Venue & Caterer Hunting
Since we are now preparing for our big day, we started our search for the most important supplier -- Venue & Caterer. Mas prefer namin ang reception with in-house or accredited caterers, reason? We think we can save a penny if tie-up itong dalawang 'to. Less hassle din in terms of booking, we don't want it to be separate.
Our peg is an indoor garden type venue. We really wanted a garden wedding in the city, but we do not want to risk our big day since we are living in a tropical country. Luckily, madami namang indoor garden reception here in Metro Manila.
Here are the venues that we have shortlisted:
1. Hanging Gardens Events
Initially, gusto na namin dito dahil gusto talaga namin ang reception within Quezon City lang.
We didn't have a chance for ocular visit but based on the pictures in their website, maganda itong venue and very accessible. Plus points is dahil newly opened lang sila last 2014, sure na lahat ng facilities ay bago. Also, as per AE we met during bridal fair, meron silang mga flexible wedding packages and so many caterers to choose from.
Reason why we did not booked them? Lagpas ng konti sa budget namin. :P
2. Light of Love Events Place
This is the first venue we have visited. Before that, I have exchanged emails first with their AE named Steph who is veeeerrryyy approachable and sobrang bilis din magreply. Plus points kasi madali siyang kausap. Steph discussed to us the package inclusions and also the accredited caterers, good thing madami din pagpipilian and then she gave us a tour around the place. Masasabi namin? This is it! Eto na talaga yung place na gusto namin. As early as that time, we already know what venue we will be going to book for our event. Malawak yung place and I think it will fit naman with our target number of guests which is 150 persons.
Ang negative lang dito is yung place, medyo hindi accessible, medyo nahirapan kami hanapin and mukang hindi madali mag-commute, also, their payment terms which is medyo mabigat.
3. Ibarra's Party Venues & Catering Specialist
We considered this venue since the bridal fair. Why? They have wedding packages and it was also almost complete. Madaming inclusions and freebies which is plus points para yung mga minor details for our wedding hindi na namin iisipin pa. We have also talked to their AE during the bridal fair, dun namin nalaman lahat ng basic details regarding their packages. Another plus point is that, they have a very flexible payment terms. Only 1 caterer to choose, only their in-house caterer which is themselves. Based sa mga reviews, masarap naman ang food nila.
For caterers:
1. RichGold Weddings
We attended their Grand Food Tasting at 55 Events Place. I love their table set-up, basic palang maganda na and it depends on your theme. About the food, they have a very tasteful & presentable plates. We love every dish they served. Also, mabait yung AE na nakausap namin.
Napag-usapan namin ni fiance na kung makakita man kami ng venue na accredited ang RichGold, sila na talaga ang kukunin namin.
2. Hizon's Catering
Again, we went to their GFT at 38 Valencia Events Place. About the place, maganda, elegant ang feel, well-maintained. Madaming tao during the GFT, so I have an impression na sikat nga talaga sila and baka nga masarap yung food nila. Dahil madami ngang tao, hindi kami agad na-assist ng AE. Ang gusto ko lang i-comment, I won't recommend them. We really didn't liked the taste and the flavors of their food. I can't comment more. No more further explanation.
3. Ibarra's Catering
We attended their GFT in Ibarra's Garden. About the food, thumbs up! Masarap ang food nila and so many to choose from. Plus point kasi isa to sa shortlisted reception namin.
What we have booked?
Finally!!! We have booked Ibarra's Garden in Ermita. :)
We booked them during their Grand Food Tasting. Madaming freebies and may mga raffle draws pa which we have won. :)
Reasons why we booked them? The Events Manager & Accounts Executive assigned to us were very accommodating, from phone calls, emails & esp. personally, which is very important in preparation stage. The food is great and they have an almost complete flexible packages. Fiance and I both felt the "this is it!" feeling with the venue & food. We're both happy that we booked them and we can actually picture out the looks of our wedding day! :)
-- So one down! More reservations to come! This is only the start! :)
