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!!