
* While the day you have your wedding can determine how much you will spend, the time of day you have your wedding can also drain or pad your wallet. Nightime weddings cost a little more because of the peak hour and also because the guests will usually be served a full-course dinner. If you choose to have your wedding in the early afternoon, you can save money because this is not a peak time for most reception halls AND you can serve a smaller lunch or simply finger foods.

TIP NUMBER 8
* Custom-made wedding gowns can be quite costly. If you have much time before your wedding to prepare, scout your area for bridal extravaganzas and wedding fairs. Many times these fairs that come into town will offer discounts or coupons for wedding gowns. Be on the lookout for sales at your local bridal stores and that thousand pesos dress you have been eyeing may be reduced to half its price.

TIP NUMBER 9
* A wedding cake can cost hundreds of pesos, especially if you go to a bakery that specializes in wedding cakes. Instead, go online and look for cake makers who does it as a hobby, more than a business. You can be assured of a non-commercialized taste and you can even have it customized according to your desired look. CAKES4YOU would be here to help you out.

TIP NUMBER 10
* As I mentioned before, the day of the week determines price, as does the time of day. Did you also know that the time of year may also determine the price of your different items like the reception hall and the caterer? Most brides get married in June as it called as "JUNE BRIDE". If you choose to get married in, say, October or November, you may be able to save some extra pesos!

NEED MORE ADVISE? Take this FREE CONSULTATION from our Wedding Consultants. CLICK HERE.

HOW TO OBTAIN a MARRIAGE LICENSE

2011-04-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Forms are available in the Civil Registry of the place where you or your partner live for the last six (6) months. When applying for marriage, it is wise to bring along the following. Please read through.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION
Secured at Local Civil Registrar (LCR) office located at the Ground Floor City Health Building, General Maxilom Extension, Cebu City, Phils. | Contact Nos. (6332) 233-2484 & 232-6664

Certificate of Attendance in Pre-Marital Counseling & Family Planning Seminar Issued by the HRD-Office (Ask for Schedules)
- 1 original copy and 1 photocopy (Seminar: Room 104)
Birth Certificate (New)
- Issued by NSO (National Statistics Office) 1 original copy and 2 photocopies
Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- Issued by NSO (National Statistics Office)
- 1 original copy and 1 photocopy
Cedula with signature (Community Tax No. For the Current Year)
- 1 original copy and 2 photocopies
Barangay Certificate
- 1 original copy and 1 photocopy
For ages 18-24: Appearance of both parents, with valid I.D., for parental consent/advice
Valid ID, 1 original and 2 photocopies

There is a 10 Day Waiting Period from filing of application. The Marriage License is valid for 120 days.
Regarding NSO Requests for Certifications: The interested party shall provide the following information to facilitate verification and issuance of certification.

Birth Certificate (will take 3 days to process)

Complete name of the child (first, middle, last)
Complete name of the father
Complete maiden name of the mother
Date of birth (month, day, year)
Place of birth (city/municipality, province)
Whether or not registered late.
If registered late, please state the year when it was registered.
Complete name and address of the requesting party
Relationship to the child
Number of copies needed
Purpose of the certification (purpose for marriage)

No Record of Marriage /CENOMAR (will take 5 – 10 days)

Complete name of the person
Complete name of the father
Complete maiden name of the mother
Date of birth
Place of birth
Complete name and address of the requesting party
Number or copies needed
Purpose for the certification (purpose for marriage)

The processing period for requests for the Certificate of No Marriage Record is longer than that for copy issuance requests. The period could be longer if the surname of the subject person is common such as Aquino, Ferrer, Cruz, De Guzman, and others.
NSO websites: www.e-census.com.ph & www.census.gov.ph

For Other Questions - Email us at fotograpia@inbox.com or CLICK HERE.

FOTOGRAPIA's WEDDING ESSENTIALS

2010-12-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

When Fotograpia de Josiah first set out 3 years ago to capture your magical moment on your weddings, birthdays, events and functions, fashion gigs, lifestyle expressions (maternity, baby, fun shoots, etc) , or just about anything, we knew we would leave lasting footprints of that magical event in your life.

Kate and James Castaneda on their wedding day at the CASINO ESPANOL pool and garden reception.

With that three years of existence, weddings have been our number one clientele, so we decided to bring you this page to amaze you with the wonderful world of marital bliss.

Life has brought us many lessons since we were young. I believe you would agree that at some point, we tend to get surprised and amazed with small things and say "Really Now! I didn't know that!" "Whoah, it didn't cross my mind!" This blog is what it's all about - to suprise and amaze you on small details that we tend to overlook on a wedding preparation.

Who would have thought that a chair on a wedding reception can impact the entire presentation of the venue? Who would have thought that a live pine tree seedling could be a perfect give away to your guests? Who would have thought that a tabloid newspaper could be a unique wedding invitation - heralding your union to your friends and relatives? Who would have thought that instead of using a floral boquet, you can use an inorganic material which after your wedding, you can preserve it and hand it down on to the next generation? Who would have thought that grassy or barren plains can be a good location for a romantic prenuptial shoot?

Whoa! I guess this was your reaction. Amazing huh! These are only but a few of the things that we will be writing about on this blog. So relax, keep yourself posted as we do our job researching on the most interesting wedding essentials that have ever taken place here, there and everywhere.

JOSIAH B. CAARE

Photographer/Artist/Writer

0917-999-0099

josiah.caare@inbox.com
fotograpia@inbox.com

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WEDDING ESSENTIALS BLOG