BORACAY Wedding (Thread 2)

[duxelles]

Hi ladies! We're currently facing a dilemma right now in trying to pick between Discovery Shores and Shangri-la for our venue. I've highlighted what I think are the pluses and minuses of each. Hopefully it will also help out someone who might face the same dilemma later on.

Discovery Shores
+ much better wedding reception menu
+ right on white beach & the sand also looks finer
+ there's a lot of other choices for guest accommodations in station 1
+ the reception can go until midnight
+ gives more of the "boracay" experience
- limited privacy, higher chances of having onlookers on what is otherwise a private, solemn ceremony
- the resort has a very "clean" modern feel to it, almost too cold and has no character
- even the premier suites look nowhere as beautiful as Shangri-la's tree house villa, so I'm not sure how photos of the bridal party getting ready will look like
- not sure how accommodations will be like for guests with limited mobility (e.g. grandparents) since there are a ton of stairs everywhere! (shangri-la wins on this end because of the golf cart that can take you anywhere on the premises)
- less inclusions on the wedding package

Shangri-la Boracay
+ beautiful and exclusive oasis
+ private beach, so both the ceremony and reception will feel more intimate
+ gorgeous lagoon pool
+ better overall surroundings = better photos?
+ a lot of inclusions on the wedding package (DJ, fire dancers, drumbeaters, treehouse villa, beach lanterns)
- the outdoor reception (entertainment) has a 10PM end time (no flexibility here)
- i didn't like the wedding reception menu at all (it was too cliche for my liking, and i wanted something that focused on the local bounty and highlighted filipino cuisine more)
- it's harder for guests to go to the main white beach strip (30min & hourly shuttles only)
- the beach, while private, is not as nice. also $15 cocktails/drinks on the beach sounds a little bit ridiculous
- minimum 10 rooms x 2 nights each (i asked if we can do 5 rooms/villas at 4 nights each since it will cost the same anyway, but no flexibility here either.)

I'm really eager to hear what you guys think. I'm especially looking forward to hearing from those who have considered either (or both) of these places before and what your final decision was. Cost won't be a factor in our decision since both venues are really very similar $$-wise. Thanks so much!!

[imbisibol_]

^

- we didn't get turned off with shangri-la's 10 PM end time.  it was actually a good idea to wrap up at that time.  a smaller and more intimate after-party was held at our villa.  but really, we didn't need to party until 3 AM on our wedding night.  i guess that's what stag parties and bachelorettes are for.  and that policy is also a thumbs-up for the resort who is clearly thinking of other non-wedding guests and their right to a quiet night too.

- look into providing transportation to/from shangri-la for your guests.  our coordinator arranged for pick up points for our 80+ wedding guests (about 70% were not staying in shangri-la).

- i'd go for a private, not-as-nice beach instead of a free-for-all-no-crowd-control beach.  besides, the color of the sand will not matter much when the sun starts setting.

- try and work with the chef about tweaking your menu a bit.  i don't know if you can totally revamp everything, but they were cooperative in making a modified cocktail hour menu for us.

- perhaps try including in your contract that for the 10 rooms x 2 nights requirement, they would have to pack/unpack your things for you when you move rooms for the third night.  but that's a crazy policy if you're going to be doing 5 rooms x 4 nights already.  5x4 actually benefits them since they don't have to prep more rooms for new occupancy, lesser paperwork for checking in/out, etc. 

enjoy your wedding preps, and clearly- my vote goes to shangri-la 

[duxelles]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, imbisibol! It's always useful to hear from other brides who've gone through the same experience.  I was flabbergasted that they weren't willing to "compromise" on the 5 villas x 4 nights thing. It seemed too inflexible for me. It's one thing if they were going to lose $ on accommodations, but they wont since it's the same # of nights and they'll probably make more because we're booking all villas not rooms. Oh well.

BTW, do you guys have any experience with spas in Boracay? I've heard good things about Mandala. Planning on treating all the female members of my entourage & close family members to a spa day/pseudo-bridal shower before the wedding.

[imbisibol_]

mandala is supposed to be excellent and $$$.  my ex-boyfriend was turned off because he wouldn't be allowed to smoke in the premises.  they're supposed to be holistic and all that. 

but the shangri-la spa services are extensive and impressive as well.  we did the package where you get steamed up first (uhog-galore and fits of laughter from the two of us), massage proper (more fits of laughter when we saw the packaged disposable panties), and then dipping in a nice bath afterwards.

and even if we didn't get to try mandala, i'm glad to say that the now-husband is now a non-smoker, weeee! 

and duxelles, are you dealing directly with shangri-la about the room requirements?  or are you going through a coordinator?  i would guess there might be better luck with a coordinator.  they wouldn't budge with us as well about a separate buffet menu just for kids.  i didn't think a 4 year old needs his own buffet choices.  i was pushing for a la carte for the kids which the hotel also absolutely refused.  enter my coordinator to mediate, and i got my a la carte options. 

[duxelles]

^ Thanks for the tip about the Shangri-la spa! I'll definitely look into it. The treatments sound very... shall we say, comprehensive? Lol at the uhog galore! But seriously it sounds super relaxing!

And yay for non-smoking husbands! Definitely a huge plus. 

I was previously dealing with just their events manager but also now going through my coordinator. Our wedding is not until late 2016 so we have some time. So far I've booked the wedding planner and photographer. Still deciding on the videographer but have narrowed it down to Bob Nicolas and Mayad. I'm also really excited to start with my idea board!

[Bora.Nov2016]

Anyone hired an Emcee? They cost $300 just to emcee the flow of the program. Amanda said that they don't hype/ask people to dance. Is it worth it? If not, what did you do? Help please!

@duxelles - Good luck on wedding preps! We're getting married Nov 2016 at Asya.
I heard amazing things about Shangri-La. It was our first choice but the room requirements threw us off... even with Amanda's coordination, they won't budge.

 @gj1206 - I didnt really like wedges with the wedding gown i got made. Luckily, our ceremony is at the church, so i can still wear my preferred wedding shoes. And my reception gown goes nicely with flat sandals for the beach reception.

[duxelles]

^ Also curious about what previous brides did for wedding hosting. Did you hire a local host / emcee? Did you just ask your DJ do some hosting duties? I'm still debating whether we should get a band on top of the DJ. I think band choices might be limited though if you don't want to spend extra money to fly them all from Manila.

Bora.Nov2016: Thanks! Good luck on your stuff too. We're getting married in December. I don't have much suppliers booked aside from wedding coordination & photography (wedding + pre-wedding). We're having a destination engagement shoot later this year so we can start sending our save the dates soon.  I feel a little bit silly sending these a full year before the actual wedding, but a lot of our guests will be flying in from the US so I figured the more notice they have, the better.

[chicgurl]

@Bora.Nov2016 & duxelles: my brother hosted our wedding reception together with my best friend; i felt na the host/emcee should be very close to me and know me and my husband.. we were beyond satisfied with his hosting skills hehe  sanay na kasi lagi din siyang naghohost sa mga wedding at binyag ng friends niya.

happy preps

[paper_dolls501]

Thank you @imbisibol and @gj1206, ang mahal nga sa paypal tapos nag direct bank transfer ako sa Asya doble din ang deduction. Mabagal ba talaga mag reply ang Asya? Minsan 2 weeks bago magreply si sa email si Leslie.

Feeling ko parang ang bagal kong magplan, di pa ako nakapag decide sa P/V ko. Since Asya bride na ako ngayon, sis @iAmMariee - diba NSTD ka kay Amanda, ikaw ba lahat nagcontact at nakipag deal (deposit and paid) sa Asya, PV, HMUA, flowers at lahat ng suppliers mo or you let amanda deal with them? Check ko yung picture mo sa pinterest ang ganda, nag upgrade kaba sa decoration mo sa ASYA? Yung tent ba sa reception mo included na dun yung parang drapes nya or nag hire ka ng event stylist? Ano ang wedding theme mo sis?

@chicgurl - I read somewhere na nag upgrade ka ng decoration mo sa Asya? Konti lang nakita kong pics mo sa Bride and breakfast pero bonga naman. I cannot find kung may summary entry kaba ng lahat ng supplier mo tulad nung kay sis iAmMariee. Tapos how much yung gastos mo sa wedding invitation mo at ano ang wedding theme mo sis?

[bananamango]

Hi mga sis newbie here. I'll be getting married at Nigi Nigi Boracay in December.
I cant still decide if we will hire a wedding coordinator or not. 70 guests lang naman.
My HMU will be Lani Isip. Im glad that she is now Boracay based. I will just hire her for me and my moms. Any recommendation for another hmu for my bridesmaids? May na receive kasi ko na feedback na mura nga yung sa mga salons dun bat mag mumukha ka namang aatend ng gay beauty pageant.
Any feedback also about bells and blooms? and Teddy Manuel flowers?
Thank you so much sissies! appreciate your feedback.

[MichelleZ]

Welcome to the thread sis Bananamango. Kami naman, we will be having 50 guests but still opted to get coordinator which is Amanda. So far she had been a big help sa preps. Actually she's the only person we go and direct ALL our concerns... thru emails lang ha. We're both overseas kasi ni fiance. We never talked with other suppliers, si Amanda na naghahandle nun. It's easier that way on our part given our situation-being away plus our internet here always gets messed up, as in always lol. If you're on a budget, at least get an OTD coordinator to help you out on the day of your wedding para less stress to both of you..well saken lang naman po un sis..

I believe some of the past boracay brides got Fern as their HMUA. I suggested him too to my bridesmaids. Might get him for them and for my Mum. Search mo sya sis sa FB.

To past Asya brides, which hotel/s did your guests stay? I'm looking for hotels "near" Asya. Amanda told me na there are no hotels as in really near Asya. She said around 8-10 minutes walk yung distance nya from other hotels in Station 3. Any suggestions? Yung affordable po sana but decent. Fiance kasi will pay for all the accommodations.  I was thinking if they will stay in Station 1 or 2, we will have to hire transfers for them pa. Will it be cheaper or better to stay close to Asya? TIA.

[paper_dolls501]

Hello sis Bananamango, I only got maximum of 35 guest and hire amanda (OTD) as wedding coordinator, I was even thinking of partial kaso di naman na sya available sa wedding date ko. Panay din ang research ko sa mga feedback sa mga local supplier na ni-recommend ni Amanda and mukhang si Fern nalang din ang kukunin ko dahil halos pare-parehas naman ang rate nila.

@MichelleZ - I'm Asya bride too and wala pa akong na research na place para sa mga guest namin, I think ipapaubaya ko nalang sa kanila yan. Pero much better yata kung lahat around station 3 kasi madami naman mga affordable na hotel dun.  Kailan ang wedding mo sis?

[iAmMariee]

paper_dolls501 - thanks!    no, wala kaming stylist and hindi kami nagupgrade sa decors with Asya.  Yung tent is extra yun kasi that time there was a chance of rain sa wedding day namin so we were asked if we want the tent or not, wala talaga yun sa plan but hubby didn't want to take the chance so we decided to have it put up.. it did rain sa reception pero saglit lang 

NSTD ako kay Amanda and I dealt with directly with my P/V and florist and Asya regarding sa payment but Amanda did ask kasi di ba usually the balance are paid on the day especially for P/V?  She could have done it but we chose to fully pay our suppliers before we arrive in Manila, saved ourselves from hassles of carrying cash/check. 

Re: accommodation near Asya, my friends stayed sa Villa Caemilla and also Casa Pilar, some of them walked sa beachfront and they said it was good 15 minutes so hindi nga sya ganun kalapit.. most of us stayed sa Station 2.  We were in White House (Station 1) for our rehearsal dinner and I wish we stayed there instead! Maganda and clean ang resort, quiet and super wide beachfront, most of all very affordable. My P/Vs stayed there and Amanda arranged it.  Since we arranged for transportation sa guests during our wedding it wouldn't have mattered if nasa station 1 or 2 or 3 sila, pickup points are arranged din kasi..  so I recommend White House 

[MichelleZ]

Paperdolls_501 Hi sis, January 2016 kami, ikaw sis? I told fiance nga na bahala na yung guests for their accom, pero ayaw nya, dapat daw sya magshoulder nun. 

IAmMariee - Thanks for the tips. sis, which hotel did you stay at station 2? I checked Villa Caemilla and Casa Pilar, look ok naman. I saw Cocoloco beach resort, anyone stayed there before?
I was thinking if we will be having rehearsal dinner pa. How much did you spent sis? And how much did you spent for the transfers ng guests? I saw White House din before and considering it as well. 

To past Boracay brides who had families/ guests that came to attend the wedding from overseas, did they flew straight to Kalibo ? or Manila then just go to caticlan/kalibo? I was thinking of flying them straight to Kalibo.. it will be their first time to come to the Philippines din.. TIA and happy preps. xoX

[darkhorse]

@ MichelleZ -- What date are you in January 2016? Mine is on the 7th in Asya too. We have decided not to pay for our guests accommodation for the simple truth that it will be too much for us to pay for. And decided to pay for the transfers instead.

@ IamMariee--we decided to get the Menu same as yours ... We tweaked it a little a bit though ....

[bananamango]

Hi sis MichelleZ, I have already booked Lani Isip for my HMU. Buti na lang talaga Boracay based na sya. I really love her work! very clean fresh lang ang peg.
But thanks for referring Fern. How much rate nya? Most of our guests would like to have their hmu done.
Refer ko si Fern. Ano surname nya? google ko.

As for a place to stay for your guests, check out Levantin. They have new rooms at 1,700k lang per [textspeak!]! very good reviews too. Its in Bolabog area but walking distance naman daw to White beach. Ive booked my family and guests na dun.

Any feedback about Izy Jingco? Teddy Manuel?

Goodluck sa mga preps sissies!

[MichelleZ]

Hi sis bananamango. Its Fern Quimpo. His on FB as well. How much rate ni Lani Isip sis?

Thanks sis will check the hotel you mentioned. Mura na nga sya for 1,700.

Teddy Manuel has office in boracay na. But I think you will spend about 100k for the stylist-at least you have a budget like that for styling. Thats why I think we wont get stylist na just like what chicgurl and iAmMariee did to their wedding. Kaya naman siguro Ng Asya and Amanda's team. Will just get add ons and hire some stuff. Syempre it will be costly but maybe won't cost too much than hiring a stylist. But if you have the budget naman sis go lang. Hehe.

Question sa mga Asya Brides, is it really 3 paying nights we should pay apart from the free night included in their package?  TIA sissies. Happy preps!

[chicgurl]

Thank you @imbisibol and @gj1206, ang mahal nga sa paypal tapos nag direct bank transfer ako sa Asya doble din ang deduction. Mabagal ba talaga mag reply ang Asya? Minsan 2 weeks bago magreply si sa email si Leslie.

Feeling ko parang ang bagal kong magplan, di pa ako nakapag decide sa P/V ko. Since Asya bride na ako ngayon, sis @iAmMariee - diba NSTD ka kay Amanda, ikaw ba lahat nagcontact at nakipag deal (deposit and paid) sa Asya, PV, HMUA, flowers at lahat ng suppliers mo or you let amanda deal with them? Check ko yung picture mo sa pinterest ang ganda, nag upgrade kaba sa decoration mo sa ASYA? Yung tent ba sa reception mo included na dun yung parang drapes nya or nag hire ka ng event stylist? Ano ang wedding theme mo sis?

@chicgurl - I read somewhere na nag upgrade ka ng decoration mo sa Asya? Konti lang nakita kong pics mo sa Bride and breakfast pero bonga naman. I cannot find kung may summary entry kaba ng lahat ng supplier mo tulad nung kay sis iAmMariee. Tapos how much yung gastos mo sa wedding invitation mo at ano ang wedding theme mo sis?

hello sis, sorry for the super late reply.. been offline for 2 weeks..  crazy office schedule. hindi lahat pinost ni B&B yung mga pics na sinend ko.. PM kita sis about sa pics wala kasi akong public link ng lahat ng wedding pics. for our suppliers enumerate ko below.. yung wedding invitation as far as i can remember i paid 5K php for the layout & design then around 8500 php sa printing.

Wedding Coordination: FULL - Amanda Tirol
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Asya Premier Suites
Photo: MangoRed
Video: Notion in Motion
Pre Wedding Photos: Metrophoto (Oly Ruiz)
Wedding Invite Front Graphic: Abigail Eser Jose Diaz
Wedding Invite Layout & design: Cla Ines
Wedding Invite printing: Elyn Cordova of Concepts Technology
Wedding Signage: Iya Olondriz
Bride's Wedding Dress: Veejay Floresca
Groom's Suit: Jef Albea
Entourage dresses & shirts and trousers: Jef Albea
Wedding Bouquet: Vatel Manila (Dylan Gozum)
Entourage flower bouquets and boutonnieres: c/o Vatel Manila
Bride HMUA: Paolo Maranan & Jaime Sy
Groom's Sisters & Mother HMUA: Fern Quimpo
Cocktail Entertainment Sun-downers: Marvin's Reggae band
Reception Music/Entertainment: DJ that Amanda got for us forgot his name sorry
Bride & Groom's Accommodations: Boracay Regency, Asya, & Shangrila
Groom's Family Accommodation: Malibu Villa (7br villa), Seaside Heights Mt. Luho
Bride's Family Accommodation: Boracay Beach House Station 3 (10min walk to ASYA)
Friends' Accommodation: La Carmela (yes we paid for some friends' accommodation hehe favoritism? lol)
Wedding Bands: Cara Jeweler
After Rehearsal Dinner: Boracay Regency (buffet restaurant)
 
I believe i covered everything.. if you have questions let me know happy to help.

[chicgurl]

Question sa mga Asya Brides, is it really 3 paying nights we should pay apart from the free night included in their package?  TIA sissies. Happy preps!

yes sis additional pa po yung 3 nights na yun sa ASYA.

[imbisibol_]

To past Boracay brides who had families/ guests that came to attend the wedding from overseas, did they flew straight to Kalibo ? or Manila then just go to caticlan/kalibo? I was thinking of flying them straight to Kalibo.. it will be their first time to come to the Philippines din.. TIA and happy preps. xoX

if philippine domestic flights were on-time and reliable, you can probably risk flying your guests in from NAIA to Kalibo.  but since they're not, i would highly recommend having your guests spend one night to recharge in manila first.  you didn't mention what countries your guests are coming from.  if it's halfway across the world, then as above.  but if they'll be coming from- say, singapore, then i guess it will be fine to go to Kalibo right away.  make sure they have an early flight into Manila though.

if i had to travel from the US to NAIA (with a stopover or two in between) to Kalibo and then another 2 to 3 hour van ride to Caticlan and then another 15 to 20 minute boat ride to Boracay, i would go crazy, but that's just me.