Life style
Timeless and Glamorous – wedding with Yasmin
Yasmin Cader, once the undisputed queen of Public Relation, tells us how she conceptualises a wedding event, her dream theme of bringing joy and happiness to the families of the bride and groom. She says “I ensure that we engage with the family in the early stages so that we understand them and they understand the whole process. It is not just about the bride and groom and their immediate families; we get to know the extended family as well. We integrate with them and make sure that we make the process a happy memory. The idea is from saying the first ‘hello’ to the last ‘goodbye’ we are there to hold thier hand.
When it comes to destination of weddings, Yasmin says it is one of her emerging favourites. She also believes in creating signature weddings that are glamorous timeless, classic and iconic and does not fight shy of innovating with technology arts and craft, music, flowers and food.
Q Tell us about yourself?
A Though I am retired since twelve years, I somehow keep myself busy. I owe everything I have acquired today to my enjoyable career in the hospitality industry spanning over 32 years gaining experience and knowledge, overcoming challenging times and getting to where I was when I eventually retired.
Q How did you get into wedding planning?
A Johann Peries asked if could help out with a wedding he was doing down south as he had some other commitment at the same time. That’s when I got into this field and thoroughly enjoyed that stint as well! I haven’t looked back since!
Q Share your experience in the wedding planning industry particularly in destination weddings?
A After that wedding, most of my bookings came by word of mouth. Destination weddings are more difficult to deal with than events held in Colombo because of the many visits one has to do to arrange and finalise everything. Incidentally, I plan and coordinate any event and not necessarily weddings only. So I have covered milestone celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, church services, regular birthday parties, launches of products, any kind of event for that matter and of course weddings!
Q How do you stay updated with the latest wedding trends?
A Most couples and their parents have ideas which they bring to the table and we have to fall in line with their suggestions, whilst also coming up with my own suggestions. Today, depending on budgets, families can go crazy with their requests, some doable and some not, but at the end of the day, our goal is to make their event a memorable one!
Q What are the hottest trends in weddings?
A There is nothing like that, because every family wants their children’s weddings done in different ways! Most of them following the main traditional customs but with a twist, when it comes to table settings, planning the menus, overall décor, music etc., etc. There are so many elements that are looked into!
Q What makes you different from other wedding planners?
A I don’t know how different I am to other wedding planners? All I know is that I am very hands on, available at any time for my clients, flexible, accommodating, knowledgeable and innovative. I hope they agree…..
Q What’s your favourite part of wedding planning?
A Seeing it materialize from start to finish!
Q What’s the most challenge in wedding planning?
A Destination weddings are what’s most challenging as it warrants many visits to the selected location. Vendors also have to come prepared to work over two or three days on site; and overlooking these areas can be challenging. Also, in destination weddings, working with the weather Gods is another nightmare! Is it going to rain or is it not is always the question that remains constant throughout the planning of a destination wedding! A Plan B has always got to be on the cards.
Q What’s the most popular wedding theme style people go for?
A If it is a destination wedding, having the actual religious ceremony on the beach during sunset, with the lashing of waves as a backdrop, followed by cocktails on the beach or garden where nightfall has by that time set in, moving onto the gala reception either under a beautifully lit and decorated marquee or in a ballroom. It all depends on what the client wants.
Q What differentiates your clientèle?
A My clients whoever they are and from wherever they come from are all treated with the utmost respect I have for them and in the same way. I wouldn’t even know how to do it differently? They come from different backgrounds and religions which I respect and it is up to the Planner to listen and execute their requests if they choose to sign up with you.
Q Tell us a favourite memory of yours in a wedding?
A I have too many fond memories, as each wedding is different. The best is meeting the lovely people you do on each occasion.
Q And your proudest moment so far?
A At the end of the celebration, seeing that every event is run smoothly and to a perfect finish! More importantly, is to have a happy and satisfied client.
Q Do you have a signature aesthetic or personal style that you put into the wedding you’ve planned?
A Perhaps not, just my personality and drive to accomplish every wish the couple wants included in their every aspect of their wedding!
Q What’s your favourite part of your job and the worst?
A Planning would be my favourite part of my job; while following up is the worst part of this job which is very stressful and a struggle for me!!
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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