Planning Tips for an At-Home Wedding

 

Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyous occasion, and opting for an at-home wedding adds a unique touch of intimacy and personalisation. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a memorable and beautiful wedding celebration right in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and guidance to help you plan your at-home wedding.

1. Choosing the Perfect Location:

Selecting the right location is crucial when planning an at-home wedding. Consider the size of your property, the availability of parking, and the layout of the space. If your home lacks sufficient space, you may need to consider alternative options, such as renting a marquee or a nearby venue with a garden or outdoor area. Check out glamping tents hire; Tinkerbell Tent Hire's bell tents are a great option. Guests can stay in your garden if you have enough room.

2. Informing Neighbours and Local Authorities:

Before hosting an at-home wedding, it is essential to inform your neighbours about your plans. This will help manage any potential noise concerns and ensure compliance with local regulations. Reach out to your neighbors in advance, sharing your wedding date and expected timings. 

3. Catering and Bar Services:

One of the highlights of any wedding is the food and drinks. When planning an at-home wedding, consider hiring professional catering services. They can create a tailored menu and handle all aspects of food preparation and service. Additionally, consult with a reputable bar service provider to ensure a well-stocked and well-managed bar area, providing your guests with a delightful selection of beverages throughout the celebration.

4. Renting Equipment and Facilities:

Depending on the size of your guest list and the facilities available at your home, you may need to rent additional equipment. This could include tables, chairs, linens, lighting, dance floors, and restroom facilities. Renting from professional suppliers ensures that you have high-quality equipment and alleviates the stress of arranging and setting up everything yourself.

5. Weather Contingency Plan:

The weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for any possible weather conditions by having a solid contingency plan. If you're hosting an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider renting marquees or look into bell tents for hire to provide shelter. Ensure that you have sufficient heating or cooling options to keep your guests comfortable. It's also a good idea to have a backup indoor space available in case of inclement weather.

6. Parking and Transportation:

Providing ample parking or arranging transportation options for your guests is vital. If parking is limited at your home, consider nearby parking facilities or hiring a shuttle service to transport guests from designated locations. Communicate parking and transportation details clearly in your invitations or wedding website to ensure a smooth arrival and departure for your guests.

7. Sound and Lighting:

Create a captivating ambience by investing in professional sound and lighting services. High-quality sound equipment ensures that your guests can hear your vows and speeches clearly. Thoughtfully designed lighting can transform your outdoor or indoor space into a magical environment, enhancing the overall atmosphere of your wedding.

Planning an at-home wedding offers a unique opportunity to create a personalised and intimate celebration. By carefully considering all the details, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free event.

Pop Music Icon Debbie Gibson set to electrify Manila with an Electric Youth Anniversary Show!

 

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the mega-hit album “Electric Youth”, the record- breaking singer-songwriter-producer is set to electrify the Philippine stage in a massive 2-hour long concert full of hits and surprises on 26th April 2024 (Fri), 8 pm at New Frontier Theater! Get ready for a fun and emotional night of nostalgia and “newstalgia”, as Debbie performs favorites from the Electric Youth and her greatest hits!

One of the Best-Selling albums in Philippines in 1989, Electric Youth defined an entire generation and had us wearing out the cassette in our Walkman, while memorizing the lyrics to classics such as “Lost In Your Eyes”, “We Could Be Together”, “No More Rhyme”, and of course, the inspiring title track “Electric Youth”. The tracks “Who Loves Ya Baby”, “Over The Wall” and Silence Speaks (a Thousand Words) were also fan favorites from the album.

Fast forward 35 Years later, the album has stood the test of time, with the songs still on regular radio playlists while racking up hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. Debbie Gibson has grown from strength to strength as a timeless force of artistry. She has tread fearlessly and successfully into multi-genres of the entertainment world. After conquering the pop world with her first 3 albums, she starred in 17 musicals over 17 years, playing iconic characters such as Eponine in Les Miserables, Sandy in Grease, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Velma Kelly in Chicago and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

In 2020, Debbie Gibson returned to the Billboard charts with a #4 Dance Chart smash “Girl’s Night Out”. In 2021, she guest starred in “Lucifer” on Netflix, and did a successful residency at The Venetian in Vegas with New Kids On The Block member, Joey McIntyre. In the same year, she released her first album in 20 years, “The Body Remembers”, which shot to #2 on Apple Pop Sales Chart, achieving over a million streams in the first month. In 2022, she released her first holiday album, Winterlicious, and completed a sold-out Winter Tour in the USA. In 2023, she was invited to perform as the “Nightowl” in the hit TV series, The Masked Singer, and announced a book deal for her upcoming memoir.

Debbie Gibson shows no signs of slowing down. She was honored with the Trailblazer Award in January 2024 from The Women’s International Music Network at the 12th Annual She Rocks Awards.

Come celebrate with the legendary Debbie Gibson, and We Could Be Together this 26th April 2024 (Fri), 8pm at New Frontier Theater.

Mang Inasal launches all-in-one meal via Solo Fiesta

 

As an answer to the public’s strong desire for a complete Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya experience, Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, introduces the all-in-one meal perfect for all Mang Inasal fans – the Solo Fiesta!

“The Mang Inasal Solo Fiesta combines all of our customers’ favorites – from Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho and Pork BBQ, to Palabok, Lumpiang Togue, and Java Rice,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “It’s something that we are excited for everyone to enjoy because a lot have requested for a solo version of our Fiesta bundles. And now, our customers in Luzon can try it.”

Starting at a dine-in price of ₱189, Solo Fiesta comes in five different bundles perfect for anyone’s cravings. It is a complete meal with the Ihaw-Sarap Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal and/or Pork BBQ, combined with Palabok, Java Rice, and their recently launched Lumpiang Togue.

Enjoy Mang Inasal Solo Fiesta now through dine-in or takeout at Mang Inasal stores in Luzon It can also be ordered via delivery through the Mang Inasal Delivery App, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph/ or through food delivery apps GrabFood and FoodPanda.

EXPERIENCE ANCIENT BABYLON WITH VERDI’S NABUCCO AT THE CCP THE MET: LIVE IN HD

 

Take the trip down the Ancient Babylon with Giuseppi Verdi’s Nabucco, premiering in the Philippines through the CCP The Met: Live in HD on April 2, 5:30pm, exclusively at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 located in Makati City.

Verdi’s third opera is a stirring drama about the fall of ancient Jerusalem at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco) and the subsequent exile of the Hebrews in Babylon.

The opera plot is as exhilarating as the story of its beginning. History has it that Verdi vowed to quit composing after the death of his first wife and the disastrous reception of his previous work Un Giorno di Regno. But after seeing Solera’s libretto, Verdi changed his mind and started composing again; creating an opera that launched his career.

The opera had its world premiere at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan in 1842, with a resounding success.

While the story stayed as close to the biblical events based on Jewish scriptures in Jeremiah, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Daniel, and the Psalms, librettist Temistocle Solera took some liberties with some of the characters.  

Baritone George Gagnidze made his Met role debut as the imperious king Nabucco, alongside soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska who reprised her thrilling turn as his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova and tenor Seok-Jong Baek, in his company debut, are Fenena and Ismaele, whose love transcends politics, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy repeats his celebrated portrayal of the high priest Zaccaria.

Daniele Callegari conducts Verdi’s exhilarating early masterpiece, which features the ultimate chorus piece, the moving “Va, pensiero,” also known as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves in Act III.

When Verdi passed away six decades later, famous Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini led a vast number of orchestras and choruses from all over Italy to perform “Va, pensiero” during the state funeral of the Italian composer in Milan.

Catch this classic Met staging of biblical proportions, directed Elijah Moshinsky. Tickets are priced at Php350, with a special discounted price of Php 100 for students and young professionals upon presentation of ID.

For more information about the CCP The Met: Live in HD Season 9, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official social media accounts in Facebook, X, Instagrams and YouTube.

Planning Tips for a Summer Garden Party for Family and Friends

 

Hosting a garden party in the summer for family and friends can be a lovely way to get everyone together. Even if the weather isn’t that great, everyone will still have an awesome time. With some advance planning, you can create a fun and memorable event. Here are some tips for planning a successful summer garden party that isn’t remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Choose a Date

When choosing a date, look at the calendar and avoid conflicts with other events or holidays that guests may be attending. Weekends often work well for garden parties. Also, check the weather forecast and have a back-up indoor location in case of rain. Even better, look at hiring a yurt so everyone is kept dry, or in hot weather, cool. Yurt rentals such as Hooe's Yurts - UK's top yurt hire are ideal if you decide to rent a yurt.

Late summer is ideal when gardens are full of colour.

Make a Guest List

Decide who you want to invite - just close family, extended family and friends or a larger community event? Garden parties usually have 15-40 guests. Send printed invitations 4-6 weeks in advance and follow up closer to the event. Keep track of responses.

Plan the Menu

For a summer garden party, opt for cool, refreshing foods and drinks suited to being outdoors. Cold salads, fruits, chilled juices and lemonade work well. Have lighter hot foods like quiche if desired. Consider any dietary needs. Keep it simple with just 2-3 savoury items, a couple of simple desserts and some fresh fruit.

Set Up the Garden

Make sure the garden is tidy beforehand. Have enough tables and chairs for all guests. Set up a food/drink table. If hot food is served, chafing dishes keep it warm. Decorate with pots of flowers, bunting and lanterns. Have garden games available. Consider shaded areas if it’s a hot day.

Refreshments & Entertainment

Provide bottles of water and soft drinks as well as jugs of juice, lemonade or Pimm’s. Offer hot tea and coffee later on. Hire a steel band, jazz trio or acoustic musician to play music. Have some group games or activities planned like croquet, badminton or charades.

Serving the Food

Offer disposable plates, cutlery and napkins for convenience. Serve food buffet style and replenish as needed. Child-friendly foods like sandwiches, sausage rolls and crisps go down well. Adults may enjoy more elegant bites like scones, mini quiches and cheese straws. Have dinnerware available for those wanting to sit and dine properly.

Tidying Up

To make things easier, use compostable plates, cups and cutlery. Designate bins for waste, recycling and food waste. Encourage guests to help tidy up and take leftovers home. Stock up on bin bags and enlist help to get the garden back in shape once everyone has left. Send guests home with small gifts like potted plants, baked goods or garden produce.

Most importantly, enjoy this special time with loved ones! With attention to planning, preparation and hospitality, your summer garden party will surely be a wonderful occasion.