I can’t seem to forget my very first red-carpet experience, I was just shaking like jellyfish, let out of its comfort zone; water. I was determined and had rehearsed intensively, but all went through the window. It wasn’t a funny day at all!
Hey! Don’t let me bore you with details.
By nature, red carpet events are always, to some degree, unpredictable because of the caliber of people invited for such event. There are a lot of working parts that need to be coordinated, any of which can break down at any time. But there are certain etiquettes that serve as a backbone to keep you glued to that red carpet with passion.
If you properly prepare beforehand, you can avoid many problems….
Being a Red-Carpet host for me is divided into two types
(a) Main and recognized red-carpet host for the main event:
For the main and recognized red carpet host, they are usually the ones approached and paid by event organizers to anchor the red carpet since that’s their area of specialization and they are well known
(b) Red carpet ost for media mouses:
These red carpet hosts are just random workers from media houses who have been asked to cover red carpet moments as content for their media houses
NOTE: Anyone can be any of the listed red carpet hosts above depending on your determination and how fast you are able to grow your brand
Now, let me drop few lines on how to prepare and not show jellyfish attitude if you are the main and paid red carpet host because even as an expect you can still freak out. Wink
SAVE THE DATE
Anytime you are hosting any event, the event date is very important to keep in your mind/head or even in your heart if you can or better still, boldly mark the date on your calendar to avoid die minute rush when you suddenly remember.
READ ABOUT THE EVENT
This is another important aspect of red carpet’s duty. When you search and read about the event, It gives you an insight of how to prepare for the following:
(a) Theme of the event
(b) Caliber of Guests
(c) Mode of dressing
(d) Questions to prepare and make sure they are very interesting not boring ones because nobody plans to sleep on red carpet
(e) And sometimes, organizers have one or two constant question/s they want their guests to answer on red carpet so, you can also request if such is available or you just free style to fit into what the event is all about. Once you have an idea of the above mentioned, all you need to do is develop them into what you will be comfortable with one after the other
BOOK YOUR STYLIST/MAKEUP ARTISTE AHEAD
With the way our environment is so busy with different owambe (PARTY) you will have no choice than to book your stylists ahead before you hear *Ah aunty sorry oooo you didn’t tell me on time, I am booked* when you call such people two days to your event.
Getting your team of stylist and Makeup artiste ready ahead of time is the beginning of rest of mind as you don’t want to be late or disappointed in yourself for a paid job or even if they don’t pay because you don’t know who is watching you.
The most important person in your team is your stylist. You need to give him or her close marking and also explain the theme of the event before they style you for Calabar carnival when you are going for a classy event. Also, make sure you have the feel and fitting of what you are wearing some days to the event before you hear (Ahan aunty e be like say you don add weight ooo why the zip no con gree zip na) hearing such statement shows you are so close to being messed up on the day of the event.
Your outfit and makeup must belong to pepper them gang if you know what that means i.e. it has to the talk of town. wink.
MASTER YOUR ACT:
No matter how professional you are, you still need to rehearse (in front of mirror) all you have read about the event and guests to avoid asking A the question that belongs to B. Add your own Maggi and salt to make your guests relaxed and ready to eat.
HOTEL RESERVATION:
Please do not attend the event you are hosting the red carpet from your house unless your house is some minutes away so that when gobe shele (UNPLANNED PROBLEMS) e.g. mad traffic, car stops, uber app hanging, taxify not connecting or surge is as high a Ghana fare, delay from police etc. you can trek abi na walk to the venue and still look fabulous. Red-carpet host is the most important guest to arrive earlier than scheduled time but with your hotel reservation, you will do/benefits the following
(a) No unplanned spirit will delay you except if the event is yet to start
(b) You can still relax after shower
(c) Your team will be with you to start styling/making-up early and even finish very fast for you to relax again
(d) Run through your act i.e. your questions and efizzy in front of the mirror
(e) You can now dress up like 30 minutes to the start time
(f) Use lovely and mild perfume so that your guests can be comfortable when they step on your red-carpet. (Note: do not use shocking or harsh perfumes e.g. aboki perfume)
(g) Use your mouth spray
(h) Comfortable heels not the type that automatically falls you when you sight the President
(i) Let your wig hair or whatever hair you are wearing bounce like the world revolves around you
(j) Be bold and courageous in case you meet someone who has more madness than you or who knows more than you.
ON RED CARPET
When on red carpet, you are your own boss so, own your TERRITORY.
Do not forget to test run your microphone and camera settings
Always be polite and jovial when greeting/requesting guests on the red carpet (Hello Sir/Ma, do you mind stepping on my red carpet for a chat).
Be full of mild/classy smile not that type of smile when gossiping.
Move or dance classically if need be just to put your guests in the mood of relaxation and ready to unwind
Be smart and elegant.
DONTs ON RED CARPET
(a) Do not let anyone intimidate you even when you feel the person is mightier than yourself.
(b) Do not frown your face like you have been forced to host
(c) Do no put up a fight no matter how annoying anyone might be
(d) Do not exchange words with your aggressive guests but rather be polite
(e) Do not drag or force anyone to be on your red carpet
(f) Do not bring your agbero attitude on the red carpet but rather wait until you are invited to host a red carpet in oshodi
(g) Do not arrive on red carpet late so you don’t miss the important guetes before they go in
(h) Do not get carried away gisting with camera guys or friends
(i) Do not waste too much time on guest due to the complexity of your questions so, make it simple, sharp and oshaprapra
(j) Don’t be too forward nor friendly, it’s a big turn off to some people so, keep it simple and professional
(k) Do not ask for phone numbers on the red carpet as you aren’t a market woman looking for buyers
Being a red carpet host is very interesting and fun as you will get to interview the high and mighty, make new friends, learn from peoples answers to your questions and exposes you to so many new things
Now that you know all these, go out there explore and enjoy the moment on your red carpet and make the most memorable fun out if it.
Florence Bodunrin Hungbo popularly known as Bodex is the MD/CEO Bodex Group International which comprises of Bodexng.com, Bodex Tv and House Of Bodex .
She is a blogger, Tv Presenter, Seasonal Actress, Event/Red Carpet Host, Branded Shoemaker, Makeup Artist, PR Consultant, Producer, Social Media Influencer, Event Organiser/Consultant, Interior Decorator and Mistress Of All Trades
She was recently honored with the award of the most influential TV personality at Mainland TV Award and The most innovative youth nominee.
Florence Hungbo
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