Budget Friendly Grand Celebration – Josiah King Bethea’s Baptismal
Today isn’t just another day in the Philippines. While we are here visiting family and friends, we planned for a getaway, staycation, but above everything else … a very special occasion in our lives. Welcoming our son Josiah King Bethea to the Christian world.
My husband’s family are Baptist but my husband had never been baptized. Given that I’ve been christened as well as raised as a Catholic, there was no question as to what religion our son should have. In fact, my late mother-in-law made me promise that I will have my husband baptized even if that means he will become a catholic.
Initially, I planned for a 2-in-1 event. The challenge became apparent when I decided to have the baptismal overseas (Manila, Philippines) so that my family could be there to celebrate with us. Apparently, Catholic churches are very strict. Grown adults that need to be baptized has to go through a much lengthier process and seminars. I had no choice but to postpone getting my husband baptized along with our son.
To be honest, the pressure was on. This is the very first time I planned, and organized a grand celebration. I had no experience, and I need to live up to a lot of of expectations —as well as stay within a certain budget. I asked friends, did my research, and went from there. So let me take this opportunity to share how this grand celebration transpired without spending a fortune. Of course I will also share my cost-saving tips before wrapping up this post.
Ready?
Marking today’s special celebration, our son’s baptism took place in St. Michael Arc Angel Church. I made a down payment of ₱500 pesos ($10) to secure the date. Then paid ₱1000 ($20) for registering 5 primary sponsors and ₱125 ($5) for five candles. The church was absolutely breathtaking. My friends even teased us that I should have worn a white gown and we could have our vows renewed too!
St. Michael Arc Angel Church
General Alponso Arellano
Taguig Metro Manila
We celebrated his baptismal and his (late) birthday party (for my side of the family) in Cedar Crest Condominium’s
Function Hall. I managed to score HUGE savings on this with the help of my friend Karen Samson. Her cousin is a resident of the condominium and because of that, we only had to pay ₱6,720 ($128) for renting it from 3pm – 9pm. Honestly, the function hall is already beautiful setup that it needs very minimal decoration added.
Then I hired Rhonze Klowns and Party Shop to provide the catering service, clowns for entertainment, dessert station (candies & chocolate fountain), photobooth, and decoration for less than ₱35,000 ($670) —70 adults and 30 kids or 100 pax. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was professional and amazing!
I also secured an additional hosting service and got a special discount ₱3,000 ($60) by hiring my friend Beverly Jardine Santos who does it professionally.
My friend Mara Siojo Daculan who owns a salon (Makeup by Mara Siojo Unicorn Salon) and does makeup artistry professionally had her makeup team on standby to help me look glamorous. Depending on the service, the cost will vary. I spent ₱2,000 ($40) on what I got done.
For the photography and videos, my friend Mara’s husband Lord Daculan does it professionally as well and so I hired him to cover the event for ₱15,000 ($300).
My best friend Rochelle Dizon and her partner Jhoe Rodriguez have their own sweets shop (Sweet Ching PH) and they provided the Chocolate Lollipops for the guests which is an OBVIOUS HIT! Of course I got the lollies for free (best friend privileges) and a couple of packaged chocolates too!
The lechon was provided by my relatives from Valenzuela Bulacan instead of bringing gifts so that helped with the expense a lot! They have their own piggery and roasted the pig there too. My husband especially loves roasted pigs so this was a special highlight on top of the delicious catering provided by the caterer.
Also, my friend Lea Hannah Mercader and Dhon Rodriguez provided the piñata (pabitin) instead of bringing Josiah a gift as well. This definitely was an INSTANT WIN for the kids!
I bought the fire truck cake for ₱700 ($14) and spent an additional ₱10,000 ($200) (OPTIONAL) for soda and juice drinks AND a load of booze (for the adults —especially for my older relatives).
It was definitely a successful event and more than everything that I could possibly imagine. The MAJOR TAKEAWAY here is that knowing what you need and who you can ask for help. Our son already have plenty of toys and we don’t really need more. This is where the decision became easy to request for other things that can help with the party or celebration instead of getting a gift that Josiah would not be able to put to good use.
Family and friends traveled from the States, Europe, and out of town. Everyone enjoyed the party celebration, entertainment, and food!
Amber Myers
January 17, 2019This looks like such a wonderful celebration. I love the decor and everyone looks amazing!
Cristina Petrini
January 17, 2019A very special baptism. Unique and full of love! How well you organized it!
What Corinne Did
January 17, 2019Sounds like a lovely baptismal. Love the decor and the food. You did great on a budget!
Tara Pittman
January 17, 2019Being baptized is always a great reason to celebrate. The whole pig would be something that my husband would enjoy.
Corinna
January 17, 2019What an awesome celebration you had. Sounds like everything went well and I love the photos. The cake looks amazing!
Cynthia Nicoletti
January 17, 2019So nice congrats to your son welcoming him to the Catholic Church. What a nice party you had love the decorations.
Sarah Bailey
January 17, 2019Oh wow what an amazing looking celebration you had for your sons baptismal and his birthday how lovely you got to spend it with your family as well.
Riana Shahid
January 17, 2019“grand celebration” does not do this justice! I am blown away by the top picture! Everything looks so amazing
Heather
January 17, 2019You really went all out! What a beautiful event. You have such a gorgeous family.
Sandra
January 18, 2019Happy baptism to Josiah!! You really spent almost half of the usual expense when preparing and executing a grand celebration as this one. It’s a good idea to have an alternative other than toys for the celebration, too. Just looking at the lechon makes me crave for some!
Gladys Nava
January 18, 2019Wow! It looks a very happy celebration! Kids definitely enjoying that chocolate fountain! By the way, welcome to the Christian world and Happy Birthday to you Josiah! ☺☺
Hannah MArie
January 18, 2019This seems to make a lot of sense and are all kept together. Indeed, it’s challenging to organize. Looks like you rocked it.
Sarah Meh
January 18, 2019It seems that you’ve had a great celebration. I liked the way ballons are decorated and cupcakes are packed.
Irina
January 18, 2019The photos look very nice, and your family seems so cool! Welcome to the Christian world to your little guy! I wish him all the best, may he be healthy, wealthy and loved!
Waren Jean Go
January 18, 2019Wow! That lechon look so delicious, I miss it already. Anyway, the baptismal party looks amazing and fun.
Natalie
January 18, 2019So wonderful you were able to baptize your son surrounded by your family and friends from around the world in the Philippines. I hope you are enjoying your stay!
Shawn Keo
January 21, 2019What a lovely Baptism! A well planned celebration you did there.
Alexandra
January 24, 2019What beautiful photos, and what a lovely celebration! And you look gorgeous, mama!
Stacie
January 24, 2019That was one big baptismal event! I love the Super Mario clowns. Very cool.
Elizabeth weitz
January 24, 2019What a special day documented! Such a sweet baptism
Annick Lau
January 24, 2019you’ve got such a beautiful family! and girl, you are just so pretty ❤️
Nicole Bertrand
January 24, 2019What a lovely celebration! Congratulations to your son! And congratulations to you for sticking to a budget! 🙂
Dean of Little Steps
January 24, 2019Looks like your whole family enjoyed your son’s baptism! I’m Catholic too and yes, they are certainly strict!
Becca Talbot
January 24, 2019You guys went all out for the christening, huh?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an elaborate do 🙂 celebrate in style – you all look so beautiful x
Joanna
January 24, 2019You organised the Christening of your baby up to the last details, and it seems, as everything looks perfect. Such a beautiful choice of church!
Chad
January 24, 2019That is so cool and congrats to Josh. Love the pictures, so so beautiful.
Chad
Yeah Lifestyle
January 24, 2019Congratulations Josiah on your baptismal! It looks like such a lovely celebration! The fire truck cake is super cute.
Kara
January 24, 2019What a fabulous event, my kids christenings were never like this
Sophia
January 24, 2019I am all for budget friendly and the picture of your family look great.
Jasmine Hewitt
January 24, 2019the decorations and look of this are amazing! what a fun way to celebrate
Dennis Littley
January 24, 2019What a beautiful church! Looks like this was a memorable time for everyone. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Hola Cheska
January 24, 2019What a wonderful family time Angela! Love the pictures. The food and decoration looks amazing. Congratulations and blessings.
Hola Cheska
Lorilea
January 24, 2019What an amazing celebration and I love that you did all of this on a budget! Great read!
Catherine Santiago Jose
January 24, 2019Such a nice event for your dear little one. I love the grilled pig serve on this baptismal it looks really crunchy and delicious.
Tiffany Barry
January 24, 2019Wow! What a wonderful celebration! This is such a big milestone for your family, and I love how you celebrated it.
Bethany Stout
January 25, 2019Wow what a beautiful event. You guys look amazing. So many great tips thanks for sharing.
Preet
January 25, 2019You are so great. I really can’t imagine that you made this baptismal celebration wonderful with a low budget.
Monidipa Dutta
January 25, 2019Congratulations on your child’s baptism. It looks like a wonderful celebration overall.
Sara
January 25, 2019I love the balloon arch over the cake! So cute! The celebration looks like a hit, as well!
Enriqueta E Lemoine
January 25, 2019Beautiful ceremony and family. Great moment for your little one and you and your husband! Thanks for sharig!