ABS-CBN News/File
Sam Gogna, known to many as Sam YG, recently made a guest appearance on a podcast dedicated to stories behind the wedding industry.
In the two-hour Monochrome Podcast, the veteran wedding host noted that many couples have become "more intentional" in celebrating their big day as opposed to giving in to trends or traditions.
More specifically, they have become more selective of who they invite — even if it means excluding their own family members and relatives.
He cited Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who said in an interview that he prefers not to invite his parents to his wedding.
"Ganito lang 'yan. Your wedding is a celebration of you guys... If there's a person that's going to cause you stress by being there, would you really want that person to be there? Something to think about," said Gogna, who has been hosting weddings for over two decades. "Especially kung parents mo 'yan. Kasi hindi naman lahat ng tao good with their parents."
Carlos Yulo prefers not to invite his parents to his future wedding with Chloe San Jose
When asked if it is okay to invite an ex to a wedding, Gogna said it's ultimately up to the couple, but he personally believes it's not a good idea.
"Ang take ko sa mga mag-iimbita ng ex, ganito lang 'yan. How do you think your partner would feel? Always consider that. It's not just about you, it's both of you," he stressed.
"So may guest list ka, may guest list siya... Is there somebody in that list na magiging uneasy siya (partner)?" he asked. "Ako, I still wouldn't."
"It's a two-way thing. Consult each other. And be honest. If you're going to be uneasy having one person there, magiging uneasy buong gabi mo. Sayang 'yung wedding mo dahil sa isang tao."
Should you post about your breakup on social media? Life coach shares thoughts
Gogna sees the trend of smaller, more intimate weddings as not just intentional but also practical.
He pointed out that it's a lot more expensive to get married these days compared to 10 or 15 years ago.
"Aminin na natin, mahal magpakasal. It's expensive to get married so you have the right to invite who you want, and not invite who you don't want to be there," he said.
"It's your wedding, your rules at the end of the day," he reiterated.
>>EMBED FACEBOOK POST: https://www.facebook.com/monochromepodcastph/videos/4461061204156281
On 'performative' weddings
In the podcast, Gogna was also asked to share his thoughts about couples who pull off over-the-top photo shoots and other gimmicks during their wedding, which some people see as "performative."
But the long-time wedding host sees nothing wrong with it if it's something that the bride and groom truly want.
For him, the only time it becomes problematic is when they only do it to "flex" or prove something to the public.
"I don't blame them if they want to have a nice photo shoot, let's say in Japan or whatever. Kasi 'yun lang 'yung chance na magkakaganon sila eh," he explained. "So if you want to have that photo shoot then by all means, go... If it's for the memories, I don't see that as being performative."
"But if you're doing that para mapakita sa mga tao na, tingnan niyo 'yung wedding namin, dito kami nag-shoot, pang-flex lang, that's a different story. You're not being true to yourself and there might be a problem with that, especially down the road," he added.
As for couples who end up following trends, Gogna said the same rules apply: "There will always be trends. Is it wrong to follow a trend? No. If it's a K-pop thing and you're into K-pop, by all means do something K-pop. Who are we to say na 'wag mong gawin 'yan, trend lang 'yan? Do what makes you happy."