Copyright © 2019, Birch Registries, Inc.

All rights reserved. This eBook, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form
without the permission from the author; exceptions are made for brief excerpts
used in reviews.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in the Philippines ®

is a registered trademark of Birch Registries, Inc.

Authored by Birch Registries, Inc.

Unit 214-215, 2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Avenue cor East Asia Drive,
Filinvest Corporate City, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines
www.birch.com.ph

This material is designed to provide accurate and authorative information with

regard to the subject matter covered. It is produced with the understanding that the
author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice.
If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent
professional person should be sought.

Book design by Belinda Faiye G. Peralta-Nones.

 Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Chapter 1: The Planning Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Planning the Wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Should you Hire a Wedding Planner? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pick a Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Create a Wedding Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Wedding Timetable and To-do List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Choose a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set Your Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Wedding Budget Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Entourage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Entourage Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Guest List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wedding Guest List Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Wedding Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Traditional vs. Online Gift Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Wedding Gift Registry Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 2: The Wedding Ceremony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Basic Steps and Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Marriage License Application Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Marriage License Application Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Pre-marriage Counseling and Seminars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Release of Marriage License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
 Table of Contents
NSO Marriage Certificate Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Marriage Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
The Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Vows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The Pronouncement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The Kiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Chapter 3: The Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
What to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Caterer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Traditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Photography and Videography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Wedding Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Wedding Souvenirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Wedding Reception Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Wedding Reception Program Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Downloadables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
 Introduction

Congratulations on your engagement! Once the elation and excitement

from the proposal wear off, you’ll realize that there are a lot of things
you need to do to prepare for the big day. Of course, you want your
wedding to be as you’ve always dreamed it to be, but it’s not going to be
all perfume and roses.

Getting married is a major milestone in life that requires careful planning

and preparation. For most brides and grooms, just thinking about it can
be overwhelming and daunting. If you’re clueless about where to start,
don’t worry. We’ve broken down all the things you need to do into small,
simple tasks.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need about planning your
wedding, from getting a marriage license to the wedding ceremony
down to the reception. You’ll also find quick tips, worksheets,
and checklists to help you stay sane throughout the planning
and preparation.

iv
Chapter 1: The Planning Stage
Chapter 1: The Planning Stage

Becoming engaged is very exciting. You’re probably very eager to tell

everyone how the proposal went, show them the ring, and talk about the
kind of wedding you want. Before you post your engagement and the
details of the romantic proposal on social media, be sure to think about
who should be told first to avoid offending anyone.

For most, the protocol is to tell both sets of parents first, then the
immediate family members and close friends. Make it as personal as
possible. If they live far away, a phone call would suffice.

In the Philippines, a pamamanhikan ensues, where the groom, along

with his parents, formally asks for the bride’s hand in marriage. A
pamamanhikan is similar to an engagement party, where a dinner is
usually hosted by the bride’s family in their home. In some circumstances,
it’s the groom’s family that hosts the party.

After letting all the VIPs know about your engagement, you can then tell
the rest of the world. Shout it out from the highest rooftop and post it
on all your social media accounts if you wish.

2
When it comes to your wedding, it’s important to get used to the idea of
following protocol, tradition, and culture. These are usually a big part of
the wedding plans.

Now, it’s time to start planning the wedding that will kick off your married
life together as husband and wife.

Planning the Wedding

Most Filipino families start talking about the details of the wedding
during the pamamanhikan since both sets of families are present to
discuss options. In the past, it was the parents who decided on the date,
location and other details. But modern families now let the bride and
groom decide on the details of their wedding.

Should you Hire a Wedding Planner?

Modern couples are usually preoccupied with their careers and may not
have time to plan the wedding themselves. Meanwhile, some couples
want a glitch-free event so they can focus on the occasion itself without
having to worry about logistics.

The upside to hiring a wedding planner is that you get the

3
expertise of a team of professional event planners who can turn the
wedding of your dreams into reality. They have a network of artists,
designers, caterers, and suppliers you can tap.

If you have the extra budget or know someone in this field, it would be
greatly advantageous to get the services of a wedding planner. But, if
you want to DIY the whole event from start to finish, then you can count
on this ultimate guide to help you.

Let’s begin.

Pick a Date
Picking a date is the very first step to planning a wedding. Without a
date, you can’t move forward with wedding preparations. Choosing a
specific date is not easy. To help you narrow it down to the perfect day,
start by deciding on the year.

Once you know what year you’re going to get married, you can pick an
ideal month. Having a month and year in mind allows you to be flexible
with the day or date. Sometimes, the supplier that offers the perfect
package at the most affordable rate won’t be available for the date you
choose. So, having a little wiggle room will help keep you sane.

There’s a great deal riding on the date you choose. Before you

4
select a date, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

__ Do you want wedding outdoors or indoors?

__ If it’s an outdoor wedding, what location do you prefer? Garden

or beach?

__ Is there a specific month or time of year that’s particularly

meaningful to you and your future spouse?

__ Is there a particular conflict that exists for you or your families,

such as another wedding or pregnancy, work commitments, or
other occasions?

__ How much time do you need or want to plan for your wedding?

Create a Wedding Plan

a. Discuss the Wedding Style

After choosing the date, the style of your wedding sets the wedding
preparation and process in motion. Are you holding a civil wedding
or a church wedding? Squaring away these details should hold
top priority. If you decide to hold a church ceremony, you should
immediately talk to the officiant of the church to determine whether
the church and officiant are available for the dates you picked.

Civil weddings, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need to take

place in the city hall. You can ask a judge or any civic
official legally qualified to perform a marriage to officiate

5
 your wedding in your chosen location.

b. Decide on the Level of Formality

The time, location, venue styling, attire, and food are some of the
elements that define the level of formality of your wedding. Here’s
a simple comparison of the levels of formality.

Very Formal Formal Semi-Formal Informal

Bridal gown
Cathedral-length Chapel-length or Floor or cocktail- Cocktail dress or suit
train and veil sweeping train and length gown with a
veil fingertip veil
Groom’s attire
Barong tagalog or Barong tagalog or Suit and tie Suit and tie
black tie black tie
Guests’ attire
Strictly formal attire Formal attire Semi-formal attire Business casual attire
(long dresses/ (long dresses/ (cocktail dresses/suit (cocktail dresses/suit
barong tagalog or barong tagalog or and tie) and tie)
black tie) black tie)

Cascade bouquet Medium-sized Small bouquet for Corsage or small

for the bride and bouquet for the the bride and simple bouquet for the bride
elaborate floral bride and floral flower arrangements and simple flower
displays displays for decorations arrangements for
decorations

Elaborate sit-down Sit-down dinner or Simple meal and light Simple meal and light
dinner buffet refreshments refreshments

Ballroom of a 5-star Hotel ballroom, Ceremony location or Home or restaurant

hotel private banquet a small banquet hall
facility, or country
clubs

6
c. Pick a Wedding Theme

Most weddings follow a general theme or color palette that is

reflected in everything, from the gowns of the lady members of the
entourage, to the floral arrangements, down to the invitations. Start
by looking for inspiration everywhere and anywhere! Write down
the themes and color combinations that catch your eye. It will help
you narrow down your choices.

Be sure to consider the season you picked, the style and level of
formality, and whether it matches the theme and color palette you
have in mind.

d. Choose Wedding Rings

Most couples wear matching wedding bands, but there’s no specific

rule or custom. Feel free to choose wedding bands that match
your taste and that of your spouse-to-be. Most brides, for instance,
choose wedding bands that match their engagement rings, while
grooms will choose wedding bands that are simple yet elegant for
daily wear.

Whether you choose yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum,
make sure to order your wedding rings at least six months before
the wedding. This will give you enough time to ensure that the
rings are fitted properly and that the engravings inside the rings are
perfect. An early choice will also allow time for an edit or a re-do, if
warranted.

7
e. Make a Schedule or Timetable

Since you’ve already picked a date, it’s time to set a timetable. This
allows you to better visualize your goals for each month and keep
you on track of your wedding plans.

WEDDING TIMETABLE AND TO-DO LIST���

12 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Announce engagement
◻◻ Pick a date (choose up to three so you can be flexible)
◻◻ Pick a time of day
◻◻ Do an ocular inspection of potential ceremony and reception venues
◻◻ Set a budget
◻◻ Decide on the style and theme of the wedding
◻◻ Plan the color scheme
◻◻ Call, meet, and shop around for potential wedding suppliers: organizers,
caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
◻◻ Create a guest list to estimate number of guests
◻◻ Explore options for wedding attire for the bride and groom
◻◻ Start working out and getting fit
11 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Make reservations for ceremony and reception venues
◻◻ Book marriage officiant
◻◻ Book wedding suppliers: organizer, caterer, florist, photographer,
videographer, musicians, etc.
◻◻ Send digital Save the Date cards thru email or social media (optional)
10 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Finalize guest list
◻◻ If you have chosen an out-of-town wedding, explore accommodation
options for guests
◻◻ Creating wedding entourage list
◻◻ Finalize choice for wedding attire for couple

8
9 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Decide on wedding invitation design
◻◻ Meet with marriage officiant to discuss details of ceremony
8 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Choose makeup artist and hair stylist
◻◻ Decide on entourage attire
◻◻ Confirm rentals for chairs and wedding decorations (if applicable)
7 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Prepare requirements for marriage license and certificate
◻◻ Decide on wedding cake and arrange tasting session
◻◻ Set food tasting with caterer and finalize reception menu
6 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Buy wedding rings
◻◻ Schedule wedding attire fittings
◻◻ Meet with florist to finalize floral designs for the venues and entourage
5 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Finalize accommodations for wedding night
◻◻ Finalize accommodations for out-of-town guests
◻◻ Finalize transportation arrangements to and from venues
◻◻ Order wedding invitations
◻◻ Order menu cards
4 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Organize guests’ seat plan for ceremony and reception
◻◻ Hair and makeup test with stylists
◻◻ Plan prenup shoot; choose location; decide on photographer, set, and
props
◻◻ Finalize entourage roles, including wedding readings
3 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Execute prenup shoot as planned
◻◻ Order wedding souvenirs/giveaways
◻◻ Create playlist for musicians
◻◻ Make a wedding day schedule and give to suppliers

9
◻◻ Plan wedding program
◻◻ Devise an RSVP system
2 MONTHS BEFORE
◻◻ Create a wedding registry
◻◻ Send out wedding invitations
◻◻ Obtain marriage license (see p. 34)
◻◻ Write wedding vows
◻◻ Finalize guests’ seat plan for ceremony and reception
◻◻ Have final meeting with marriage officiant
1 MONTH BEFORE
◻◻ Claim marriage license
◻◻ Claim wedding rings
◻◻ Have final wedding attire fittings
◻◻ Contact suppliers to confirm schedules and venues. Provide call times and
directions to the venues
◻◻ Check status of wedding registry
◻◻ Decide on final playlist for musicians
◻◻ Meet with photographer and videographer to discuss image and video
preferences
2 WEEKS BEFORE
◻◻ Meet with all suppliers to discuss final wedding details/requirements
◻◻ Contact guests who haven’t confirmed attendance
◻◻ Provide caterer with final headcount
◻◻ Have all payments for suppliers prepared
◻◻ Send out readings to designated readers from the entourage
◻◻ Break in wedding shoes
◻◻ Go about final beauty and grooming preparations (haircut, facial, etc.)
1 WEEK BEFORE
◻◻ Pack for wedding day/night
◻◻ Prepare wedding clothes
◻◻ Give final details to transportation providers
◻◻ Confirm final details with wedding planner (if applicable)

10
 Choose a Location
A lot of Filipino wedding ceremonies take place in a church, with
reception following in a separate location such as a hotel ballroom,
garden, or beach. But there are a wide variety of location options for
wedding ceremony receptions.

You can choose the traditional church wedding with a separate location
for the reception or you can choose to hold both the ceremony and the
reception in the same location. But be sure to consult with your officiant
before making any concrete plans and reservations.
You should also decide whether you’d like to hold your wedding within
the city or out of town. Destination weddings are popular nowadays.
Be sure to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of out-of-town
weddings and city weddings.

The great thing about city weddings is that it’s easily accessible to most
of your guests and suppliers. On the other hand, if you want to trim
down your guest list and keep it to just your closest family members
and friends, then a destination wedding would be perfect.

11
 Set Your Budget
If you’re one of the very few people whose funds have no limit, you can
skip this part. It will save you a lot of time and trouble. Go for your dream
wedding.

But if you’re among the many Filipinos who have limited funds, then
it’s important for you to set a realistic budget for the kind of wedding
you want. Some couples set a ball park figure, then ask their wedding
planners and suppliers for more than what their budget allows. It’s
important to be as realistic as possible.

12
 WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET

Projected Deposit Balance Who

Item
Cost Paid Due Pays?

Wedding Planner

Fees (day/full coordination)

Others

Prewedding Parties

Engagement Party / Despedida de Soltera (if hosted by bride and groom)

Venue rental

Food and Beverages

Decorations

Others (games, giveaways, etc.)

Business and Legal Matters

Marriage license fees

Others (seminar fees, etc.)

Ceremony

Location fee

Officiant’s fee

Choir/Musicians (optional)

Others (missalettes, etc.)

Wedding Jewelry

Bride’s wedding band

Groom’s wedding band

Others

13
 WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET

Projected Deposit Balance Who

Item
Cost Paid Due Pays?

Bride’s Formal Wear

Wedding gown

Undergarments (slip, bustier,

hosiery, etc.)

Headpiece (optional)

Shoes

Purse

Hair and Makeup

Reception Dress (optional)

Others

Groom’s Formal Wear

Formal suit/Barong

Accessories (belt, cuff links, etc.)

Shoes

Others

Entourage’s Formal Wear (optional)

Principal sponsors

Secondary sponsors

Bridesmaids (dresses, fabric,

etc.)

Groomsmen (ties, socks, etc.)

Others

14
 WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET

Projected Deposit Balance Who

Item
Cost Paid Due Pays?

Gifts

Entourage

Guest souvenirs

Others

Reception

Venue rental

Equipment rental (chairs, tent,

lights, sounds, etc.)

Decorations

Food and Beverages

Cocktails
Main dinner
Liquor and Alcoholic beverages
Open bar (optional)
Crew meals

Guest book and pen

Place cards

Others

Photography and Videography

Prenuptial shoot

Wedding photo coverage

Wedding video coverage

Others

15
 WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET

Projected Deposit Balance Who

Item
Cost Paid Due Pays?

Reception Music

Musician for cocktail (string

quartet, etc.)

Live band (optional)

Disc jockey (optional)

Others

Flowers and Decorations

Bride’s bouquet

Bridesmaids’ bouquets

Boutonnières and corsages

(optional)

Flowers for wedding site

Flowers for reception (table

centerpieces, decorations, etc.)

Others

Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Save-the-date cards (optional)

Invitations

Thank-you cards

Postage (for invitations and

response cards)

Others

16
 WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET

Projected Deposit Balance Who

Item
Cost Paid Due Pays?

Wedding Cake

Wedding cake

Mini cake boxes (optional)

Others

Wedding Transportation

Limousines or rented cars

Driver fee

Others

Additional expenses (list below)

Total of all Expenses

17
 The Entourage
Your entourage list can be as short or as long as you want, no matter
how formal or casual your wedding style is. Make a list of the family
members and close friends that you would like to be in your wedding.
Take note that the number of entourage members from the bride’s side
should equal that on the groom’s.

Some couples come from large families and they include even extended
relatives in the wedding party, resulting in a large entourage. That’s okay.
Feel free to bend tradition as you think appropriate.

Additionally, if the gowns of the members of the entourage and suits

(or barongs) are too much for your budget, you can ask them if they’re
willing to shoulder a portion of the couturier’s fees. Who knows? Some
or many of your close friends or family members may be willing to do
this as their wedding present to you!

Here’s a list of the people usually in the wedding entourage.

18
 ENTOURAGE CHECKLIST

Bride Groom
Parents

Father Father
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Mother Mother
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Bride’s Side Groom’s Side

Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor Best Man

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

19
 Bridesmaids Groomsmen
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Flower Girl 1 Ring Bearer

Name: Name:

Guardian’s Name Guardian’s Name

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Flower Girl 2 (optional) Coin Bearer (optional)

Name: Name:

Guardian’s Name Guardian’s Name

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

20
 Flower Girl 3 (optional) Bible Bearer (optional)
Name: Name:

Guardian’s Name Guardian’s Name

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Principal Sponsors
Ninongs Ninangs
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

21
 Secondary Sponsors (Optional)
Candle
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Veil
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

Cord
Name: Name:

Contact No.: Contact No.:

Email Add.: Email Add.:

22
 The Guest List
Most couples initially decide on a set number of guests, but find their
guest list ballooning to an enormous size as the months go by. To
prevent this from happening, be sure to let your budget and size of your
wedding determine your guest list.

Set limits that you can apply across the board. Examples of such limits
are “no coworkers,” “no children,” “no dates for single guests,” and “no
distant relatives”. While it’s common for Filipinos to request if they can
bring other people to the wedding (who are not invited), you can be strict
about it, and tell them nicely that your venue can only accommodate a
specific headcount.

23
 WEDDING GUEST LIST WORKSHEET

Gift
Invites
Registry RSVP
Email Sent
Name Address Contact No. Sent
Address
Yes No Yes No Yes No

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

24
 WEDDING GUEST LIST WORKSHEET

Gift
Invites
Registry RSVP
Email Sent
Name Address Contact No. Sent
Address
Yes No Yes No Yes No

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

25
 The Invitation
After completing the final entourage and guest list, you need to get your
wedding invitations printed. Select a stationery that matches the style,
theme and motif of your wedding.

Apart from details of the who, when, where and what, you need to include
the names of your entourage. Most couples also include a directional
map to the venue to ensure that guests can find their way without any
problem. Enclose a reception card and an RSVP card in your invitation,
with a note specifying the number of seats you have reserved for a
particular guest. That way, they’ll know that seating is limited. Include
the phone number or URL where they can confirm their attendance.

You can also enclose a wedding gift registry card so that guests will
know how and where to purchase gifts you’ll want or need as a newly
married couple. Make sure to include the URL to your online wedding
registry so your guests can quickly see your wish list, and maybe even
purchase them for you right away.

A lot of couples now supplement their physical invitations with digital

and online invites. You can even create your very own website, or make
a simple Facebook Events Page, where you can invite specific guests.
Be sure to share the link to your online gift registry in your social media
page!

26
 The Wedding Registry
One of the perks of having a wedding is that guests shower you with
gifts. The idea behind it is to help you set up your new home and build a
new life together. Many couples who opt not to register for gifts end up
receiving duplicate items or items they don’t need.

To prevent this from happening, make it a point to register. A gift registry

will allow you to choose items you wish to receive. When friends or family
members purchase items from your registry, that item is removed from
the list so that other guests will no longer be able to purchase them for
you.

Traditional vs. Online Gift Registry

With traditional gift registries, you must physically visit stores to create
a list and your guests need to go to that same store or a branch nearer
them to buy items from your list. Invitees then merely need to provide
the bride and groom’s names to get access to the list. A store clerk is
tasked to assist them in their purchase.

On the other hand, online gift registries don’t need the bride’s nor the
groom’s physical presence for the list to be made. The couple just needs
to go online, create their gift registry account, and pick items they want,
much like they would if they were online shopping.

27
It’s that simple!

In the Philippines, it’s so easy to do this with Birch.

Birch is an online gift registry service that allows users to create a

personalized registry for weddings and other milestones in life. Here,
soon-to-be-married couples can create their wedding wish list by
choosing from a wide range of items from different brands and retailers.
Friends and family can readily access their wish list and purchase their
desired items online, making the wedding gift registry convenient for
everyone.

For couples that already have their home set up and would rather
receive cash for a large purchase or their honeymoon, as well as those
who are to take up residence abroad, Birch lets you raise the funds you
need without having to place a tacky note about preference for cash in
the invitation. With the Birch Cash Fund, you can specify what the cash
fund is for to make it more meaningful when guests contribute. Through
this digital cash registry, you can completely avoid the awkwardness of
having to ask for money instead of wrapped presents!

And because home appliances and furniture can be quite expensive,

not all your guests can afford them individually. In a traditional wedding
registry, your guests need to go to the store and purchase an item from
your list. If they can’t afford some of the more expensive products on
your list, they’d surely opt for the smaller item that they can afford.

28
With an online gift registry, however, you can set it up so that your
friends and family members can pitch in for an expensive item! Gifts
purchased for you through the online registry can be sent straight to
your new conjugal home, so you don’t have to worry about transporting
huge, bulky presents from your wedding venue to your home.

Another advantage of registering for gifts online, is being able to keep

track of who gave you what. This will make it easy for you to send out
thank-you notes after the wedding.

Engage couples are advised to give careful thought about what to put
in the gift registry. Don’t just put random things that you won’t need or
want. A carefully assembled gift registry can help you set up a beautiful
and fully functional home.

Here’s is Birch’s Registry Checklist that can give you an idea about what
items to choose.

29
 WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY CHECKLIST

Kitchen ◻◻ Knives & Boards

◻◻ Knife Blocks & Starter Sets
◻◻ Appliances ◻◻ Knives & Shears
◻◻ Blenders ◻◻ Cutting Boards
◻◻ Mixers
◻◻ Food Processors ◻◻ Coffee & Tea
◻◻ Rice Cookers & Multi-Cookers ◻◻ Coffee Makers
◻◻ Juicers ◻◻ French Presses & Craft Coffee
◻◻ Coffee & Tea ◻◻ Espresso Machines
◻◻ Toasters & Ovens ◻◻ Teapots & Kettles
◻◻ Specialty Appliances
◻◻ Bakeware
◻◻ Cookware ◻◻ Bakeware Sets
◻◻ Cookware Sets ◻◻ Baking Sheets & Pans
◻◻ Dutch Ovens ◻◻ Baking Dishes
◻◻ Fry Pans ◻◻ Pizza Stone & Accessories
◻◻ Sauce Pans ◻◻ Baking & Decorating Tools
◻◻ Grillers & Grill Pans
Tabletop
◻◻ Roast Pans
◻◻ Woks ◻◻ Dinnerware
◻◻ Specialty Cookware ◻◻ Fine Chinaware Sets
◻◻ Dinnerware for Everyday
◻◻ Tools & Gadgets
◻◻ Designer Plates & Bowls
◻◻ Cooking Utensils
◻◻ Charger Plates
◻◻ Colanders & Strainers
◻◻ Tea & Coffee Cups
◻◻ Choppers & Slicers
◻◻ Graters & Peelers ◻◻ Flatware
◻◻ Mills & Dispensers ◻◻ Fine Flatware Sets
◻◻ Mixing & Measuring Tools ◻◻ Flatware Sets for Everyday
◻◻ Specialty Tools ◻◻ Serving Sets
◻◻ Food Storage ◻◻ Specialty Flatware

30
 WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY CHECKLIST
◻◻ Serveware & Entertaining
◻◻ Serving Bowls
◻◻ Serving Platters & Trays
◻◻ Cheese Boards & Dessert
Stands
◻◻ Serving Utensils
◻◻ Salt & Pepper Shakers
◻◻ Pitchers & Carafes
◻◻ Specialty Serveware
◻◻ Bar & Drinkware
◻◻ Bar Carts
◻◻ Water & Juice Glasses
◻◻ Wine Glasses
◻◻ Champagne Glasses
◻◻ Cocktail Glasses
◻◻ Beer Glasses
◻◻ Pitchers & Carafes
◻◻ Decanters
◻◻ Bar & Wine Accessories
◻◻ Drinkware Sets
◻◻ Ice Buckets & Chillers
◻◻ Tea & Coffee Cups
◻◻ Coffee & Tea
◻◻ Pots & Cups
◻◻ Creamers & Sugar Bowls
◻◻ Coffee & Tea Accessories
◻◻ Table Linens
◻◻ Napkins & Rings
◻◻ Placemats
31
◻◻ Tablecloths & Runners
◻◻ Other Textiles
Bed & Bath
◻◻ Bedding
◻◻ Hotel & Luxury Collections
◻◻ Bedding Sets for Everyday
◻◻ Sheets, Pillowcases &
Shams
◻◻ Blankets & Throws
◻◻ Duvets & Comforters
◻◻ Decorative Pillows
◻◻ Bedding Basics
◻◻ Pillow Inserts & Accessories
◻◻ Duvet Inserts
◻◻ Mattress Pads & Toppers
◻◻ Mattresses
◻◻ Bath
◻◻ Bath Towels
◻◻ Shower Curtains
◻◻ Bath Mats & Rugs
◻◻ Bath Storage & Accessories
Decor & Lifestyle
◻◻ Pillows & Throws
◻◻ Frames & Candles
◻◻ Clocks, Mirrors & Wall Art
◻◻ Room Accents
 WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY CHECKLIST

◻◻ Travel
◻◻ Luggage & Luggage Sets
◻◻ Bags & Backpacks
◻◻ Travel Accessories

◻◻ Home Electronics
◻◻ Air Care
◻◻ Cameras & Accessories
◻◻ Speakers & Headphones
◻◻ Gaming Consoles

◻◻ Books & Stationery

◻◻ Novelties & Curiosities

Storage & Organization

◻◻ Carts & Racks

◻◻ Storage Containers & Organizers

◻◻ Trash & Recycling

32
Chapter 2: The Wedding Ceremony
Chapter 2: The Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony may be the most important part of your wedding. But
getting the legal aspects in order isn’t as easy as you may think. You
need to have your legal documents ready before your big day, else it
may not be considered legal and binding.

Basic Steps and Legal Requirements

Marriage License Application Requirements���

Requirements:

__ Original Copies of NSO birth certificates of bride and groom. For

non-Filipinos, provide your passport and a Certificate of Legal
Capacity to Contract Marriage (ask your consulate about getting a
certificate stating that you’re eligible to marry).

__ Notarized Affidavit of Parental Consent (if either bride or groom is

from 18 to 20 years old).

34
__ Notarized Written Parental Advice (if either bride or groom is from
21 to 25 years old).

__ Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the NSO.

__ Community Tax Certificate or Cedula (1 original and 2 photocopies).

__ Barangay Clearance (1 original and 1 photocopy).

__ At least 2 valid IDs.

__ Recent 1 x 1 photo (colored or black and white).

__ Duly Accomplished Marriage License Application Form.

Marriage License Application Process

Step 1: Go to the civil registrar office of the city or municipal hall where
both or either of the bride or groom habitually resides.

Step 2: Get a Marriage License Application Form (Form 90) from the
local registrar.

Step 3: Accomplish the form and attach the required documents.

Step 4: Get the claim slip. If you haven’t attended the required pre-
marriage counseling and family planning and responsible parenthood
seminar, you will be asked to present a certificate of attendance to claim
your marriage license.

35
Step 5: Schedule your pre-marriage counseling and seminars.

Note: Marriage license processing typically takes 10 business days or two

weeks. Once issued, the marriage license will only be valid for 120 days or
four months.

Pre-marriage Counseling and Seminars

The Philippine government requires engaged couples to attend pre-

marriage counseling and family planning and responsible parenthood
seminars before issuing a marriage license. Depending on your
municipality, this may come before or after the issuance of a marriage
certificate. Ask the civil registrar of your city or municipality hall about
scheduling a counseling session and seminars.

Release of Marriage License

Get your marriage license on the date indicated on your claim slip. This
document needs to be presented along with other requirements of
either the church or the civil office that will officiate your marriage.

36
 NSO Marriage Certificate Application

The marriage certificate can be procured 1 to 2 months after the

wedding. It’s an important document that newly wed couples need as
proof of their marriage. Go to the nearest NSO office and submit the
required information and documents.

__ Complete name of husband and wife

__ Date and place of marriage

__ Complete name and address of the requesting party

__ Purpose of the certification

__ Number of copies needed

Marriage Ceremony
Your marriage ceremony can be performed by legally recognized
officiants. These include members of the local judiciary, priests, rabbis,
imams, ministers of religious sectors or registered churches, consuls
general, consuls, or vice-consuls. Military commanders can also officiate
a marriage in the absence of a chaplain.

The marriage ceremony should be performed in the presence of at least

2 witnesses of legal age.

37
What Happens During the Wedding Ceremony
What happens during the wedding ceremony usually depends on the
couple’s religion and/or family traditions. Couples nowadays personalize
their wedding ceremonies to reflect their personalities and to make it
even more romantic and memorable.

Most officiants allow flexibility when it comes to personalizing the

ceremony, but be sure to check with your church or civil office beforehand.

Here are some wedding ceremony elements that you can consider
personalizing.

The Welcome
This pertains to the welcome speech of the officiant where he or she
calls everyone in attendance to begin the ceremony. This is usually
done after the processional.

The Readings
During the wedding ceremony, the officiant normally reads scripture (if
it’s a religious ceremony). If you have a favorite passage that you’d like
read at your wedding, be sure to discuss this with your officiant.

38
 The Vows
Most couples nowadays write their own wedding vows to profess how
they really feel for each other in front of the whole wedding party and
guests.

The Rings
The words at this time of the ceremony may be memorized, read from
paper, or recited after the officiant. The rings are normally handed to
the couple by the best man and maid of honor or delivered by the ring
bearer.

The Pronouncement
This is when the officiant pronounces the couple as husband and wife,
which is immediately followed by…

The Kiss
The kiss between the bride and groom represents the sealing of the
promises they made to each other. At this point, the wedding party and
guests all applaud and cheer for the just-married couple. Some couples
may ask their guests and entourage to pop hand held confetti during
the kiss to make it even more festive.

39
Chapter 3: The Reception

40
 Chapter 3: The Reception

Your wedding reception is the celebration of your marriage where

everyone can eat, drink, and be merry. Of course, there’s a wedding
program to make the wedding reception fun and memorable.

What to Consider When Planning Your

Wedding Reception

Location
Peak wedding months in the Philippines are during the months of June,
December and January. If you decide to hold your wedding on these
months, finding an available venue can be tough. More importantly,
finding the perfect venue that fits your style and theme can be quite
tricky.

If you decide on a less-than-perfect venue, don’t worry. There are event

stylists who can turn your venue into your dream wedding location.

41
 Caterer
It was a long day indeed and all the festivities will make you and your
guests hungry. Although as the bride and groom, you’ll surely be too
excited to eat during the reception, your entourage and guests will be
famished by the time dinner is served.

Some venues offer catering services, but you can also get an independent
caterer. Attend food tasting sessions to be sure the food will be as
awesome as the party.

Tipping Etiquette

You may allot a portion of your budget to tips for the waitstaff and
bartenders. You can delegate the task of handing out tips to the Father
of the Bride or the Groom. Some bartenders also place a tip jar at the
bar, so guests can freely tip the staff during the party.

Menu
Whether you decide on a sit-down dinner or a buffet, be sure that there’s
something for everyone. There can be vegetarians among your guests,
or people with special diets.

Traditions
Most wedding receptions follow traditions, but it’s ultimately up to the
bride and groom which ones they want to include—a head table,

42
the first toast, opening dances, cake-cutting ceremony, dove release,
and bouquet and garter toss. Modern weddings also include games
where guests can win attractive prizes.

Photography and Videography

The photos and videos of your wedding day is what you will look at in the
years to come. It’s very important that you hire reliable photographers
and videographers.

Make sure that you discuss with your photo and video team to your
wants, needs, and expectations.

Music
The music and entertainment at the wedding reception sets the tone
and mood of the whole party. A string quartet, for instance, adds an
elegant touch while a live band or party DJ can encourage your guests
to hit the dance floor.

Florist
Start looking for a florist at least a year before the wedding and make
sure that you have one booked months ahead. Package all the flowers
and floral arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception to
save on costs.

43
 Wedding Cake
Do a taste test before you decide on a baker. Most wedding cakes are
left untouched and go to waste after the wedding. Don’t just settle for a
beautiful cake. Make sure it’s not just edible but good enough to enjoy,
too!

Transportation
Transportation is crucial when the wedding ceremony and reception are
located separately. Ensure that your guests, especially your entourage,
have the necessary transportation. This is especially important for
destination weddings.

Wedding Souvenirs
Take note that the wedding souvenirs given to your sponsors, entourage,
and guests are different nowadays. For sponsors and members of the
entourage, a special token can be given to show your gratitude, while
simpler souvenirs can be handed to guests.

Wedding Reception Program

The program during your wedding reception will set the tone of the whole
party. It will determine how involved the guests are in the festivities.
Include games where the members of the entourage and
guests can participate, along with the bride and groom.

44
WEDDING RECEPTION PROGRAM TEMPLATE

I. Master of Ceremonies Welcome

II. Wedding Prayer
III. Introduction of the Wedding Party
a. Secondary Sponsors
b. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
c. Best Man and Maid of Honor
d. Principal Sponsors
e. Parents
IV. Entrance of the Bride and Groom
V. Father and Daughter Dance
VI. Newlywed’s First Dance
VII. Picture Taking
VIII. Dinner
IX. Wedding Tradition
a. Cutting of the Cake
b. Cross Over Toast
X. Messages from the Fathers of Bride and Groom
XI. Message from Maid of Honor
XII. Best Man’s Toast to the Bride and the Groom
XIII. Bouquet Throw (optional)
XIV. Garter Toss (optional)
XV. Other Activities/Games
XVI. Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds
XVII. Closing Remarks

45
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s something couples
look back to when they’re old and gray. Yes, planning a wedding can
be an overwhelming task, but as long as you give yourself ample time
for preparations, you can and will enjoy planning the wedding of your
dreams.

Again, congratulations on your engagement and may you have the most
enchanting wedding there could ever be!

Planning Your Dream Wedding?

Sign Up at BIRCH to Create Your Wedding Registry Now!

https://www.birch.com.ph/

Connect With Us!

46
 Downloadables

Wedding Timetable and To-do List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wedding Budget Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Entourage Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Wedding Guest List Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Wedding Gift Registry Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Marriage License Application Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Wedding Reception Program Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

47