A Review of The Wedding Convention - September 21, 2013

Our flagship event, The Wedding Convention took place in Trinidad and Tobago on September 21, 2013 at The Banquet and Conference Centre, Movie Towne. We were overwhelmed with the support of the local wedding industry and the hundreds of brides and grooms who came by.

L-R – Simone Sant-Ghuran, Managing Director Trinidad Weddings, 

Andrea Coutain – Managing Director, Eventuality Lifestyle Events, 

Cheryl & Shea Bailey – presenters 

at The Wedding Convention 

from Yellow Umbrella Events, Texas, USA.

This event was a collaboration between Trinidad Weddings.com and Eventuality Lifestyle Events. 

Our goal was to bring together the best vendors, for an invaluable opportunity to network with each other, build their brands and promote their businesses.

The aim was also to create a high-quality Wedding Convention and Expo that carried an international standard.

Trinidad Weddings.com has had many years’ experience matching brides and grooms with wedding vendors, so it was only fitting that we take this marketing knowledge and use it to produce a Wedding Convention!

Vashti Ram-Maharaj, Manager of the Banquet & Conference Centre welcomes guests at The Wedding Professionals' Cocktail Breakfast

The day’s event was two-part. The first being a “Cocktail Breakfast For Wedding Professionals” and the second part focused on the “Wedding Expo.”

The Cocktail Breakfast For Wedding Professionals was the first official opportunity for networking that the Wedding Industry has had in Trinidad and Tobago. This session was highly-interactive, as wedding vendors and event professionals gained insight from two experts who have been successful in the wedding business. 

The headline speakers were power couple, Cheryl and Shea Bailey from Yellow Umbrella Events, USA. They facilitated sessions on “Marrying Your Creative side to Your Business side,” How to have a more effective Web Presence” and “Effective Networking Skills for The Wedding Industry.”

The Wedding Expo was open to the public by paid entry between 1-8 pm. 

One of the stunning cakes on display by Bakery Treatz

Display from Jennifer Goberdhan Signature Weddings

Hummer Limo from Transport Solutions Limited

Display by Emerald Designs Limited

Our event featured:

·         Displays and demonstrations from top wedding vendors.

·         A roster of tailored workshops and presentations, in a separate conference room between 1-6pm. During this time, guests got ideas, asked questions, won vouchers and gained valuable wedding planning tips.

·         Complimentary appetizers from chefs and caterers such as Jaffa Restaurant, O'Reilly's Catering, Tikka Masala, The Cupcake Wench & Bakery Treatz.

.     Complimentary wine and vodka cocktails from our elite sponsor, Marketing and Distribution

.     A full Beauty Bar - featuring makeup demos, makeovers, eye lash extensions, mehendi and airbrush makeup.  

·         Fabric tote bags at the door.

·         Gift vouchers and fabulous grand prizes:

1.    A lucky couple won a 3-night, 4 day honeymoon in Antigua courtesy Jolly Beach Resort!

2.    One lucky bride won a fabulous Hummer limo bachelorette party ride for her friends, courtesy Transport Solutions Limited!

 Beautiful floral decor was executed by Anthea Walcott of Flowers To Treasure

Ladies' Entertainment by The Untitled Ultra Lounge

Vocalist, Joel John serenading the ladies at the Bachelorette Party

There was also a Hott 93.5 FM After-Convention Party for all brides and one of their female friends/bridesmaids. This party ended the event with a bang - featuring DJ Franco, live updates on Hott 93.5 FM with Warren P., vocalist Joel John and a guest appearance by the Untitled Ultra Lounge entertainers.

The event was sponsored and supported by:  Hott 93.5 FM, AVIt Support, BakeryTreatz, Jennifer Goberdhan Signature Weddings, Republic Bank Ltd, The Outlet Market, TW Wed-Zine Magazine, Marketing & Distribution, Emerald Designs Limited, Transport Solutions Limited and The Guest Factor.

For more information and more photos, please visit: www.facebook.com/TheWeddingConventionTT

To exhibit at The Wedding Convention 2014, please email contactus@trinidadweddings.com

Photos on this page by Triniscene.com and Nicholas Khan of Lime.tt

Jennifer Goberdhan's Wedding & Event Design Showcase

“Everything in business happens at just the right time,” so says Jennifer Goberdhan, Wedding Designer extraordinaire; and you know what? She’s certainly right!

 June 15, 2013 was exactly “that right time”-  a day which Jennifer chose to host her Wedding & Event Design Showcase at the Trinidad Hilton.

I stopped by just after lunch, to chat with Jennifer and find out more about her designs.

Jennifer has had extensive training abroad, and has worked closely with Preston Bailey, who’s one of the most prestigious names in the global wedding industry.

She has an eye for being tasteful and restrained yet dramatic – and that’s a difficult combination to come by!

To top it all off, Jennifer has a warm, winning personality. It’s the type of persona that can immediately put couples at ease, knowing that their dream vision for décor, will materialize under her capable hands.

Above, to the top right, is a peek at some of my favourites from her Showcase.

To contact Jennifer, please visit this link: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/index.php?option=com_supplier&id=8999&catid=43&layout=supplierdetails&Itemid=2

TrinidadWeddings.com's Top Wedding Trends for 2013

The wedding industry is always influenced by what’s current in the art, fashion, culinary and interior design worlds. Every new year brings a slightly different approach to wedding planning coupled with interesting trends.

Here are a few predictions for 2013:

Emerald Green – This year, the Pantone Colour Institute has chosen “Emerald Green” as the “it” colour for 2013. The shade is described as “lively, radiant and lush,” and will certainly be seen this year on bridesmaid gowns, bouquets, invitation accents and décor. 

Another colour that is going to be very popular this year is mint green. This delicate, pastel colour fits very well with retro and vintage wedding themes.

Victorian-inspired – Accessories are taking a cue from the Victorian era. This year, we are seeing motifs that were once popular on Victorian jewelry such as: flora, fauna and bows. The incorporation of ribbon, lace and tulle on bridal jewelry pieces, is another Victorian influence. The Victorian influence will also be seen on décor and favour choices; so we will see a return to more romantic, vintage accessories. Other eras that will inspire brides’ style this year are the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s.

Cakes – the lace obsession has not stopped! In fact, it has been going strong since the Royal Wedding in 2011. Lace accents and reproductions will be appearing all over cakes this year, as will fondant flowers and accents that appear to be appliquéd onto the cake.  The use of metallics on cakes, will continue to be trendy this year as well.

Dramatic back views on gowns – Open backed gowns are trending - from plunging deep V-neck backs, sheer back views, lace trimmed key-holes or backs hidden with a smattering of crystals, sequins or embroidery. These gowns will not be for the faint of heart!

Just as it was last year, for 2013, brides will still be embracing dresses with long sleeves, high necklines, cap sleeves and illusion necklines. There will also be a resurgence of the longer bridesmaid dresses versus the shorter ones that prevailed in years past.

Invitations - Also popular will be designs that are foil stamped onto invitations, as well as those that are foil edged (when a metallic effect is applied to the edge of the invitations). Personalisation will also reign – with more couples choosing to do their own monograms, caricatures, crests or logos.

Bouquets: expect more brides to incorporate jewels and brooches into their bouquets. Another trend is the use of succulents (cacti) in the bouquets.

Patterns and Motifs: On invitations and in décor, the “bird” motif is going to be widely seen this year, so will leopard print, zebra print and chevron (a zig zag repetitive pattern).

For more, please join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings

Or visit our website: http://www.trinidadweddings.com

 

 

A Groom’s Ring Guide

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in engagement rings span a wide spectrum of choices. So it’s easy to see why a groom can become slightly overwhelmed.

Some couples prefer to go ring shopping together. This is particularly so if the bride is very specific on her likes and dislikes. However, if this is a solo job for the groom-to-be, it means having to do some research on her preferences for diamond cut, gemstone colour, diamond size, ring settings and type of metal (gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum etc.)

Here are some tips when choosing an engagement ring:

1.  Setting your budget – The majority of grooms spend about 10-15% of their annual income on the engagement ring. Of course, this varies, but it is important to have a price range in mind before you venture out ring shopping.

2.   Use her existing ring styles as a starting point – This can clue you in on her style; for example, some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite! Observe whether her rings are more simple or more ornate or whether they are more antique or more modern.

3.  Know her ring size– The last thing you would want to happen is to try to propose with a ring that just won’t fit her finger! It is much better to err on the side of the ring being a bit larger, since then, it is easier to re-size. A good tip is to place one of her rings on your pinky finger and make a mental note of where it stops or if you can manage it, without her seeing, trace the inside of one of her rings on paper.

4.  Research what diamond cut she prefers – Modern brides have many choices in terms of diamond cuts. The most popular one is the traditional round cut (circular diamond). However, others are also gaining in popularity such as the “emerald” cut (rectangular), the “princess” cut (square-shaped), the “marquise” (which looks like a teardrop that is pointy on both ends) and the “pear” (teardrop). |

5.  Colour – Clear diamonds are the favourite of the majority of women. However, some more unconventional ladies may not mind a coloured gemstone at all. Popular colours now are pink and yellow diamonds and even sapphires, after the fashion of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton’s ring.

6.  Find out the store’s policy – Be sure to ask the jeweler about the policy on returns and refunds and also about repairs, adjustments and diamond upgrades.

For more articles & tips, join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings or visit our website http://www.trinidadweddings.com

 

 

Some Wedding Gown Questions answered!

Decisions! Decisions…but perhaps none more crucial than selecting a gown. After all, this is what tends to “get the ball rolling” for most brides! Choosing the gown is often a precursor to selecting invitations, the cake, catering and décor; since they all feed off of each other for style and design inspiration.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions I receive, about gowns:

What are the pros and cons of using certain bridal gown fabrics?

Chiffon is a perfect choice for our climate; it is very light-weight and tends to keep brides cooler than heavier fabrics. However, since it is so delicate, it can snag and tear quite easily. Satin is a classic, formal fabric; the only drawback is that it can show every undergarment imperfection. 

Lace is a perennial favourite – it can be made see-through or used with an underlay. It does not tend to wrinkle as much as organza and taffeta. However, both organza and taffeta’s strengths lie in being able to achieve full skirts and complicated folds.

What are some tips to consider before I buy my gown online?

Ensure that on the website, you can view detailed photos and even get “zoom” views of gowns. The retailer should also provide descriptions including style, fabric, colour, and size, so that you know exactly what you’re purchasing.

Bridal gown sizes do not usually coincide with regular clothing sizes. Therefore, even though the websites may provide you with gown sizes, be sure to view the website’s body measurement guide and gown length. Enquire about hem and sleeve length as well, since adjustments on embroidered or heavily beaded hems or sleeves, are near impossible to achieve in an easily concealed way.

Before purchasing, ensure that the retailer’s website is a completely secure online environment and it does not store or share your credit card information. Find out whether the website ships internationally, so you can arrange for your gown to be shipped directly to you here. If the retailer only ships to the United States or Canada, you can use your US or Canadian Skybox, or simply arrange to have it delivered to a relative or friend who lives abroad.

What gown colour should I choose?

Oscar de la Renta showcased dresses in robin's egg blue and sage green in his Spring 2012 Bridal Collection. Likewise, Vera Wang showed dresses in a taupe, black, charcoal and celadon green. The most popular colour this year though, seems to be “blush pink.”

Both Badgley Mischka and Monique L’huillier showed dresses in blush pink throughout their collections this year. Even Jessica Biel in her recent October 19, 2012 wedding to Justin Timberlake, chose a petal-pink ball gown.

However, if you’re not adventurous enough for colour, you can look to your skin tone for a hint of what “white” would be best. If you are very pink or your skin has rosy undertones, ivory is a good choice. Olive or medium skin tones lend themselves well to champagne, ecru or off-white gowns. If your skin tone is dark, a crisp white or ecru gown would look stunning.

What’s the difference between a trumpet styled gown and a mermaid styled gown?

Trumpet styled gowns tend to flare out just below the hips, while mermaid styled gowns are more fitted and flare out from the knee or lower down the body.

For more articles, visit our website http://www.trinidadweddings.com
Join us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings
Follow my tweets at: http://www.twitter.com/Simone_TW

TrinidadWeddings.com...giving a voice to "solopreneurs"

One thing I’ve learned about being in the wedding industry in Trinidad and Tobago, is that in the majority, the industry consists of small to medium-sized operators or vendors; and of the small ones, there are micro-operators.

These “solopreneurs” are the ones who have taken their love of decorating, consulting and creating and made their hobbies into sideline businesses.

When I started TrinidadWeddings.com in mid-2004, one of the visions was to create a “voice” or “platform” for those very solopreneurs – the people who would never be found in their amazing niches if it wasn’t for the internet and the TW Wed-Zine magazine.

Eight years later, we are more than ever committed to finding avenues where buyers can “support local” and where our advertised vendors can get maximum value.

This is why we will be partnering with Eventuality Limited for The Ultimate Epicurean and Boutique Market on October 27 at the Crown Plaza’s Ballroom.

It’s the first installment of markets for the Holiday season and is designed to facilitate independent vendors or independent business owners who need additional opportunities to market their services through in-house promotions and on screen advertising.

Andrea Coutain, Event Developer for Eventuality Lifestyle Events says “This event is different from the other “markets” as a vendor gets more than a table; vendors are given event marketing support leading up to the event and product marketing support at the event.”

 
There will be fantastic products and sampling from the Sweet and Savory section, make-up demonstrations and products in the Wellness and Beauty section. Customers can try on fashion clothing and accessories in the Jewelry and Apparel section and get home essentials at the Home, Art and Décor section.

TrinidadWeddings.com will be there to offer advice to brides-to-be and to offer a selection of top-quality bridal jewellery, hair ornaments and sashes. TW Wed-Zine magazines and bridal emergency kits will also be on sale.

Entertainment will be provided by Peter Louis of the band Zandolee and Random Rewards to customers throughout the day.

The Ultimate Epicurean and Boutique Market is supported by TrinidadWeddings.com, Heartbeat 103.5FM – Radio for Women, Gourmet Market by XE, AVit Support and First Batch Gourmet Cookies – Homemade from Scratch.

Admission is free of charge to the public, so I hope to see you there!

For more information on this event or future events check:www.facebook.com/theultimateepicureanandboutiquemarket or email at info@eventualityltd.com

Bridal Hair & Makeup Trends for 2012

Last year the bridal beauty watchwords were “natural and luminous.”

The emphasis was on the bride showcasing healthy, glowing skin; and there was widespread use of highlighter, bronzer or face shimmer, as well as peachy, coral or pink shades of blush.

This year, the look in bridal makeup is “romantic, feminine and retro,” with a profusion of pink and orange blush tones, pretty pastel eyes and dramatic lips.

Some trends in bridal hair and makeup trends for this year are:

Eyes - The smoky eye with the nude lip combination remains popular, however, this year, pastel eyeshadows in colours such as: lavender, mint green, pink and peach, are in vogue. These demure eye colours are being juxtaposed with false eyelashes or heavy mascara application and/or liquid eyeliner.  Alternatively, the eyes can be kept very neutral with colour enhancing the bride’s face, from a brighter choice of blush and lipstick.

Lip Colour – Many brides are going for a more “retro glam” type of makeup, preferring a neutral eye, in exchange for a deeper lip colour. These vibrant colours are replacing the nude and sheer lips of previous years. Last year’s lip “it” colours were deep mauve, cranberry, red and rose. This year, red will stay but bright pink, coral and orange-toned lips will be popular. There will be a preference of lipsticks versus lip glosses.

Hair – The most popular hairstyle for this year’s modern bride will be the chignon or ballerina bun. An embellished headband or a veil worn away from the face is a perfect complement to this hairstyle. More and more brides are choosing to wear their hair up or away from the face.

Bridal hairstyles with loose waves and soft curls will also be seen. These natural and “easy” hairstyles are a stark contrast to the formal, up-do’s of years gone by.

Brides who still favour a more structured hairstyle can choose the very vintage-like pin curls or a modern take on the “bee hive” hairdo.