Baptism

Infant baptism/christenings is very important and though practiced in many different ways in various religions the ceremony generally symbolizes the commemoration of the baby's birth. Lets talk about ways we can celebrate this special and precious moment with loved ones and friends. 

Planning any party can be difficult but planning a party after a formal event can be very challenging. To put things into motion you will first need to get the word out by sending invitations. This can also be a nice little 'keepsake' especially if its customized with your unique style. 

This need not be extravagant, the most common and staple decorations needed in my opinion are balloons, garlands, banners and floral arrangement which of course should all coincide with your theme. Alternatively if this is a grand affair you would want to consider other little touches such as table runners, placements, silverware, cutlery etc.

If your party will be held in the morning the food ideas can be geared towards a brunch type of event serving light snacks or o'dourves, alternatively if you were more looking to the afternoon, finger foods can be served or even a buffet spread. Don't forget the drinks including champagne or non-alcoholic wine as am sure there will be many toast and well wishes from family and friends. 

DIY

Here are six tips when planning your own baptism/christening party for your little angel.

• This does not have to be a grand affair, after the dedication service a small party of maximum ten very close family and friends can be invited to your residence for lunch. This eliminates venue costs and frees up cash which can be used elsewhere.
• There might be kids attending with their parents, it might be a good idea to have kids tables with toys, crayons, notepads etc to keep them occupied.
• To add your unique touch to the decor you can make personal signage like quotes and scriptures which can be hung around the room or even included on the invitation and party favors.  
• Most churches will need some form of notification or reservation so be sure to check with your parish priest, bishop, pastor, elder etc months in advance before the dedication.
• Most celebrations will feature a cake as the main attraction, however instead of a baptismal cake, you can consider ordering cupcakes which is becoming a popular trend in place of a cake.
• If it fits into your budget, party favors can be provided to guests which should be in keeping with the theme and event such as rosaries, candles or an angel bookmark are great ideas.

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

Bachelor + Bachelorette

Bachelorette Party
Ladies get ready to party like a rock star...

It is customary for the bachelorette party to be held the week of the wedding or the night before the big day, however this is totally up to the bride as we know the week of the wedding can be a bit crazy. The party can be a cocktail type of event, spa and retreat day, girls night out in Port of Spain, weekend getaway to beautiful Tobago or rent a villa in Toco. The options are endless, let Trini Eventz Planner help you organize the most unforgettable bachelorette party.

Entertainment
Now to the part I like, whether the bride-to-be prefers a quiet evening, cocktails in her favorite bar, karaoke, fun games or scantily clad dancers 'wink' 'wink', I would make it happen. Whatever her preference these activities will all be coordinated within the bride's comfort zones, as while we want the guest-of-honor to let loose we do not want to freak her out lol.

Gifts
It is customary to walk with gifts for the bride at the bachelorette party which can be naughty or nice depending on the individual. Be mindful some women are very conservative so edible underwear, whips and handcuffs may make them uncomfortable. Instead something practical such as a classy photo album, picture frame or even a book will be better appreciated.

DIY
Here are six tips when planning your own bachelorette party.

• If you're planning a night out partying its best to arrange a driver such as rent a limousine or hire a taxi to take everyone home.
• An itinerary should be planned if its a Tobago weekend type of event to ensure there is little or no 'dull' moments and the group have fun.
• If the party is being held at a restaurant or bar be sure to make reservations in advance. 
• With respect to budget it is customary for the ladies to contribute towards the event, however they should be informed in advance so that they could budget accordingly.
• Book entertainment way in advance to ensure a fun filled event.
• Make a list of games and the rules, don't wait until you're a few cocktailes in to figure out how to play the game.

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

Baby Showers

It has always been my belief that children are blessings so what better way to celebrate than having a baby shower. A baby shower is a way to celebrate the expected birth of a child by presenting gifts to the mother at a party. The term baby shower is relatively new, however the celebrations associated with pregnancy and childbirth are both ancient and enduring. This tradition is celebrated in many countries around the world and usually only thrown for the first child and only women were invited. However Trini Eventz Planner will show you how to change these rules : )

Women only? Who say it have to be...

Am sure most of you are accustomed to this being a girls only 'lime' but the expectant dad and his friends can also be invited to attend. As with any party we will keep all the guests in mind when choosing everything from invitations to food to activities.

Should you throw a baby shower for only your first pregnancy? As I previously stated I firmly believe children are blessings so why not celebrate each one. It is now acceptable and customary in the Caribbean and other parts of the world to have a baby shower for the second, third or a subsequent child even if its the same gender. Every baby should be celebrated and its a great opportunity to get together with family and friends. What gift should I get for the expectant mom? When you found out your friend was expecting a baby, am sure there were lots of hugs and maybe some happy tears. Now the baby is almost due and you have to get a baby gift, where do you start. Some people may have a gift registry but don't be afraid to stray from the baby registry and look for something special, unique or even a thoughtful DIY gift basket will do the trick.

DIY

Here are six tips when planning a baby shower for the mom-to-be.

• The baby shower should be held shortly before the baby is due, however it is customary in some cultures to have the shower after the baby has arrived.
• If the mom-to-be have family and friends who live far away and can't make it to the shower consider including them for a few minutes during the party using Face-time or Skype.
• If the sex of the baby is not known, neutral colors such as yellow, white, green or purple can be used in the decor, gifts etc.
• For parents who prefer a smaller event consider throwing a 'baby sprinkle' which is a scaled down version of the baby shower, the gathering can be a breakfast or brunch with or without the games.
• Guys can also be included in the fun, whether it be the dad-to-be and is friends or a good pal of the expectant mom.
• It's customary to give party favors to everyone who attends the shower or alternatively prizes can be given to guests who win games. 

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

Kids Theme Parties

Kids Theme Parties

A theme birthday party is a great way to bring your child's fantasies to life and create memories they will never forget.

Plan, plan, plan!!! 

It is advisable to provide at least six weeks notice to ensure the consultant can plan weeks in advance the food, games, venue, decor etc.

Decor

We make it our priority to involve the birthday child in the planning to avoid any disappointment. Consultancy will be conducted with both the parents and the birthday boy/girl to ensure we meet and surpass our clients expectations.

What to have on the menu?

No matter the age group mini is the way to go...mini pizzas, roti, wraps, fruit cups/skewers, hot dogs and burgers not forgetting to include a little sweet such as cookies and candy. It is important parents outline any food allergies before finalizing the menu, don't forget to check with your guests as well.

Entertainment anyone....

The celebration need not be elaborate, kids will be happy with a small party as long as they are made to feel special. There are many local suppliers and entertainers such as face painters, magicians, bouncy castle rentals, popcorn machine rentals and balloon artist which are a lot of fun and can make a lasting impression.

DIY 

Here are a six tips when planning your own theme party for your special one.

• Keep the party food simple, familiar snacks such as pizza and sandwiches work well and can be turned into special party food by using cookie cutter to make interesting shapes.
• Home parties are less expensive than hired venues and you are free to host the party whatever time best suits you and your guests.  
• If you are planning party games make sure you invite an even number of children so no one is left out. 
• Preschoolers do best with parties kept to an hour and a half however, anywhere from two to three hours is enough time for school age kids, teens can do four to five hours.
• Eight to ten guests are ideal for preschoolers, also remember some parents will remain party-side with their tots so factor that in when determining how much people to cater for.
• 'Goodie bags' make great parting gifts, hand out party favors and snacks to guests when they are leaving the party, thanking them for coming.

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

Bridal Showers

There's no better way to honour a bride-to-be than with a bridal shower, but where do you start? Planning the bridal shower is usually left up to the maid-of-honor and or the bridesmaid to plan. However we at Tini Eventz Planner can coordinator the event and provide a step-by-step guide to the maid-of-honor/sister/bridesmaid/bestie from picking out the bridal shower invitations, venue, decor, party favors, food to ensure all the bride-to-be and guests have a blast.

Games!!!
When it comes to keeping everyone entertained there's nothing better than a few games to get the party started and create 'ice breakers' so the guests can get to know each other. One of the memorable surprise bridal showers I coordinated, guests were asked to write marriage advice for the bride prior to the shower and upon arrival each one was placed in a large jar. During the celebrations the bride was asked to read each one and guess who wrote the note. This seemed to be a hit for both the bride and guests, am sure there were a few naughty advice in that jar lol.

Food!!

I know choosing what type of food to serve can be very daunting but this can be easily resolved by first ensuring you have a theme and the time of day the party will be held. This makes narrowing down the type of food to serve much easier whether you prefer appetizers or a  BBQ kind of event. It is advisable that the menu mirror the theme of the party. Vegetarians or those on a diet need not worry there are yummy vegan friendly, healthy options that can be included on the menu. Trinidad is full of talented chefs, we always ensure to find a caterer who has a wide variety to suit multiple pallets. To create some excitement a chef can be hired to prepare sushi rolls and other delicacies in front of guests or show them how to prepare a few simple dishes.

Party Favors/'Goodie Bags'!!

Wondering what to include in the party bag for guests when they're leaving the shower. Simple and budget friendly is the way to go, gifts need not be extravagant. Nail polish, mini scented candles, body scrubs, mini moisturizers, mini bottles of wines etc all make lovely gifts the ladies will appreciate.

DIY 

Here are six tips when planning a bridal shower for the bride-to-be.

• Is this a surprise bridal shower? If no, consult with the bride to ensure you incorporate her ideas, style and colors in the party. If yes, consult with persons who knows her best like her sister, the groom, mother or best friend.
• Don't worry about the budget, it is customary in the Caribbean for the ladies to 'chip in' except the bride of course. Get quotations for the venue, food, decorations, party favors etc and just split the costs.
• Should the party be held at a fun restaurant, quaint tea shop, her parents patio or your apartment? There are many alternatives to where the party should be held, most restaurants in Port of Spain have small private dinning areas that are perfect for such party. Ensure to make reservations about one month before the event.
• The shower invite don't have to cost anything, you can send free einvite online or create a Facebook event and invite everyone to the party. 
• The shower should be held one or two months before the wedding, send a save-the-date email to guests about two months before the wedding to determine if there will be any scheduling conflicts. 
• To save money have the event at a friends apartment and avoid catering. Guests can walk with a dish or drink, foods such as hot wings, bake chicken or fish, macaroni pie, pizzas and burgers are easy to prepare. 

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comment section.

About Me

Hello,

Over the years I have always been the one to suggest and plan surprise birthday parties or bridal showers and other events among friends. So since I love planning events why not turn this passion into a income generating hobby. There are so many reasons to gather together for special occasions, we often say 'time is flying' lets stop and celebrate those special moments and create memories to last a lifetime.

With the fast pace world we live in and the every day demands on individuals, I know how hectic it can be planning a party in the midst of work deadlines, monthly reporting, meetings and business travels. Leave all the planning to Trini Eventz Planner which is run by FeonaH who is based in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago and specializes in planning special events such as: 

• Birthday Parties (Kids & Adults)
• Bachelorette + Bachelor Parties
• Baby Showers
• Bridal Showers
• Baptisms & Christenings
• Wedding 'Kids Section'
• Parties on a 'budget' etc.

I am here to take the stress away and often see myself as an extended arm of your family at special occasions. Every element of your event will be incorporated from the initial concept and theme right through to party bags and also coordinate with suppliers to ensure satisfaction guaranteed which includes a range of options such as:

• Entertainment 
• Games
• Decor and Styling
• Food and Beverages
• Cakes
• Venue
• Photographer
• Thank you 'goodie' bags etc.  

If you are looking for someone to plan your childs' birthday party or your bachelorette/bachelor party or any one of the events mentioned above, make Trini Eventz Planner your first choice. I would love to coordinate a special event just for you.

Feel free to browse my blog and look out for the DIY Tips at the end of each post. Don't forget to comment, email (trinieventzplanner@gmail.com) and check us out on Facebook and twitter.

Sincerely yours
FeonaH
Trini Eventz Planner