My Dream Gown

Being a member of W@W has exposed me to a lot of designers and couturiers, and pictures of wedding gowns from past brides. It's really helped me distinguish what I like and don't like on my wedding dress, and it has even changed my inspiration wedding gown.

This is currently my inspiration wedding gown. =) I love the design because I feel that it suits my romantic nature. And I like the fact that the emphasis of the gown is at the top, and the skirt simply complements it with its flowing layers. I've seen pictures of gowns that have waaay too much detail on both top and bottom, and it's practically garish looking in my opinion. I think this is me... I'm still not sure about the sweetheart neckline, but I'm open to suggestions. That's why I'm currently obsessed with finding the perfect couturier... someone affordable but able to deliver. I'm currently eyeing Jean Avellanosa. I love her designs, and I think she can really deliver. I'm also considering Tet Hagape, but I feel like her shop is inconveniently located (it's somewhere near Eastwood). Oh well, we'll see.

The Auction is Over

Sigh... I feel slightly sad now that the W@W Auction is over. I only won one item... Ms. Dulce Fortunado's hosting service. I'm happy about that of course, but it would have been a dream come true if I was able to win the wedding gown package that Cecilio Abad offered, or even the P50,000 GC from Niko by Veluz. I've always dreamed of having a gown made by Veluz... sadly, it is also only in my dreams that I can afford it. =P Maybe 10 years from now... haha, if only things worked out according to plan! But right now I need to be practical, and that means finding affordable suppliers and not going beyond my set budget.

It's still sad to think about sometimes though...

The Search for the Wedding Gown Designer

Sigh... this is one of things I'm really looking for right now. But it's so hard 'coz 1st of all, I don't have a car. 2nd, Rogel is so busy and can't come with me. 3rd, my parents are in the province busy with our business. 4th, none of my sisters are in the country and so I can't ask for their help. 5th, I'd love to ask my friends but they're busy with work as well. Lastly, I'm currently VERY pregnant and it's so hard to get around (and expensive 'coz it's much more comfortable to ride a taxi). I think the last reason is actually why it's so difficult for me to find my wedding gown designer.

And hair and make up artist. And coordinator. And... etc, etc.

Recently though, I've encountered another designer online whose rates are affordable and whose work looks beautiful. Check her out: Prim Chua. I love the gowns in her website! The gowns look really expensive, for someone whose rates are really affordable. Now I wonder when I can visit her shop...

Another designer whose rates are very affordable is Amonn Velasco. His shop is located in Makati.

There are actually a lot of couturiers in Makati whose rates are affordable. I just really need a car. And a driver, preferably Rogel.

Sometimes wedding preparations are so stressful. Especially for the pregnant bride. Good thing I won't be pregnant soon (baby's due in December), and next year Rogel will be free as well.

W@W Auction and Christmas Party

Wow, I've never heard of the w@w auction before, and it sounds so much fun! Fun and practical as well, especially to us cheapskate brides (hehe) who really want a nice wedding at the most affordable prices. I hope I'll be able to get a few prizes, like coordination, flowers, gowns, hair and make up? Hehe, okay, maybe that's too much. But I'm excited! It sounds so fun!

So many choices

Now that I've booked my caterer Ma Del's Cuisine, and sounds & lights provider Rejectkrew, I am now ready to move on to other stuff. I'm currently obsessed with finding an OTD coordinator, one that's affordable and offers quality service. I feel like I've emailed all the possible coordinators there is already. Here's what I've come up so far...

1. Events by the Fridays Club: P10k. Highly recommended at w@w for their affordability and service.

2. Bridal Fantasy: P10k. Another popular choice at w@w.

3. Redawn Events: P10k.

4. Fridays at Seattle: P15k OTD + host. Book now to avail 10% discount.

5. Special Events by the Planner: 12k OTD + free bubble machine and confetti poppers.

6. Fab Occasions: 15k. Highly recommended at w@w and most of our suppliers.

7. Bride's Diary: 15k OTD + free party poppers.

8. Dream Quest Events: 10k.

9. Fragrant Moments: 15k OTD + fragrance diffusers and 2 sets of party poppers (sounds interesting, and I can get a 10% discount as a w@w tag holder).

10. Eventual Pursuit: 18k OTD + souvenir pictures in cd and facial spa at bridal shower.

11. Wacky Works: 12k.

12. Breakout Events: 9-18k.

Well, I think that's it. Seems like 10k is the minimum amount to have an OTD coordinator. If I had the budget, I'd get Fab Occasions.

I've talked to a w@w sis though who actually offered free OTD services before. She says she and her husband are willing to help me out at an affordable price. I think I'll meet up with them this weekend to talk about their services.

Anyway, gosh, wedding planning is becoming an obsession.