Tips for Brides: Just Before You Walk Down the Aisle

Walking down the aisle is probably one of the most emotional experiences a person would have because at the end of the ceremony your life would completely change. All eyes would be on you as you walk down the aisle towards your groom. Brides oftentimes become very nervous and a lot of thoughts would probably raise through your head as you take your first step. Relax! Do not worry! Here's a few tips as you take that life changing walk towards your groom.

1. Relax - you have done your best to prepare for the wedding. Everyone around you will make sure that your day goes well, so just relax and just enjoy the day.

2. Smile - I was about to become very emotional just before I walked down the aisle. I told myself though that I didn't want my make-up to be ruined and I wanted my photos to be beautiful. Just as you're about to do your walk, take a deep breath and smile! Let the groom do the crying (I did)!

3. Hold your bouquet properly - how to hold your bouquet properly depends on what kind of bouquet you choose, so best to ask your florist when you do your order and practice. You can also check with your photographer before you leave for the ceremony (I'm lucky they taught me how to hold my bouquet properly).

4. Walking Down the Aisle - chin up and shoulders back. No slouching! A lot of brides though get surprised on how heavy the gown is. It's not going to be a walk in the park as you have to be mindful about the gown's weight. The gown's material also oftentimes get caught on the carpet like velcro. If you see brides walking like they are marching it's because they have to kick the gown so they could move forward.

5. Let Your Maid of Honor Worry - I had three during my wedding and they fussed about me all day. They made sure I looked beautiful all day.

Buying Your Wedding Gown in Divisoria

It's 2017 and you can still just spend between PhP5,000 to 10,000 for your wedding and entourage gowns/attire. The Twisted Wedding Planner found time to visit Divisoria last January 3 to check what you can get for your wedding.

Here is a simple hand-drawn map of where I went around and what you can find around Divisoria.

Or better yet, refer to Google Maps.

I usually just walk around Tabora and Ylaya. In Tabora you can buy materials for your souvenir items, beads, crowns, lace etc. You will find the dress shops inside the building located between Tabora Street and Ylaya (they're in the middle of the building). Most of the shops have ready-to-wear gowns available. They only receive payment in cash.

At Morning Glory (Tabora Street) you can find materials for your souvenir items and for your wedding attire. There was an ongoing sale early this month and I got a lot of lace for my quilt projects.

Wedding Gowns in Divisoria

Divisoria offers a wide variety of gowns. You can select ready-to-wear gowns from their display, but you can also have one made for you. You can either select from available catalogues they have or you can bring your own design. Or you can have a design made by my niece, Patricia Apolo, who designed Martine  entourage gowns for my wedding.

Here are some photos from the different stalls in Tabora Street.

Gowns range from PhP1,000 and up (and even below when they have a sale). Groom barongs are also available and you can choose from different types of fabric.

Entourage Gowns in Divisoria

I found some entourage attire at Tabora that was on sale. You can get a simple dress for about PhP500. The price goes up based on the complexity of the design.

I went to Divisoria because I'm scheduled to be a godmother for two weddings this year and I remembered the many beautiful options available in Divisoria. I had a hard time choosing, but settled for a neutral color and a dress that would be easy to iron since there I will be traveling for the weddings. I also got hubby a new barong.

Make sure you ask for a discount when buying your items!

Wedding Attire at 168 Mall

168 Shopping Mall also has dedicated space for wedding attire. You can select from the many stores available in the mall. The gowns, barongs and suits are a bit more pricey than in Tabora, but you can enjoy hunting for your gown because the mall uses airconditioning.

Divisoria is a great place to find your wedding attire. I know they also have sections at Tutuban Mall dedicated for this but I didn't have the time to go there anymore. Tabora Street/Ylaya Street have a lot of options and I had a hard time choosing one for an upcoming wedding. 

Happy choosing and happy haggling!