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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 !