Every wedding magazine includes a list of questions to ask your wedding planner when interviewing them. After all, this is most likely the only wedding you will ever plan and it is a big deal! Our FAQ's answer some of these questions so that you can have more information and peace of mind before meeting with us. We even threw in what we feel is an often overlooked, but oh-so-important, question at the end of the list!
Q: Do you have a business license?
A: Yes. We are a legal, tax-paying business and have filed the appropriate paperwork with the IRS as well as state and local agencies.
Q: Did you start your business from scratch or did you buy a business already set up? Is this your full-time job or part-time job? What did you do prior to being a wedding coordinator?
A: Liene built Blue Orchid Designs from scratch and wedding and event planning is her full time job. Prior to being a wedding coordinator, she planned events in both the non-profit and corporate sectors. We understand that your wedding will happen once and that there are no "do overs". By hiring Blue Orchid Designs, you have the peace of mind knowing that our experience means that we are not practicing at your event. We do it right the first and only time.
Q: What are five adjectives that describe yourself?
A: Honest, loving, witty, creative and smart.
Q: Can you name the best and most original locations in your area? Are you familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and deejays in my price range?
A: Yes. We have an extensive list of professional wedding and event vendors at varying price ranges at our fingertips in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, New York City, as well as locations across the country and around the world. This list is constantly being updated and we only refer people who consistently deliver high quality service and products. We do not suggest simply doing a Google search to find your wedding vendors, since in our experience, the best and most reputable vendors are often not on the first few pages. Many also do not advertise in magazines or at bridal shows. Our vendor matching services are also available a la carte for the person who may not require our planning services but wants to ensure they are hiring the best professionals for their event.
Q: Will you commit to my wedding budget and not push me in the direction of things I simply can't afford or don't want?
A: At Blue Orchid Designs we understand that each client has a different amount they are comfortable spending on their event and we are committed to working within the financial boundaries you set. We will also listen to your desires and help you create an event that reflects who you are and what you value.
Q: Do you accept commissions, kickbacks or professional discounts from any vendors you refer? Do you mark up or keep a percentage of the vendor fees? Who signs the vendor contracts?
A: No. We do not believe that accepting commissions for a referral is in the best interest of our clients. Any commissions we may receive are passed directly on to you. We also do not sign contracts on behalf of our clients and never mark up vendor fees or add a "sourcing fee" to their prices.
Q: Will you read over the vendor contracts for me?
A: Yes. We will always read over the vendor contracts before you sign them and point out any areas that may conflict with your best interest. We will also ask vendors to strike or add a clause, if necessary, before the contract is finalized and signed.
Q: Will you create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the wedding planning process -- vendors, members of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it? Will you coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, catering manager, et al?
A: Yes. We provide each person and company involved in your wedding with timelines and production schedules appropriate to their specific role. Each person involved in your wedding will know where they need to be and when in order to ensure that your event runs on time and smoothly.
Q: Will you handle the wedding invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?
A: We will work with you to coordinate and select stationery that enhances and integrates with your event. Often this includes referring a professional stationer or designer for ordering. We will advise on verbiage and all points of etiquette. We are more than happy to address and mail the invitations, and this service will be billed at our hourly rate if it is not included in your original customized quote.
Q: Will you counsel me on etiquette matters?
A: Absolutely. We will advise on all matters relating to etiquette. In addition, we will let you know which "rules" can be bent and which should be left intact to ensure that you are a gracious host.
Q: Will you help plan and book my honeymoon?
A: We will refer you to the best honeymoon travel agencies, who are licensed agents and up to date with current travel protocol and regulations, to assist you in planning your honeymoon.
Q: For the day of the wedding, will you be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves?
A: Absolutely. Our job is to allow you to relax, primp and soak in the joy of your day. We will serve as a liaison between you and vendors and handle all the details of making your wedding day run smoothly. It is also important to note that our management and troubleshooting style, while firm, does not include yelling at vendors or belittling them or their abilities. We are calm, flexible and roll with the punches. If you are reassured by a planner who is visibly frantic or audibly forceful with vendors, then we are not the event planning company for you.
Q: Do you employ other people to help you plan and execute events? Will you have anyone with you at my event? Is there an extra charge for additional staff?
A: The staff at Blue Orchid Designs is comprised of owner Liene Stevens as well as associate consultants and assistants. We always have a minimum of one consultant and one assistant at each event. We will never put the success of your wedding or event in jeopardy by not having adequate staff on hand. The number of additional staff needed is based on the complexity and size of the event and will be included in your customized quote after the initial consultation.
Q: Do you charge for an initial meeting?
A: No. All initial consultations are complimentary and last approximately 1 - 2 hours. After getting to know you a bit, if we feel that you would be a better fit with another wedding planner, we will let you know and give a referral to someone that may be a better match for your personality. That is how committed we are to giving you the best possible event.
Q: Are you present at all vendor meetings? Do you come to the tastings?
A: Yes, one of our associates is present at most of the vendor meetings. We learn so much about our clients at these meetings and often pick up on non-verbal cues or reactions to different elements in the event planning process. It also allows you to have a sounding board from someone with an objective point of view.
Q: Will you be present at my wedding rehearsal? How many hours are you on site the day of the wedding or event?
A: Yes. We will direct your wedding rehearsal in collaboration with your officiant and site manager. On the day of your event we will arrive early and stay late. No two weddings are the same and each vary in complexity. As such, we are on hand for however long it takes to produce a beautiful event and to do it right. Our time will be included in your customized quote and you will not be billed for overtime hours later on.
Q: Will you set up the personal items on each of the place settings?
A: Yes. We are perfectionists and are on hand to manage set up of your event. Some of our favorite and most rewarding moments are when the bride and groom see their vision for their wedding in tangible form for the first time and it is better than they expected.
Q: What is the largest wedding you've managed?
A: Our largest wedding had a guest count of over 600.
Q: Do you charge hourly, a flat rate or a percentage of my overall budget? How are the payments structured? When are they due? What is the amount of the initial deposit?
A: We offer hourly rates if you simply want to pick our brains or only need assistance with certain projects or for a specific amount of time. We offer flat-rate wedding packages that are customized based on your unique needs. In some cases, we will charge a percentage of the overall event budget. These options are discussed in depth at the initial consultation and the agreed payment method will be outlined in your contract so that there are no surprises. A 50% non-refundable retainer is due at the time of signing the contract.
Q: Should we save you a piece of wedding cake?
A: Yes, please!
