Hello everyone :)

Sorry for my absence but being an event organizer, hotelier, mom, daughter… among other duties is a super woman thing :) here we are again and the show must go on.

Today we will talk about the biggest fear of any event organizer :

"THE RAIN"

Lady's & Gentlemen, let's be honest the rain can definitely ruin your party! Not once or twice has my team rushed out to dry off to clean up and see what can be fix . We are not going to deny that really for any event planner  this unpredictable weather in the DR is not the most suitable, obviously you have your plan b for everything but it is always good to have a good weather regardless of  the wedding is indoors or outside.

I have run so much with one or another sporadic rain that I will share some tips so that you do not stress if this happens and also  know what to expect

1) Trust your event planner, he has the solution! Hahahahhahahah 😇😆 as contradictory as it may seem with the previous paragraph, it is the truth, that is why we dedicate ourselves to this we always have everything covered with our plan and we have all the logistics for it, so dear girlfriends, do not worry that in the end it will rain. a blessing and your wedding planner has it all #set.

2) Whenever your budget allows it, it is super important that you love the venue where the wedding would be in case of rain, make sure you like it as much as the original place, you can idealize how everything could be if that was the main scenario  . easier to digest if it must be used.

3) Many places for events like hotels or restaurants offer you a double  set up, in case that party has already started  all your guest  must move on to the backup which will be almost ready  inside . In some places it has an additional cost and in others it is already included.

4) You can check the weather of that week, although on our little island anything can happen but it is better to be forewarned and aware that there is a possibility that it will rain that day. In the same way, it can drizzle slightly and not suppose any impact or reason for change.

My advice  in all my events to the bride and groom is that the most important thing will always be the people who are there with you  to celebrate and enjoy your love, with or without  rain.  nothing happens if a little water falls on them, they will still enjoy it.

Happy weekend !!

Happy Halloween !!

I hope everyone has an excellent day and that you enjoy Halloween as much as possible, I will take advantage of these holidays to tell you a little about the advantages and benefits of having your wedding during the Christmas holidays.

In any part of the world, there is a spirit of celebration, love, and gifts. in addition the most important sharing with your loved ones, this is why Christmas is a perfect time of the year in which the environment is conducive to WEDDINGS.

 I will share the pros and cons to celebrate your wedding during the holidays from my perspective.

1) It is well known that holidays mood is a denominating factor, the attitude of your guests is already festive. With the arrival of the new year, people forge new goals, projects, and the hopeful attitude of a future to come.

2)Usually, your guests on a common date may not go to the wedding because they cannot buy a gift or simply do not have the resources, let's admit that buying a tuxedo, going to the hairdresser, among others, requires an expense, during the Holidays people loosen their wallets a little more and are therefore more permissive with their income.

3) The weather is a denominating factor you can have your wedding at 3:00 pm and outdoors regardless of the hot weather and your guests won't be melted by the high summer temperatures. And the hectic day that awaits them.

4) Decoration is another history, with Christmas, everything is allowed and you can also use thousands of things that are already on the market to adapt them to the color of your wedding and they will be much cheaper.

Some cons would be:

1) Time, during the dates it is more difficult to find providers available with such short notice, it is necessary that everything is booked a long time in advance.

2) Many stores or services raise their prices due to the high demand they have for those days

Without a doubt, the Christmas holidays are one of the most important festivities of the year and it is always good to take advantage of the good energy and festive atmosphere to celebrate a wedding!

 Hello everyone,

Hope you're doing great !! and having a great week

These last few days I have been super busy planning my next weddings. in this process, the brides have so many questions. For this the reason I will be giving you tips about destination weddings, today we will talk about (The  weddings dress)

A wedding dress or wedding gown is the garment used by the bride during the wedding ceremony. The importance of the color, style, and ceremonial of the dress depends on the religion and culture of the participants.

1) Unexpected situations occur in life and anything can happen, thas why I recommend (as long as it is in your budget) buy a second dress many brides buy a second dress for the party either because it is more comfortable and fresh, The important thing is that the other dress you buy you like the same or more than the one you will use for the ceremony. to prevent this:    

•Any parts of the dress may break during handling.

• Due to the stress of the last few days, you ate a little more and it doesn't fit.

• Or maybe  stay on the plane  or mistaking it for another dress

2) If it is not necessary, do not iron it, most of these suits come in a material that almost does not wrinkle if it is not wrinkled you can hang it in the bathroom and that's it. just with the steam from the hot  water, you can easily remove any wrinkles

3) If it is very necessary that you iron it, you can bring your portable wrinkle remover, they are very practical and special for the wedding dresses, it is an excellent investment since it works for other suits.

Employees are quite delicate with handling this important trousseau, however, we are all human and anything can happen. I always tell my girlfriends that the most important thing on this day is the people who are here sharing the love you feel. in the end, that's what really matters

P.S  When the brides arrive at the villa or the hotel where they going stay, I always recognize them because they are the ones who have the dress is hanging on hand! Hahaha

Hi Everyone, 

Happy week ;) 

Today wedding rings are the most romantic piece of jewelry that you’ll wear. 

They are filled with emotional significance, but this has actually been the case for much longer than you may think!

The first wedding rings can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians when they exchanged rings made from braided reeds and hemp. They placed these rings on the fourth finger of the left hand as they believed that there was a ‘vein of love’ that ran from this finger directly to your heart. Similar to today it was a ‘ring of love’ and was worn to symbolize the commitment to each other. The Egyptians also saw the circle as a powerful symbol and the endless circle of a wedding ring is said to show a promise of forever.

from my perspective, this is a really important ritual that is just for the wedding couple that's something you don't share with no one else.

In the last weddings that I have made, the couple wasn't very clear who should carry the rings or who was the person who should have them during the ceremony, here are some tips to simplify your life. (and mine ) :) 😇😉

1)Do not give real weddings rings to a kid,  it is really common to see these cuties holding the small pillow with the rings but guess what? is fake we usually use something similar to a wedding ring but not the real ones and put something to look really alike. kids sometimes fall or misplace rings on the sand or grass. so it's better if we take that precaution

2) Same as the above for animals used the fake ones. 

3) Give the rings to the closest person next to you, could be the maid of honor or the best man.

Wedding rings are so important and I think in all my years as a wedding planner it's my favorite part of the speech. J see below:

^^From the earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never-ending. Let these rings serve as the symbol of your continued love and commitment to each other and may they also serve as a sign of your continued happiness and joy. ^^

Always ask your wedding planner for recommendations I'm sure she/he will have a really good option for you.

Hello everyone!!

Welcome back to our blog I hope everyone has an excellent week :)

Every day the roles of the bridal party change so much.  And the fact is that weddings are no longer that solemn and rigorous act that many of our parents and grandparents had. Today it is more a matter of availability and the right people to share this moment with.

 In some early traditions, the groomsmen were called Bride’s Knights, because they helped protect her—and her dowry, and her virginity—or because they assisted in her kidnapping.

Ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses to be present at a wedding, which is considered a precursor to the bridal party tradition. Bridesmaids and groomsmen had to dress just like the bride and groom to confuse vengeful spirit presences (or real-life jealous suitors) who might try to harm the newlyweds. *Omg Thanks good we are on this century*

From my perspective as a wedding planner, we should choose people who can really help us make the day more bearable. I must confess that my sources of support during a wedding are always the bridal party and parents.  they always help me to know who is uncle John or aunt Merry to give you an idea or simply help me find where the groom has left the room key. 

The maid of honor always knows where the vows are, and the best men will know who has the rings or make sure that the groom is not having too many drinks. :)

In my personal experience that day the couple just want to have fun and enjoy it I don't like to interrupt the happy newlyweds if there something I need to ask I always go to the bridal party. 

It's always important that all my brides remember that you (Luckily get married just ones) so choose your real friends you're real companions in life, the people you go when   you’re having a horrible day at work or that friend that will jump all over the place when she finds out that he finally proposes. 

Remember friends are the family we get to choose.

BRIDEZILLA!!

Why brides become a bridezilla? sometimes is family pressure or maybe is too much information a lot of things to do at once, let us breathe and enjoy this beautiful process that every woman dreams to be perfect.

Many times we drown in a glass of water to be able to fulfill our commitments with everything we have to do, whether this is family, work, or friends, The truth is that it is exhausting and unhealthy to try to achieve perfection. 

Not all of us move on in life in the same way. and this has been difficult for me to learn it, sometimes we push ourselves too hard we forget that we should be kind to ourselves and that applies to all things in life especially when you planning an event.

 Don't get me wrong, it's not that you're not disciplined or that you don't give your best. It is super important that you demand yourself taking into consideration your abilities and the situations you have at that moment. each one of us is dealing with different circumstances, SO BE KIND

When you plan an event, it is very detail-oriented and quite time-consuming, in the same way, not everything always goes as we want and it is not that we should settle for less than what we want. But if we accept that sometimes it is better for us not to insist and not wear ourselves out trying to reach perfection.

 For example, when you are looking for a location with all the requirements that you understand, it is the best for you and for your guests, suddenly the dates you requesting for the venue there are not available or maybe it is out of your budget, we generally get frustrated by not being able to obtain what we think we need. 

It is quite difficult for us to understand that the universe is sending us signals that somehow it does not suit us and shows us other options. Many brides become Bridezilla because simply the flowers that they want are not in season or the (Best man) at the last minute notify that he will not be able to attend the event or the weird requests from our parents especially regarding sitting arrangements among others. 

We forget that all that matters is the special moment that belongs to us, the ones who should be happy and pleased is the bride and groom,  so let's relax and learn to share the process with our family and friends (Share not doing what they want ) this special moment should be enjoyed and not go crazy trying to please everyone.

 And never forget that we all move on a different perspective.

Happy weekend!!

 Hello Everyone!!

Happy Saturday :)

When you begin the planning for a wedding you start with a specific budget for the entire event however there are always unexpected expenses that are outside the program. also during these difficult times if you already have a wedding organized and you decided to postpone the event you need to reevaluate your budget in order to your new reality with this situation. 

1)You probably heard this before but ill repeated because is really important. Make sure you have a real guest list. in normal circumstances, it's difficult to have a clear number of the guest list probably until 2 weeks before the wedding. but when you planed this type of event where you have an amount of food and drinks during and a specific time is a big deal that you insist on this. you should have at least 5 extra spots because you don't know if a guest is bringing someone that wasn't on the list or maybe an old uncle that never confirm but is there. I know this is really challenging however it depends on the couple to get the information as clear as possible.

2) Depending on the country you're staying you can save a lot of money if you decide to pay some services cash that way the vendor can make a discount from the total price. when a vendor is hired from the venue you choose or a hotel, the vendor will receive the payment from your wedding two weeks after your event. you can ask your wedding coordinator or even ask the vendor it will be possible to do it cash that way the vendor will reduce the price on any service and received his money right away.

3)When your planing and event overseas most of the time you're looking for options on the internet and you can connect with a bunch of special agents for weddings that work for different companies. they can offer you different hotels and venues for your destination wedding and also make the contacts with the wedding planner or company on-site that will assist you along the journey. this type of company makes a lot of offers depending on the destination or property you looking for, some times they have US$500 off on the wedding packages or special discount on decor. some of these sites are https://www.destinationweddings.com/. https://www.weddingwire.com/

4) Some times you just want to have a small celebration with closest family and friends but you don't want a huge event just gettering to celebrate the union with dinner and cocktails, that does not require a large decoration. Some venues and resorts allow you to bring your decor from home, Many brides bring their own centerpieces made by themselves with their moms, grandmas, aunts, and bridesmaids they used portraits, artificial flowers, candles or marine accessories, You can get a lot of ideas for this activity and also is excellent to bring the whole family together collaborate and have fun doing the crafts.

5)If you're having a destination wedding is better for you to reduce your expense using local products on your event, for example: maybe to have seasonal flowers from the local country can definitely reduce the cost on flowers and your wedding will have fresh and different details, in the same way, if you're having a buffet try to include traditional meals from the country you are in, that way will be easier to get the ingredients and you will get exotic meals and more options for your guest.

The most important advice is that it doesn't matter if you have 100 guests or only the two of you try to make the most of it enjoy your day.

Amna Fraden

Happy weekend from Punta Cana.

 Hello everyone happy friday!!

When your planning a destination wedding is not just a wedding it turns out on a vacation for your guest and family. that's why is really important to have some activities to compenetrate both families and by the time of the wedding, everyone will feel more comfortable with each other. 

Here are some of my favorites groups in Dominican of course there many more but these three are really easy to book and really affordable for everyone. 

Saona & Chavon

Head to Altos de Chavón to see a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River. Admire the work of artisans from the Dominican Republic who crafted the village in detail. You will experience the mighty gorge of the Chavon River, just east of  La Romana, like no other. The banks are covered with dry tropical jungle and wildlife is everywhere around. The cruise takes 40 minutes and the riverboat has an open bar and a bathroom. The staff will offer you free drinks and fruit snacks, while you can enjoy the tranquility of the river and soak up the scenery.

the most important protected biosphere in the Dominican Republic with the best tour of Saona Island, visit a hidden natural pool where the water is shallow, peaceful, and warm, providing an ideal place for an unforgettable swimming adventure. this adventure is a hall day excursion perfect for the friends and family gets to know each other.

Party Boat 

This is the perfect excursion if you want to have fun in a short time and close by the hotel or villa you're staying the best for this is to rent a private catamaran for your own group this will include you a boat ride along the beautiful coast of Bavaro punta cana to the first stop a coral reef where everybody con swing along with the (Liitel nemos ) fish and also feed them the staff will provide you with snorkeling equipment for you to jump on the water and last but not least at the end of this excursion they will take you to a naturalpool where they offer you drinks and snacks. This excursion is really fun cuz the staff does a show for everyone and people dance and drink the hall time. 

 

Imagine (The cave )

If you are in the Dominican republic you must go party out site the villa or resort, we have a lot of places to go however this one is really original is a disco inside off a cave a natural millennium wonder with a unique acoustic. inside the cave, you will find different ambients this place is huge drinks are really affordable and you can also reservea private area for your group, that's definitely something to see and talk about with your future grandchild.

 

I think is really important to do something out site the complex to have a different perspective on the country is you have a doubt please contact me ill be more than happy to help. 

Happy weekend

Follow us on Instagram as @weddingsbyamna 

Hello Again!! 

If you had a wedding planned for this year, do not be discouraged, you can still do it. the most important thing is to be with your partner and your closest relatives. This is the most relevant day of any couple that clearly marks a before and after. That’s something you can’t repeat.

It is very true that we must be distanced and abide by the measures established by the OMS, but we must go on with due care. Below you can find tips to avoid going crazy while trying to plan a wedding during the COVID-19.

1) Most event rooms or wedding venues always have a plan -b either to postpone it for the next year on the same date (depending on how crowded the place is) or to delay it only a few months until you can hold your events. Ask your event manager the options that they have for you and that is the best that could suit your event.

2) If you have already paid the full event and you’re not sure what to do. Most of the event venues and service providers that you reserve can refund your money or at least 80% of it as it is a matter of (FORCE MAJEURE) And they are required to make an exception.

3) The venues that are holding events must apply the security protocol with cleanliness and social distances between one guest and another, you can ask your wedding coordinator for the security protocol they use that way you would have an idea of ​​what it would be like on your big day, it's really important that you review each detail for the safety of your guests and employees

4) Talking to guests and making them aware of the situation is very

Important, this is a celebration, everyone will want to hug you, congratulate you, laugh, and share properly, but we must be less effusive. Your guests will be delighted to attend an event. if they are properly informed them will help so that everything can flow in harmony.

5) last but not least you should verify the security measures with the photographer and group photos more than ever is a (911 conversation) having a session only with the bride and groom.in case that you're having group photos take the necessary measures

The most important thing right now is that as human beings we all need to be a little more empathetic with the welfare of others and with what happens around us. that we can share with our loved ones that special moment such as our wedding.

to remember these days without COVID 19 I´ll leave you this video hoping that soon everything will become normal

Hello everyone!!

With all this happening in the world, Covid 19, quarantine, explosion and all the things that this year has brought makes me think of how small we are, how vulnerable we become and how little we love each other.

During these years that I have been doing weddings with couples from all over the world I have to say that not all of them have been people with good feelings and a good heart, this does not mean that they are bad, but sometimes they treat you like you are not human. That you don’t have feelings this can happen anywhere you pay for a service (you don't have to be nice). However, that day everything is forgiven needless to say that it is very stressful and with many things in mind so we cannot blame them.

 That being said, wedding planners can't help have their favorite couples, people who sometimes take a little of their precious time off their special day to ask you how your day has gone, or maybe tell you that everything is as I planned thank you very much for everything.

 With these people you want to give them everything they ask for as long as it turns out perfect, you just want to make them happy and genuinely have a good time. Don't get me wrong this is a business you pay for a service and you expect to get what you paid for. But it is still pleasant to work for people who, without really knowing you, give you the opportunity to participate in that great day, they deposit in you many times their life savings so that you can make this the best day of their life.

These days I received several messages from Brides that I worked with,  asking me how I was doing with all this quarantine, if I was doing okay with this situation, how was my country handling l the situation, among other things. You can't help it. but is satisfying  knowing  that somewhere in the world there is a newlywed couple that you  made them feel  happy and they are truly wonder" How is  my Wedding planner  doing on that beautiful island?

This post is dedicated for  two of my  favorite brides who enjoy their weddings as if I were the one getting married. I hope that 2021 will give me brides with a heart as pure as you.

Here are some pictures of my girls. Trenice and Miranda

Mi name is Amna Fraden 💛

And ill share with you what people don’t usually say about destination weddings!!

If your considering and having a wedding on a villa near to beach or simply because your fiancé family and friends are from another country, then a Destination wedding is your answer.

Planning a wedding is really frustrating imagine do the planning overseas where you’re not able to see the vendors or go and decide where you want to have it all today I’ll give you some tips to help you not lose your mind.

1) The most important thing is chill out you need to chill out J some times in life we are not able to control all the little details and that is ok , we need to let it flow and trust the process , I understand that is not easy but we if do everything with love we are going to have a happy ending !!

2) Choose a wedding planner or wedding coordinator that you can trust regardless if you’re doing this in a resort or a villa or simple in a restaurant or event place you need to create and relationship wedding your wedding planner that person need to understand what you really want to have. If you’re not sure of the skills, expertise and responsibility of your wedding planner then do not even star working with that person. Will be better for you and your mental health

3)Working your wedding from home could be really confusing make sure you have a plan is really important to be organize and have every detail on an email or excel sheet listing all the events one by one if you could have the time to add images is much better, that make everything more clear for the planer and for you.

4) Make conference calls with your planner at least every 15 days the first months and when is getting closer one every week will be ok. Remember to write down all your questions that way will be more fast and you will not miss the purpose of the call.

5) Some brides working overseas forget about that the bonding you need to make with your wedding planner for example talk with her a little bit of your family about your mother, bride’s maids and wedding crew is really important that they know or hear about them in any circumstances they will feel more support and part of the event. a wedding is stressing for the planer and the bride and you dot want to have a stress planer.

There’s a lot to talk about destination weddings we are going to continue with more next week.

¨This picture below is from a beautiful place in DR they have a restaurant with nice pool, and off course is me on the black swimming suit :) what are you waiting for to do your event on the ‘Caribbean ¨

In case you need and advise contact me.