As most are busy imagining you and your partner in the wedding ceremony proper as well as the two of you live your life together for the rest of your days, you are preoccupied thinking about your wedding proper. Well, good for you if you have a wedding planner to help you out. But if you are the hands-on type future wedded person, you want everything to be perfect or at least be not a disaster, and you have a touch in the things to happen in your wedding.
So if you are now thinking about wedding programs, here is a quick guide on what you could and should do. Of course, we have our own preferences and taking into account the different contexts that we have. But to take the burden off of your chest, here are some suggestions:
Quite easy to say but please, don’t overthink
Maybe this is what others tell you about – the stress of the wedding. You will be “burdened” with all the preparations you need to do. From looking for the wedding venue, caterer, give away or souvenirs, coordinating with your guests, emotional stress and other matters. Preparing for a wedding is not a bed of roses so please don’t overthink.
It is fine to think about the different scenarios that you think that will happen in your wedding. It also helps you prepare plan B, C, D, and so on. But then, know if it’s already over thinking that it doesn’t actually help you but freaks you out. Wedding preparation may not be a walk in the park, but it should not be a “Jurassic park” type. Enjoy the process and relax.
Consult with your partner
Even before the wedding plans, you ought to ask your partner in your decisions. So what more in wedding preps, right? Your partner might tell you that whatever you want will do well, still ask for his or her opinion and suggestions. Remember that it is not only your wedding; it is for the both of you.
Of course, if we are talking about surprises and similar things, it is better to keep quiet about that.
Filter comments and suggestions from others
Ha! Aside from the usual notes, you get from friends like “Abay ako ha,” “Ako ilagay mo dito” and others, you will also hear a lot of “Gawin mo ito sa kasal mo.” Aside from unsolicited bits of advice are irritating, some just don’t know how to limit what they are going to say.
Don’t let yourself come to the point of telling them to plan their own wedding since it’s like they want to own up yours. You can politely turn their suggestions down. You may say that you are planning with your partner and thinking about different things. Their ideas are okay but not something that you are leaning towards.
List all the specifics of the wedding program that you want to have
From the different events you have attended or seen in TVs or online, you have a rough idea on what you want to do for your wedding. List them and see if they are doable. It is good that you have a pool of list on what you want to have or do.
Set realistic time table or schedule
Following the thought that you have a good idea on what to do, you should take note of the time. Do you think you have ample time to do those? Make it as realistic as possible so as to avoid stressing yourself out on the wedding program proper because it’s not being followed or whatnot.
Always consider your guests and visitors
You can go and brag that it is “your” wedding, but you should still think about your guests and visitors. You invited them so make them feel welcome in your event. In laying out your wedding program, make it participative.
Try putting yourself in their shoes and see if you will have fun or at least appreciate the wedding program you are thinking of. But if course, know which things are okay to go even if only a few people will relate. Balance it out.
Go for DIY and cheaper alternatives
Be it in the wedding reception’s decorations and souvenirs, go for DIY and less expensive options. This may be time consuming but you can ask help from your colleagues and relatives. For sure, they will make time for it since they know how important the wedding is for you and you trusting them.
There tons of samples on YouTube and posts or blogs on Facebook and other social media like Pinterest.
Now that you have a brief orientation to calm yourself down and a bigger image on what’s about to happen, it is time for the details. You may want to take a look in this part about some of the things you can put in your wedding program:
The usual Filipino ceremonies
If you have attended at least one wedding, you have probably witnessed these. These are the general things Filipino couples do during their wedding programs. You might get some ideas here:
- Dove flying: This is where you and your partner will hold a dove, it can be two or only one, and you will release it at the same time. It is a symbolic act as what the elders say.
- Cake cutting and eating: You will slice a piece of cake and feed your partner, and he will do the same to you.
- Newly wedded couple’s dance: Classic couple dancing and your guests will pin money as their gift to you.
- Messages from each side’s relatives and close friends: This might get a chunk of the program’s time, but this is something that is heartfelt.
- SDE or same day edit video showing: Usually shown in the last part of the program to officially close the wedding ceremony.
You and your partner’s trip
Time to make it more personal by incorporating you and your partner’s likes and interests. Make your guests feel and know that this is your wedding!
- Music lovers? Why not hold a little jamming? Aside from the usual wedding songs being played during the eating time, you can hold a short jamming session. This is fun! You can hear all your guests singing altogether and be reunited with music. How cute is that?
- If you are both movie buffs, try to view a short movie: You can show this while you and your guests are eating. Besides, this is good for you to have some breathing time. You and your partner can rest for a while. Screen a good short movie or clips, it can be something related to your wedding or not.
- Artsy fancy time: All of you present in the wedding will do artwork. It can be big or small. The point is that everybody will participate and draw or write something. The finished artwork will be memorable for the two of you as all of the people in your wedding helped you accomplish that. Lovely!
Think about the things that interest you the most and at the same that can be entertaining to your guests as well. You may not single it out in the wedding program, but maybe in the wedding theme or something, your guests should bring or donate. Spice things up and own your wedding like nobody else!
Everybody loves games!
You may laugh this suggestion off but if you will come to think of it, having games in every program unites and entertains all at the same time. It also gives you and your partner to relax for quite a couple of minutes. Moreover, the kids present will love these:
- Hep hep hooray: This game has been popularized by Willie Revillame’s noontime show before. You can view some fun samples online as hosted by no other than Pokwang.
- Bring me: Classic game that will give all the people some adrenaline rush.
- Karaoke competition: Hire a karaoke set and let them unleash the Regine Velasquez in themselves.
- Relay games and amazing race: Be innovative and adventurous with the list of games. Kalamansi relay and scavenger hunt, why not?
Hopefully, you got pumped up, and ideas come to you now. Don’t get too ecstatic to put all of those together. Again, consult with your partner and set flexible timetable or schedule of the things you will be doing in your wedding program. How many minutes should you give for the eating time alone and other ceremonies? How about the time allowance?
Prepare a couple of drafts of programs and see which is more doable, entertaining, worth remembering and not draggy. There are instances where others would like to put everything they want that the wedding program comes a little too heavy. Imagine yourself sitting in the reception, witnessing and participating in the program. Take note your observations and see if adjustments are necessary.
At the end of the day, we would want to have our wedding day fun and memorable. For sure it will be as you will be finally, officially tying the knot with the love of your life. So sit back, relax and enjoy planning (and of course, your wedding)!
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