Grand wedding

Themes & Motifs was set up after the second wedding anniversary of Michael and Sharon Fabian.

"At that time, I wanted to spend more time with my first-born but still keep busy. I decided to combine my experience as a marketing and product development officer for a multinational company with what I learned planning my own memorable wedding," said general manager Sharon Fabian.

Initially, the company focused on managing special events such as weddings and baptisms.

Two years later, it staged its first Wedding Expo Phils., which gathered under one roof different options for soon-to-wed couples in terms of reputable gown designers, florists, photographers and video crew, caterers as well as where to go for their honeymoon. "With the success of the first WEP, I quit my job in a telecommunication company. WEP needed a sustained marketing effort if it were to become a true showcase," said Michael Fabian, business development head of Themes & Motifs ’s sister company, T&M Marketing Management.

Getting Bigger

WEP is now held semi-annually, with the 5th expo to be held this Sept. 4-5 at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio Global City.

"The 4th WEP last March had 178 exhibitors who generated a total of P5.4 million in down payments," said Michael Fabian. "Because of the high attendance and the business generated from the expo, many of the exhibitors have been with us from the first WEP."

Exhibitors are allowed a space of 2 x 3 meters and pay a fee of P50,000. A general admission fee of P50 is charged per person although soon-to-weds and pre-registered guests via the internet are admitted free.

"Weddings have become not just a concern of the couple getting married but has become a showcase of the economic success of the couple’s parents and families," said Sharon Fabian. "Aside from A-B income families, overseas Filipino workers who have been exposed to stylish weddings abroad are now willing to invest in the best wedding that their dollars can buy for their children."

Costs

The cost of a wedding with a 150-person guest list could range from P250,000 to as much as P1.6 million. A cake could cost up to P80,000 and floral arrangements of imported flowers can cost P600,000. Increasingly, photographers have been brought along on location to take shots of reenacted scenes memorable to the couple even if these have taken place abroad.

"This time around, we’re showcasing wedding options such as a laser show and illuminated dance floors which can be rented by the tile," said Michael Fabian.

This early, Themes & Motifs is already planning two expos ahead.

"It takes six months to one year to plan and arrange with current exhibitors as well as to attract new ones. The next WEP in March 2005 is already almost booked. We are planning the one for September next year," said Michael Fabian.

In between the WEPs, the company is also planning its second Babies & Kids expo.

"It makes sense for our market. After the wedding comes the kids and our market would like to have ideas on where to get stylish cribs and playground equipment like bikes, fashion designs, and other kiddie stuff," said Sharon Fabian.