Back In Business

So finally I am back up and running; and how fitting; on my birthday too. I have a new website and lots of information to share with you.

First let me give you my new email and website addresses.

http://fantaseasweddingsandparties.com/

coordinator@fantaseasweddingsandparties.com

fantaseaswandp@gmail.com

This is the season to be getting out there and grabbing all of those wedding deals. It's the beginning of low season for weddings and you would be surprise as to what vendors would discount.

This is my first blog to start off the Low Wedding Season and I will be posting various vendors and their sites with amazing bargains to get you started on your way to a fabulous wedding or event.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...from FantaSeas Weddings and Parties; may all of your special moments be capture in the coming year.

Reunion

 

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Cutting Cost with Music

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Cutting Cost with Music

Cutting Cost with Music

Choosing the music is just as important as choosing the theme for your wedding.




You can decide to hire musicians but if you want to cut cost here are some ideas:

• Hire a DJ or one group to play for cocktails, dinner, and dancing featuring a variety of musical styles.
• Book a local band or DJ, so you don't have to pay transportation and/or lodging expenses.
• Have a noncontinuous contract (one where the musicians break every hour) or have them play after dinner for fewer hours.
• Plan an informal wedding for which a smaller group s appropriate; for example, a wedding breakfast, tea, or cocktail reception.

Now if you want to be unique, you could consider booking other forms of entertainment for your event. If you are inviting children, hire a clown to entertain them with skits, makeup and balloon sculptures. Magicians and jugglers can help create magical moments for adults and youngsters alike and are a wonderful adjunct to medieval-theme weddings.

Another way that you can make your wedding special is to choose music and entertainment that create an atmosphere appropriate for the occasion. For instance, you may want solemn but joyous music for the ceremony and more popular, upbeat music for your reception. Or you both may be ardent fans of jazz and want to use jazz throughout your special event. In that case, you may want a vocalist for the ceremony, a pianist for cocktails, and a big band for the reception, each proficient in some aspect of the jazz tradition. Use a worksheet to brainstorm your ideas and jot down a ballpark estimate of how you will divide your entertainment dollars. You can use the following headings:- Rehearsal dinner; Ceremony; Cocktail Party; Reception; Other (engagement party, bridemaids' lunch, postwedding party).

And remember, religious custom dictates what music is allowed in churches, so if you are getting married in a place of worship, check with your officiant to see if there are any restrictions on what can and cannot be played during the ceremony.



If your choice of venue and officiant does not tie you to tradition, you can be as creative as you like. Couples have walked down the aisle to just about every kind of music, from Broadway show tunes to Elvis Presley, to reggae to fusion.


Have fun, play hard and dance harder and have a blast! Party on!


In my next blog we are into "Ten Months Ahead" planning....it's time to assess your looks, set goals for personal improvement, design a beauty and fitness plan and practice the art of managing stress. See u soon!

Choosing a Photographer - Princess Shots or Aunties Expertise

This next tip will effect you for the rest of your life. Although photography can be pricey, you must realize that unlike the wedding photos last FOREVER and will tell your story of your wedding. So you decide, a train photographer or Auntie Mel's expertise.

Here are some tips:

1) Before choosing a photographer, it's a good idea to check the photographer's reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

2) Read your wedding photography contract carefully. Many couples are surprised to learn that their film and the rights to reprint the photos remain with the photographer in many cases. The photographer will ask you to sign a photo release or there might be a term in the contract granting all rights to your image and likeness to the photographer. If you wish to buy "all rights' to your wedding-day photographs, expect to pay a higher fee.

DON'T LET THIS DISCOURAGE YOU THIS IS THE USUAL...Remember Auntie Mel or a REAL Photographer!

3) Interview several photographers; discuss their styles and look at their portfolios. Some photographers take traditional portraits of the couple alone and with attendants, parents, relatives, the blended family, school friends, table groupings, etc. Others specialize in artistic candids that capture the excitement and emotion of the day. A photojournalistic style might resemble the spreads in a fashion or news magazine.

4) Ask for professional credentials, such as membership in organizations, and find out what code of ethics these organizations have.

5) Get several estimates and hire a photographer who charges an average fee.

6) Sometimes it's good to designate a close relative or friend with all of the key people in your life as the "point person"....SORRY AUNTIE MEL NOT U....at your wedding; make sure they are dependable.

They can help your photographer quickly round up all the people for each requested shot.

7) PEOPLE, PEOPLE DO NOT GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER INVOLVE IN YOUR FAMILY ISSUES....Some of us might have sticky family issues or situation. Please, Please make your photographer aware of this. You know, like the fact Uncle Frank and Auntie Mel will get drunk on the way to the church; you might want to get their photos out of the way in the early. Or that divorce couple that don't want to be in photos together.

HERE ARE A LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES:

1) COLOR PHOTOS: Contemporary.

2) BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOS: Traditional, classic, dramatic,artistic.

3) PORTRAITURE: Posed photos of bride and groom with family members, wedding attendants etc., groupings,etc.

4) SOFT-FOCUS PORTRAITS: Sentimental and romantic this photographic style focuses softly on facial expressions.

5) CANDIDS: Photos snapped spontaneously to capture the excitement and flow of the celebration, in the moment.

6) PHOTOJOURNALISM: Documentary style of covering a wedding like a breaking news story, with a beginning, a middle and end.

7) SEPIA-TONED PHOTOS: Printing style which captures the old-fashioned romance of long-ago photographs printed in brownish hue.

8) HAND-PAINTED PHOTOS: Artistic technique in which black-and-white photos are hand-painted with oil paints in selected places.

9) PHOTOMONTAGE: Artistic technique in which a composite picture is created by cutting and merging several photographs.

10) VIGNETTE: Photography style in which the other edge gradually fades into the border.

11) DOUBLE EXPOSURES: Photos are snapped through a special filter; it adds "props" to dramatize the prints.

OK ....MAKE YOUR OWN CHECKLIST GIVE IT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER SO HE/SHE CAN OFFER YOU THE PACKAGE THAT MEETS YOUR WANTS......PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE NOT MIND READERS....!!!!

But what if you want to risk it, hey I'm sure Auntie Mel is ready and willing to make your wedding a "memory".


However, I am one who loves to save a buck so although we might not want to depend on Auntie Mel we might be able to get those photos without completely depending on a professional.

1) Distribute disposable cameras to all guests to shoot candid and spontaneous shots. Have a bin near the exit to collect the cameras at the end of the reception; hire a photographer just for wedding-day portraits and key moments of the ceremony and reception.

2) Hire a photographer that offer a package that includes extra prints or reasonable rates for additional prints.


All in all, remember, it's the bride and groom story and how you want others to interpret it depends solely on your photos.

HAVE FUN AND GOOD SHOPPING!!!!!!
SEE YOU IN MY NEXT TIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Let The Bookings Begin!

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Let The Bookings Begin!

Fantasies are another way to keep your relationship going after the 1st year (honeymoon year). Check out this new book by Chase (Barbadian Author), full of steamy fantasies. Chase's intense words leaves you curious as what would happen if you lived out your fantasies. You can find his book at http://outskirtspress.com/datbajanfella

This book is a collection of short remembrances from the diary of a very personal masseuse. When foreplay is elevated to an art form and sex becomes much more than what happens between the sheets, the line between fantasy and reality starts to blur. The author invites to dance along that line with him and explore your most erotic desires.

http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432724139

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Let The Bookings Begin!

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Let The Bookings Begin!

Fantasies are another way to keep your relationship going after the 1st year (honeymoon year). Check out this new book by Ross Chase (Barbadian Author), full of steamy fantasies. Chase's intense words leaves you curious as what would happen if you lived out your fantasies. You can find his book at http://outskirtspress.com/datbajanfella

This book is a collection of short remembrances from the diary of a very personal masseuse. When foreplay is elevated to an art form and sex becomes much more than what happens between the sheets, the line between fantasy and reality starts to blur. The author invites to dance along that line with him and explore your most erotic desires.

http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432724139

Let The Bookings Begin!

TIP #5...it's time to announce your engagement/event and choose the wedding party/party host....


Find a creative (but watch that budget) way to announce your engagement or event.

Here are three of my favorite ways to announce your engagement:-

1. Get your best-friend to invite your close ones to their home for a surprise party. Have them all hide and when you, (the engaged couple), walk in have a sign that reads 'We Are Engaged'; now who's surprised. ;-)

2. Send an email to all of your close friends and family, entitled 'Do Not Open Until 12 Noon'. When they all open at 12 Noon, have the email read, "we want to let you know that we are DEGAGNE!!! (Clue u have to get dressed up...lol..oh yeah, unscramble DEGAGNE for a big surprise)".

3. Create a great dinner for close friends and family. Let the bride-to-be stay away from the guests. When ever one is comfortable and eating have her walk in wearing a robe as though she is naked. When she has all of the guests attention, flash them by opening her robe to reveal to them a sign, "We Are Getting Married".

All in all have fun with this announcement; be creative and....Congratulations!

Don't forget to have some information for your guests available. Since you have already chosen your location and set your date, you can hand out gift bags/cards with the date, location and pic of you and yours. (There are many ideas to choose from)

Choosing your wedding party/party host for your reception/event is just as important as hiring your planner. Make sure that you choose family members and friends that are dependable for your wedding and a professional for your event.

The wedding party should tell your story.

Maid of Honor - her sister or childhood
Bridesmaids - her friends that have stuck with her and his sister
Best Man - his brother or childhood friend
Usher/Groomsmen - his brother-in-law(s) and his college friends
Flower Girl - a young girl from her side
Ring Bearer - a young girl from his side

To get your other family members more involved and to please those who feel left out, there are some other roles and positions that they can play.

Here are a few to choose from:-

• Pet of honor/flower dog - get your dog involve, they are family too
• Guest book attendant - to make sure that all guest sign your guest book
• Information director - stands at the entrance and give directions
• Photo coordinator - directs people a chance to take photos with the bride or and groom
• Child wrangler - someone to entertain those kids
• Guest escorts - assist the elderly
• Designated drivers - drive out-of-town guests to and from the event
• Favor dispensers - handing out goody bags, snack bags, favors, etc.

In my next tip, I'll tell you how to choose a photographer and or videographer...plus I'll update you on my adventure...see you in my next blog!

Valentine's Day Everyday!!!

Each day I move closer and closer to achieving my dream, advancing myself with knowledge and experience; trying to share my love for the art of planning and coordinating. But sometimes, something distracts me and I have to just deal with it.

Valentine's Day! This is the day you are suppose to show your special one in your life that you love them. A celebration of love in your heart. The thing is, for me everyday should be Valentine's Day inside your relationship. Come on, I am not saying to buy flowers, candy and wine everyday, however, the appreciation should be known. That special one in your life should not have to wonder whether or not you love them, it should be known in your actions and yeah in saying, " I love you" when they least expect it.

For a relationship to last, saying 'I love you', should not have to wait until Valentine's Day because you never know, what could happen when they walk out that door.

The Planner

Hey all, let me update you about MY ADVENTURE.

It was a busy evening for me. As I am pursuing my dream, I am also working...for free :-(....lol. I have created; promoting and hosting a charity event and a Reunion that means a lot to me; so doing this is an honor.

It's been a big task. Oh, by the way did I mention that it's an elementary school reunion? That was 25yrs ago, so it has been challenging but interesting, searching and finding all of these classmates of old. So tonight after consulting with one of the other administrators of the alumni, I was informed that our idea for having an open charity account will be too expensive. So, we came up with an alternative. We put our heads together and decided that a drop box at the school in the principal's office is the next best idea. Now tomorrow I will spend my time on the phone with the principal and the pastor of the church to try and get all of this done.

Ok people, by now, (before my tips), you should have met with an officiant; set your wedding date; and as we discuss, prepared your budget and booked your hall (including your caterer).

Well then it's time for....TIP #4

Choosing a planner can be just as trying as choosing your wedding gown or your theme.

There are certain DO'S and DON'TS for choosing a WEDDING PLANNER:

Here is a list of some do's:-

1. Do get a recommendation when it comes to choosing a planner.
2. Do ask vendors which wedding planners they have worked with.
3. Do check out bridal shows for a planner.
4. Do acquire about their availability for your wedding date and their cancellation policy.
5. Do acquire if the planner can work with your budget.


Here is a list of some don'ts:-

1. Don't put your dream day into "Aunt Sue's" hands just because she can sew.
2. Don't yell at your planner, they are there to help you.
3. Don't choose a planner that tells you what they are going to do and never ask what you want.
4. Don't sign any contracts without ask questions as to what you are signing and hidden fees.
5. Don't forget to have fun too; this is YOUR WEDDING!

There are certain DO'S and DON'TS for choosing a PARTY PLANNER:

Here is a list of some do's:-

1. Do make sure your party planner is relaxed but professional; informed but fun.
2. Do use referrals to choose a party planner.
3. Do work one on one with your planner to make your agenda clear.

Here is a list of some don't:-

1. Don't recommend cousin Tom cause he can do a mean BBQ.
2. Don't leave all the decisions in the planners hands.
3. Don't wait till the last minute to book a planner.


All in a planner can either break you (financially as well as kill your event) or make you!

And a note to the brides and clients....... if you're paying all that money to a planner, use him/her! Let them do their jobs that you hired them for and don't complain if you take over you're special day and it becomes everyone else nightmare.

So by now it is 11 months ahead of your wedding (events only need a 3-6 months preparation time basic on various factors)....ok ladies, Bridezillas, clients, fellas and meterosexuals...it's time to announce your engagement/event, choose the wedding party/party host, and book a photographer and/ a videographer.....In my next tip, I'll tell you how to accomplish all of this and I'll let you in on some great ideas...see you in my next blog!
...OH almost forgot Valentine's Day is just around the corner fellas....it's the perfect time for a proposal; hope she says yes. And clients, a Valentine dinner/ event is a great way to raise money for your company's charity or cause.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!

Learning the Ins and Outs

So now that I have started you on two different roads....1. Tips about wedding and event planning and 2. my adventure ....let me catch you up quickly on how my adventure is going and then give you the tip of the day.

Well today was a festive day....some information about the wedding industry came in the mail....it gives me a better look on how to deal with such a big place and to focus and use direction to accomplish my goal. I basically spend the day relaxing however, because I wasn't feeling to good today....number one rule ....YOUR HEATH COMES FIRST!!!! For the rest of the evening, I surfed the web looking for opportunities and ideas.

OK.....Tip #3Choosing the right location is always the tasks that overwhelms most couples; mainly the bride. Most of them, know what they want the reception to look like but they don't consider all the aspects.

There are certain questions that you need to ask yourself and realities that you should consider, when choosing a location for your reception (and or wedding).

The following is a list that can steer you in right direction, when choosing a location.

1. What's my BUDGET?
2. What is more important to me, the CHURCH or the reception HALL?
3. What is my THEME?
4. Are CHILDREN attending?
5. Weather conditions for my big day; is there a backup available if WEATHER changes occur?
6. Please remember, PARKING is important; the lot size should accommodate your guests list.
7. SECURITY.
8. Be TRUTHFUL to yourself, of the 300 people that I've invited, how many do I really know?
9. Do I really need a BAR or will Uncle Jeff and Auntie Marg protest?
10. PHOTOGRAPHY, do I really mind the strip club next door being in my guests pics....lol..
Remember, for a wedding or event, the majority of your money should be sent on food, beverages and entertainment, so be smart and ask yourself this final question, do my guest want to be satisfied or admire you all night?! Ok Bridezillas, let your moms answer that one...lol..
In my next blog....now that we've done our budget and have chosen a location to match, lets choose our wedding planner. (I do advice that you choose one before this point, but I am starting at this point because so many brides do)

My Adventure

So I have been doing wedding planning and event planning part-time for 10 years and have now decided to go at it on a full-time basis. The first step I made, was to truly look at my abilities, the love for the art of planning, my needs and wants in life.

• Did I want to go into this wedding planning to get away from the hassle of an everyday job?..NO

• After watching so many shows on TV did I now think what fun, I can do that.....NO

• Do I see this as nothing but fun; easy days at the office....NO I live in reality thank you..lol!!!!

• Do I think that I will soon be on television, running my own show and having celebs call me for advice....NO....but I would answer if they do...lol

• Do I have a PASSION that DRIVES ME!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I looked at my life and what a mess it was and changed it for the better. I started to love who I was and to believe in my abilities. I prayed to God and asked for direction.

I decided to move from Canada to Delaware, USA in search of my dreams and goals and not stop until I "take" it. My final goal is to own a wedding and event planning business on the island of Barbados; we'll go into that later. For now my priorities are focused.....GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE!!!!

Friends and fans I'll get my name out there, by sharing my story with you.

It is is story passion for wedding and event planning and the passion to succeed ....hang in there this is going to be a bumpy road.

Welcome to my adventure aka...MY LIFE IN WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING!!!

It's All In The Name of Love

TIP #2.

Okay guys, sitting across the table from your wife-to-be and "her" planner and shaking you head is not the way to get what you want done. Actually that's a sign that you are in trouble cause you ideal woman just turned into a Bridezilla.

Okay, before you even get to that stage let me help you out, actually you might still be able to apply this information if Bridezilla has already emerged. First, most women go nuts as soon as they are proposed to, so usually if you are thinking about proposing maybe it's better to have this talk with her months in advance....lol.

After the proposal, take the woman of your dreams aside and talk to her. Let her know that you want to try to make all of her dreams come true but you also want to make the dream of a happy and comfortable marriage by being able to afford those things that makes life just a little more comfortable. Let her know that you want to be able to afford a home; education for you future children; occasional vacations and to keep that spark going. Most women after hearing about the kids will start to listen by now; if she doesn't oh boy I can safely say she neither wants kids or the Bridezilla has completely taking over.

Now spring the 30% budget cut on her. Are you still alive? Lol, good.

Advice your special one, to choose a planner that can stick within your new budget and can give you the most for your money and bring you as close as possible to that dream wedding.
This timetable will help:-

Attire- 9% Ceremony- 3%
*Flowers- 8% Reception- 48%
*Photo/Video-12% Rings- 3%
*All Music- 7% Transportation- 2%

* a faction of this % is added to the full cost of all aspects of the reception making it's %- 68%
Hey fellas, wanna really get her to love this idea (this plan requires having 2 supporting families); tell her to use the planner to get ideas and use family members to bring those realities to life. Tell her, you will help out as much as possible (okay fellas, say it and mean it).

She's listening.

Now remind her how you felt the first time you saw her. Remind her of how much she means to you and how much you love her. Tell her what expectations you have for your future together.

Now fellas, don't drop the ball on this one. She has agreed to the 30% budget cut.

Now you have to keep your promises and be interactive in helping to plan your wedding; if you don't Bridezilla will rise again.

In my next blog......ladies time to pick a date and book the hall; fellas put your two cents in.

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Bride's Wants vs Groom's Needs

FantaSeas Weddings and Parties Insider: Bride's Wants vs Groom's Needs

Bride's Wants vs Groom's Needs

TIP #1.

Okay, so the man in your life pop the big question....no not that one; your special someone has ask you to spend the rest of your life with them- PROPOSAL!

For most, before he could finish the line, the bride-to-be is already picking out colors....stop ladies!

If you really love that man and want to have not only the wedding of your dreams but the marriage to last a life time, let me help you; let's talk BUDGET! Bet your man already has a smile on his face and willing to listen and even take part more in this life changing moment.

First thing to do when it comes to the budgeting for you wedding, is to always remember 2 important factors:

1. There is "real" life after the reception.
2. Bigger doesn't always mean better.

What you want to do is to create a realistic budget, after going over all your assets and liabilities. After you have come up with the finally number then take 30% off of that budgeted number. Now take that 30% and do one of the following three choices:

1. Save it for down payment of a house or condo.
2. If you are financially stable use it to make a wise investment or put it away in an education fund for your children.
3. Use it to pay off those small debts, so that you can use you other money productively to pay of those larger debts.


Oh yeah,now ladies, it's color time....lol..




Now men in my next blog I'll tell you how to get your lady to welcome that cut in budget and still give her that wedding of her dreams.


"...making your fantasies are our FantaSeas"