Vendor Fraud :: Do Your Homework

I don't normally blog about the 'Dark Side' of the Wedding Planning Industry, but I had such a compelling phone call from a Mother of a Bride last week, that I've decided to share her horrific story.

By reading this, I hope no other Bride + her family will have to walk the same path.

This woman's lovely daughter is getting married later in 2009, and she was now looking just for Wedding Day Coordination. {Unfortunately, Go2Girl Events is already booked on her daughter's wedding day}

We ended up having a 20 minute conversation though, about all that they had been through during the last 3 months of 2008.

The Bride to Be felt she'd really done her homework on researching and choosing a Wedding Planner, having done plenty of Internet Research, viewing the planner's site multiple times, and speaking on the phone.
They met in person, where a contract was exchanged, and the bride paid a 50% deposit {$2500} to the planner.

This planner {who's name the Mother of the Bride never shared} had advertising in the all the 'right spots', and had plenty of pictures of past weddings on their website.

This planner then contacted the Bride to Be ~ 2 weeks after payment, to share that she wouldn't be able to help plan her wedding in the end.
The planner explained that she normally only does very 'upscale' weddings, and that the Bride's $50,000 budget wouldn't suffice.

The planner further explained that she was going to work on another wedding the same weekend, that was much more elaborate. {A Winery location in Eastern Washington}.

No, I'm not making this up. These are the details that were shared with me over the phone.

What is even MORE stunning, is what happened after that.

The planner promised that the $2500 deposit would be returned in a timely manner. Needless to say, the Bride to Be + her family have failed to see one dime returned.

The Bride's family filed a grievance with the Better Business Bureau {which the planner was a member of - as it's a fee-based organization}, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

There has yet to be any financial resolution, but the toll it's taken on the Bride + Groom, as well as their family has been extensive.

This is to be one of the happiest experiences in a family's life, to share in the planning of a Wedding.

The Mother of the Bride said that the family took a 3 month hiatus from all things Wedding, as they were completely devastated.

So, what can you do to not fall into this trap?

#1 - Trust your gut. A bride should never feel rushed to sign + pay the day of the initial meeting.
#2 - Check + recheck for a businesses validity and reputation.
#3 - Ask for references {past clients, even vendors they’ve worked with}.
#4 - Review the contract with a fine tooth comb. If there's a clause in there that you don't agree with, ask that there be an addendum created.

Remember that you're in the Driver's Seat.
Make decisions that you're comfortable with.

Need a little Brain Candy?

A good read for those feeling a bit panicked, and looking for a good laugh.

Topics range from Prenups Skills to Wedding Day Emergencies + Honeymoon Disasters!

Are you a Two - Timer?

You're certain that you've found 'The One' - the one Wedding Day dress I mean.

But, during the continual hunt for all things Bridal - at shows & shops - you've weakened a bit, and noticed another.

It has even filtered into a dream sequence, and you're feeling more and more vulnerable.

What's a girl to do?

Buy 2 dresses.... Problem Solved.

This may seem completely unfeasable when you look at your slim budget.

Alas, there are plenty of options. Think Consignment, Thrift, Gently Used, Recycled - whatever you'd like to term it.

It's the perfect option for Brides on a Budget, and also allows you to be Green in a big way.

Here's some great Online Options


The Bride's List - one of the originals, and you could even score some cheap candles too!




Bravo Bride - an online marketplace newcomer, with some amazing stock to choose from!






A Grand Wedding offers Buy, Borrow or Share - where you & another bride can get get your dream dress as a team!


And, for those of you in the Seattle area, and desperate to try things on before you buy.....



Finder Keepers Bridal - Great Consignment shop in West Seattle.
Try on a dress and a veil!





Champagne Taste - Fabulous Formal Consigner in Kirkland - #425.828.4502


Here's to Stylish Sanity!

Details, Details : The Article

It's the little things that make a big statement, n'est pas?

Here's proof on paper...

The Favor Dilemna : Satisfy the Sweet Tooth

Stumped on what to give your guests as a parting momento for celebrating your wedding day?

Give them something sweet....Trust me.

Forget about the Glass Coaster (with engagement photo inside), or the Small Candle Holder (engraved with your initials).

Get serious.
Do you actually think those things will even make it into the suitcase?

But why you may ask? Because you can't eat it!

Instead, give them....................

Chocolate

A Caramel Apple

Cupcakes & Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Maybe a cookie? If they're quick!

Whatever you choose, have fun.

And make it tasty!

Go2Girl Events :: Feature Article

In late August, I had a wonderful interview request from Georgie Hockett, co-founder of A Grand Wedding, to give my advice & guidance on planning a Second Wedding.

Check out the article :: Second Time Around

I hope it provides inspiration to those in the midst of their planning (whatever wedding number that is!)

Here's to stylish sanity!

Avoiding the Guest Book Back Up

So, you've wracked your brain to come up with an original way for your friends & family to celebrate their presence on your wedding day.

You've decided to go with the 'Wishing Bowl' idea.
A large vase is displayed with a sweet poem framed beside it, and pens galore. You've slaved over cardstock, cutting it into sizes just so, and in all of your wedding colors of course.

The display looks 'oh so beautiful' on the entry table to the reception.... Until the uber long line starts to build.

This can result in guests completely bypassing your well thought out plan to capture memories, or having them just jot down something short and impersonal.
They have pressure on them from the back to get out of the line!

Here's a solution:
Create an environment that allows guests to participate in their own time frame. No pressure.

On each Reception Table
Display a small square vase;
Attach a Sweet Poem/Instructions to the front,
Attach a Table Number to the bottom;
Provide cardstock & pens.


Have your Wedding Coordinator pick up each vase as the reception begins to wrap up. You can combine all of your well wishes & advice into one large container, or wait to see what someone at Table #7 really had to say!

Here's to Stylish Sanity

Don't be THAT bride

Planning a wedding should be joyous, creative & exciting!
Not another 'job', filled with excess stress & loathing.

As a Bride, you must invest positive energy into the relationships you are building, whether with Family, Friends or Vendors.
Approach each interaction with the outcome in mind, infusing it with a 'happy' chip on your shoulder.

But, even with the best intentions, some level of stress will creep in.
Here are a few tips to reign it in......

Keep it in Perspective
There are many details & decisions to make surrounding your Big Day. Focus on the Big Picture.
Perfection is not realistic, and actually creates more panic, stress and moodiness.
Does it really matter if the napkins aren't the exact shade of pink you want? Do you have to serve a Signature Cocktail, and increase your bar bill by $500?

Focus on the atmosphere and feelings you want to share with your guests, not the itty bitty details that can drive you mad!

Humor Me
You've got to remember to laugh, and roll with the changes. There is no point in getting all huffy like a 3 year old, and throwing a tantrum.
Remember, your energy & verbage sets the tone for everyone. Do you want to have an enjoyable planning & actual day of wedding experience?
Then seek to enjoy each moment - it goes by so fast. Upon reflection, you'll laugh at all of the little things that happened, and wonder why you worried to begin with.

Control Freak
You cannot take on all the Wedding Day tasks. If you even try, I can guarantee you'll be crying in your champagne, or pouting in the ladies room.
Your wedding day will not be perfect. Didn't it feel good to hear that?
Seek out a few trusted friends or family members, and assign them a small list of tasks.

Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator. This will be the best money you ever spend! Why you ask? Well, because wedding details are like a second language to us. We can see the holes before they even appear. Troubleshooting is what we do, to make your experience seamless.

Honor Yourself
Schedule time to relax, and allow some alone time. Pampering appointments are always great - facials, massage - or maybe a Cocktail Hour with the girls?
Be sure to spend time NOT chatting about wedding planning - but keeping up with what is happening in others lives.
You want to nurture the relationship with self & friends.


Here's to Stylish Sanity!

Introducing.....The Tuesday Tip

Each Tuesday, a snippet of wisdom shall be shared with the masses.
If you have a burning question or issue, drop a line. You have to ask someone, don't you?

The inaugural tip is listed above.

Here's to stylish sanity!