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I got engaged in January 2020, thinking I had all the time in the world to plan for a December wedding. Well, technically, I did have all the time I needed since we couldn’t go out for months. But that was the catch: I had to plan a wedding without going out of the house.

Fortunately, we were able to secure some of the crucial things – church and reception venue, rings, photo and video suppliers – before the world went into lockdown. But there was still so much more to do. 

Instead of waiting and doing nothing, I did what I could, wore my producer hat, and coordinated the most important event of my life – from my bedroom. Just through chats, text messages, phone and Zoom calls, I was able to book a caterer, event stylist, makeup artist, florist, lights and sounds company, baker, and wedding gown designer. 

Looking for these major suppliers was pretty straightforward. I found most of them by searching on Facebook and Instagram. Getting my hands on the smaller things like shoes, accessories, envelopes was where it got challenging. These are things you usually find in the mall, a place you didn’t really want to go to in 2020.

So how did I shop in a mall without going to the mall? Of course, Lazada and Shopee!

I wasn’t much of an online shopper but my pandemic wedding turned me into one. I have no regrets, though. I wasn’t just able to get most of the things that I needed conveniently, but these little details helped complete the (limited, socially-distanced, and masked) wedding of my dreams. 

Here are some of the things I bought from Lazada and Shopee and how they turned out during the actual wedding:

Envelopes for wedding invitation

There were only less than 20 people who needed to get an invitation. So, instead of getting a print studio to do it, we decided to DIY and saved tons of money.

Get the envelopes for P17 each

Glitter mesh socks and bridesmaids’ shoes

I only had a maid of honor and one secondary sponsor as part of team bride but that didn’t mean we couldn’t get matching shoes and socks!

Get the socks for P60+
Add the shoes to your wishlist (P3,995)

Suspender with bow tie

My nephew couldn’t go with us to the church to perform his role as the ring bearer but I made sure he was still all dressed up for the photos.

Get the suspender and bow tie for P60

Headpiece

I was able to use this dainty headpiece for my ceremony and reception looks. Since it’s affordable, I got a few more pieces for my bridesmaids, mom, and aunts.

Get this headpiece for P47

Flower girl’s dress

My niece went out only once in 2020 to be at my wedding. Though she couldn’t go to the church, we still dressed her up for the occasion.

Get this dress for P932

Other than these pretty things, I also got essentials like face masks and face shields from Shopee. We made sure that all of our guests and suppliers were wearing proper protective equipment. 

Are you getting married soon? How about instead of going out, try checking out Lazada and Shopee first for the things you need? Who knows, you might find it just like I did – and have a safe and beautiful event. – Rappler.com