The Business of Weddings
The Business of Weddings Who is Jennifer Goberdhan? Jennifer Goberdhan of Jennifer Goberdhan Signature Weddings & Events has an infectious enthusiasm that is only matched by her laughter. She is energetic, exuberant, and creative with an instinctive passion for designing weddings and events in her own grand style. She has designed and produced numerous breathtaking Weddings and Events over the past 15 years and has conducted several creative design workshops over the past 10 years in Balloon Artistry, Interior Design and Wedding Décor at her St Augustine studio in Trinidad. She designs weddings and events to accommodate most budgets while staying true to the quality of her signature work. Her wedding designs are bold, creative and scream out of the box with attitude and presence. Jennifer spent a number of her formative years with her grandmother to whom she accredits her inspiration and creative awareness. She recalls her grandmother, whom she believes was ahead of her time in the realm of design and creation of bridal couture, bouquets and wedding cakes, spending hours patiently setting beads to wedding dresses while she sat as a child watching intently, many times begging for a chance to help out in the process. This early influence led to the development of Jennifer’s own talent for design, her style, professional work ethic and insistence on quality work that can withstand international scrutiny. Jennifer resides in St Augustine with her husband of 21 years and their 2 teenage sons. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine specializing in English Literature and Communication Studies and is a career educator. She teaches Literatures in English and Communication Studies at a Girls’ College and conducts classes in Creative Writing privately. Jennifer has been trained both locally and in the US, attending a number of workshops and seminars over the years including Wedding Design at IBAC Chicago (2003), IBAC California (2004), CBA designation at IBAC Las Vegas (2005) and Gift Basket Design in Orlando (2006). In 2008 she completed her Interior Design Certification with Interior Refiners in Manhattan, New York. In 2012 Jennifer pursued a course in Certified Wedding and Events Planning and completed a Preston Bailey Signature Wedding and Event Design course with The Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute (LWPI) of California (with a passing grade of 100%). Who is Jennifer Goberdhan? In 2013 she was invited by LWPI to Las Vegas, where she completed an internship with Preston Bailey Florals and was finally able to meet this icon and work alongside him. She also attended a Style It Workshop with HGTV’s Celebrity Party Planner, Dina Manzo, America’s Top Model, Naima Mora and Project Runway Designer, Richard Halmarq. Additionally, she met Celebrity Wedding Planners, David Tutera and Colin Cowie and resident Florist at Restoration Hardware New York, Eddie Zaratsian whose works she has also studied. Recently , Jennifer launched her business ‘Jennifer Goberdhan Signature Weddings & Events’ and the her business website www.jennifer goberdhan.com at the Trinidad Hilton on 15 June 2013. She explains briefly what drives her and the purpose behind her Signature brand. She explains briefly what drives her and the purpose behind her Signature brand. “I have found my passion and I am undauntedly in pursuit of it. I wish to share the knowledge and expertise I acquired over the years through my design creations and by offering Wedding Planning Seminars for Brides-to-be and courses in certain aspects of Wedding and Event design. I intend to bring a fresh, unique perspective that generates the awareness and appetite for quality, style and sensation that characterizes the Signature Wedding or Event.Mine is an empathic approach to design and planning that incorporates each bride’s unique personal experiences and vision for their special occasion– making it their signature!” Inspiration • My inspiration for being a part of the Wedding Industry I think came to me very early as my grandmother with whom I lived was a Couture wedding dress designer. I was always surrounded by brides and those lovely wedding dresses and it was there my love and passion for design began. • I however , went down a different pathway and I have landed in Wedding design & décor and of course Wedding Planning for Brides. • The immense satisfaction comes to me when on the wedding day everything is in place and the bride and groom appreciates something that I have created for them. The First Meeting • I have made an appointment with my clients but the language I use is scheduling a visit. • This 1st visit can be at my home office where my clients have an opportunity to meet me in my surroundings with easy access to all my marketing and promotional materials. I believe seeing me in my home establishes trust and a certain level of comfort which might not prevail at a hotel . This venue is my 1st preference. • Another option can be at a business lounge at either The Hilton Hotel Trinidad or The Carlton Savannah Hotel in St Anns.These venues are more business like and will project a different image. • The 1st meeting is scheduled for after 4 O’clock in the afternoon when clients have ended the work day or on a Saturday morning when they will tend to be more relaxed. • I always recommend my 1st meeting be with just the Bride and Groom so that I can ascertain what their specific needs are without getting a lot of other opinions in the mix. At the 1st Meeting I will provide for my Clients : • Business Card and Brochure in Custom designed Presentation Folder. • Brochure listing different Packages offered. • Album with Visual gallery of Weddings I have planned with a personal message from the brides about their experiences with my Wedding planning services. • Bridal Client Profile data Sheet. • Bridal Questionnaire. Client Info Package BUSINESS CALL CARD BUSINESS BROCHURE Frequently Asked Questions • How long have you been in the Wedding Industry? …I have been in the Industry for about 15 years in the field of Design & Décor and have recently offered professional Wedding planning services. • How many events have you done?...I have designed and decorated 25 Weddings and planned 8 so far. • Are you Certified?... Yes ,I have been certified by the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute in California USA. • Can you give an example of your quick thinking to avert disaster for a wedding you planned?...The DJ for the wedding was caught in a serious traffic pileup because there was a rainstorm that day . All the guests had arrived as well as the Bridal party and there was no music. I had to quickly pull some CDs from my car and have the Ballroom manager pipe the music through the speakers in the hall .It was not of the best quality but it was the next best thing until the DJ arrived about 40 minutes later. The background music quickly settled everyone, and disaster averted. Bridal Client Questionnaire Questionnaire cont’d Questionnaire cont’d Questionnaire cont’d Why you need a Wedding Planner? • Stress : A Planner takes on the stress so you don’t have to . She is there on the day to make sure everything runs smoothly. • Prioritization : A Planner helps you with the decisions and ensures you get what is important to you. • Relationships : A Planner has done the research and knows the vendors . She is in the perfect position to negotiate for you as she knows who is trustworthy. • Experience : A Planner has had the experience of planning many large events and is in the unique position to know realistically what things cost. A Planner is your advocate . It is your day , your way but you need a specialist working on your behalf to do the legwork , reduce your stress, and ensure every detail is kind of perfect. Wedding Planning Bouganvillea Package: COST: TT$1050. Basic Consultation :3 HRS This is a basic package for couples who can do it themselves but need some guidance and professional advice .This service offers a stress free experience that gives you Wedding Planning Expertise. This includes the following services: -Event Design -Priorities -Budgets -Vendor referrals &recommendations -Vendor contracts -Timelines & Schedules Wedding Day of Coordination Hibiscus Package : COST -TT $1500. Rehearsal , Wedding Ceremony and Reception Coverage: This service gives you the freedom to enjoy your Wedding Day after having planned it yourself and hands over the management to the professional. This service includes the following services : Rehearsal Coverage: - Meet Bridal & Wedding party - Coordinate the rehearsal ( 1hr 45 mins) - Coordinate with ministers, DJs ,musicians , soloists and readers etc. Wedding Ceremony includes the following services: - Coordinate with guest book attendant, Ushers , Seating attendants etc - Coordinate Bridal party-line-up and prepare Bride for grand entrance - Coordinate the ceremony music with musicians - Assist the Bridal party with processional Reception Coverage includes the following Services: - Coordinate with outside entertainment for introductions , dances ,toasts ,cakecutting,bouquet/garter toss and departure - Coordinate with all service providers - Ensure smooth running of Reception Schedule - Collection of all wedding day items : cake knives , toasting glasses , guest book & pen etc) Full Wedding PlanningChaconia Package COST -TT $4000.* • Full Wedding Planning includes the following services: • Budget determination & breakdown,telephone and email consultations, Discussion of wedding design & Décor,Visit to Ceremony & Reception Sites. • Developing Timeline & Floorplan for Reception. • Referrals for Service vendors and contract review. • Attending 5 Vendor appointments. • Follow up calls to all vendors prior to Wedding. • Full Rehearsal coverage. • Full Ceremony coverage. • Full Reception coverage. • Wedding day Emergency Kit. • * Full Planning Price based on consultation. Preferred Vendors • This is my list of vendors which is given to the bride after she has retained my services. I inform her about this list which would be available to her after booking. • Wedding Attire- Claudia Pegus Couture Weddings Connor Street Woodbrook Trinidad. • Wedding Cakes & Desserts – Bakery Treatz Rodney Rd Chaguanas Trinidad WI • Caterer – Berment Caterers Diego Martin Trinidad WI • Venues : Movietowne Conference & Banquet Centre , Drew Manor Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Trinidad WI , Vendors • Lighting - Clinical Sound & Lighting • Flowers – Buds & Blooms.Long Circular Mall Long Circular St James Trinidad WI • DJ – Sound EFX • Photographer & Videographer - Naalri’s Photo Planet • Wedding Design & Décor –JG Signature Weddings & Events ,St Augustine Trinidad WI. Other Services I also offer to my Bridal Clients the services of my Wedding & Events Design Company. This service includes full Wedding Design Decor: • Theme Development • Venue Draping Styles • Specialty Linen • Floral Concepts • Centerpiece Design • Event Lighting Other Services Cont’d • Custom Furnishings and Backdrops • Signature Entry and Perimeter Décor Pieces which are custom for each Wedding. • Stationary Package • Audio Visual Bridal Party Checklist Maid of Honor’s Checklist Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire Helps address invitations and place cards Attends as many prenuptial events as possible Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple Makes sure that all the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer are at fittings, the rehearsal, and the ceremony on time Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner Walks in processional and recessional Holds the groom’s wedding ring Helps with the bride’s gown Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional Makes sure the bride’s gown is “picture perfect” throughout the day Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate Stands in the receiving line Keeps the bride on schedule Helps the bride change into her going away clothes Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding Bridal Party Checklist Bridesmaid’s Checklist Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire Helps address invitations and place cards Attends as many prenuptial events as possible Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple Makes sure that all the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer are at fittings, the rehearsal, and the ceremony on time Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner Walks in processional and recessional Holds the groom’s wedding ring Helps with the bride’s gown Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional Makes sure the bride’s gown is “picture perfect” throughout the day Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate Stands in the receiving line Keeps the bride on schedule Helps the bride change into her going away clothes Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding Bridal Party Checklist Best Man’s Checklist Organizes a pre-wedding party for the groom Coordinates the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included in the rehearsal dinner Gets the groom dressed and to the ceremony on time Makes sure the groom’s wedding related expenses are prepared (Officiant fee, tips, etc.) Makes sure the groom has the marriage license with him Delivers any payment toe Officiant, sexton, and ceremony musician(s), as prearranged Enters the sanctuary with the groom Takes care of and holds the bride’s wedding ring Makes sure all ushers and properly attired and in place on time Walks in the recessional Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate Drives the bride and groom to reception, if no driver is hired Helps welcome guests at reception Offers first toast to bride and groom at reception Dances with the bride, maid of honor, mothers, and single female guests Helps the groom get ready for the honeymoon Gathers up and takes care of groom’s wedding clothes after he changes Has a car ready for the bride and groom to leave the reception or perhaps drives them to their next destination Bridal Party Checklist Usher’s Checklist Expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner Receives any lists of guests who are to be seated in a specific pew and is aware of the importance and sequence of seating special guests, such as the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom Makes sure that programs, if used, are handed to guests when they are seated Makes sure that people who are designated to receive special flowers or corsages do, if the flowers have not been delivered to the recipients beforehand Checks that all ushers are dressed properly and wearing their boutonnieres on the left side, stem down Makes sure that the ushers know how to usher: how to greet guests, how to offer an arm to a single woman guest, and how to precede a couple to their seats Helps gather the wedding party for photographs either before or after the ceremony and ensures that transportation arrangements have been made for all members of the wedding party to and from the ceremony Completes entire Groomsmen and Ushers Checklist, as needed Bridal Party Checklist Groomsmen’s Checklist Participate in party for the groom, if there is one Contribute to the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple Expected to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner Review any special seating situations with the head usher before the ceremony begins Greets guests as they arrive Seat the eldest women first if a group of guests arrive simultaneously Ask guests whether they are to be seated on the bride’s side or the groom’s side Offer their right arm to female guests (with the guest’s escort walking behind) or ask couples to follow behind (leading couple to their seat) Walk to the left side of a male guest Hand each guest a program when they are seated Put the aisle runner in place after guests are seated and before the processional begins Know the order of seating per tradition such as special guests, grandmothers of the bride and groom, and bride’s mother last Remove pew ribbons, one row at a time, after the ceremony Close windows and check pews for programs or articles left behind after the ceremony Are prepared to direct guests to the reception site (having extra maps available, if used) Dance with bridesmaids and other guests at the reception Look after elderly relatives or friends Participate in garter ceremony and encourage other single men to participate Coordinate return of rented apparel with head usher or best man Pay for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding Bridal Party Checklist Mother of the Bride’s Checklist Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity) Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions Usually contributes to the wedding budget Assists the bride in putting together the family’s guest list Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions May help bride to shop for wedding gown and accessories Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the groom about formality) Along with the maid of honor and bridesmaids, may plan and host bridal shower On wedding day help bride to get ready May accompany daughter and husband to ceremony Walk in recessional with husband following wedding party Greet guests in receiving line May be announced along with husband Sits in an honored place at parent’s table May assist with coordinating vendors May host a post-wedding brunch Bridal Party Checklist Father of the Bride’s Checklist Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity) Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions Usually contributes to the wedding budget May select hotel for out of town guests and reserve a block of reduced rate rooms Rents own formalwear (work with couple to coordinate with wedding party) Helps pick up out-of-town guests from airport. May also arrange transportation to and from the wedding Typically travels to ceremony with the bride Walks daughter down the aisle Gives the bride away during the ceremony Escorts the mother of the bride out following the wedding party Greets guests in the receiving line May be announced with wife at reception May make a welcoming speech Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table Toasts the newlyweds after the best man makes his speech and the groom responds Dances with the bride May take care of vendor balances at the end of the reception Bridal Party Checklist Mother of the Groom’s Checklist Contacts the mother of the bride if the families are not acquainted (or plans a celebration if you have met) Attends (first) engagement party if the bride’s family hosts one Along with husband, may host an additional engagement party for the groom’s side of the family Usually contributes to wedding budget May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions Helps group to put together family’s guest list Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions May help bride shop for her wedding gown Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the bride about formality) Along with husband, plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner Escorted out following the wedding party and the bride’s parents Greets guests in the receiving line May be announced with husband at the reception Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table Does mother-son dance with groom Attends post wedding brunch (if held) Bridal Party Checklist Father of the Groom’s Checklist Attends (first) engagement party, if the bride’s family hosts one Along with wife, may host an additional engagement party for groom’s side of the family Along with wife, may contribute to the wedding budget May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions Rents own formalwear (after talking with couple to coordinate with wedding party); attends fittings as needed Along with wife, plans rehearsal dinner May travel to ceremony with the groom and the best man May escort wife to her sear right before the mother of the bride is seated Escorts mother of the groom out after wedding party and bride’s parents Greets guests in the receiving line May be announced with wife May make a welcoming speech Sits at an honored place at the parent’s table May toast the newlyweds May settle final bills with wedding vendors Attends or hosts post-wedding brunch Bridal Party Checklist Flower Girl’s Checklist Dress and accessories should be paid for by her family Attends the rehearsal although she usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner In the processional, walks alone directly before the bride and her father Often scatters petals from a basket she holds, although this is sometimes too overwhelming a responsibility for a young girl to manage in front of a large group of people. It is usually easier for her to carry either a small basket of flowers or a tiny nosegay of flowers similar to those carried to those carried by the bridesmaids In the recessional, walks with the ring bearer, directly behind the couple The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the bridesmaids to look after the flower girl, to be in charge of checking her appearance and making sure she is present for formal pictures, helping her manage her food at the reception, and escorting her to the ladies room Bridal Party Checklist Ring Bearer’s Check List His attire should be paid for by his family Attends the rehearsal although he usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner He immediately precedes the flower girl in the processional Carries either the actual rings or a facsimile of the rings (often a practical idea), on a white velvet or satin cushion. If the rings are genuine, they should be fastened to the cushion with a very thin thread or placed over a firmly fixed hatpin. The best man takes the rings from the cushion at the right moment Walks with the flower girl in the recessional, directly behind the bride and groom The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the ushers to look after the ring bearer, to be in charge of checking his appearance, making sure he is present for formal pictures, helping him manage his food at the reception, and escorting him to the men’s room Signature Wedding Themes • White Wedding • Red Passion Signature Wedding Themes • Go Green • Oriental Night Signature Wedding Themes • Ocean Breezes • Rustic Vintage WeddingPlanning Time Line 9-12 Mths Before • • • • • • • • Set a Budget Select a date and reserve a venue Start the guest List Hire a Wedding Photographer Find an Officiant Book the Band or DJ Start a separate Folder for receipts Select and order the bridal gown 6-9 Mths Before • Find a caterer if the venue doesn’t have one. • Book a florist • Choose Bridesmaids’ Attire. • Register for gifts. • Start Planning the Honeymoon. 4-6 Mths Before • Finalise the Guest List. • Send Save -the- date announcements. • Reserve any rental items needed for Ceremony or Reception sites. • Shop for Wedding Invitations. • Finalise date, time and location of rehearsal dinner. • Arrange accomodations for guests travelling from abroad. 2-4 Mths Before • Mail or /or deliver Invitations. • Shop for your wedding rings. • Order wedding cake. • Obtain marriage license according to stipulated dates of your wedding location. 6-8 Weeks Before • Find make up artist and hair stylist do trials and make your day –of appointments. • Send rehearsal dinner invitations. • Finalize Groom and groomsmen attire. 2-6 weeks Before • Finalize all details and confirm with vendors. • Create seating Plan and get seating cards. 1 Week Before • Expect a lot of last minute things to come up, so try not to save anything that could have been finished sooner. • That is a good piece of advice from a place of lots of experience. Average Wedding Costs Contract • . Wedding Shower Themes French Inspired- Breakfast at Tiffany’s- Adorn yourself,Mimic classy french women, Coco chanel, wea chanel No 5 perfume, classic black dresses, white pearls, dainty jewellery, pink and white cake, dainty flowers-Peonies. Sophisticated, Pearls, accessories, lace, champagne, blue mini gift boxes filled with chocolates, black furniture. Wedding Shower Themes Fashion SwapMake overs for guests,donate stuff to swap,wedding cosmetic stylist,classic petite dishes,Free loot to take home. Mad Hatter Tea PartyFavourite hats and dress styles,Alice in Wonderland style,coloured tables,flowers,clocks and mugs,tea blends,vintage mugs,Extra large chair for Bride with velvet cushion. Wedding Shower Themes Slumber party- Pretty Pancake Breakfast- 5pm in PJ’s,sleepng bags,slumber party food, glasses of wine and champagne,picture albums,morning after pancake breakfast. Classic mini breakfast option, feminine furniture ,settings, pink plates, fresh fruit and beverages, flowers from the garden Shower Party Games Emergency Kit Health Attire Antacid Antihistamine, cold remedy Any prescription medications Aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil Band Aids Hard candy or flavored cough drops Pepto-Bismol or other antacid/upset stomach aid Smelling salts Tampons, pads Sunscreen (if outdoors) ‘Throwaway’ garter Clear nail polish for runs in hose Earring backs Emergency buttons Flat shoes or ballet slippers (if necessary) Iron Pantyhose (extras for emergencies) Safety pins Masking tape (last minute ripped hems) Small sewing kit, including thread matching entire party’s attire Beauty/Grooming Miscellaneous Dusting powder for before pictures are taken Hair spray, brush, barrettes and/or bobby pins Hand lotion, handy-wipes Kleenex Makeup Perfume Nail polish and remover Small hand towel Toothbrush and toothpaste Directions to reception with copies Phones numbers of all service personnel Small flashlight Cell phone Something to drink (bottled water, juice, other favorite beverage) Straws (avoid lipstick smudge) Cake knife What are the Brides saying? Karimah R Hosein: I cannot thank you enough Jennifer. Thank you for your patience and for this absolutely beautiful decor. You listen to what your clients want and execute it precisely. I was definitely wowed when I walked in to my wedding reception. Pictures does not do these decorations justice. It was absolutely gorgeous. Good luck in the future Jennifer and thanks again for making our day so so special. Recommended Literature • The 5 Love Languages • The 7 Principles of making Marriage work. 5 Ways To Save Big On Your Wedding! • Reuse the Ceremony floral arrangements for the Entrance décor at your reception or to decorate your Buffet area. • Use your Wedding Bouquet and the Bridesmaid Bouquets to decorate your Bridal table no one may notice . • Limit your guest list. • Your cuisine could be a Buffet instead of plated service. • Plan off Season . Weddings are cheaper on any day except on a Saturday. THANK YOU for your kind indulgence. HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING !
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