Enlisting Ourselves at SM Gift Registry

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Thinking that not all of our guests frequents/lives near Rustan's, we decided to also enlist with SM's gift registry. Unlike Rustan's, SM accommodates registries not only for weddings, but also for birthdays, baptisms, etc. Each event is assigned a specific number to each event and clients will be created an online account where one can track his/her events and see the wishlist chosen.

We got our event kit (contains the invitation inserts and discount coupons) from SM Megamall when we went there one time, but due to the on-going 3-day sale at the time, they could not accommodate us to make rounds and build our list. We were told that we can do the picking anytime and in any other SM store. This is an advantage for us since we rarely visit Megamall and would most likely be visiting SM Makati of MOA next. 

And I was right, because a week after that, Adrin and I decided to check out SM Makati and do some window shopping for our registrty. We skipped some of the categories we already covered with Rustan's but still ensured we had duplicates of the common household items so we can also provide a cheaper alternative to our guests. 

After about an hour of making rounds on the vast Home section of SM Makati, we completed our second gift registry. We bade the staff goodbye and continued on to our next agenda that day. Registering with SM is also an easy breezy experience and it's worth checking out for every occasion that will come along. =)

Countdown: 1 month!

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And we're onto our last streeeeetch! Last month to finish everything before we reach the culmination of everything that we've been doing the past 2 years. I'm feeling strained more and more mainly because of the sudden spike of workload this month. Tons of things to deliver with so little time. I'm eagerly anticipating my break from work as the wedding will also serve as a much awaited breather for me. 

Excitement for the wedding itself hasn't kicked in yet but I'm looking forward to feeling warm, giddy, and kilig all over. Haha. Enough of this non-sense! Let's now talk business and see our completion rate against last months's task list.

• Send-out all invitations - In progress. Most have been released already but some are still waiting for Christmas reunions to come so they can be delivered to the respective recipients. :)
• Complete processing of marriage license - DONE. We finally have our license! Yipee!
• Update Darlene's  program workbook
• Compile photos for AVP presentations - DONE. Photos for Prenup AVP has been sent to Darlene while the Growing Up photos will be shared to Ariel Javelosa soon.
• Create our missals - DONE. Layout completed and just waiting to finalize some contents before we proceed with the printing.
• Complete our wedding day accessories
• Pick-up my wedding shoes - DONE. I love how my shoes turned out!
• Complete layouts for stationery - DONE. Adrin did a great job completing all this. 
• Label/pack our giveaways - In progress. I already commissioned my trusted bridesmaid to put the twines on our small jams. Packing for other giveaways or tokens haven't started yet. 
• Finish DIY Signage
• Entourage dress fitting and delivery - In Progress. Almost all of our entourage have completed fitting their dresses save for our two flower girls. This will be completed within the week. Actual delivery of the dress will be on January. 
• Delivery of barongs to male entourage - In Progress. Some have been delivered already while others are still waiting for the reunions to happen. :)
• Another meeting with KTG
• Finalize song list
• Shop for house fixtures - DONE. BUT this is a work in progress while the construction is still on-going. 

Uh oh. Lots of items not striked out. But as Adrin would always tell me, fret not because looks like we're still in good shape since we also managed to accomplish these other items.

• Complete Rustan's and SM Bridal Registry
• Order for custom hangers
• Receive our cake toppers and clay giveaways
• Picked-up the jams
• Final detailing with florist

Oh how I badly wish everything will be completed a week before the wedding. May the list below be a comprehensive guide of all the things we need to complete. 

1. Finalize Darlene's program workbook
2. Complete our wedding day accessories
3. Complete packing of giveaways/tokens
4. Finish DIY signage
5. Deliver all barongs and dresses
6. Handover meeting to KTG
7. Finalize song list
8. Submit all church requirements
9. Finalize guest list
10. Finalize headcount of suppliers on the day
11. Book crew meals for lunch
12. Print misalettes
13. Buy offertory item (gift basket, mompo wine, host)
14. Buy wine and beer
15. Buy prizes for games
16. Final gown fitting
17. Prepare for our first dance
18. Pack all items for the wedding
19. Buy items needed for house construction

Okay, I should stop here as it's becoming a bit daunting already. More energy for us please! 

Pseudo-Shopping at Rustan's Weddings and Beyond

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Some weeks back, ze fiance and I finally decided to enlist ourselves at Rustan's bridal registry. We went to their store at Alabang Town Center one Saturday to check on the process and eventually register ourselves. We were ushered to their small office at the Home section and entertained for our agenda. 

Upon telling them that we'd like to have a gift registry with them, we were asked to fill-out a one-pager information sheet. With this, we have the following benefits:

1. Choose the items that we want to receive as wedding presents.
2. Be able to return items we do not like or double items received, and replace them with the ones we prefer.
3. Free delivery for gifts that will be left with them by our guests. 

To let our guests know that we're enlisted in their program, they gave us the Rustan's Weddings and Beyond invitation inserts. 

What's left of the 100pcs. we received. We actually only need 80pcs.

Elegantly designed information card

Aside from that, we also received several discount coupons just because we joined their program.

2 discount cards at Rustan's Home

Discount and Upgrade card for Bellevue Manila's Hotel and Restaurants

6 discount cards for Maidenform items at Rustan's

Lots of perks right? We were also entitled for 1 raffle for a trip to USA c/o their partner United Airlines. I wish we get to take that prize! Haha!

It was also good timing for us because a store attendant can immediately assist us at that moment to select items and build our registry. But before the actual pseudo-shopping, we were provide a checklist so we can pre-select the store sections we want to choose from. This makes selection more efficient as it already limits the areas to be visited.

Adrin and I enjoyed making rounds through their displays and would lightly argue on which items to pick. Haha. Our attendant is ever alert on items we're eyeing and made sure that these items are encoded using their hand scanner. She also makes suggestions at times so we get the most value-for-money item that they sell. It took us more than an hour to complete our list and we're more than happy with our decision to have a registry. It will make the first few weeks and months of our married life a lot simpler because we just might receive some of the basic things we need. =)