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Shower Themes

Showers on one's wedding day are supposed to bring the couple good luck but convincing a bride of that is difficult!  A bride would rather have sunshine and pleasant weather.  However, the other kind of shower that is part of the wedding tradition is welcome.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married.  According to experts, the custom began in the 19th century and is primarily celebrated in North America and Australia.  Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with the items she will need to set up her new home.

And while the traditional shower is still a main focus, versions have erupted and become popular.  According to TheKnot.com there are some key trends in modern bridal showers beyond the traditional "women only" ones.

·         Couples showers - are increasing in popularity.  The guests are a mixed audience of female and male friends and relatives.  While gifts are still the main focus of the event, they are varied and include "guy stuff" in the mix of household gifts.  The shower is a party for good friends.

·         Power showers - are events that focus on the groom-to-be who is showered with a wide range of gadgets and power tools to stock the garage.  These  parties are guy focused and tend to be golf outings, poker nights or action movie themes.

·         Destination/activity showers - move out of someone's living room or the party room at a local restaurant and into a special spot or activity.  Some ideas include a spa day, horseback riding, or a day at a baseball game.  Because these types of showers can be expensive to host, the guest list is usually limited to the bride's closest friends.

·         Bride-involved showers.  This is tricky ground.  Some brides would like to be involved in planning their showers, rather than be surprised by the whole event.  However, "being involved in" is not the same as commandeering the whole event for yourself.  Traditionally, the shower is given by a friend or relative - not by the bride's mother or close relative.

·         Post wedding event -It is customary for the showers to be given prior to the wedding itself.  But with guests and couples spread across the country, some showers are  held after the wedding itself.

Call 868 628 9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com   for more ideas and answers to questions.

The Guest List

Deciding who to invite and how many to invite are major decisions that will impact much of your wedding planning effort.  But before that decision of who and how many is made, you must do some serious thinking.  You and your finance need to consider what kind of wedding you want.  Have you dreamt of a huge wedding with nearly everyone you know in attendance or do you prefer a more intimate gathering of your closest family and friends?  What is your budget?  Does that mean that you have a few guests for an elegant sit down dinner or a big gathering at a buffet?  Once you have a handle on the likely size of the wedding, you can begin to gather guest names.

There are a few traditional ways to assemble the guest list.  The simplest is to divide between the bride's family and the groom's family - 1/2 each.  Or you can divide the list in thirds - 1/3 to the couple, 1/3 to the bride's family or 1/3 to the groom's family.  Remember to be flexible and try not to hurt anyone's feelings.  Know that there is some flexibility in the numbers.  Most wedding planners would suggest that as many as 20% of those invited will be unable to attend for a variety of reasons.  This can vary by time of year and area of the country, but it is a good general rule to keep in the back of your mind.

When you are assembling your lists, keep in mind that not only the names on the lists get invitations, but also the groom's immediate family, the wedding officiant, all members of the bridal party as well as their spouses or dates.

Once the potential list is assembled from all parties, you may find that some cuts will have to be made.

Deciding whom to cut or how many to cut is tough.  Maybe everyone has to cut a set number from their list.  Or the person with the longest list should make the cuts.  Or you can set criteria for certain categories of people like business associates or casual acquaintances or friends you haven't seen for years.  Maybe some of the names submitted are not likely to attend and would be better served by an announcement.  Maybe the wedding should not/could not include children.  Leave the parents on the guest list but omit the children's names when the invitation is addressed.  Whatever method is chosen, try to be fair and equitable.

Budget Ideas

We know that if a bride isn’t careful, the budget for her wedding can be blown in an afternoon.

At TriniWeddings we are experts at helping brides create the wedding of their dreams without the nightmares that come with being over-budget. Here are some practical ideas that we know can help avoid the budget crunch.
The guest list. Look at your wedding realistically. You are inviting friends and relatives to help you celebrate this important day in your lives. Others on the list are likely to be friends of both sets of parents. A conversation with each of them about the number of guests is necessary unless you and/or your parents can afford to pay for everything and everyone.
Big floral arrangements (as seen on TV portrayals of "must have" accessories) are likely to be beyond your budget and are certainly not necessary. Take a good look at the church and see if you really need all those flowers. Most churches do not. Instead of floral overloads, we suggest that you rent some greenery if you have large places to fill. Use the money to enliven your reception spaces if necessary.
If you have a friend or relative who was recently married, it may be possible to borrow some things – gloves, shoes, veils or headpieces, jewelry. It will not only save you money but satisfy your need for "something borrowed".
When you place your order for wedding invitations, order all your wedding stationery needs at one time (including a few more than you think you will need) and do not forget your thank you cards. Set up charges for a few extras later can be very expensive.
While today’s invitations offer a wide variety of paper style, colors, fonts and trims. The current trend toward memorable and unique invitations may be exactly what you want. However this is costly and you may have to spend a significant portion of your budget on this. Try instead to make a simple elegant statement using ivory vellum and choosing an interesting font. For more invisible budget ideas, or answers to questions, phone us at 628-WEDD or email info@triniweddings.com

SOME GENTLE REMINDERS OF THINGS NOT TO DO!!!!

 

With all of the advice available to a bride on “What to do about…”, there are also a few “don’ts” to keep in mind.

#1 – An important reminder comes from the brazen actions of one or more pretend guests who – according to recent newscasts- walked into three different wedding receptions and walked out with the gift boxes that contained cash and cards.  Wedding planners continue to remind brides to make sure that someone (close to her or a security guard hired for the occasion) must be in charge of the gift table.  Don’t believe that just because you are having your reception in a church or well known club your gifts are safe.  Always make sure that someone you trust will be in charge of the gifts.  It is ideal if all gifts are sent to the bride’s home before the ceremony, or be collected from the store after the wedding, but we all know that most of the gift cards/cash are brought to the reception.  The table for gifts and the box for cards should never be out of surveillance.  And once all of the guests have arrived at the reception, the gifts should be either locked away in a room provided by the venue or entrusted to a family member for transport and or safe keeping.

#2 – It is never correct to enclose gift registration information with your wedding invitations.  Some stores may offer to give you enclosure cards for that purpose, but politely decline.  Wedding guests have always found out where a bride was registered by asking a friend or relative.  Today  the bride’s web page politely provides that information .  Likewise, do not include in your invitations the corner copy that reads “Cash Gifts Preferred” or “Cash Gifts Invited”.  Really tasteless!!!!

 #3- Don’t have a cash bar.  Having one is like inviting guests to dinner and then charging them for the food.  If your budget won’t cover the beverages of your choice, then pick other beverages.  Offer beer and wine.  Offer a special cocktail created for your reception.  Offer punch.  Have waiters pass champagne.  There are lots of creative options.

 #4 – Never seek sponsors to donate things like liquor or wine for a mention or advertisement in your program.  That is so NOT DONE.

For advice on potential other “don’ts”, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email info@triniweddings.com

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an integral part of the wedding celebration.  It is a happy and relaxing time for family and friends.  It is designed to bring people together and  it sets the tone for the ceremony and celebration to come.

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the party.  They invite the immediate families of the bride and the groom, the officiating clergy and spouse, the complete wedding party and their spouses or dates.  If there are out-of-town guests include them in the evening’s festivities.

It is usually held immediately following the wedding rehearsal held the night before the ceremony.

At the dinner use a seating chart and place cards to help people ensure that they meet each other.

While the bridal couple and their parents usually sit at the head table, more and more couples are choosing to mingle with their guests.

As the host, the groom’s father makes the traditional toast to the couple and at this time he should introduce everyone as some guests may be unfamiliar with those in attendance.

This party is a perfect time for the couple to present gifts to  their attendants, especially if the items are to be worn at the wedding.

While it is a party, ensure that it doesn’t last too long.  Every member of the wedding party needs to get a good night’s sleep so that  they look their best at the main event the next day.

Introducing the Wedding Party After the Ceremony

Brides often ask us to explain the proper way to introduce the wedding party at the reception.  Our first suggestion is to insure that the time lag between ceremony end and reception start, is kept to a minimum.  Work with the photographer to have the post ceremony photos taken as quickly as possible so that guests are not waiting for events to begin.

If both sets of parents are going to be held up at the church for a bit, it is wise to ask a couple to serve as host and hostess until parents can arrive at the reception site.

While guests are waiting for the bridal party to arrive, they should be served appetizers and drinks. 

Once the bridal party arrives at the reception, the master of ceremonies for the evening ensures that  everyone  stands while he introduces each of the members of the party.  Since the bride and groom are the stars of the event, they are introduced last.  Parents of the bride, parents of the groom, the ring bearer and flower girl, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the best man and maid of honor are introduced in that order, followed by the bride and groom.   Be sure to check the names on the list for correct spelling and pronunciation when you provide the names to the person in charge of introductions.

For more creative ideas on introducing the wedding party,  invest in a TriniWeddings consultation.  Call 868 628 (WEDD) or email info@triniweddings.com  to book your appointment.

Handling Your Destination Wedding

 

These days more and more couples are choosing to combine weddings and vacation celebrations, and it brings more issues to handle than is realized.

 For couples thinking of this option, the following advice refers:

·         Decide on your guest list which will likely be small.

·         Research your chosen destination to see if it will work for you.

·         Ask about length of residency required before you can marry there.

·         If at all possible, visit the location before you make your decision.

·         Once decided, book as early as possible and hire a local wedding planner to handle the legwork for you.  Your TriniWeddings  Planner is certified and can provide invaluable assisstance to  brides in coordinating their weddings anywhere in the Caribbean. Your TriniWeddings Planner will be your eyes, ears and spokesperson as you create plans via long distance.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always reply as promptly as you might expect.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always have written contracts.

·         Learn about any restrictions or requirements that may exist for ceremonies and receptions.

·         Be aware of any dress requirements for the wedding couple and/or their attendants.

·         Be prepared to pay extra to bring your wedding dress and the groom’s wear on board your flight.

Once you have made your decision, resolve to be flexible and relaxed about the outcome.  TriniWeddings will make sure that it will all work out!

For more advice and information about your destination wedding, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email  info@triniweddings.com

U.S. Wedding Planning Certification Courses Are Now Being Offered in the Caribbean

NEWS RELEASE

                                                               



March 31, 2014 - Weddings Beautiful Worldwide, a US based leader in training and certification for wedding planners since 1968, announced today that they have granted Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire of Trini Weddings an exclusive licensee to teach the Certified Wedding Specialist course and the Accredited Wedding Planner course in the Caribbean under the name Weddings Beautiful Caribbean. 

Gary Wright, CEO of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide shares, “I am extremely pleased to be bringing our courses to the Caribbean, and I am confident Marilyn, who received her CWS certification from us in 2008, will be eager to share her own experiences from taking the course and starting her own successful wedding planning business.” 

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean will be offering two types of courses, which include the Accredited Wedding Planner (AWP) course and the world famous Certified Wedding Specialist (CWS) course.  The AWP course consists of 10 assignments focusing mainly on coordinating weddings, and is perfect for someone interested in assisting a wedding planner or working as a wedding coordinator in the hotel and resort industry.  The CWS course contains more information on starting your own business.  It consists of 18 assignments and a final exam, and has earned the seal “standard of excellence” in wedding planning.  It will provide novice and aspiring wedding planners with the entrepreneurial and wedding planning skills to run a successful business.   

 

Media Contacts:

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean

Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire, CWS

868-628-9333

marilyn@triniweddings.com

www.triniweddings.com

 

Weddings Beautiful Worldwide (USA)

Gary R. Wright, CEO

804-342-5880

gwright@weddingsbeautiful.com

www.weddingsbeautiful.com