What to wear
- Wear all black. Look nice and presentable. Nice clothes you would wear to the office. (Moderate/ conservative clothes.)
- Simple stud earrings. Other jewelry is okay if it does not make any noise.
- Black shoes you can wear all day. You can even bring a change of shoes to help refresh your feed mid day. Ideally 100% black.
What to bring
- Have your cell phone fully charged
- Bring your cell phone charger (and of course your cell phone) with you
- External battery pack if you have one
Personal or valuable items stay in your car/ in your room.
What is provided
I provide a black crossbody bag/ purse.
This bag has your:
I have a walkie talkies with headsets (you will look like secret service).
FYI - There is one master reception seating chart, that stays with me so if changes are needed they are made in an informed and non-duplicated way.
Please add your personal items to the black bag:
This bag has your:
- Play by Play aka the task list for entire event
- VIP Schedule aka the timeline of the day for quick reference
- Room layouts
- Vendor contact sheet
- VIP contact sheet
- Kit of supplies, usually scissors, safety pins, sharpie, post its, pen *I have an extended bridal emergency kit in my bag should there be a need for something more.
- 'Roll up' bag. This is useful if you are asked to carry something for the bride, groom, other, you can keep their items separate from yours or carry multiple items without having your hands full.
I have a walkie talkies with headsets (you will look like secret service).
FYI - There is one master reception seating chart, that stays with me so if changes are needed they are made in an informed and non-duplicated way.
Please add your personal items to the black bag:
- Cell phone & Charger
- Car keys/ room keys
- Sunglasses, lipstick, whatever else you personally need for the day
Responsibilities
- Get requested tasks done and keep in communication with me.
- You are to pick up your cell phone immediately when it rings or has a message.
- Smile and be helpful. We are open, social people and part of making this a happy, fun, stress free day. If people ask you a question, share with them. If you make a new best friend that day, good for you. (Assuming tasks are still getting completed ;)) If they ask about how often you do Indian weddings you are welcome to tell them that Neha does Indian weddings as her core business and you are happy to be one of the assistants. If they ask more specific questions answer the best you can in a positive light. I would prefer you did Not say 'this is my first time and I don't really know what I'm doing' instead say, you are familiar with weddings and Neha is very thorough and good to work with. You are my presence out in the crowd so I appreciate your professionalism and positivity in the role. There are also business cards in your black bag.
- When something is going on you are to fade into the background but always be easy to find and attentive if someone is looking for help.
- Do not sit or eat when guests are present/ can see you. It is better if you sit in a non-guest area like a conference room.
- Do not drink alcohol unless directly requested by the bride/ groom and then it is your choice if you participate.
- Take photos throughout the event. This is second priority to your tasks at hand. I would appreciate you sharing the photos you take with me because I cannot be in 2 places at once and photos are the best way to tell the story :)
Inner workings, logistics and food
- Meals during the event times are provided by the client. Timing fluctuates as our first deliverable is to the client's needs, then our own. Usually we find a moment where 1-2 of us can take a break and leave someone on duty and rotate until all have eaten.
- Most events have vegetarian friendly food. If you have meal requirements please tell me in advance.
- For many events we have hotel rooms provided as the hours we work tend to be long. Please ask and I can provide the details for this.
- Rooms are shared.
What to expect
- Come on site
- Get familiar with your surroundings (where are the events happening, where are the bathrooms)
- Fill out the W-9 form (name, address, social security number, signature)
- Receive black bag with everything inside
- Review and get assigned tasks from the play by play
- Follow instructions as directed
- End of shift
- Return black bag, walkie talkie, kit, anything else loaned to you.
- Pick up check
A few last things
If you do not have my phone number in your phone - please add it now 0:)
If you see something, say something! We are there to keep an eye on things and keep improving the day in every way.
If you see something, say something! We are there to keep an eye on things and keep improving the day in every way.
Thank you so much! and I look forward to rocking this thing!!
Any questions let me know.
Guidelines for Hindu Weddings
No shoes on the stage/ mandap where ceremony is taking place. Not Before, Not During. After the ceremony is completed, and religious items are removed, shoes are allowed on the stage (if you are not sure, default to 'no shoes').
Standard entrances have a gap. Groom's side enters, ceremony begins, then about 15 minutes in (after the first part is complete) the bride will enter.
There is a game where the Bride side steal the shoes from the Groom. Usually this is at the end of the groom's procession (Baraath) or at the beginning of the ceremony, as the groom removes his shoes to enter on the ceremony stage (mandap). Then later in the day the Groom must 'pay up' to get his shoes back and walk out with his new bride.
Standard entrances have a gap. Groom's side enters, ceremony begins, then about 15 minutes in (after the first part is complete) the bride will enter.
There is a game where the Bride side steal the shoes from the Groom. Usually this is at the end of the groom's procession (Baraath) or at the beginning of the ceremony, as the groom removes his shoes to enter on the ceremony stage (mandap). Then later in the day the Groom must 'pay up' to get his shoes back and walk out with his new bride.
