Lesson 1- TYPES OF FETES – There are six main types of fetes.
- All Inclusive – This type of fete can be described as classy with good vibes. It usually attracts a more mature crowd. There are two main reasons for this: The cost of the ticket and the ambiance. These fetes generally start its cost from upwards of 150USD and includes an array of food, drinks, a unique setup as well as stage performances. Persons tend to sway to the music as opposed to the “jump and wave, mash up the place” that is evident in what we call ‘Big Fetes’.
Dress Code: Elegantly Casual to Dressy: for the ladies… heels, wedges, strappy sandals, long maxi dresses, shorts with dressy tops, dressy long pants romper, hair and makeup on fleek… for the fellas … chinos, shorts, whole shoes, short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, All must look SHARP and classy.
- Cooler Fete – As the name suggests this is a fete where you are allowed, sometimes mandated (as no drinks may be on sale), to bring your own alcohol! The need for ice and soft drinks to chase means that a cooler is the best option to house these things. Coolers over the years have become easier to maneuver and also come in varied shapes and sizes! Making them a nice and practical accessory to these fetes.
Cooler fetes are generally a chill vibe but dress codes may differ as cooler fetes can be both dressy or relaxed.
Dress Code: Cool and Comfy: For the ladies…shorts, a nice top, mini dress, short romper, flat and comfortable shoes. For the fellas… boat shoes, loafers, sneakers, shorts, t-shirts, short sleeve shirts etc.
- J’ouvert – DUTTY UP! This is an event that most times is facilitated through a street parade at 4am. Persons dress up in basic costumes (e.g. T-shirt and tights, swim suits, etc.) or wear their own gear and hit the streets to the sound of a music big truck while they get dirty with mud, paint, oil, water, chocolate or whatever product your J’ouvert band is using.
Dress code: Functional and Comfortable. For the ladies… sneakers, t-shirt, boy shorts, tights, vest tops etc. For the fellas … sneakers, t-shirts, shorts
Ensure that whatever you choose to wear is not necessarily something you want to use after J’ouvert.
- Boat Ride: This type of fete takes place on a boat. The boat can be a catamaran or yacht or a larger boat… they are all referred to as ‘party boats’. The guests are gathered on board and the boat will either stay docked with music playing or will sail around for a short distance before returning to shore/dock. This type of fete is great fun and usually lasts for only few hours (3-6).
Dress Code: Casual Chic/Beach Chic – rule number one when dressing for a boat ride: NEVER WEAR HEELS TO A BOAT RIDE (unless they are wedges and you are A PRO). For the ladies… a swim suit of some sexy sort, short shorts, cover ups, short rompers, anything that is beach sexy and cute. For the fellas, shorts, tshirts, open collar tees or shirts with boat shoes etc. Don’t forget your shades!
- Breakfast Fete: The hour these are scheduled as well as the food menu creates this category of event. They begin usually around 4/5am and go till 11am- 12 noon!!! We loveeeee a good breakfast fete! There’s something about the sun rising while your grooving to sweet soca… but I digress.
Dress code: Chic with SHADES.
- Big Fete: Okay Okay … so this one refers to those fetes that are catering to a significant crowd size!! Like Army Fete, Soca Monarch etc. They are usually held on a large grassy area such as a savannah or football field. The real excitement is that full soca bands are usually in performance not just artists and you are bound to see flag crews in all their glory!!! Soca heaven! These fetes can be a real treat if you are okay with large crowds of persons in close proximity to you… sometimes touching you, and long bathroom and bar lines. If you are posh/boujee… sometimes these events have a VIP/VVIP section which gives that All Inclusive vibe. Best of both worlds for a little more money.
Dress code: These used to be short pants, tshirt, sneakers and rag kinda vibes…. But now… you can dress up a bit for this as well. Shorts, rompers, comfortable shoes… and fellas… same, shorts, tshirts, short sleeve shirts, comfy closed toe footwear.
