Meet the Planners :: Rashana Anderson

Name: Rashana Anderson

Company Name: The Bridal Party

Location:  New Jersey

Number of Years in Business: 1.5 years

Website: TheBridalParty.net

Blog: TheBridalPartyLLC.blogspot.com

How did you get started in wedding planning?
I've always been intently visual. Growing up as an only child, I enjoyed creating presentations, plays, parties and even concerts for my family and friends. As I got older my love for visual arts stuck with me. In college, I majored in Film and Television production with the intention of becoming a Film Editor. Although I never achieved great success editing, the fundamentals of the craft still drive me to this day. It is the film editor who creates the foundation of a motion picture and pieces the "story" together frame by frame . . . and in so many ways, the same skills are required when planning weddings.

I also performed and traveled as a wedding singer for 5 years with one of the most applauded bands in the NJ-NY-CT area. Through that experience, I was exposed to weddings of every size, style, theme and culture. I was also able to develop outstanding relationships with other wedding vendors, getting to know them and their work ethic from a vendor's point of view. So, in 2007 I started The Bridal Party and the rest is history.

If you had to start over what one thing would you do differently? 
I would have started my company earlier. Originally I was going into business with a partner who was dealing with a few personal life issues that caused us to delay registering the company almost two years. Eventually, she decided not to partner in erecting the business at all and just wanted to assist from the sidelines. I didn't realize then that I should not have procrastinated, but you live and you learn.

What's your favorite item in your emergency kit? 
I have two favorite items: safety pins and chalk! Safety pins come in handy for just about anything and chalk works wonders on the most stubborn of wedding gown stains, especially those made of silk.

What is the best piece of business advice you've ever received? 
Mr. Preston Bailey gave me the best piece of business advice I've ever received. He said, "No matter how afraid you are or how unqualified you might feel, never walk away from an opportunity. If this is your passion, be honest about your abilities, but hit the ground running and work your butt off to make it happen." After all, that's what he did and how he's become the success he is today.

Which two people (past or present) would you have as guests at a dinner party and why? 
Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama. I'd love to sit and talk candidly about both their life experiences. Marilyn Monroe, because I've always been intrigued by her struggle and perseverance as well as her grace and glamour. Barack Obama, because his intelligence and inner strength is phenomenal plus his diverse background and upbringing are really interesting.

What are your three favorite blogs besides thesmartplanner.com? 
The Bride's Café, Jessica Claire Photography Blog and Hostess with the Mostess.