Something Blue

Our stunning bride Aaliya has us swooning over her choice of a blue wedding dress. See her reason for selecting this dress below!

"I love blue because it symbolizes lifelong loyalty and stability. Blue is my favourite colour only because it reminds me of the sea, the calmness and the relaxation. Blue also conveys femininity, life and purity"- Aaliya Hosein-Khan

Tag and unconventional bride below!

Dress from Kooti's

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

LIVE at Kooti's Luxury Bridal

We've had a pretty AMAZING day hanging out with Naima, Varsha, Shem and Mrs. K at Kooti's Luxury Bridal!

Check out our video where Naima and I take you on a special Bridal tour through the store!

Be sure to check out Kooti's for your Bridal needs!!

Kooti's  < CLICK HERE FOR THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

A Guide to Dinner Styles

One of the most important elements of your wedding is the food and it's also one of the most expensive. Whether you choose to have a buffet or a formal sit down dinner, the menu should reflect the two of you as a couple. In Trinidad, the most common dinner style is a buffet, but that's definitely not the only way to do it. After 5 years in the industry I've seen many variations of dinner styles which I break down for you below and include some expert tips, pros, cons, and costs associated with each style. Whether you're at an all inclusive venue, or hiring your own caterer, I sure do hope these tips can help:

1. Buffet-Style

Buffet-style dinners feature long tables which are laid out with a variety of food options. This style is desirable if you want to have a wide range of cuisines or have a large groups with many dietary requirements. Guests are required to visit the buffet themselves and it can either be self serve or have servers available at the buffet. A buffet style dinner is quite cost effective and many caterers work with their client's budget to provide the best meal option for their big day.

Pros:

Wide variety of dishes

Guests can choose which foods they want

Cons:

Long lines at buffet

2. Plated Dinner

A plated dinner is where all guests are seated and served a formal dinner. This dinner style typically includes three courses; appetizer, entree and dessert. Guests are usually served the same appetizer, have a choice of entree and choice of dessert. This of course is customizable to your preferences and can include much more. In order to ensure a plated dinner is executed effortlessly, guests will be required to pre-select their meal options when RSVP-ing. Plated dinners are more expensive since they require much more staffing in the execution phase.

Pros:

Sets a formal tone

You have control over the look and feel of the meal

Customizable

Efficient way to serve a meal when working with a tight schedule

Cons:

Limit variety

Challenging for guests with dietary restrictions

Requires more manpower

Expensive

Guests don't send selections on time

3. Family Style

Now that we're having smaller guest counts due to our good friend Covid-19 a family style dinner option is one of my favorites! It's such an intimate way of sharing a meal with those you love. A family style dinner is where everyone is seated around a table and the food is passed around in large platters and bowls, just like you do at home! Since the food is all on the table you don't have to think about the staffing, or the lengthy lines at a buffet. These dinners are usually less formal and includes appetizers, salad, one or two proteins and multiple sides. Family style dinners can be a little more expensive than a buffet since you don't have control over the amount of food people take.

Pros:

Offers variety

Casual and laid-back

Intimate and prompts conversation

Efficient way of serving a meal without long waits or lines

Cons:

Large platters and bowls often take up a lot of space which can be used for decor

Can be expensive

4. Stations

Stations are similar to buffets in that it gives your guests a variety of options however these are more interactive and can be dedicated to a specific type of dish. While some of the stations can be self serve, it can also be a "live' station where a chef is preparing your meal a la minute. For example, a live pasta station is popular, your guests can choose their pasta type, sauce, protein and cheese and have it prepared right in front of them. Stations can be pricey depending on the foods you select, a great tip would be to add one or two stations along with your buffet for the effect. For example you can have a buffet dinner but have the meat option as a live carving station!

Pros:

Fun and interactive

Visually appealing

Encourages interactions between guests

Cons: 

Pricey

Setup may take up a lot of your reception pace

5. Cocktail Style

We chatted about cocktail hour in our previous post, but how about a cocktail style dinner?  A cocktail style dinner means no seating-chart and no fuss! You guests are free to mix and mingle and snack on small bites all long long. Item's can be passed or laid out on a grazing table or you can have a mix of both. The food can be spaced out as much as you like, and it offers many options your guests can choose from! Cocktail style can be quite cost effective since you have full control over your menu and how many options you choose however it does require more staffing so be wary of the additional costs.

Pros:

Casual and easy to control

Fun and interactive

Cost-effective

Cons:

Older guests won't enjoy being on their feet for hours (and the ladies with the 6 inch heels)

Alcohol costs are higher since people have full access to the bar all night

Guests may expect a full meal

Pro Tip:

When selecting your menu keep basic dietary/religious restrictions in mind. It's always a good idea to stick with a chicken and fish option and a "silent" vegetarian option for those who do not eat meat at all!

If you missed my live where I chatted in depth about Food and Beverage tips, click below!

Let's Talk Food and Beverage

Let me know in the comments below which dinner style you prefer! Personally I love the idea of stations, since it's super fun, interactive and different!

PS. Here's some of our favorite local caterers, be sure to check them out!

Chef Chelsae-Marie

International Caterers

Boomerang Caterers

Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre (full-service)

Hyatt Regency Hotel (full-service)

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Guide to a Fabulous Cocktail Hour

The ceremony is over and all of your guests are headed to the reception venue. While you're off taking photos with your new hubby, your loved ones are together in a stylish and romantic atmosphere enjoying some of your favorite food, drinks and some light music. Cocktail Hour.. there really isn't anything better. Here are some tips and tricks you need to have the most fabulous cocktail hour at your wedding!

#1 Welcome Drink or Signature Cocktail

Signature cocktails are always a faunnncyyyyyy way to spruce up the evening. You can have a his and hers cocktail, match the cocktail to your colour scheme, use local flavours or just simply let it reflect your personalities. Keep in mind that sometimes including a signature cocktail might incur an additional fee since mixed drinks are not usually included in your typical bar service.

#2 Hors D'oeuvres

These bite-size, pop in your mouth options are great to offer as a small snack before your guests are seated for your formal reception. I know you're planning the best menu off of some Pinterest boards you found, but be sure to serve items suited to your guest list. I always suggest having at least one vegetarian item, one chicken item and one seafood item since it pretty much covers everyone. Having a general idea of dietary/religious restrictions and allergies also help in the long run for both cocktail hour and dinner. 3 hors d'oeuvres is a pretty good starting number, I would definitely suggest bumping it up if you have a larger crowd. Although cocktail HOUR suggests 60 minutes, it's a good idea to put aside 60-90 minutes since sometimes photoshoots run late and/or it takes a while to get everyone seated after cocktail hour.

Pro Tip 1: Choose a sweet item like a lemon sorbet or a fruit tart for cocktail hour- it's a perfect palate cleanser before dinner!

Pro Tip 2: I know you're out taking pictures, but ask your caterer/planner/venue rep to save hors d'oeuvres for the bridal party. This way you can have a quick bite before making your grand entrance into your reception!

Pro Tip 3: Remember those Grazing Tables we spoke about????? Now's the time to bust it out!

#3 Open Bar?

Having an open bar is great, but if you're on a tight budget, or you just simply don't want to have your Maid of Honor giving her speech half drunk then it's a good idea to limit alcohol during the cocktail hour. Apart from your signature cocktail many of my past couples have opted for a fully non alcoholic bar or a wine and beer bar. This way they have more control over their overall spend on alcohol for the night.

#4 Decor and Seating

You've focused your attention on your reception decor but don't let your cocktail space go to waste, especially if it's in a separate space. You don't have to go all out, but some simply decorated cocktail tables with small center pieces will do the job! As for seating, I would highly suggest it since you may have older guests and also many ladies in heels who just need a two minute break. A mixture of high tables and barstools and low chairs and coffee tables will give your cocktail hour a different feel to your reception seating.

#5 Music 

No need to have Kes come out and sing Boss Lady justtttt yet, that's for later! Your guests are mingling and catching up so soft background music is a must. This can simple be a soft jazz playlist or some mellow music by your DJ. If your budget allows, it's a great idea to have some form of live instrumentalist perform. For a local vibe, have someone playing the steel pans! Nothing says Caribbean wedding like the soothing sounds of that oil drum!

Let us know your Cocktail Hour Do's and Don'ts! 

And if you missed my LIVE on instagram, no worries I saved it on my IGTV for ya! Click HERE!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Wedding Websites

Covid-19...I swear this blog has been more about Miss Rona than weddings itself....😞

Covid-19 precautions have us online more than ever before, and this time it's working in our favour! Wedding Websites are a great resource to keep your guests informed about all aspects of your big day and helps them to plan accordingly. It's also super helpful during this pandemic, since it mitigates any need for social interactions (wow, I got to sad typing that....when will they let us out!).

Creating a wedding website will allow you to share all of your need-to-know information and make sure your guests are all on the same page.  Typically a wedding website can be made after your engagement where you can share your engagement story and some photos and start setting the tone. This is not always the case though, since a lot of couples do not yet have a guest list and you probably won't want everyone to have access to your information until you've narrowed it down.

Your custom website can include many of, if not all of, the following information;

1. Wedding Logistics (time, location, dress code, timeline)

2. Registry Information

3. RSVP (check out pro tip below)

4. Travel Information

5. Hotel Room Blocks

6. Local attractions (for your out of town guests)

7. Menu

It's also a great idea to create an About Us tab where you share your love story. After all, it's already an entire day/days of celebrating you and your fiance!

When creating your website it's also a great idea to stick to your theme of your wedding since it sets the tone for events to come. I also highly recommend using a password to avoid random strangers showing up at your venue! Hey, it happens..

As always, I did my research and found you some FREE online websites for you to check out to help build your own! Let us know in the comments below if you've used any of these websites, and how they've worked for you!

The Knot

WIX

WeddingWire

ZOLA

PRO TIP- RSVPing online isn't always recommended since guests tend not to take it seriously. Think about how many Facebook invites you've accepted and well...flaked on. That being said, it's pretty much a good option during this pandemic since the health and safety of your guests are top priority.

Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think about the trend of a Wedding Website.

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Grazing Table- Latest Trend

Grazing tables have quickly become the star of 2019 and has been gaining popularity in 2020 among our locals! Finally!! 

What is a grazing table? Should I have one? How do I get one? Do I call and ask for "One grazing table please"?

I've got the answers for you, don't I always?

A grazing table is a beautiful spread of cured meats, cheese, crackers, breads, olives, fruit, antipasti and so much more! It's basically a large charcuterie board! It's a fun way to have your wedding guests interact and socialize during cocktail hours or even later at night as a sober snack. The table is laden with these beautifully placed items and guests can help themselves to whatever the would like to try.

Now, grazing tables aren't only for the above mentioned items, you can include any and everything! 

17 Gorgeous Grazing Table Ideas < Click here for some inspo!

Local Tip!

Chef Chelsae-Marie has been slaying the game with her catering company and I'm obsessed with her grazing tables. 

Follow Chef Chelsae-Marie here! 

Chef Chelsae-Marie Catering

Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts about Grazing Tables!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Unplugged Ceremony- Latest Trend

Unplugged Ceremonies are becoming more and more popular and I'm absolutely loving the idea. There are a few variations of this, from having an unplugged ceremony only where phones and cameras and restricted while the ceremony is taking place, to a social media 'blackout' where guests are asked not to post on social media until after the wedding festivities have concluded.

Either way, I think it's a great idea. Click on our video below to learn more.

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Let's Tux About It..

The ladies have been getting a lot of love on this blog lately and I think it's time we get the men involved! 

If you're a bride reading this take notes to nag your groom later. If you're a groom reading this...*slow clap* I am so proud of you! You've made it this far and I am here to help!

Everyone makes a big deal about a brides dress and let's be honest, we tend to overlook the fact that finding a Tux is a big deal! Our grooms are stepping up their style game and absolutely killing it!

Tuxedo shopping might be daunting to some and that's why I decided to share some fun pieces of advice to take the edge off and make this day more bearable!

Guys...if you're still reading... give yourself a pat on the back!

#1 Ask Your Fiance

Jusstttttt kidding!!!!! Maybe.

#1 Money Talks

I've preached this every day and I'll preach it again. Know your budget and stick to it. Don't be afraid to shop around and find the perfect tux that fits your budget. Keep in mind that your tux may require alterations and this often incurs an additional fee.

#2 Comfort Is Key

Try on as many tuxedos as you need to to ensure you get the perfect one that boosts your confidence and is comfortable! You'll be spending many hours in this so comfort is key! As much as you want to please your bride with the nicest tux in the world, take control and don't be afraid to speak up. Nicely of course, unless you're ready to meet Bridezilla.

#3 Understand Fabrics and Fits

Do your homework. Tuxedo's are no longer "one cut fits all", especially since the new trend is all about slim and skinny fits. Go online and find some styles you like and take it to your appointment. Your body type will determine what fits and looks best so it's a good idea to keep an open mind!

#4 Stay On Theme

Coordinate your style to the theme of the wedding. If you're going for a more formal event, a tuxedo is the perfect fit. However, if you're having a beach wedding think of something lighter and breathable. 

#5 Let Your Suit Reflect You

Don't be afraid to explore colour, and prints and fun fabrics! You can even add your own flare by choosing a fun vest or tie, cufflinks and socks to bring out your personality.

Guys, it's your big day too and it's about time we make it known!

Let us know about your tuxedo shopping experiences. What advice would you give to future grooms?

Tag us on instagram and facebook @tulleandtuxedo

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Feature! The Daily Herald St. Maarten

Hey there Tulle & Tuxedo fam!

I have some great news. A couple weeks ago I was asked to write a piece for The Daily Herald in St. Maarten!

Check out my feature below!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

The New Normal: What to expect.

Wake me up, when Covid-19 ends... Thats the lyrics to Green Day's song right?

Hello my pandemic pals... too soon? Weddings are a thing again and it's coming in fast and furious. Couples aren't letting a GLOBAL PANDEMIC stand in the way of love. They're adapting, as we all should be! Now that weddings are making it's come back I thought I'd list a couple things you can expect to see as an attendee. 

#1 Smaller Gatherings

Weddings and ceremonies are much smaller and intimate events. Couples will choose to have immediate family and close friends to share their day with. We all know that theres a maximum amount of persons allowed at gatherings as mandated by the government, so don't be a negative Nancy if you're not invited. Let the couple know how much they mean to you and send them best wishes on their big day. Once we return to some sort of normalcy in the world, we can celebrate then!

#2 Mr. Clean

Expect extra cleaning precautions to be put in place. Sanitization stations are very common now along with more sinks in accessible places. Also, don't be alarmed if they take your temperature before entering the venue. At the end of the day it's for everyones safety!

#3 Mask Up

I feel like superhero every time I say "oh shoot I forgot my mask". Just kidding, I despise wearing a mask, but it's necessary and even mandatory before entering stores, restaurants and venues. Get yourself some cute masks, it makes it more bearable. 

#4 Floor Plans and Seating Charts

This might be my favourite change, because I'm a sucker for a non traditional seating plan. Venues have to abide by social distancing guidelines and what better way to switch up your seating style! A great idea will also be to designate seating through a seating plan so you can keep a track of where each guest sat in the event of a Covid scare. 

#5 Food Prep and Presentation

Food preparation was one of the first to implement MAJOR changes as a result of this pandemic. Chef's are putting every and all measures in place to ensure you and your guests are served food which has been carefully prepared. Also, self serve buffets may be a thing of the past. Expect a buffet with servers or even a plated meal. I love this idea, since it also adds a touch of elegance.

#6 Virtual Streaming

Since or borders are still closed, virtual streaming may become more popular in the near future as we want our friends and family abroad to join us on our special day.

Just remember, though these changes may seem sudden and a lot to take in at once, it's for our safety and the safety of our guests, vendors and more. 

Let us know in the comments below if you've experienced any of the above changes or if you've seen anything else being done during this pandemic.

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Say Yes To The Dress

"On her wedding day a woman should be certain that she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful"- Carolina Herrera

I would imagine, since being engaged, that you have an array of wedding dress questions- What style would best suit me? How much should I spend? Who should I take with me? Fear not my followers, for I have broken down the wedding dress shopping experience in a few simple and easy to follow points. 

I always tell my clients that planning a wedding should always be stress free. Now although that statement isn't always true, I'm hoping that my tips and tricks will alleviate at least one or two of those stresses.

Let's get right into it!

#1 The B Word

Let's address the elephant in the room. Setting and budget is superrrr important! I know we all have that secret Pinterest board with the most amazing wedding dresses, but before you get too carried away be honest with yourself on how much you're willing to spend. This will be extremely helpful at your appointments since the bridal stylist will be able to narrow down your search and provide options within your price range. Try not to try on dresses outside of your budget, this can lead to unnecessary disappointment and stress. Take a deep breath...We are cool, calm, and collected...say it with me!

Our GORG bride Nataley (photographed above) shared the following advice:

"Be honest about your price point and your "wiggle room" because the final price will include the veil and alterations and it's going to be higher than you expected".

#2 Do Your Homework

Start by perusing social media, or checking out some websites to see different styles of wedding dresses. There are so many shapes, sizes, colours, fabrics and designers to choose from so it's a good idea to create a folder on your phone and save some pictures. After a while you will see a common theme of what you're looking at and this will help narrow your search.

Bridal Musings has a great article and quiz on finding the perfect wedding dress style. Click here to read more!

#3 The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Start shopping 9-12 months in advance (if possible). This gives you ample time to set appointments so that it doesn't feel rushed. More importantly, many dresses are custom made and orders can take a while, especially if it's being shipped from abroad. Hey, if you're lucky you might even find something off the rack which is great!

#4 Get Out Your 2020 Planner

The one purchase I've regretted in 2020 was a yearly planner, because quite frankly I felt like Covid-19 never heard the song "Girls just wanna have fun". BUT, here's your chance to use it! Start making your appointments at Bridal Salons. Contact your local salons and check their availability, it's a good idea to set two or three appointments a day (keep it all fresh) but be sure to give yourself enough time to get to each destination, and to take a break to eat. Let's avoid being a hangry bridezilla...please.

Pro Tip: Here are some questions you should ask when you're at your bridal trials.

- How long would it take for the dress to be made and delivered?

- Do you offer alterations?

- Is there an additional fee for alterations and shipping?

-What's the best way to transport my gown?

- Should I steam my dress on the wedding day itself?

- Can you show me how to bustle my dress? (I would suggest delegating bustle duties to a member of your bridal party, since you're definitely going to need their help).

#5 Choose your Bride Tribe

Call ahead and ask the salon the maximum amount of persons you're allowed to have with you. This would help you to select the key persons who need to be at the trial. ie. Those who might be helping you to pay for the gown.

#6 Nails Done, Hair Done, Everything Did!

Drake suggested it, so it must be right. Get your hair, makeup and nails done so you can envision the full picture when you try on those special gowns!

#7 Captain Underpants

Wear the proper undergarments and shoes. Try to wear nude undergarments, preferably the ones you will wear on the actual night. It's also important to wear a shoe of similar height to the one you will be wearing since this will have an impact on the alteration of the length of the dress.

#8 Thick Thighs, Thin Patience

To my curvy girls, do not get discouraged by sizing! I repeat, do not get discouraged by sizing! Many stores carry sample sizes of dresses and trust me when I say its 'One Size Fits None......'. Often times salons will put you in a different dress from the same designer to figure out sizing, before selecting the actual dress you want. Fortunately, we are in 2020 and salons have realized that the majority of women are above a size 10 and they have expanded their sample sizes, yay 2020!

#9 Keep An Open Mind

I know you saw that Vera Wang ballgown with the pockets and the bow and the diamonds dripping down the neckline... but there are thousandsssssss of dresses out there so how about we give them all a fair chance? I personally LOVE a trumpet style dress, but I won't mind trying on a ballgown, I might end up loving it more!

#10 Beach Please..

Think about your location, are you getting married on the beach, a ballroom or in the good ole outdoors?Knowing your venue will be key in selecting an appropriate gown. But hey, if you want to wear a ball gown on the beach, who am I to stop you? Get it girl!

#11 Listen To Your Stylist

Your stylist has seen it all, the bridezillas, the bridal party who has no filter, and the moms who can't stop crying. Listen to their feedback since this is their area of expertise! They may suggest designers styles and colours you never though about.

#12 Let's Take a Selfie

Ask permission before snapping photos of the dress you're in. Most salons will allow it since they want you to remember your options. Take a good look at the photos and compare them to see which ones makes your heart feel all the happiness!

#13 Don't Be Afraid of Commitment

Well, you're not, since you did say yes to spending the rest of your life with your partner...NO PRESSURE (jk). It's okay to say yes to the first dress you try on! If you're totally head over heels in loveeeeeeeee with it, then babe it's yours! Just go into it with your whole heart. #noregrets

#14 Be Amy Santiago

Y'all watch Brooklyn 99 right? Amy LOVES a good binder. Keep a wedding binder, or for you technologically savvy folks, keep track of your contracts, delivery dates and schedules alterations on your phone! We love an organized bride.

If you use my tips above to help you select your wedding dress be sure to let me know by tagging @tulleandtuxedo on Facebook and Instagram!

Instagram Live- Let's Talk Wedding Shopping < Click link!

Happy Shopping!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo

Photos by: Gary Jordan Photography

The Perfect Venue

He asked, and you said YES! You’ve enjoyed a wonderful week of celebrations and took hundreds of ring selfies which you captioned “Does this ring make me look engaged?”. You maybe even emailed Beyoncé requesting that she change her lyrics to “he liked it, so he put a ring on it”.

 

At this point, everyone has asked these two questions:

1.     When is the wedding?

2.     Where are you getting married?

 

No pressure...

Choosing your date and venue is one of the first things on your wedding planning checklist, since it influences every single decision you make. A wedding date is chosen based on several factors such as religious significance, tradition or simply just a memorable date for the couple such as an anniversary.

 

Once you have your selected date, let’s talk about things to consider when selecting your venue:

1.     Availability- Is your date flexible? This will play a major factor in narrowing down your search. Wedding venues are booked 6-12 months (or more) in advance, so knowing your date is important. If your date is non-negotiable, this will narrow your search considerably, however if your date is flexible then you will have more options.

2.     Guest List- Your guest list determines the space you need. When shopping around for your venue, it’s important to ask about the maximum capacity seated. A good tip would be to factor in the space needed for a stage, dance floor, bar and buffet setup. Sometimes, venues have separate spaces for food and beverage so be sure to ask!

3.     Know Your Budget- Think about how much you’re willing to spend on your venue and keep in mind that some venues offer more than just the space. Many venues are equipped with basic setup items; tables, chairs, white linen etc. Factor in the cost of renting those items, when selecting a venue that does not provide basic setup.

4.     Think About What’s Included- Some venues, like hotels, offer a full-service package which includes the event space, basic setup, food, beverage, service, parking, and rooms. While hotels usually have a stigma for being pricier, you have to consider the cost of these items if you had to source it externally for a venue which does not provide those services.

5.     Accessibility- If you choose to have your ceremony in a different venue than your reception, for example at a place of worship, consider the distance between both locations. Is it easily accessible? How’s the traffic at different hours of the day? How will your out-of-town guests get to and from both venues? Also, keep in mind that you would want to take pictures between the ceremony and reception. Many venues have spaces on location which can be used.

6.     Stay True To Your Vision- I mentioned Pinterest and Instagram boards and stories a couple blog posts back. Pin some ideas of what you envision and choose a venue that fits that look whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

7.     Consider The Elements- I love an outdoor wedding, but us sweet Trinbagonians have to think about the weather. Wet and dry season is no joke. Having an outdoor wedding in the second half of the year is quite risky, however don’t be discouraged and always have a Plan B, C and maybe even D! Some venues that have both indoor and outdoor spaces will not hesitate to move your event from an outdoor space to an indoor space however, this is based on their availability. Many times, venues such as hotels may have more than one event on a certain date. Another option would be to have an event rental company on standby with a couple tents, it may not be ideal but at least you and your guests will be safe and dry!

8.     Don’t Limit Your Options- Ceremonies are not limited to places of worship. Many venues have more than one function space and can host both your ceremony and reception, whether you decide to host it in the same space or in different spaces.

 

FAQ’s- What should you ask your venue representatives?

 

Event Space

1.     Is a deposit required? Is there a payment plan?

2.     Availability and pricing. Is there a different cost for weekdays versus weekends?

3.     Are there different spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour, reception?

4.     Can a site visit be scheduled?

5.     Can I see photos from past weddings?

6.     What is included in the cost? Does this include service charge, gratuity, cleaning fees etc.? Are there any hidden costs?

7.     What’s your cancellation policy?

8.     What’s the maximum capacity? Research different seating styles and ask your venue representative. Is the space handicap accessible?

9.     Is there a Bridal suite?

10.  Is there a noise restriction?

11.  Is there a cut-off time?

12.  How many bathrooms are available? Should I have additional portable bathrooms?

13.  Is parking available and included? Is there a fee for parking? What is the cost, and can I cover the fee for my guests?

14.  Setup and Breakdown. Can my decorator have access to the event space the day before? If not, what time would we have access? Would the basic setup be ready for my decorators? What time do we need to breakdown? Will the venue staff assist?

15.  Do you have a recommended vendors list? This come in handy since your recommended vendors will already know the venue.

16.  Do we have to use your vendors? If not, are there any limitations (decorators contracts which outlines the do’s and don’ts)?

17.  Are open flames allowed?

18.  Does the venue have a sound system, or will my DJ need to provide his/her own?

19.  What happens if it rains? (applicable to outdoor venues)

20.  Will there be a venue representative available on the day of the event? Will they work with my planner?

21.  Is there a location on property or close by for pictures?

22.  Is the venue close to a hotel for out of town guests? Can you arrange transportation?

23.  If the venue is a hotel, are group rates available? Is a bridal suite included? Can I get a late checkout?

 

Food & Beverage

1.     Food & Beverage. Am I required to take F&B from the venue? Can I bring my own? Do you have a list of preferred caterers?

2.     Do you have a menu? Can it be changed based on religious restrictions and preferences?

3.     Will there be a tasting?

4.     Will servers be provided at the buffet? Is it self-service?

5.     Are there options for buffet or plated service?

6.     Can I provide my own alcohol? Is a corkage fee included?

7.     Will you provide bar service only?

8.     How soon do you require final numbers?

If you missed my live where we discussed this further, click below to rewatch.

LIVE WITH TAMARA- LET'S TALK WEDDING VENUES!

Stay tuned for a second post where we highlight some of our favorite venues!

With Love, 

Tulle and Tuxedo

Micro Wedding, Big Trend!

If it's one thing 2020 taught us, by force or not, it's the art of adaptation. We're no longer sitting on our couch, waiting for the day we hear "there are no more active Covid-19 cases". Because quite frankly, we'll probably be waiting for a long long time. Instead, we've learned to be grateful for what we have, we've learned to live in the present, to be mindful and to find new ways...to be married.

Trinidad & Tobago has done a commendable job of controlling the spread of Covid-19 in our beautiful twin island. YAY! Now, because of everyones diligence and effort the hospitality industry can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Don't get me wrong, weddings aren't going to be what they used to, but to me that's even more exciting! Now we get the chance to redefine the industry and get a fresh start.

MICRO WEDDINGS... need I say more? 

Wedding Spot Blog refers to a micro wedding as any ceremony and/or reception with less than 50 total guests. Why sacrifice the chance to celebrate, when you can have a romantic and intimate affair with those nearest and dearest to you. If you're planning on your own, or hiring a planner, here are some Tulle and Tuxedo approved tips!

#1 Let your imagination run wild!

Trinbagonians are used to a big fat wedding, but sadly we're limited to smaller gatherings for the time being. Having a smaller event means that we have some wiggle room in our budgets where we can really create an experience like no other. 

#2 Be open minded to new venue options

Ballrooms are beautiful, but with your smaller guest list you have many more options when choosing your venue. Think outside the box. Choose a cute cafe, a small restaurant, a nearby park, or even your backyard. 

Picture this: An intimate ceremony at sunset followed by a candlelit dinner at the restaurant you and your partner had your first date. #chills

#3 Cover the basics

Focus your attention and budget on food, drinks and music. Your guests will remember how great your food was, how much the drinks were flowing, and how much fun they had at your wedding! I always say that a wedding is an experience like no other, and more focus should be placed on making your night one of the most memorable nights.

Pro tip: Get your guests involved. Have them request a song on their RSVP cards (or simply via a text). This way, when their favourite song plays its a special moment for you both.

#4 Hire a photographer and videographer

While you may not need an 8-hour photographer to follow your every move, you definitely want to capture all of the special moments. After all, this is a story for the grandkids!

#5 Make it meaningful

Love always wins. Getting married and celebrating your love for one another is not cancelled. Having a smaller guest list makes it even more special. Give your guest a hand written note or hand made gift to express your gratitude and love for their role in your special day. A smaller guest list means that you also can have some more time with your guests, share more laughs, more hugs (can we do this #covid-19?), and more special memories.

A micro wedding is surely a trend which will continue even after this pandemic has gone, it's a beautiful and memorable experience which leaves you more relaxed, saves you money and is easy to personalise. 

Let us know if you have any advice for our couples who are considering a micro wedding. Stay safe everyone!

With Love, 

Tulle and Tuxedo