I was so determined to have a different type of reception compared to the usual setup seen in most Filipino weddings. As you know that we already decided that will do it in my parents' frontyard. Me and my sister had this plan in our mind when we were in the first few weeks of planning:
The couple will sit near the frontdoor of the house and facing outward.
But my husband suggested that we should make use of the big space near the fireplace. Anyways, our previous idea might not even accommodate 150 guests.
My parents agreed with the plan and they sent some men to measure the area so that we can calculate the number of tables and chairs.
We were able to estimate the number of columns made up of long tables.
The rectangular drawings at the center are the tables needed and the numbers indicated are the chairs in each side.
Tables
Did I mention why do I want those long tables instead of the circular ones? It's because I am aiming for this:
A very simple but elegant look. A long row of tables is a big space saver and guests have a high chance of interacting with all the people surrounding them.
We actually bought more than 50 pieces of artificial greenery garland to put in the table and small tea candles to add a small touch in the overall look of the table. But unfortunately, it all arrived few days after the wedding (from Dubai). The best thing was we didn't stress ourselves out by wanting to achieve the look that we want while waiting for the boxes to arrive, instead we trusted God to guide us in the preparation and lead us not to think about the material things in the wedding.
Its not the best drawing out there but I think you got what I mean.
So, we decided not to incorporate any decoration in the tables and besides, we were trying to put the candles but the wind keeps on blowing on it so it's better not to put it.
For the table linens, we wanted to put some different color. It's either light gray or navy blue, but due to the budget and lack of resources, we stayed with the white linen.
Chairs
I spent a lot of time also in searching for different types of chairs. My eyes were totally fixed to the Tiffany chairs which were commonly used in event halls nowadays.
Rentals are good for 100-150 guests only in our area and the rental price is 10 times more than the one we actually used in the reception.
My sister was also dreaming for this kind of chair but I told her that these chairs doesn't fit the bill and besides, we can make use of the same amount of money in some other way.
We ended up in going for Monoblock chairs as they were much cheaper in rental price. But I still feel that its not complete so again I searched for different ways to cover the chairs.
But then again, I realized that these were all small things that most guests wouldn't even mind as long as they have somewhere to sit on while eating. So the final choice was a Monoblock chair in Black color to make the setup more elegant and the rental price is very affordable.
We rented most of the long tables and 200 chairs but the rest of the buffet tables and 100 chairs were borrowed from the school owned by Lola Sonia (my mom's aunt). All linens were borrowed from Lola Sonia and Bolina family.
Tent
The reception was held in a covered tent located in our frontyard. It was also a hard decision as setting up the tent requires a lot of labor but we had no other choice because renting a massive tent or many small ones will totally blow out the budget. I even dreamnt about renting a transparent tent which is only available in the nearby island (Negros).
That is why my aunts argued that its impossible to do the reception at our place (when all the outdoor hardscapes and tent were not yet constructed). But me and my husband had a vision in our mind and we were fully determined to make it possible.
Most of the budget for the hardscapes and tent came from my pocket as I don't intend to use it only for the wedding but after, so that my parents will have a house with a resort vibe when you're outdoors.
I had to ask my dad to reconstruct a bigger second tent 2 days before the wedding as he misunderstood our plan. Lots of guests should fit in the second tent.
There were two main tents which were divided by the driveway.
Buffet Setup
It was the suggestion of the waiters to put buffet tables at both sides and at the back of the reception in order to accommodate all the guests.
Two sides were even opened in each buffet table so that everybody can take food in a faster rate.
Stage
The stage for the couple was made of cement. It was my husband who designed the whole stage with the help of our brothers and sisters in the church.
The chair and side tables were brought from my husband's house. Most of the plants were from my aunt (Ta Alet) and the rest were arranged by the sisters from church led by Sis Mely.
My husband with the help of 3 young brothers put up the curtain with lights.
White linens were made to dangle near the ceiling.
Light bulbs were installed by my husband's uncle Nonoy.
Extra lights were placed in both sides.
My husband made these cut outs of our initials.
And lastly, a special table was put at the corner where we sat with our parents.
This wedding reception wouldn't be made possible without the help from our relatives and family in the church. Especially, to our Lord Jesus Christ who is silently guiding us all throughout the process. May God bless us all.
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