Caveat Emptor

For those of you old like me, you'll remember that famous Brady Bunch Episode, Caveat Emptor. Let the Buyer Beware!!

An email today got me thinking. A girls wedding day is one of the most important days of her life. She and her family put a lot of time and money into the planning. When they hire a planner they are putting their trust into that person to help them make all their dreams come true.

Unfortunately, the most asked question for me from a potential client is, "how much do you charge." When it should be, "Can I have a least 1 client reference and 1 vendor reference."

The planner-client relationship can sometimes last a year and within that time you form a bond. You are planning a sharing ideas, stories, sometimes a tear or two. This person you have put all your faith in, in reality is a complete stranger. Yes after several meetings and phone calls you do form a bond. But how much do you really know each other?

When looking for a planner, think about these questions when you go to your initial meeting.

• How long have you been planning?
• What venues have you worked with in the last year?
• What vendors have you worked with in the last year?
• Can I get one vendor reference?
• Can I get one Client reference?
• What professional organizations do you belong to?
• Who takes care of payment on the day of the wedding?
  
• Can I have a separate contract with my vendors?

These are just a few questions you should think about before signing a contract with any planner.
Remember, You are paying this person and if they don't like you asking these questions, you should probably look elsewhere even if you have to pay more for the service. You get what you pay for.

Good luck and happy planning!