This post is about exactly what questions to ask, as well as my answers. It can be quite overwhelming to plan a wedding and having someone in your corner to help guide you can make a world of difference. According to “Weddings for Dummies” you’ll want to hire a planner or coordinator if you cannot spare at least 12 hours a week to do the job yourself, you would like to host more than 100 guests, you are booked somewhere that is not a full service venue, or it is a destination wedding".
1. When did you start doing weddings? I actually started assisting with weddings in 2013 as my internship during college. I always knew I wanted to work in events and so I went for it! I have been working in the event industry since. If interested in more information, visit the ‘About Me’ section.
2. How many weddings do you book in a month? And if you are booked, will you be there the day of my wedding? I could have up to 4 weddings in a month, but typically only one per day. I have great ladies that assist me and are qualified to handle any wedding/event in my absence. We would still work together leading up to the day, with communication if Sarah or Payton will be taking the lead on your event.
3. Will you be at my rehearsal? This is dependent, and if you're set on doing a rehearsal the day before it will be a small additional cost. I typically run rehearsals day of as it is a very small amount of time out of the day. If you would prefer not to see your fiancé, that's totally fine! Your part is the easiest. If you're not involved in rehearsal day of, it's just a little extra time for you to have some peace and quiet.
4. How many staffers will you have at the wedding? If your wedding is more than 150 I typically bring an assistant to be there for ceremony until the end of the event.
5. What is your fee and how much is the deposit? This does vary, as it is less on weekdays, and more on holidays. For a Friday, Saturday or Sunday it is a total of $2400, the deposit is $400 with a payment plan in your contract.
6. What services are included in your fee? Covers your day for 10 hours, setting up some decor (this depends on time and what you need), run rehearsal day of, execute ceremony, check in with vendors (prior to and day of), move gifts to secure area or car during dinner, prepare and execute floor plan, timeline, and ceremony order, prepare getaway car if needed, general advice and consultation, hotel block assistance, assistance with clean up, 2-3 in person/virtual meetings, name change assistance after wedding day.
7. Are there any additional expenses? Rehearsal and any extra hours you need will be additional, but this is rare. Travel and lodging expenses could occur depending on location.
8. Can you provide references? If you need, I would love to provide any references. Previous bosses, venues that have me on their recommended vendor lists, as well as previous clients. Also, reviews!
9. Do you belong to any professional organizations? YES! I am a member and secretary of Association of Wedding Planners Houston and am ecstatic to learn with these ladies on a monthly basis.
10. Do you ever offer any discounts? I do offer a pay in full discount. If you’re booking either all inclusive package, it is $250 off. If you’re booking Event Management only, it is a discount of $100.