Once you accept the challange of planning your own wedding/event, there are a few bits of knowledge that you should arm yourself with:
First, DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING! (discussed in an earlier post)
Second, GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING & DON'T SIGN ANYTHING THAT IS NOT CLEAR TO YOU!
1. You've decided to take on the search for that perfect venue, yourself. You have some internet favorites and maybe a few suggestions from friends and family members... word of mouth, can sometimes be the best form of advertisement. You're sure that you're going to get the best deal because after all, they "hooked up" your family member or friend, right? I wouldn't count on it...make sure that you are clear about your expectations of the venue and it's staff; in turn, make sure that you are clear of what the venue expects of you. No matter how small the detail may seem, GET IT IN WRITING! For your cocktail hour, butler passed hor'd'oeuvres are discussed, make sure that this detail appears on the contract. If you have hired an outside wait & bar staff, make sure that both the caterer and the bar & wait staff is aware of their separate responsibilities. Don't leave your wedding or event day to chance. Many times, the person that we initially meet with, you know the one that makes us fall in love with this "Must Have" venue, it NOT the individual on staff during your event. Don't let the glam of the venue and your imagination, take over the reality of the situation. Go in with a clear head and take some time to step back, read proposals, ask questions and think clearly before signing yourself into a potential nightmare. You don't want a false sense of your contract, what's covered in the overall costs and what's not. What are the cancellation and or rescheduling policies? The day that your head count is due, is NOT the time to find out that your $10,000 did not cover food, drinks, etc.
2. Another word of mouth plug has led you to a florist. You take along pictures of what you absolutely must have, and the floral vendor tells you, "We can do this with no problem". Insist on viewing a mock set-up, to ensure that your floral pieces are what you expect. Now, there are times where a photograph cannot be replicated to the exact detail but you what to be comfortable in knowing that when you and your guests walk into your event, everyone is viewing the floral beauties that you've imagined for so long. Read and discuss contract verbiage, know what "fillers" are going to be used, what the vases will look like, what style and color will be used as an alternate vase (if needed) , if vases are a rental or yours to keep, the time and location of delivery....and this list could go on and on.
3. Chair Covers/Designer Chairs ~ your venue comes with the most awful looking chairs that you've ever seen or you've always dreamed of seeing specialty chairs for your event. While chair covers & sashes/chair pads are a beauty, installing them is also very time consuming. Be sure that you know and make your Day-Of -Professional aware of who is responsible for this task. If it's your Day-Of-Professional, make sure that your contract states that he/she is responsible for installing and removing the chair accents. If your venue is securing the chair accents, inquire if there is an additional fee to install and remove them and make sure it is listed in your agreement. You don't want to walk into your event, only to discover that your assumption about a detail ~ was just that....."Here's To A Spectacular Affair"
