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It’s a great place to meet some of the vendors who are– likewise– just as excited to meet you, answer your questions, and attend to your inquiries. In attendance as exhibitors at the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair are: Antipolo Valley Event Center, Masiha Photo and Video, 55 Events Place, BT Collection, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, Augustine Bridal Wear, Makeup by Miss A, Simply Cups n Cakes, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, Phone2Prints, Luljetta’s Place, Adeva Jewellery, FacesbyLynette, A. Bernardo Jewelry, Project M Acoustic, Photoman, Bounce Events Ground, J’s Diamond Jewelry, Boxed PH, GDGFilm, Annasthetic Designs, and Suarez Wedding Rings among many others.

Before you head out to the Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair, however, here are a few useful tips:

• List down your priorities and how much you want to spend for it.
• Check out the date of the fair and schedule your visit with your fiancé, maid of honor or your mom. 
• If you hired a Wedding Planner already, have her tag along. She will be able to give you tips or introduce you to suppliers she has worked with in the past. If you haven’t booked a Wedding Planner, Eventist Manila and Simply Beautiful Events are onsite. Visit them for a FREE consultation.
• Do research online, ask for recommended vendors from family and friends. 
• Download our budget management file from our website. This will help you allot a certain amount for your preferred, budget and practical vendors.
• Save on entrance fees. Guests, couples and debutantes who register at http://beforeidobridalfair.com/, enjoy FREE entrance when they present their event tickets at the registration booth.

Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair has also partnered with Hizon’s catering to give you a grand food tasting and this is open for soon to wed couples, debutantes and their parents! Just register online to book your seats at http://beforeidobridalfair.com. A representative from Hizon’s Catering will confirm your reservation. Doors open at 11:00am daily.  So be sure to come early!    

Looking for a prenup venue? Before I Do: Wedding and Debut Fair and Nana’s Farm has got you covered. Visit http://ow.ly/b1ps50vHPAC and simply tell us why you are excited to attend #BeforeIDoBridalFair on September 21 and 22, 2019 at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall and get a chance to win a photoshoot pass at Nana’s Farm and possibly an overnight stay too!

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is made possible by the much-appreciated support of our partners: Hizon’s Catering, Tagaytayliving.com, Kasal.com, TheTopKnotters.com, Wedding Wonderland PH, WhenInManila.com, Sound Level, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech Rental Solutions Inc., Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

If you plan on joining as an exhibitor, get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email at before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com, or by phone at 809.3119 for more details.

The Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corporation.

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While it is truly a day of joyous celebration, you also want to make it fun, memorable, and– probably most of all– perfect.

What does it take to have your own perfect dream wedding?

Every bride and groom wants to have their own unique spin on the events of their upcoming big day. But more than the act of making a wedding eclectic, unconventional, and extraordinary, wedding experts believe that it is still far better to let your own personality shine.

Introducing your own DNA into your wedding planning almost certainly guarantees a unique wedding experience. Your love story, your preferences as a couple and as individuals, your aspirations, your hopes, and dreams can all come shining through on your big day.

Whether traditional, modern or outright quirky, for as long as what you do resonates well with you as a soon-to-wed couple, you will definitely have that perfect wedding that matches your unique style.

That being said, our wedding experts have pointed out these three common downers that suck away the joy of wedding planning: 

1. Peer Pressure/ Family Pressure

That being said, our wedding experts have pointed out these three common pitfalls that can prevent you from having that perfect dream wedding of yours:

Just because your friend or a relative had their wedding done in a certain way means you have to have yours done in that way as well.

Planning a wedding is mostly fun, yes. But there’s always that nagging feeling that you must do things in a certain way. For Filipino soon-to-weds, families definitely have a strong influence on what should go on in your wedding– usually citing tradition or their own preferences.

“Don’t let other people pressure you to do what they want for your wedding,” says Summer Reyes-Carullo of veteran wedding planning and coordination team Simply Beautiful Events.

“Remember, your big day is about you and your significant other. While it’s easy to say “your real friends and family will support your wishes no matter what”, the reality is– these things happen, and you have to somehow smooth things out and resolve matters before your wedding day.”

Your parents might insist on getting so-and-so as part of your entourage, or a friend might “aggressively encourage” you to get a certain vendor or supplier.

“Ultimately, it’s all up to you. It is your wedding, your call. All we can do is to guide you and give suggestions. At the end of the day, you make the decisions and we will execute them for you,” reiterates Summer. And adds that you can choose to accept reasonable requests, but at any time something doesn’t sit well with you, or puts you in an uncomfortable or compromising situation, then don’t.

“Compromise and meeting halfway are great, but your happiness is much more important.”

2. Latching on to Unnecessary Wedding Trends

Just because you’ve seen something done in a magazine, in a movie, in a TV show, or in an article online means you have to have those done at your wedding as well.

“Many of these trends are picked up by media outlets because they might make a great story, but remember not to get too carried away by these trends,” says Renzie Baluyut of Sofia’s Cakes Tagaytay, a custom cake shop exclusively serving soon-to-wed clients getting married in the neighborhood of Tagaytay.

He adds that almost every bride comes up to them with Pinterest Boards of all kinds of wedding inspiration (including wedding cakes).

“But that’s what they should be– inspiration. We always make the effort to advise our couples on what can be done, or what can’t be done, or if there might be logistical issues, and what sort of options we have to give it a bit of their own personality.”

When it comes to a wedding reception, many things must be considered. “Weather, budget, venue, and timeline, for starters,” continues Renzie, “but in the end, we tell our couples to have a real good look at what’s realistic, and then work with their wedding vendors to see if it can be executed correctly.”

3. Picking The Wrong Wedding Vendors

Just because you have the budget for it means you have to sign up the most high-end wedding vendors (or packages) available.

“It’s not even a question of price,” points out Luis Ignacio of Silvermoon Studio, one of South Korea’s leading names in wedding photography (which just set up shop here recently in the Philippines).

“The more important question is: do you believe we are the right wedding vendor for you?”

Wedding photographers are very astute at observation, and Luis continues to elaborate that they have been at several weddings when the couple has picked out a master of ceremonies, a band, or a DJ that isn’t as well-received when it comes to the wedding reception program.

“It’s not that they were horrible or had a bad performance– it’s just that the guests (and the couple) were likely expecting something else.”

Which is why Luis thinks that it is very important to really take the time to get to know your wedding vendors, “especially so if you’re still considering which vendors to sign up for your big day.”

Conclusion

Having an extraordinary dream wedding is easy when you allow your personality to shine.

Don’t get pressured into doing anything you don’t want for your ceremony or reception. Be wary of wedding trends– some might work for you, others not so much. And take the time to find out if your wedding vendor selection reflects your own vision and expectations.

Planning is still key. So when you come to visit the next bridal fair to have a look at wedding vendors and venues, you have a better idea of what you need for your big day.

Stick to your own personal style. Know what will work for your big night (and what won’t). Show off your personality as a couple (and as individuals).

But most importantly, make the experience worthwhile, not just for your guests but most especially for you. Document every step of the way, have fun, and best wishes!

The Before I Do Bridal Fair Series

Looking for a few more wedding vendors to complete your roster for your big day? Among the many photographers, hair and makeup artists, and coordinators available, you’ll find a lot more suppliers for your event requirements.

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair happens on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, 2019 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3, with over a hundred wedding vendors and suppliers you may want to check out just as you’re planning on putting everything together for your wedding day.

Have a look at what’s new, take advantage of special only-for-the-weekend rates and packages, and sit down and chat with some of the best wedding venues and vendors around.

We have a good mix of old favorites as well as up-and-coming suppliers such as 55 Events Place, Liz Rañola Photography, Confections Of A Chocoholic, Taters, The Mango Farm, Silvermoon Studio, Jacque A. – Makeup Artist, Simply Cups N Cakes, Goldmine Jewellery, Mick Perez Couture, AMI Jewels, Beauty by Hannah Piaduche, Boxed Ph, Villar Sipag Events Place, Ever Engraving Stationery and A. Bernardo’s Jewellery.

Visit www.beforeidobridalfair.com, the official Before I Do website, and register today to enter for FREE upon presenting your event tickets at the registration booth. You can also get in touch with the Before I Do Bridal Fair team via email (before.ido.bridalfair@gmail.com), or by phone at 809.3119 for more details on joining as an exhibitor.

The 36th Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair is a production of VRC Creative Events Management Corp., and is made possible by the continued love and support of our event partners and sponsors: Kasal.com, The Top Knotters, TagaytayLiving.com, Sugar Petals Enterprise And Events Management, Sound Level, WhenInManila.com, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, Metrotech, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, And Simply Beautiful Events.

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How you each prioritize, or manage finances, or solve problems are some of the very useful things to know during your wedding planning stage, sure. But even more, mundane stuff from preferences in food, music, or decor, and even how you entertain guests or interact with each others’ family and friends also come into play.

Your wedding gets you more involved than most celebrations making it a great foundation to get to know each other even more.

DIT: Everything is Better When You’re Doing It Together.
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When planning your wedding you have to work together to decide what really matters to you as a couple. Years from now, when you look back, you will always remember those days when you both went to the gym and made the effort to lose weight, your trips out of town to look for that elusive one-of-a-kind wedding venue, attending the all-too-important food tasting appointments, and even going to fitting sessions with members of your entourage, just to name a few.

DIY wedding projects are a lot more meaningful when you DIT, or Do It Together. Think of the DIT Movement as our way of encouraging couples to be as invested as possible, as early as the wedding planning process. We believe that, as a couple about to get married, each of you should be just as involved in the entire process: from deciding on a date and venue, to figuring out a theme or motif for your big day, up to choosing your wedding vendors, managing your guest list, all the way down to deciding what favors or souvenirs to give away, or writing down toasts to recognize people for their contributions to what might be the most important day of your life– the entire experience only serves to strengthen your relationship as a couple.

Both of you not just feel included, valued, and heard when you DIT, you also create a lot of new memories together throughout the entire process. As your own wedding planning journey is made more meaningful, we also hope that you also have fun and learn a lot of things about each other along the way.

Life is Short, Celebrate Everything!
———————————————–

If you need more help putting things together for your big day, come bring your fiance (or your girlfriends, or your family and friends) to the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair, happening on the weekend of November 24 and 25, 2018, at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall.

The longest-running intimate bridal event of its kind, the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair helps make planning your special day easier and a lot more convenient, as our featured vendors and venues are all happy to help you out with special packages and other promos just for the weekend.

Some of our participating wedding and event suppliers include the good people of:
BT Collection, The Wild Ones Videography, The Grand Cobo Events Place, Godfather Shoes, Vireef Digital Inc., Ivan Ruiz Atelier, Happy Town Coffee, Maru Rodriguez Artistry, Densol’s Catering and Events, Global Noble International Corp., Erick Delim Photography and Films, BeautyPaul Makeover, Felipe and Sons, Great Image Events Photography, Silvermoon Studios, Alon Wedding Photo and Films, Liz Rañola Photography, Antipolo Valley Event Center, La Rosa Bridal, Cactus and Canvas, Photoman, J’s Diamond Jewelry, Infinity Closet, AMI Jewels, Bounce Events Ground, Studio1 Photography, Hair and Makeup by Gloria Cruz, Print & Co., TEAMRED: Makeup by Red Gaa, A. Bernardo’s Jewelry, A&V Studios, Polespino Photography, Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop, Nice Print Photography, Makeup by ReyC, Print Divas, Eventist Manila and Makeup by Miss A.

For your convenience, go right ahead and register at http://beforeidobridalfair.com, and present your ticket at the entrance to enter for FREE!

Doors open at 11:00 am daily. Three (3) lucky early bird brides and debutantes get a gift from Simply Beautiful Events. Other prizes to be given away to event attendees for the weekend include special gifts from sponsors and exhibitors during the hourly raffle draws.

This event is made possible with the help of Jeffrey Namoc Events Styling, Sound Level, Kasal.com, The Top Knotters, EventsVenuePH, TagaytayLiving.com,  Weddings Tagaytay, WhenInManila.com, Business Mirror, The Mango Farm, Mitch Desunia Bridal, Sugar Petals Enterprise & Events Management, Makeup by Anne Magadia, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall and Simply Beautiful Events.

Remember, in wedding planning everything is better when you DIT.

Before I Do Bridal Fair Series is produced and organized by VRC Creative Events at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall where we have over 3,000 anticipated guests per event with not more than 100 of Manila’s established and upcoming event suppliers under one roof.

For inquiries on how to be an exhibitor, get in touch with our team at 8093119 or 09178587787 or click here to inquire online.

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Event vendors such as Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop, Elaine Celestino-Makeup Artist, J’s Diamond Jewellery, GQ Mobile Bar, Mick Perez, Les Alajeras, Cactus & Canvas, andProject Bliss Life Stories are all eager to be of assistance in helping you plan your big day. Also featured are fellow exhibitors Manila Diamond Studio, Gemline Jewelry, Studio 1 Photography, Coco Melody, Make Up by Miss A, Nelsy Ernst. Pro Make Up, Bounce Events Ground, Robert Camba Catering Services, Print & Co., Photoman, and AMI Jewels who are all giving great discounts and freebies for on-the-spot bookings.

Now even with the prevalence of wedding fairs, it’s still very easy for engaged couples to be overwhelmed and stressed out. Putting together a dream wedding is surely no easy feat for anyone – most couples usually worry about having enough time to prepare, not having explored enough vendor options, or not being able to maximize their wedding budget.

What better way to help out fellow soon-to-weds than tapping bridal fair experts, a.k.a former brides who have braved the bridal fair scene before they got married. They are all-too-familiar with the challenges soon-to-weds face, so you’re in luck they’ve volunteered to share their secrets:

Tips on Making the Most of Your Visit to Before I Do

Bridal fair experts– in this case, former brides who braved the bridal fair scene before they got married are all-too-familiar with the challenges soon-to-weds face, so they’ve volunteered to share their secrets:

1. Plan Ahead.

Janine, our Before I Do April 2018 bride, has this to share:

“It was last 8th of April 2018, when I’ve decided to visit the Before I Do Wedding and Debut Fair to check the resources in store for brides-to-be, like me. (I feel) I’ve made the right decision since I met a bunch of (suppliers who were) willing to extend their (assistance) just to make our wedding extra special and hassle-free.

For first timers like me (to visit a bridal fair), I was amazed that on-site suppliers are approachable and not persistent to clients. They will give you ideas and tips on how to plan the details of your big day.

Just a piece of advice for first-timers: it is best to visit every booth on the fair before (deciding on) a specific supplier so that you can compare which (vendor) will best suit your budget and needs. Our wedding will be on the 3rd of May 2019 but I’m glad I started planning a year ahead, for me to thoroughly choose the best for my once-in-a-lifetime event.”

2. Be Open To Ideas

Chai, our Before I Do April 2017 bride, has this little nugget of wisdom to impart:

“For (starters), it would be best to attend bridal fairs to gather concepts and establish connections with proficient service providers. Aside from the discounts and special rates during bridal fairs, one can get a snapshot of the latest trends in wedding essentials and bridal fashion and compare ongoing rates of services.”

3. Be Thorough

Linrose, our Before I Do July 2016 bride, shares her experience at the event:

“We needed a “one-stop shop” as we were running out of time, (but fortunately for us) everything was set after our visit at Before I Do. We had a satisfying experience. I believe it helped a lot of couples just like us, searching for the perfect pieces for their perfect moment.

We were all over the place, literally! Everything that a couple (might) need was there and we had a hard time choosing, but that’s because all of the exhibitors were great. We even won a free prenup video without purchasing anything! We just registered onsite and our name was in!

Then we finally got what we (needed), the guest performers started their set and it was the best way to end our day. It’s a good thing we were done when the show started. We went home satisfied and entertained.”

The 33rd Before I Do Wedding & Debut Fair is made possible with the help of: Sound Level, SugarPetals Enterprise & Events Management, WhenInManila.com, Kasal.com, The Mango Farm, JenryVillamar Photo & Video, Makeup by Anne Magadia, Imelda’s Jewelry, Dangwa Florist, TagaytayLiving.com, Weddings Tagaytay, Business Mirror, The Top Knotters, MSD Godspeed, and Simply Beautiful Events.

The Before I Do Bridal Fair series is produced and organized by VRC Creative Events 4 times a year at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall where we have over 3,000 anticipated guests per event with not more than 100 of Manila’s established and upcoming event suppliers under one roof.

Register online via www.beforeidobridalfair.com to enter for free. For inquiries on how to be an exhibitor, get in touch with our team at 8093119 or 09178587787.

The post 3 Tips on Making the Most of Your Visit to Before I Do Wedding & Debut Fair 33rd Edition appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Imagine a young Filipina moving to a Melbourne to pursue her career. Fairly new to the city, she meets a Fil-Australian guy in a club one random night. They eventually get to know each other better and find out that they’re so different from each other. Yet despite everything, somehow, they just hit it off and love blossomed. Fast forward to 9 years after, they find themselves back to their roots, saying their ‘I do’s’ in the scenic Madre De Dios of Tagaytay Midlands.

We love stories of how people who seem so different actually turn out to be the best complement for the other. As their love for each other endures, they eventually find their common, connecting ground.

Of their relationship, Tosca shares,

“We have nothing much in common apart from our love and closeness to our families. Even though we are so different, for some reason, it works for us.”

And what an amazing 9 years it must have been for these two. What with Xavier’s proposal in Guam in true romantic form.

“It was special, just the two of us walking in the beach after a nice dinner, he knelt on one knee and he asked me if I would marry him.”

There are so many ways proposals have been done over the years, yet this scene never gets old. It’s a story that can give a girl all sorts of ‘kilig’ feelings once relived, or even just told.

Such a journey these two must have had from Melbourne to Midlands. Their wedding photos and videos captured by the talented Mr. David Garmsen reflected such refreshing and enduring love. We see a peach spring theme that simply & elegantly fell into place.

Tosca shared with us how this once in a lifetime milestone is accentuated by their Top Knotter moment.

“It was definitely the SDE. I knew that there was going to be an SDE, but I didn’t expect it to be that moving and emotional for all of us. I knew David and his team are great at what they do and I wouldn’t expect any less, but actually watching it and looking back at the last couple of hours was really special and emotional for everyone and Im truly grateful that David and his team captured it beautifully.”

https://vimeo.com/264823005

Now, preparing for a wedding from Melbourne to Midlands might be quite a challenge. But Tosca & Xavier had their bases covered.

We asked them if there was anything, on hindsight, that they wish they knew while they were planning for the wedding.

“I think I was prepped well. I knew it was gonna be hard and a bit frustrating at times most especially because we were doing a destination wedding. I’m just very grateful to my wedding coordinator, Tina Offemaria as she helped me through most of the things that I was stressing about.”

From Melbourne to Midlands. From now til forever. To Tosca & Xavier, we wish a strong & smooth married life. They might encounter some bumps & hiccups in this new journey of theirs, but we trust that their years forward with be as or more amazing than the 9 years they’ve had. And may the bond of love and family always see them through with God always in their midst.

Supplier Spotlight: Photography & Videography – David Garmsen | Flowers: Flowers by Rosabella | Gown: Maggie Sottero | Barong: Onesimus (Custom Made) | HMUA: Toni Aviles Glam Team | Coordination: Illumination Events | Bridal Car: Bridal Car Philippines

What do you think of Tosca & Xavier’s from Melbourne to Midlands Peach Spring wedding?

The post From Melbourne to Midlands: A Refreshing Peach Spring Wedding appeared first on The Top Knotters.

Recent close encounters with (not the third kind but with) newly married couples reminded us of two things. One: adjusting to married life is often difficult and poses a very real threat to your sanity (can we get an “Amen”?). And two: it’s been months since we promised a follow-up to this article on the challenges newlyweds face. For both, we are truly sorry. But don’t stay mad at us for too long! We’ll try to make it up to you by sharing these tips for staying connected with your spouse as relayed to us by Singapore-based counselling psychologist Lissy Puno.

Adjustment Period for Newly Married Couples

When two individuals become one and start living together, they naturally evolve and have to undergo an adjustment phase. During this period, differences arise and lead to struggles and conflicts. We’re sure you’ve heard at least one married friend passive-aggressively remark how you don’t really know someone until you marry them. Well we’re pretty sure this is what they meant. When these differences aren’t discussed, Lissy says, dissatisfaction starts to incubate. Rather than staying connected, couples tend to fight about it, withdraw, or shut down completely. All these causing a disconnection. This may then lead them to pursue “exits” in the relationship that pose further challenges to staying connected.

“Exits” to a Marriage: The Normal and Catastrophic

When it comes to these so-called “exits” to a marriage, however, it’s important to note that there are normal ones and catastrophic ones. Normal exits can mean that individuals choose to avoid the issue with their spouse by redirecting their energies towards their children, or work, their barkada or family of origin, even hobbies. While these are all good, they become an excuse to not prioritize the marriage.

“I remember when we were still newly married and we’d have a fight, my wife would leave the house and retreat to her parents’ place (We chose to live in the same neighborhood where we both grew up).” – Law

However, there is a worse kind of exit to a marriage. Examples of these catastrophic exits are affairs, addictions, mental issues, and the like. We hope that Lissy’s advice below can help individuals in their efforts towards staying connected with their spouses so that you can avoid taking either of these two types of exits, but especially the catastrophic ones.

Of course, it’s perfectly normal to seek these exits every once in a while. After all, it’s pretty rare for marriages to be walks in the park. Don’t let your friend’s Instagram stories fool you—we’re pretty sure she and her husband fight about things like closing the toothpaste cap too. But when the fighting gets too much, one or both of you need to recognize the importance of staying connected even when sometimes all you wanna do is gag your partner. Oh, that never happened to you? Me neither. I don’t know what this writer is talking about. But Lissy does though.

Staying Connected: 5 Tips for Newly Married Couples

Having authored the book, “Affairs Don’t Just Happen” and creating the journal “Stay Connected”, Lissy has had her fair share of experience counselling couples as they work towards resolving their marriage issues and staying connected. In fact, her well-lauded couples weekend workshop, “Getting the Love You Want”, will finally have its first run in the Philippines this July 2018. She gives us a sneak peek into her psychology as she shares with us some tips for staying connected to one’s spouse. If you’re single, keep on reading because you can also use these strategies to repair your relationships with other people you love! (But we’ll be praying that you get to work on these with a spouse in the future too.)

1. Say “I love you” every day

Don’t wait until Valentine’s or anniversaries to express appreciation for your spouse. Rather, show care towards them daily. Pay attention to the little things that they appreciate. Yes, that means taking a second to screw on the freaking toothpaste cap.

2. Take some time out

It’s easy to let the busyness of making a living and, eventually, taking care of children, to overwhelm you. But staying connected is vital to keeping the spark in your marriage! Don’t let your marriage take the backseat. If you want to keep feeling that kilig over your spouse, you need to work at it.

You don’t have to spend so much money or take too much time. Get creative! Whether it’s a steamy shower together or just a quiet night out on the porch gazing at the stars and talking about your childhood, make sure you take time at least once a week for just the two of you.

3. Get deep

When you get older, physical attraction in a marriage can fade so staying connected by other means is crucial. We’re such suckers for good conversationalists. Communicating our deeper thoughts, feelings, dreams, and passions with our spouses is therefore a pretty good way to keep us falling in love over and over again with the same person.

4. Learn the art of war

It’s not true that healthy couples don’t fight. Of course they do! You’re putting two completely different people together under one roof. There’s bound to be some resistance. (We’ve all seen it on Survivor, Pinoy Big Brother, and America’ Next Top Model.)

As couples, you need to work on areas of conflict, dissatisfaction, and frustration together and with effective problem solving skills. But you need to learn to fight fair.

5. Be grateful

This is easier said than done, especially when your partner is a bit of a nag or turns out to have horrible hygiene. But regardless of their flaws (and yours), do your best to cherish the person you love and make them feel special.

These are just a few of Lissy’s advice for staying connected with your beloved. We hope you can keep these in mind during the course of your happy (though sometimes challenging) married life. Remember that a loving relationship is possible for everyone. Let your marriage be the dream that you always imagined it would be!

The post Staying Connected: 5 Tips for Newly Married Couples appeared first on The Top Knotters.

When Prince William got married to Kate Middleton in 2011, the internet went rabid with posters that said, “Keep Calm. Harry’s Still Single.” We were definitely not calm as we watched the live telecast of Harry and Meghan’s wedding last night. In fact, our collective hearts were completely aflutter at the sight of our beloved prince finally getting married—to a woman who dared to give love another try. Sigh. Happy ever afters do exist. Tiwala lang!

We especially admired how, at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, it was evident that the royal couple put careful thought into their planning process. It wasn’t just a glitzy affair but truly a #WeddingWithHeart that oozed love and affection. If you’re planning your own happy ever after (whether with a specific guy in mind or just preparing for the hopefully-not-so-distant future), take your cue from Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding! And no, it won’t cost you 32 million pounds. In fact, we promise that some ideas might actually save you a buck or two!

Harry and Meghan’s Wedding : 4 Hacks for A Royal Affair

1. Go minimalist.

We have to talk about that dress. With the royal family’s bank account at her disposal, Meghan could’ve chosen an opulent number. Instead, she went very elegant with her silk gown with three quarter length sleeves and a bateau neckline. Mind you, it was custom-made Givenchy and had a five-meter train, but it still looked simple.

And while the chapel was elaborately adorned with beautiful fresh flowers for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the bride actually sported a very simple bouquet. Many of the flowers were picked from the royal gardens, which is in keeping with the “picked-off-the-road” trend in floral arrangements. Definitely a more affordable (not to mention more eco-friendly) option.

The couple went with a humbler, naked cake adorned with fresh flowers. If you’re really looking to save, you could probably get your aunt to copy this look for you. No promises about the taste though (unless your aunt is Heny Sison).

Also at the reception, it was reported that bowl food would be served from food trucks. While this is probably in addition to a sit-down, serviced meal, you can recreate a more relaxed reception environment (and hopefully save a buck) by serving similar dishes that your guests will be sure to enjoy. Because who wouldn’t prefer bacon and sausage sandwiches over cream of asparagus soup? Let’s be honest here.

2. Be charitable.

We’re sure that you’ve read that, instead of asking for gifts, the royal couple requested for guests to make a donation to their favorite charities. But Harry and Meghan’s wedding is hardly the first charitable wedding we’ve heard of. Similarly, Prince William and Kate did the same when they tied the knot. Some of you might be thinking that of course they could afford to do that—they’re princes! It’s not something normal people paying rent can do.

But giving back and paying forward when you say your “I do’s” doesn’t have to be such a huge sacrifice. Although we really admire this couple’s decision to donate their entire wedding fund to help Syrian refugees, there are many doable ways by which your own wedding (and marriage) can be a blessing to others.

Consider donating money for wedding favors to a charity instead. One wedding we recently attended had the couple—both nurses—distribute lottery tickets as wedding favors. They did this to support the PCSO, which in turn supports charity patients at local hospitals. Read this for more ideas on how to give back on your wedding day.

3. Phone a friend (or a hundred)!

Contrary to popular belief, the wedding entourage isn’t just there to add to the pomp of the celebration—or to help you pay for your wedding. More importantly, they are there to support the couple in this long, arduous, sometimes dangerous journey aka married life. Because we all know that it actually takes a village to make a marriage work (aside from the couple and God of course). At Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the service order (or missalette) had these words printed  in the Pastoral Introduction:

You are witnesses of the marriage, and express your support by your presence and your prayers. Your support does not end today: the couple will value continued encouragement in the days and years ahead of them.

At one point in the ceremony, the Archbishop also addressed those present if they would support and uphold the couple in their marriage in the present and in the years to come. What a beautiful reminder to all of us of the reason we go to weddings in the first place! (And all along we thought it was for the buffet LOL.)

4. Guests who matter

The previous thought will come in handy when you’re editing your guest list too. Unlike Prince William who invited 1,900 guests to his wedding, only 600 guests were in attendance at Harry and Meghan’s wedding. Being only sixth in line to the throne, Harry didn’t have to invite foreign leaders for formality’s sake. So if you’re still asking if you should invite that distant uncle who can’t even get your name right, Harry’s got your answer.

On the other hand, you can still include your dear departed loved ones in your big day. From the engagement ring to the flowers to having one of the readings done by her sister, Princess Diana’s presence was intentionally included by the couple in their celebration. Read this next for more ideas on how to add memorials to your wedding.

On a somewhat related note, if you’re also having trouble choosing your entourage, you can take a cue from Meghan and do away with it altogether! Meghan reportedly didn’t want to have to choose among her adult friends, so she instead went with adorable bridesmaids and page boys. This is a pretty diplomatic way to go about it. Bonus points because your friends won’t have to pay for bridesmaid gowns which (let’s be honest) they won’t wear again.

5. Get Lit!

No, not that kind of lit.

While planning a gorgeous wedding can sometimes be all-consuming, this is our ultimate advice for a true #WeddingWithHeart. Prioritize the ceremony first. And we don’t just mean make the church beautiful and get an amazing choir. Rather, prioritize the liturgy.

One of the noticeable things about Harry and Meghan’s wedding was the fact that their service was so carefully considered. The reading from the Song of Solomon resounds in our heart particularly as we think of #TheRightTime.

My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.

It was also evident in the way they combined their respective religious traditions, the choice of readings—even the vows. We were bawling by the time Harry placed the ring on Meghan’s finger:

“With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Each word, chosen and uttered intentionally has so much meaning, especially on this day when man and woman come before God and their family and friends. So choose yours wisely!

There you have it: our four absolutely doable hacks to recreating your own royal affair in the vein of Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding! More than their clever #TipidTips, we hope that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex inspired you to keep believing in the power of love and the possibility of second chances. Now excuse the us as we sign up for yet another speed dating event.

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