Mary & Mario

FAQ - Must Read!

What is the motif?

The motif will be Navy Blue with shades of Lilac or Violet. White will also be incorporated. Please check the color palette below:

PLS CHECK "OUR INSPIRATION" ALBUM:

http://www.mywedding.com/maryandmario/photo_288824_15179416.html

What is the theme of the wedding?

I want the wedding to have a rustic, vintage theme. Just right for the venue.


How far is Manila Cathedral from the Reception?

The reception, Casa Manila Patio in Plaza San Luis, is quite near the church. Located in Intramuros, you can see on the map that it's 2 blocks away, walking distance :-)

To get a clear view of the main roads, please visit http://wikimapia.com and type "CASA MANILA PATIO."

What should we wear?

Strictly formal.

- Males should wear long sleeves in white, preferably with black slacks. Males can also wear Barong.

- For the ladies, a formal dress (cocktail dress is ok) in Navy Blue, Lilac or Violet will do.

- NO JEANS pls!

- Principal Sponsors (females) will wear dresses in Lilac. Male Principal Sponsors will wear Barong.

- Secondary Sponsors (females) will wear dresses in Navy Blue. Male Secondary Sponsors will wear Barong.

Can I bring a date?

As much as possible, we want to share this day with only the ones we know and are close to us. One of our ultimate goals is to make this an intimate event. :-) So, I guess that is a No, unless it is stated in your invitation that we have reserved and extra seat for you...

I got an invite but have no plans of attending; should I still send a gift?

First thing's first. If you won't be able to attend for whatever reason, please RSVP. A big chunk of the wedding budget goes to the reception and it will be utterly inconsiderate to just give up a reserved seat without letting the couple know. Give them the chance to assign that seat to another guest in their "waitlist." Having that out of the way, let's get to your question: YES, it is customary to still send a gift.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

The envelope bears only my name. May I ask if I can bring a date?

Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says "and Guest." Bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. Neither should you ask the couple's permission if you may bring one or not. Don't put your friends on the spot. We Filipinos don't really like turning down people. So how would you know if their "Yes" means yes or not? Spare them that trouble.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

The invite says "Mr. & Mrs." Could we bring our kids?

Never bring the kids unless "& Family" is indicated. Soon-to-weds don't usually invite children for a good reason. Kids get bored or cranky during hour-long masses. Their tantrums might disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony. Weddings are usually formal events typically not appropriate for the little ones. To be blunt about it, inviting a child at the reception means added two mouths to feed - the kid's and the yaya's.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

I don't have a clue what gift to give them. Any ideas?

The average Pinoy soon-to-wed would always prefer monetary gifts more than any other gift. It is the unspoken fact. We're telling you now to make it easier for them to let you know what they REALLY want; unless they indicated that already in their invites which, by the way, is a very tacky thing to do.

If you're not comfortable giving cash, you may ask the couple where they are registered (Gift / Bridal Registry) and choose from what's listed under their names in the store. You can also ask them where they're residing after the wedding and take the cue from there. If you know that they'll be migrating abroad or living with their parents for the time being, a ref or another oven toaster may not be the most practical and logical gift.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

I'm convinced. So how much cash should I give them? I don't want to give too little or too much.

That's a hard thing to answer. It's really a case-to-case thing. Try to put yourself in the couple's shoes. How much should a guest of your stature give you without being branded a cheapskate? Also consider your relationship with the couple. If you're good friends of the couple's parents, you'll probably shell-out more than if you were simply the bride's Girl Friday.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

Could I skip the ceremony and head straight to the reception?

You can. BUT you shouldn't! You are invited to THE wedding -- that's the part where they exchange their "I dos." The reception is where the Receiving Line is. You can't be 'received' if you are already seated in the hall, right? "Patay-gutom" is too harsh a word and we assure you that it's by no means what anyone would think if indeed you decide to go straight to the reception. But admit that it struck a nerve just mentioning the word in that context, isn't it?

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)

During the banquet, is there anything I need to know?

Nowadays, the Reception Program usually have the guests on each table stand up and have their picture taken with the couple before being led to the buffet. This is done to resolve two issues of past weddings: (a) for the couple's convenience and skip the tiring Table-Hopping ritual just to have their picture taken with all their guests; and (b) for the guests' convenience so they won't have to wait very long for their turn in the buffet line.

Keep in mind that Buffet is NOT synonymous with "Eat-All-You-Can." Do not pile your plate full. Be courteous of those who have yet to be served. Don't worry. You can easily go for seconds.

by: John & Benz Rana (WeddingsAtWork founders)