Church Flowers

Upgrading the church flowers was not part of our "must have" list.  When I contacted the accredited florist of Malate Church, she gave me an estimate of Php 300.00/pot for the upgrade of the aisle flowers -- and with 10 pots, it would already costs us Php3,000and this still does not include the altar flowers.

However, my mom's only request was to have beautiful flowers on our church and she was even offering to shoulder the expense of it.  With our tight budget, I know I would have a hard time convincing Tim to get the upgrade and I was almost close to saying "yes" to my mom's offer.

Good thing there is W@W (Weddingsatwork)!  I got an idea from a fellow bride that if you want to lessen the cost for the church flowers, try to ask if there is another wedding before or after our wedding schedule (same day) and get in touch with the bride to see if she is willing to "share" the expenses for the flowers upgrade.

I was hesitant at first to try the idea (imagine, nahiya pa ko?Ü) but when I think about it, I have nothing to lose right?  If the bride doesn't agree to share, then it's alright.. at least I tried.. and if the bride agrees, then it's another "tipid" idea for us. 

I didn't even tell Tim of my plan because I'm not sure if he'll agree (alam mo naman, medyo mahiyain si Tim.. hehehe!).  I called Dhang of Malate Church and inquired if there is another wedding on Nov. 21.  She said "yes", they have the 2:30pm slot, while ours is at 4:00pm.  I asked Dhang if I can have the name and contact number of the bride, she asked why and when I explained my purpose, she gave me her name and cellphone no.  She added that the bride is "nice" and would be easy to approach.

I texted my fellow Malate bride on that same day without really expecting if she'll reply or not.  But just after I sent my text message, she replied back asking for my landline.  I waited for her call.. and guess what... we spent at least an hour on the phone, talking like long-time friends already.Ü  She is not a fellow w@wie, but she is very hands-on with her wedding.  We discussed our suppliers - from the caterer, to the hair and make up, photo and video -- and of course, the hightlight of our conversation -- the church flowers.  She said she already talked to her florist about it and she is willing to share the costs of the flowers with me since "flowers" are not on her priority list and she doesn't want to spend a lot for it.  With the amount she gave me, it was not even half the price of the amount that was given to me by the accredited florist of Malate Church.  We even agreed to have "white" calla lilies on the aisle so that it would be a neutral color for both of our wedding. 

I was soooo happy!Ü  After we ended the call, I texted Tim and gave him the good news!Ü I can't wait to meet her and her h2b (husband to be) and by this time, we're already planning a trip to Dangwa to visit "our" florist.Ü