My Cake Issues

When we first talked of getting married, I already made it clear that I will be very OC and particular about the wedding cake. Basically because I love cake... and it's something am sure to eat.

My Baby and I were ok with my initial concept... have someone make this steel multi-level tray where we'd place different-flavored cakes on. Later, we thought the steel tray would be nice to use for flower pots in our garden... or a place to put picture frames on for our living room.

We thought we'd either buy the usual cakes we love from Goldilock's, Red Ribbon, Hizon's and Becky's Kitchen and just put them there (around 7 different-flavored cakes)... or order particular cake flavors from one baker and have them decorated according to our color theme.

That was the original idea.

But as the preps progressed... we realized that the cake stand might be too pricey.

So we thought we'd have the usual cake na lang, 3-tiers which will end up divided among 3 families: his (biggest portion/base), mine (2nd biggest portion, middle) and ours (the top one w/ the cake topper).

Then I validated a suspicion that fondant icing is seldom eaten. It's edible, yes, because it's rolled sugar. But it's usually hard and extended by using baking powder/soda (?). So it's not exactly palatable. It's just really meant to be enjoyed using one's sight.

And... most wedding cakes aren't all cakes. Usually, it's only the base that is cake... and not even all of it.

And most cakes being offered by bakers are mostly chiffon (for butter/marshmallow/boiled icing) or the fruit, carrot, apple walnut flavors (for fondant).

:(

So now I want an all-cake, non-fondant cake. What's more... I want a cake reminiscent of a birthday cake... rocky road... with mousse... or caramel cake... with dulce de leche or chantilly cream filling... or different-flavored chiffon layers with different fillings/mousse...

And most bakers I've asked if they make such cakes for weddings just give me an odd look.

Which I resent.

And then I got to taste one of Alex Franco's cakes. It was at Karla & Adrian's wedding. It was his Black & White cake, 2 or 3 different cake flavors plus mousse and mangoes, and decorated with fresh fruits and flowers. Tsk.

But, eventhough Mr. Franco does not ask for a downpayment (he does limit clients to 3 a day ata because he/they slice & decorate the cakes themselves to be served to guests), I cannot ask my Baby anymore that we get him.

We're just simply over our original wedding budget.

Sigh.

And then Barbara's tells me it would be really nicer if we get a BIG or TALL cake because our reception venue is simply HUGE, with an equally GINORMOUS Joya-inspired sculpture littering the premises.

I think it was Abie who referred me to Costa Brava, because she got a cake from them that was P5k cheaper from that of Franco's. Make that CAKES, because it had some 8-9 round cakes. I've been trying to get a hold of Ms. Juda Liu but she was out of the country for awhile... and now, even her cake seems expensive for me too.

And then my Baby and I decided we'd just put up a Christmas tree at the reception... really trim it and all... put our gifts to parents/sponsors under it... and have a cake designed like a Christmas gift box. Under the tree table, we'd place the gifts we'd receive from guests.

Nice... if it weren't for the fact that we can't really know how windy it will be at the reception... because a swaying Christmas tree just isn't good (unless we have something sturdier made-to-order, and hello, that would still cost us plenty... actually, even Christmas trees aren't cheap).

So now, the idea is to just get a fruit fountain from Barbara's (around P5k)... but still have a small cake for the cake-cutting ceremony.

This would, however, mean that we'd have to forego that other gimmick we thought up for the cake table.

Sigh.

And still no cake. Howell...

METRO Weddings, Bridal Factory, etc

METRO WEDDINGS

Honestly, I was really disappointed with this issue... Aside from the lengthy articles on where to go for pampering, I found it really lacking in tips and other stuff that would really, really help brides-to-be...

The P150k wedding project was ok... though I felt they only got the P7k flower package because they were in a position to haggle... read: because they're friends or whatever... for even in Dangwa, I highly doubt it that you can get so much flowers (with tulips even!) for the bride and her entou for the same price... Pinoydon as caterer is a good input for those who want a different kind of something served to their guests... am just not sure how flexible their menu is... and of course, the project was lacking a video package, and yet had butterfly release and souvenirs in it... wehhhh....

What else... it would have been nice to know how much each accessory or bouquet featured there costs... There were also a lot of Lila Almario shoes in the issue... so that's definitely not for those on a budget...

Oh yeah... their article on cheap finds along Quiapo... uhm... basically, the article said that you have to commute because parking is impossible (and scary!) and you have to be willing to get exhausted... those who wrote it started by checking out invite shops at Recto... then going to Evangelista/Palanca/Villalobos (these are nearer Quiapo Church) for lace, beads, accessories, souvenirs, cheap gowns and flowers. The pictures are nice, there were some prices quoted to give people an idea of how much they can save if only they're willing to let go of their sheltered lives...

There were also a lot of typos... one article even spelled Monet as Money...

The proposals featured were nice... but again highlighted the great divide of those who can afford the ring and wedding...and those who can afford a proposal that costs as much as the ring and wedding...

The Claudine Baretto ish was definitely better than this one... and at P250, I was really hoping for glorious tips and reminders... I should just really have gone to Recto and haggled w/ those selling 2ndhand books and mags for a thick Modern Bride issue for more pictures and tips...

I thought getting a local mag will be better because at least you'd have a more realistic knowledge of what is actually available for you here in the country (esply where flowers are concerned)... but a visit to w@w and a trip to Dangwa (or even a call to flower shops) would have taken cared of that...

But oh... a great thing the issue had that I wished it thought to prioritize... was listing Churches with fees and their inclusions/limitations (in the Directory page)...

And yes, featuring alternative sites to hold receptions in (Sonya's Garden, Antonio's, Taal Vista... although most of them are again, not for the middle-income earners) was also nice...

*~*

Membership in the W@W yahoogroups could be a real bittersweet experience. On one hand, it's so easy to compare yourself, your accomplishments, your budget (and its limitations) and your love stories with those of the other brides. It's sooooo easy to get overwhelmed as you process other people's preparations too, not just your own... and get lost in the trends and the hype of popular/favorite suppliers.

And then of course, there's the fact that we tend to take for granted that we still belong to an elite group... not because we're like Judy Ann Santos who gets paid 6 figures for every taping... or because any of us were born into, or marrying into a DBF (De Buena Familia)...

What makes us privileged is the fact that we have access to the internet... and it's always good to note that millions of couples/people in this fine country of ours don't.

So no matter how much we say we got something cheap... chances are, it's still mid-ranged price compared to what could be afforded by the REAL average joe's.

Having said all these things though... W@W will always be something I'd be grateful for...

For it has allowed me to walk with fellow brides one step at a time as we simultaneously go through the process of becoming a bride and wife. No other set of people can really empathize with the minute details and concerns a wedding preparation entails... Your friends and family will ask about your preps but they will not obsess with you over them...nor will they listen to hours upon hours of deliberation and dilemma... and drama.

W@Wies have become my solace and source of validation in the times I feel am going mental already. And I've gotten so many practical tips and useful leads for cheap finds as well as other wonderful ideas from them. They're not madamot at all. And I hope I have been, in turn, just as giving and helpful to one or some of them...

*~*

THE BRIDAL FACTORY
Ysabelle Fashion
1303 Benavidez St., Sta. Cruz Mla
Call 321-0204; 256-8055

Accompanied Wella and Charie as they bargained with the Bridal Factory people last Saturday. Met Pinky in the process. We ooooh'd and ahhhh'd while Jason drew wonderful creations for Charie and Pinky, slightly modifying the picture of their dream gowns to accommodate their budget limitations... We were lost (enchanted) there for hours.

Rhoda and her husband/partner (sorry, I forgot the name) are both really accommodating and warm people... they spend their weekdays at their Sta. Cruz branch and Saturdays at their showroom in Guadalupe (near Rockwell, along EDSA). They are quick to tell you what is not a great combination but will also not insist on them (after all, you've been warned).

They have fabrics and swatches available...and being at their showroom, my new friends also got to try their gowns on for size to better know if a particular neckline or silhouette is flattering for them.

It was really, really fun.

They say the Bridal Factory average price is some P9,000... but of course, when you insist on beadings galore and embroidery, when you want long trains and layered, expensive fabrics... they can also deliver what you want, only at a higher price...

They charge as much as Tet, I think (meaning their gowns are around the same price range, and of the same quality) but they weren't too keen on asking about the lighting and venue size and reception program like Tet (which should affect the gown design)... you have to offer such info to them...

Still, I think had I not gotten Tet, I wouldn't have minded working with them :) Having seen samples of their gowns, you have to really admire the way they do beadwork. Plus, even if I wasn't a customer, we had rapport like crazy!

Oh and yes, Bridal Factory gives free hairpins (studded with rhinestones or pearls) to their brides.


Charie, Mec, Hubby ni Rhoda, Rhoda, Jason, Pinky, Wella

True to my word, here are my friends' Cinderella moments...


Wella going loca


Charie feeling bride na (photoshop courtesy of my friend Polo)

*~*

I was aghast at having been introduced to a petticoat. Those who dream of using duchess satin just because it's more expensive... or shimmery (shiny, shimmery fabrics aren't that advisable for morenas), and also want ballgown-types... or heavily beaded/embroidered designs... better try on a petticoat first!!!

It was uber heavy!!!! It's a multitude of tulle with lining and it could even stand on it's own!!! Susmio...

Embellishments on the torso are ok, because your body will be carrying the weight... but embellishments on your skirt and train... plus the petticoat...will be weight you'd be dragging around.

So, think, think, think about your gown design!

*~*

I'd love to have something as fancy/dainty/pretty on my hair on my wedding day. I forgot who was selling such hairpieces at the Bridal Fair at Rockwell last weekend...she was charming and sexy... ahehe

The hairpiece could be had for P1k, but it's a set of three... Wella, Charie and I half-agreed that we'd pool our money and buy a set from her... her Swarovski and rhinestone pins sell for P400 (set of 12), so maybe I can also find other brides to share it with... because with something already this pretty, i'd just need some 3 or 4 studs on the otehr side to perfect the look.

Uyy... kikay na ako!

*~*

Wouldn't it be nice if, because you usually give your wedding bouquet away (either by tossing it, or awarding it to someone), you'd get a replica of it every Anniversary from your hubby?
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Joy & John's Wedding

Like what i've posted here before, some w@wies have started a movement assisting in weddings for couples who can't afford their own coordinators.

I was one last Saturday...

Ivy (my partner in crime) and I had lots of windang moments talaga... the missalettes arrived late so we were still lining up the entourage when they started walking na...

And having never been wed, and doing this for the first time, we didn't know where to place the two small candles for the Unity Candle..

And I can go on and on about little things we didn't know... and how we winged it.

But in the end, John and Joy's wedding was beautiful... and it was a privilege getting to know her family for that brief period... and being a witness to a very personal moment for them as a couple...

And I left them last Saturday, touched at how much her eldest sister loves her, and how well I know John is going to take care of her, and how much she misses her Dad (who passed away 6 years ago) that day, and how only those who really care about you will stay until the ceremony ends...

Imagining I have a goblet of wine in my hand, I raise my glass to this newly-wed... the best is yet to come!!!

*~*

I don't know where and how to start looking/booking for a make-up artist... I've also started lamenting on accessories... i'm pretty confident my gown will be great... but what about my accessories???

I just want simple shoes with high heels... open-toed syempre...

And i'm accepting deafeat and decided na i'd have my hair in an updo... i just need hair accessories that will match my gown...

I know dangling earrings are a must for tube-type gowns...

But what about the necklace? I'd like shiny, happy, multiple strands...but I can't wear anything that isn't pure gold or silver (and even these two irritate me)... Tsk! And not being kikay, I dunno where to look so I can get them cheap. :D

*~*

My Baby and I sooo missed each other, we spent the weekend dating each other.

Ate at Hizon's. Ate at Mr. CHoi's Kitchen. Watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Happily debated what would be the song for our First Dance (ayaw nya ng I WANT TO SPEND MY LIFETIME LOVING YOU)... discussed other ways to decorate The Courtyard... Tickled each otehr to death... basically just loving-loving the whole weekend. Hay ang sarap!!!
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Touched By An Angel
By Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.


Arrghh... I loved this poem so much, when Maya Angelou read it (i believe as a eulogy of sorts to someone who died of AIDS in a Touched by an Angel episode)... and only found the complete poem right now...

Not sure if we can still incorporate this in our wedding invites, because we already have this short phrase we like... but I really love this poem, especially since it talks of courage.

I don't know anymore where I read how COURAGE could be the highest of virtues, for it is the one that drives you to seek the truth, even if it hurts; the one that drives you to be just and fair, even if it hurts; the one that drives you to live for your passions and reach for your dreams, even if it hurts...

Courage allows you to choose what is right, consistently... and so you are able to make commitments...

And di ba nga, only the brave and hopeful marry... and marry for love.
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Misc. Kwentos

Mahal talaga ako ng Baby ko.

All Saturday morning, he just watched me have my teeth fixed. Then Saturday night, he found himself caressing my back as I vomited in his bedroom CR (and no, am not INFANTicipating, felt sick lang) and taking care of me lang.

He also gave me the red green light in booking Tet Hagape for all the gowns for our entourage, as well as my bridal gown. Paid downpayment already and had my measurements taken. First fitting ko is July 06. At the rate Tet scheduled everything, i'd probably have the gown ready by September... bwahahaha... that's sooo parusang malupit because then I'd have to really watch what I eat and do so as not to gain a single pound...or lose so much weight (as if!)

Tet and I also agreed that I won't be wearing a corset (too constricting for claustrophobic me) or a free bra (because that might make my boobies too ginormous for my gown)... I still haven't told this juicy piece of info to my Baby though... bwahahaha... something to torture him with during the ceremony...

*~*

The weekend brought the news that Baby's sis is EXPECTING. And for her and the baby, I really wish we could have greeted this news with more happiness and excitement. But we can't just yet. In fact, it's triggered so many issues for us that we're actually unhappy.

Wedding-wise though... we just lost a secondary sponsor and I can't think of anyone close enough to me/us who can replace her.

Another thought... I just hope she doesn't go a-fainting in my wedding.

*~*

Met with W@Wies last Sunday at the Bridal Fair at Mega Mall. We were like kids let loose in a toy store... then again, we were future brides let loose in a bridal fair, sans our beloveds.

Which really made it all the more fun because we can obssess with details and preparations all we want, without some groom sighing about expenses and OC-ness. Dulcinea couldn't refill our bottomless iced teas quickly enough... and though the chikahan was kinda BITIN, am sure we all left happy and giddy.

Now, we're planning to make it a monthly thing... Isn't that just crazy???

*~*

Tsk... found out that they'd also require my confirmation certificate if am going to have a Church wedding.

Tsk... I know I was confirmed in an Aglipay Church... and no, don't ask how Mom could make such a mistake (she had me and my brother confirmed there, and my sis baptized there too... my sis had to be baptized all over again in a Catholic Church)... but anyway... arrghhh... would have to schedule that one now...

*~*

I'm still restless about my cake. I really want Alex Franco but I can't justify his rates (considering we're over-budget in everything). Also, Barbara's will already be serving Blueberry Cheesecake and Decadent Chocolate Cake at the reception, so a 5-layered all-edible cake would be too much.

And most cakemakers I talk to suddenly get this weird, blank expression when I ask them about making a rocky-road and caramel cake... or plain sponge cake with different creams/fillings...

Baby and I have come up with an idea... but it would require someone to set it up and oversee the trimmings etc. during the wedding ceremony... oohhhhh... who to delegate kaya...
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Low Moment

Uhm... I think mostly talaga it just hit me that eventhough we've had over a year to really prepare for the wedding, we really didn't maximize the time... didn't really do our research... weren't really vigilant about getting the best deals we could afford, didn't really save, etc.

Case in point... it also just hit me that what I originally didn't want happened. Because we took our time inquiring on venues, they got booked by others. Add the fact that I was very particular with the reception venue that I couldn't consider cheaper, more cramped alternatives.

And so we've now booked both venues and photographers. And are already several thousands over budget. So much so that it would really be unwise to splurge on other NICE things.

And yet, am being particular about the cake naman!

And then the gown.

And a part of me asks if going around and meeting different suppliers will really land me better deals or not.

My Baby just questioned why I even considered consulting with Tet...when she lives so far (Pasig). I pointed out the fact that it's far for him because he lives from the South, but for me, it's the same bother as going to Las Piñas for Mrs. Bautista. He got that.

But I can't help it, I had to cry.

Ms. Tet has given me her initial quotation for my gown, and it's far higher than Mrs. Bautista's. And I ask myself if I should try to haggle and bargain and compromise on certain things with her... or just let this matter go.

Heaven knows am not OC. Heaven knows din na I can be difficult.

Add to this a concern I blogged about in my other blog (baka kasi I didn't have a good cry over that kaya ako sensitive...or wait, PMS time ko na ba?)...

And wala na... talagang gusto ko na lang umiyak ng umiyak.
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of Stag parties

Depending on the couple's personalities and history, stag/shower parties can serve as a spice or challenge for engaged couples...

How can you trust a group of men who typically protect and cover for each other to not forget about protecting the groom's relationship with you?

And what if your groom gets tempted? Or has a history of getting tempted?

You hem and you haw, but ultimately, the fact remains that whether the groom (or the bride) had a really adventurous send-off by friends or not... it still remains to be seen if he (or she) will really be a faithful and responsible lover/partner.

Still, if you know of what things happen at such parties, you may also have worries.

A co-w@wie (Yayeen) quoted E. Jean Carroll as saying:

"bachelor parties..."couldn't be cheesier." At a moment when all things between a coupleshould be sacred and holy ? "when you are going to declare your troth to this woman for the rest of your life" ? bachelor parties are the "cheapest, sleaziest, dumbest, stupidest."

Although may not have had the real thing with the stripper, "it's play sex," which is just as ridiculous, especially just before the wedding night.

I forwarded it to my Baby...

My Baby replied...

mahal,

i also agree with what is written below. but ang akala niyo naman ang lalaki di na pwede magkaroon ng safe and good na stag party na good clean fun? ang alam ko naman sa stag party eh parang transition and celebration from the last day of bachelorhood to a life of chains and misery (eheheh joke lang po). pwede naman kami mag paintball party or 2 bottles party, something na pwede ko gawin na handa na ako i give up kasi im looking forward to something better in exchange, like spending my nights taking care of my little bundle of joy or playing thumb boxing with you. muah love you po.

baby

Sigh... I think my beloved just made sure I won't deprive him of one...

Love you too, mahal...
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of Babies and Gowns

Was having lunch with my Baby and MIL, don't know what led us to my h2b's youngest brother not being circumcised yet.

Jojo confronted his Mom about it. Mommy said that she planned to have it done this year... but thought Luis would stop being her baby once he's circumcised. So she'd just have it next year... esply since next year, she'd have some other baby to baby...

Implying ours.

I was soooo kilig with her infanticipation for an apo... haaay...

*~*

Went to Mrs. Bautista yesterday. The consultation went well... Jojo liked her. We were informed that my wedding gown design would cost P10k (if the cheaper lace was used) up to P15k (if the more expensive, lighter lace was used).

And to think I was hoping i'd get the gown for around P7k lang! Because it's really one simple gown...

And no, I refuse to satisfy anyone's curiosity as to the gown design!

I thought Jojo and I agreed we'd have someone else give us quotations for the gown... to at least challenge why the portion where the lace will be sewed on costs around the same as the main gown. But either he forgot, wasn't paying attention, or I was only talking to myself... that didn't happen yesterday.

And because it was a Sunday, half of the textile shops in divi were closed.

I saw (or I thought I saw) the perfect shade of two-tone shantung at Mrs. Bautista's swatch sampler... so I went looking for the bigger fabric in Divi. I couldn't find it. So I spent most of last night thinking if I should play hookie from work and scour Divi for the right swatch.

Am close to going berserk. Honest.

I really want to buy a yard of the fabrics (I doubt they'd sell them for half a yard) to be used by me and my entourage... finalize the choice of fabric and color...

And I need the swatch of my gown fabric so I can now start haunting shoe shops for my wedding shoes. Because I intend to already have them when I go in for measurements.

Arrghh.. I really better find the right swatch! Hmmpff...

*~*

My Mom offered her savings if we're strapped for deposit payments. I told her i'd ask for help when we can't really come up with anything anymore... and thanked her.

I love my Mom.
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