One of the dilemmas about being one of the last in my big circle of girl friends to get married is finding a unique venue that hasn't been used yet. After much discussion, we decided to have our wedding in town. A destination wedding would have been wonderful (I was toying with a small reception in Bali or The Raffles in Singapore since the prices were actually manageable) but we didn't want to impose travel costs on our guests.
We actually started venue hunting the weekend after we got engaged. The Groom was diligent enough to set viewing appointments with eight places.
I was well-impressed when he picked me up bright and early on Saturday and handed me a folio with print outs of various wedding packages (found online or sent to him via email) and a special wedding venue checklist he made himself.
This was based on the following assumptions:
- I originally wanted a 1920s themed wedding.
- He wanted a lot of food, therefore a good buffet; having live cooking stations was a bonus.
- We were thinking of doing a lunch or brunch reception.
- I wanted something with windows or a view or at least a place with character.
Back to my story; we visited eight venues from Fernbrook Gardens to Manila Hotel and back to Makati at The Mandarin Oriental.
Saturday, 10:00am, Fernbrook Gardens
While Fernbrook is certainly photogenic (the chapel and Gazebo would be a stunning setting for the wedding album), it was more Cinderella romantic than 1920s. I was also concerned about the uneven rock flooring of the venue, which might be difficult to dance on. We also felt it was a bit of a drive for our guests who mostly live in the general Manila area.
They did present us with an affordable, hassle-free wedding package that included everything a couple would need-food, photographer, flowers, video, mobile bar, and more. However, with the number of extras and changes we wanted to make to the package, we would have had to customize it anyway.
Saturday, 1:00pm, Manila Hotel
- They couldn't give us a fixed package rate even if we booked then and there because they'll be raising the prices by I think 10%-15% or more next year. She assured us it was because they would be upgrading things like the linens and such.
- There was corkage for practically everything we might want to bring in--additional liquor, mobile bar, cake, photo booth, band, sound system, etc. The fees were pretty high too.
It felt very discouraging. I was also concerned about the all the stairs guests (especially the older ones) would have to use just to get from their tables to the (non-upgraded) bathrooms and back.
The Maynila Package sounded quite nice though, with its menu of Filipino food. The stage would have been great for a jazz band and I liked the grandeur of the entrance. I also fell in love with the Champagne Room but she told us that they no longer allow weddings there and that we would have to pay about P3000-P5000 per head if we even got permission from management to hold our reception there. Sigh.
Saturday, 2:30pm Diamond Hotel
After coming from the disappointment of the previous venue, the nice set-up and coffee served at the "wedding room" of Diamond Hotel was so welcoming. The banquet sales manager, Miles, was also so pleasant and quick to answer our questions.
Saturday, 4:00pm La Castellana
I actually found La Castellana online while helping a friend search for a wedding venue. I thought it was so pretty with its inner courtyard and old Spanish feel.
The place itself was pretty and the price was so reasonable. It's so close to Manila Cathedral that you can see the dome of the church from the terrace. Corkage was also quite minimal and we could have live cooking stations. I liked how it had a very cozy but elegant feel to it.
