Happy 15 Year Anniversary Dejanae Events!

Today, I celebrate my 15th year in business and I feel beyond blessed and excited!  In the past I have written about how the business started, about my challenges and successes, but today I want to share some fun facts about the person who created Dejanae Events on April 24, 2000...ME :)

My must have on wedding day? Cell phone.  Sad part is that about 1-hour into wedding day, I sit my cell down somewhere with my binder and forget where I left it!  LOL!  That's when complete panic sets in (see the question below).  But one of my trusty coordinator's (Priscilla, Nikki, Vanessa, Holly, Kelly, Angie P., Angie J., Didi or Peggy) always finds it for me.  Thank you DE Team!!!

What is my sign? Gemini.  I'm a true Gemini, too.  On wedding (or event) day, I start off all excited and ready to implement the plans I've worked on for months, but soon as something goes wrong or off schedule, I change into my Lieutenant hat and get right down to business.  That's the 2nd personality in me and she's the real Desireé!

What is my obsession? Gourmet cupcakes.  Anyone who knows me knows I love a good cupcake!!!  Actually, to be truthful...I'm also obsessed with delicious wedding cake as well.  And buttercream frosting is my favorite!  Yummy!!!

What is my must have beverage/addiction? Coke.  Sad, but so true...I have been drinking Coke since I was a young kid.  My grandma got me hooked and now, I'm a total caffeine-holic and must have Coke at least once a day.  I know...don't judge me :)

What is my favorite scary movie? Halloween 1 and 2.  Baby, Michael Myers was the truth back in the day!  I live for October when AMC and other channels run the Halloween marathons!  I watch them all like I've never seen them before.

What is my favorite place to vacation? Disney World!  Yep, I'm a true kid at heart and probably love Disney World more than kids!  Well I haven't been on a real vacation in what seems like years, but I have promised myself and family that we are outta here in December! 

What is on my playlist? Faith Evans.  Who remembers her and her debut album with 15 tracks!?!  I can listen to her soulful voice over and over again.  Doesn't matter to me that the album come out in the 90's.

What is my most prized possession? My Boops.  My most prized possession is my daughter...Deja.  Many of you may not know, but she is my only child...a full-fledge teenager now...and the business name.  I hope one day she'll appreciate what I have built for her and take it even further than I could ever imagine!

What all that said THANKS to everyone that has supported me throughout all these years!  I honestly cannot believe it's been 15 years, but I'm more than thankful to be doing what I love!  My heart is so full and 2015 will be EPIC!  Just wait and see!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - BM Photography)

Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

I get asked a lot about gratuity guidelines for wedding vendors, so below you'll find Ultimate Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide borrowed from Brides.com.

Ceremony
Hair/makeup pros: 15–20 percent of the total bill
Musicians: $25–$50 each
Officiant: $50 if you're married by a judge or clerk; clergy members, in general, don't accept tips, so instead, make a donation ($100 on average) to the appropriate house of worship.
Altar boys or girls: $5–$10; if they decline, add this amount to your donation to the church.

Reception
Wedding planners: 10-15 percent of contracted price
Photographers/videographers: $100–$200 if the pro is part of a larger outfit or agency (but not the owner). Second shooters should receive $50–$75.
Catering manager: $250–$500
Waitstaff: 15 percent of the total pretax food bill (given to the catering manager or "captain" to distribute)
Bartenders: 10–15 percent of the total pretax bar bill. Inform the bartenders of your intent to tip after the reception, and request that they refuse tips from guests. No rogue tip jars!
Reception band/DJ: $25–$50 per person, but take their performance into account: Did your bashful uncle boogie for the first time in 40 years? Then give a little more cash.
Chauffeur/driver: 15–20 percent of the total bill, typically presented at the end of the day
Valets: $1–$2 per car, given to the supervisor in advance, to be split among staff. Display a sign at the valet station stating that gratuities have been taken care of. The valets should also be instructed to refuse any tips offered by guests.
Restroom/coat-check attendants: $.50–$2 per guest; calculate this total in advance and give to your reception site manager to distribute.

Setup/Breakdown
Delivery people: $5–$20 per person for deliveries arriving from your florist, baker, rental company, and other vendors. These staffers may also be doing the heavy lifting, on-site setup, and hauling away that come with producing your wedding—so tip accordingly.

Honeymoon
Bellhop: $1–$2 per piece of luggage brought to and from the room
Doorperson: $1–$2 per task for any kind of assistance, like hailing a cab
Housekeeper: $2–$4 per day
Concierge: $5–$20, depending on the request(s)

Of course these suggestions are standard guidelines. If you feel a vendor went above and beyond the call of duty, bless them accordingly. And if you are disappointed with the level of service of a vendor, you are not obligated to extend gratuity. But make sure to let them know how you feel so that they can improve for the next clients they service.

Until next time...WEDologize!