Planning my own Wedding

Having a wedding is not that easy especially if you are the bride because the pressure is in your hands. You have to think every detail of the wedding that you want. Although you have to consult it with your husband for him to approve and when you two agree that’s the time you can pursue the plan. With my part it’s not that easy because the place that I choose to have my wedding is in my country Philippines. The preparation itself is long then the event is just fast. I know that there are lots of married couples out there who would agree with me. But Thanks, that there is an internet, it really help a lot with the planning. I write down a list from big details to small one and we’re on the process of it already. Here is what we carefully consider in planning our church wedding if you want to make a memorable one not only for you but also for your guests.
1. Church - Since both of us were Catholics we look for a place. I was looking at the internet where I could find a good church that will fit to our liking. A wedding that could be remembered and treasured by us. I choose the San Agustin Church as according to some review the place is perfect for a wedding. I already posted the picture of the church in my previous blog. Just click the labels on the right side of my blog. I tag it Wedding. Additional description of this my friend said that the church is very spacious; the feeling is kind of different inside as well due to the fact that it was probably one of the oldest churches in the country, with a very serene and peaceful environment. Many have said it is a very ideal church to get married, though it is an old place, the place still exudes with a lot of great and wonderful aura. The place is private, exclusive and mostly well educated people are patrons of the church. It is fantastic, religious and very old artifacts in the place which includes an antique statue amongst others. The artistic design ideas of the Spanish era are very evident in the church; it makes the church a good place for pictorial as well as the wedding rite, of course. The place is very majestic like according to a friend. A perfect place dream wedding. I am now curious and excited to see the inside of the church as I could just see it outside when I visit Intramuros once. I should say we are set for this- officially booked. But we are not finished yet there are lots of things to consider in marrying in the church especially that my hubby is a foreigner. Here are the wedding requirements:

A. RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Reservation fee
2. Attendance at the Orientation on Wedding Rules and Regulation.
3. Photocopy of the baptismal certificate of either couple
4. Proof of inquiry/visit at the Chancery Office for foreigners/divorcee- get a form in from this office and fill –up.

B. USUAL REQUIREMENTS
1. ORIGINAL COPIES OF THE BAPTISMAL and CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATES of the bride and groom with notation “For marriage purpose.” Valid for 6 months
2. MARRIAGE BANNS. To be brought to respective parishes of the couple for posting three (3) consecutive Sundays
3. CANONICAL INTERVIEW
4. PRE-CANA SEMINAR
5. MARRIAGE LICENSE. To be secured from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either couple. Valid for 120 days or 4 months only.

C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Other Requirement for those Civilly Married:

1. Certified true copy of the Marriage Contract.
Other Requirements for those who have lived in another place for six months or more aside from his permanent residence immediately prior to their wedding

■ For Filipinos residing in the Philippines
1. Marriage banns from the parish of permanent residence
2. Marriage banns from the parish of present residence for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding

■ For Filipinos residing abroad
1. Marriage banns from the parish of permanent residence
2. Certificate of Freedom to Marry to be issued by the parish of present residence abroad for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding

■ For Foreigners residing in the Philippines
1. Marriage banns from the parish of domicile in the Philippines
2. Affidavit of Free Status to Marry

■ For Foreigners residing Abroad
1. Certificate of Freedom to Marry from the parish of present residence abroad for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding OR Affidavit of Free Status to Marry

Other Requirements for Foreigners:

1. Clearance from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila
2. Certificate of Free Status to Marry / Legal Capacity from the Embassy of the country of origin.
3. Certificate of Freedom to Marry to be secured from the parish of permanent residence in the country of origin
4. For Japanese citizens: referral/interview with Rev. Fr. Toru Nishimoto, CSSR.

Other Requirements for Divorced/ Divorcees:
1. Clearance from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila
2. Certified true copy of LEGAL PAPERS proving the absolute decree of divorce.

Other Requirements for those whose Previous Marriage was declared Null and Void:

1. Certified true copy of the Final Declaration of Nullity from a Matrimonial Tribunal
2. Approval from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila.

Other Requirement for Mixed Marriage or Disparity of Cult:
1. Do the Priest Interviewer and approved by the Local Ordinary.

Other Requirement for Widows or Widowers:

1. Certified true copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.

2. Date and Time – Both of us decided the date and time sometime in February and our wedding is in the evening. But you can decide whichever you like. Morning, afternoon or evening

3. Reception- Do we want a Hotel or Restaurant? Indoor or Outdoor? With this we decided the indoor. We choose venue already and its inside the Intramuros area. The place is called Teatrillo. Here is the picture of how they catering dress-up the venue. Probably I will let my caterer do the same. I am ending up the details of my wedding in here. While it is still in process from time to time I will keep it posted here so others who plan to have a wedding could get some pointers from me.