The process of evaluating services and/or products and coming to a mutual decision is one of the the hardest parts of the wedding planning process and is unfortunately where the most costly mistakes occur.

Our newest couple just booked us for May 2012 (yes, just two months away), and as their wedding date drew closer they found that things were not getting done and the coordinator who was a “friend of a friend” also had a new full time job.    Unfortunately, this has caused the couple a great deal of stress, they lost their non-refundable deposit with their old coordinator and we will be picking up the pieces and putting together all the pieces of their “wedding puzzle” to ensure everything is taken care of and they can sleep at night.

We’ve had this situation happen a few other times, so we want to share some tips with you so that the same thing does not happen to you.

1.   USEFUL INFORMATION:    Is the business licensed?  Do they have a certificate of insurance (many venues are now requiring this from all vendors?    Are there reviews from past brides (ie: Wedding Wire, Yelp, The Knot, etc.) that can give you insight on their experience level and how they helped the couple?

2.  SOUND REASONING:    Are they able to be your “voice of reason” to ensure you are making the best decisions?      Do you feel comfortable with them?    Is every answer “no problem?”     A professional will let you know if there are any challenges, what may or may not be done, alternative options or what the costs may be to achieve the goal.

3.  COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW THROUGH:   How many events do they take in a month?  How long will it take to follow up on requests?     Do they keep you posted on progress?

4.  HELPFUL FRAME:    Do they simply answer your questions, or do they help you with additional suggestions or recommendations you may not have thought of?    How do they help you keep on track with your planning?

5.  CLEAR VALUES:    What is their company core values?     Our core principle is service excellence and providing fair and reasonable pricing in consideration of the level of experience and the number of hours we devote to your special day.      We have also given back to our community by participating in “Wedding of a Lifetime” for three years and give our time to teach future event planners about our industry through our non-paid internship program.

6.  CREATIVE ALTERNATIVES:     Have they given you other ideas you may not have considered or alternative venues that may be better suited for your vision or budget?     Did they give you the option to customize a package that may be more suited for you?

Each couple has different personalities, needs and desires which is why there are a variety of vendors to choose from.   Our goal is to ensure that you are working with reputable and professional vendors so that you may have an Amazing, Fun and Stress-Free wedding day.