Look what you made me do: Taylor Swift wedding on a shoestring

Pop star Taylor Swift and pro athlete Travis Kelce have reportedly spent anywhere between $35 to $50 million for their fairytale wedding last 3 July, complete with a custom-made castle, gardens, forests, mobile bars and a purple carpet for the multi-day celebration at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Fortunately, in the Philippines, one no longer need to be an “Anti-Hero” and have “Bad Blood” to have the “Enchanted” wedding of one’s “Wildest Dreams” to add to one’s “Love Story” even if your wallet is a “Blank Space.”

With the recent opening of Kultura Atelier in SM Aura in Taguig City, mall giant chain SM stays true to its vow of “we’ve got it all for you” by transforming its signature Filipino store Kultura into also a one-stop shop for wedding essentials — from formal wear for brides and grooms, their entourage and their principal sponsors; to even arras (coins), veils, ring pillows and many options for keepsakes and party nibbles and booze.

The price ranges cover all types of budgets — some even as affordable as “Divi” (Divisoria), but in a luxurious setting — there could be no more excuse for a couple to “Shake It Off” their marriage plans even if it’s inflation.

So whether your wedding is in “August,” “September,” “Cruel Summer,” “Forever Winter” or “Back to December,” you’ll feel “All Too Well” and not “Guilty as Sin” even if you invite “All of the Girls You Loved Before” through these hacks on how to have the “Met Gala of Weddings” just like Taylor and Travis, without making your money reach “The Fate of Ophelia.”

Do it like Dior

Christian Dior Haute Couture and the French fashion house’s British creative director Jonathan Anderson reportedly worked closely with Taylor for her white wedding gown and with Travis for his white tuxedo, complemented by Taylor with Cartier jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels.

At the recent Kultura Atelier launch, Filipino designers showcased modern Filipiniana and haute couture pieces that could make one instantly elegant without breaking the bank. There are jusi barongs for the groom that start at P3,000 to P3,500 for simple embroidered ones, to colored and very ornate piña creations ranging from P10,000 to P50,000. Similarly, the atelier offers designer and embroidered piña wedding gowns for brides, in modern and unique silhouettes, that start at P20,000.

To match Taylor’s Cartier jewelry, the atelier has Philippine pearls, precious and semiprecious stones starting at P1,000 for earrings and bracelets. It also has designer and artisanal jewelry that go up to P20,000 or more as wedding accessories or wedding ring alternatives, and these could already become investment and heirloom pieces that could last long after the wedding.

Mini Madison Square Garden

During the atelier’s launch, wedding suppliers brought the event to life. To mirror Taylor’s gardens and forests at her wedding, Solace Flower Bar offers a variety of flowers and foliage in several packages: P7,499 for 20 people; P8,999 for 30; P12,495 for 50; and P19,999 for 100 guests — whether you’re having your big day at the Madison Square Garden or just at your lola’s garden.

Mobile bar, celebrity caterer minus ‘End Game’ prices

At Taylor and Travis’ wedding, there were reportedly many bars and stations for international cuisine, ranging from Italian to Japanese.

At the Kultura Atelier launch, local brewery Destileria Limtuaco had a mobile bar, which can also be booked and setup at any event for a package of P800 to P1,000 per person. The bar offers the brewery’s award-winning spirits and concoctions such as the wedding favorite, Intramuros Oat Milk. The brand is currently finalizing its food catering selection with dishes that would also incorporate their signature spirits, such as Korean barbecue marinade in liquor.

While Taylor and Travis’ wedding caterers are still unknown, Filipinos, however, could have a “known” chef to cater their weddings. During the atelier event, celebrity chef JP Anglo’s Sarsa restaurant gave guests a taste of their sisig canapes. The restaurant’s representatives told me they can cater any wedding and can work on any budget.

‘Our Song’ with ‘Safe and Sound’ cost

Swifties, of course, would also like to walk down the aisle with “Love Story” playing on the background, much like their idol did at her wedding to Travis.

At the atelier launch, providing romantic background music was a flute and violin duo that plays two sets of one’s choice of songs for 45 minutes for P13,000.

‘Timeless’ keepsakes without code ‘Red’

On their wedding day, among the keepsakes that Taylor and Travis reportedly gave to their guests were hand-embroidered handkerchiefs with interlocking “Ts,” their wedding date and the line “So it’s gonna be forever…” from Travis’ favorite Swift song, “Blank Space.”

For those who want similar personalized wedding souvenirs, at the atelier event, I stumbled upon Bags in the City that provides laser-cut, customized bag tags, keychains and other keepsake options for any occasion. Their packages start at P15,000 for 100 guests. To capture the moment, there was a Snap Burst Studios photo booth that can be rented for P8,000 for 100 printouts.