Philippine Plaza’s Bridal Fair: Baby, it’s hue

There are no wedding blues – there’s only hue, baby. That’s the rose-colored forecast of Manila’s top bridal designers who present the latest fashion trends and designs for weddings, debuts, and other social affairs at "Moda A La Plaza," one of the highlights of The Hotel Philippine Plaza’s "La Vie En Rose 2006 Fair and Exhibit" at the hotel’s Harbor Garden Tent on Sunday, May 28.

"Couples who are getting married have come up with more interesting concepts and themes taken from the movies," says fashion designer Danny Franco at a press preview of the fair. "But today’s brides still go for pristine white."

Off-white is just not right – not a very bride idea, say our modern brides who still go for the pure, virginal look.

And what about her entourage?

"For the entourage, we’ll be seeing a lot of bright colors (think magenta, orange, hot pink, chartreuse)," says Danny.

"Chocolate brown mixed with pastels," says designer Francis Libiran. "The trend is to mix dark with light colors."

So, that solves the color motif problem. What about the cut?

Recently, some priests noted with concern how today’s bridal gowns have become very revealing and distracting, drawing attention away from the solemnity of the nuptial rites. While the church has not issued a bridal dress code, there’s always a way of getting around that code. "You can always add a strap to the bustier, so that it doesn’t look too sexy," Danny suggests.

But of course, you don’t want the priest to be shouting "Cut!" in the middle of the ceremony when he notices your décolletage that leaves nothing to the imagination, do you?

Gone are the days when brides wore a terno with a panuelo. "That’s quite rare now," Danny affirms. "But I did have a modified Filipiniana wedding where the bride wore a baro’t saya. Then I had other clients who opted for the 1950s look – very Christian Dior with full skirts and fitted tops."

Of course, aside from the color and the cut, there’s the other important "c" – cost.

"A bridal designer can put together something decent for P20,000 to P25,000," says Danny. "But then, brides must also have some sense of proportion – they shouldn’t be scrimping on clothes but inviting some 300 guests to a five-star hotel for the reception. Everything should be in proportion."

With the cost comes the big question: What’s your budget?

"Often, they’re ashamed to quote a budget," Danny shares of his experience with his bridal clients. "But I prod them to tell me their budget. This helps me design more effectively. It’s easier to scale up than to scale down."

He adds, "We’re only limited by the couple’s limitations."

Most designers need a lead time of half a year to a year to finish the bridal ensemble. "Half a year is still okay, but I would already be panicking by then," Danny notes. "Because I would probably be in the middle of doing other weddings, too."

In terms of man-hours, it probably takes a designer from one to two months to do a bridal ensemble. And probably more, if the bridal gown requires really elaborate beadwork and embroidery.

Designers agree that the marryest months of the year in the Philippines are from December to February – not quite June. So much for June brides.

As a parting shot, Danny gives this down-to-earth advice to brides: "Keep the number of your guests compact so you achieve a certain impact. Go for effect. Use inexpensive fabrics so you can keep prices reined in."

As for that still-grieving bride who called off her wedding a week before her altar date after she saw her groom with another woman, Danny says, "Keep the gown and wait for the next groom."

Designers Alex Bitong, Danny Franco, Francis Libiran for Miguel Francisco, Greg Centeno, and Ivan de la Cruz will unveil creations based on their interpretations of the five elements of French culture: painting, sculpture, poetry, romantic movies, and music. The fashion show is directed by Raymond Villanueva.

Oui, the event brings a touch of French sophistication and elegance. According to executive assistant GM Mo Ihsan, it signifies the entry of Hotel Philippine Plaza as a member of Accor, the new management of the hotel. "We will have alongside the models, French art and music."

Meanwhile, the hotel’s Headzone Salon gives brides a head start with its makeup forecast for 2006. Hear ye, brides:

• Makeup is airy and lightweight; a fresh face oozing with vitality.

• The naturally sun-kissed look is in; cheeks glowing with a slight touch of shimmer.

• Red lipstick is in and brown is out. But for those who dread red, hot pink and peaches are just as hot.

• More is out and less is more. Show off your naturally vibrant skin without applying too much makeup. Keep it fresh, instead of porcelain-looking, by using the right color foundation for your skin and applying it as sparingly as you can, just covering those much-needed areas.

• Your makeup should appear fresh and peachy, portraying a classic yet romantic look rather than a dramatic, over-the-top feel.

• Last but not least, express your own style, feel free to experiment while remaining faithful to the essentials.

"Of course, the most important wedding trend now is to hold it at Hotel Philippine Plaza," goes the good GM Mo’s advice.

We say "I do" to that. After all, Hotel Philippine Plaza, this hotel by the bay with a view of Manila’s famed sunset, does not need props to host truly romantic weddings. It’s got outdoor venues that can seat from 800 to 1,800 guests plus the opulent Grand Plaza Ballroom that can accommodate 1,200 people banquet-style and up to 2,000 guests theater-style. And we haven’t even talked about the bridal spa packages that make this hotel a truly spa-cial wedding destination.

Held in cooperation with Tinsel Events Management, "La Vie En Rose 2006 Fair and Exhibit" is open to the public for free from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Highlights of the fair, aside from the bridal and debutantes’ fashion show, are a wedding forum with guests from the Guam Tourism Bureau, PTAA, and WOW! Philippines; the exhibitors’ showcase offering special discounts and freebies; a banquet showcase by Hotel Philippine Plaza; and hourly raffle draws. For more information, log on to www.tinselcelebrations.com, www.weddingmagazineonline.com, and www.kasal.com.

So, here’s to hue – and all things bride and beautiful!