Food For Thought

Don’t be left holding the bag…an “empty” one at that!

When selecting a venue for your wedding please make sure to ask the right questions and educate yourself on what services the venue will supply for your event and, most importantly, which ones they will not that will ultimately end up as additional charges for your event. If the venue provides an event director or coordinator, make sure you will have unlimited access to this person. Keep in mind that you will be working very closely with this person, so it is a must that your personalities do not clash. If a venue allows limited access to the director/coordinator, you may want to rethink your decision to use this venue. There are going to be many questions that you need answers to and many conversations you are going to have.

If the coordinator/director is hired outside of the venue, you need to make sure you have unlimited access to this person. You have to remember, this person is the professional and you will be depending on them for planning your event. The director/coordinator should be the one doing all of the “grunt work” for you such as finding the correct vendors (i.e.: a florist, caterer, photographer, etc).

Yes, there have been potential clients that have toured Elizabeth Manor and I suggested they find another venue based on the fact I could not see us working together in harmony. For whatever reason, I felt these particular clients and I would not be able to work closely without issue, and I would not compromise such an important day for any fee. I have not regretted that decision and still feel it was best for both the client and Elizabeth Manor.

Be wary of venues that only allow you to use certain vendors. In many cases these venues receive kick backs from their “preferred vendors”. So not only are they receiving their rental fee from you, but also usually a percentage of the money you are paying the vendors supplying other services and products for your event. I hear horror stories on a weekly bases from new clients who have put down their deposit (and lost it) because they have decided the “perfect venue” was no longer what it seemed. Once the money exchanged hands, phone calls stopped and communication was lost. For a first time bride especially, this is a very stressful and agonizing place to be. To feel abandoned during one of the most important times in their life.

There are many reputable venues in the area that are willing to go the extra mile for their clients! I strongly advise you to do your home work and educate yourself before making a final decision. It is your event, your money and you have the RIGHT to ask as many questions as necessary to make yourself comfortable with such an expensive investment.

Until next time….Dwayne