WHAT CAN MERRYME DO FOR YOU? // FAQ
Email from Merry Me! October 2009 bride Hillary Kring, answered by Cher, December 22, 2008.
Cher,
Thanks for the quick proposal. I loved that we shared the same vision and you knew exactly what I was envisioning. I am a little apprehensive about all of this because I've never known anyone to use a wedding planner before and I'm not sure I fully understand what I am getting. Although we are spending a lot of money that doesn't mean the budget isn't tight so I want to make sure I am getting my monies worth. My biggest fear is that the reception won't be as nice as our engagement party was so I'd rather sacrifice some other things to make sure that happens. I'm not really sure of your involvement in that, I understand that you will design the reception, but will you then put it all together as well? I have a lot of questions and as much detail as you could give me would be great.
Hilary, we will not only help you with the ideas, but we put it all into place too all the while adhering to your budget. I’d love to hear about your engagement party so we can be sure to exceed the look and feel of that. I am confident that we would be a good fit for you since you have so many questions. We’d love to help!
1. What are your responsibilities day of?
Day of typical duties are to line all vendor deliveries and set up times to coordinate with one another; set up all décor and all your things for you (place cards, gift table, guest book etc. We will Handle all questions as the point person or go to person for direction and instruction needed for everyone; clean up at the end of the event. The other things vary on what it is you need specifically from me: pick up a light lunch tray for your bridal party or whatever else may be helpful for you. It really works out well to allow you time spent with family and friends and leave all the details to me.
2. Do you personally attend every wedding?
In most cases, yes, I have directed, designed and coordinated every event since the start of Merry Me. However, I am beginning to grow my business and involve other coordinators and designers. Our philosophy is to assign one event coordinator and design team per event. Our staff is required to go through a mandatory internship with Merry Me, so you are insured experience at each event.
3. What if you become ill or cannot come to the wedding? Who will stand in for you?
I have never missed a wedding in 12 years. I have shown up ill but made it through... I have to. The good news is, now I have a whole crew that can do things for me as I continue to grow Merry Me. Ami will know everything I do. Additionally, I have had Shelley, one of our lead coordinators working with me all my 12 years. Shelley is her name. I am confident in her work as well.
4. What won't you help with?
Whatever you tell me you don’t want done. I can’t make the final decision for you on anything. I need your input, and am happy to assist in all the decisions made, but ultimately it’s your wedding. I respect you and your decisions.
5. We discussed flowers briefly, but do I need to book a florist or do you do it?
Part of what we do at Merry Me will be to handle the flowers, if you would like. We offer an in house flora department to accommodate any of your fresh floral needs. We have found It works to your benefit to have us handle it all. This way the look remains cohesive throughout. We can also use this to fit a whole look into your budget rather than just pieces. IN other words, if you share with me the look and feel you desire, it doesn’t always mean it has to be large and expensive in the flowers. It may be that flowers are not the focus and we do some other form of décor. When we handle the entire design, it benefits you in many ways.
6. When will design plan be presented?
Once I have more information from you. I would guess that following our next meeting we will be able to create this for you. I also require that we have our agreement of services in place with the retainer fee of $500.
7. Will you present only one plan or multiple?
Typically there is only one plan and we work within that plan. I will have lots of ideas to share once we get going and have our appt together. It may be that we’ll have to present you with several options to help in the decision process. No problem. We typically price out all options that appeal to you and the overall look of your event. From here, we/you can pick and choose which options you would like to go with based on budget, and over all event atmosphere.
A separate contract for Merry Me Events' décor elements, rental props etc. will be developed and agreed upon within your design plan once we meet and discuss your preferences. Once the design plan is established, I will be able to better define exactly how many hours I anticipate required from my team for set up and tear down. This fee is a per hour fee depending on the amount of staff needed..
8. Are the decor elements, rental props, etc. included in your contracted fees?
No, the contract is the fee for the Merry Me Designer and coordinator. An additional design contract will be created with a detailed list of rental items, floral, centerpieces, and any décor element you choose.
9. Will I be receiving an itemized bill after, for extra charges, and a list of broken items if that happens. Will I be able to challenge your assessment of damaged items?
Yes, I’m not going to try to “stick it to you” in the end. This is usually just a result of someone walking away with a rental item (vases usually) If we end up doing a lounge for you and the table comes back broken, then I would bring it to your attention as well. I need to be able to re-rent my rental inventory and some items may need to be replaced immediately.
10. Will all extra fees tacked on be told to me before they are added or do I not find out till I get the bill?
The entire wedding will be itemized in detail and paid for in advance. There are no fees tacked on that you wouldn’t be aware of. I don’t think that is fare of ethical to do so I don’t do it. I want you to know what you’re getting and what things cost up front.
11. When are they setting up the tent and decorations?
This all depends on the production schedule that I would work out for you which is based on venue accessability, and event timeline. We will discuss this in detail prior to the event, organize all setup you hire us to do.
12. Who will ensure that if they are set up night before its perfect BEFORE guests arrive?
The Merry Me team will absolutely insure this happens. That is what we do. 13. What and who determines what extra staff is needed? Am I allowed to deny the extra staff and does that then mean I am not getting the extras I want?
When the design plan is created, I have a better idea of the help I’m going to need to put things into place. This is determined at that time and presented to you in the design contract. You may deny any idea suggested at any time...
14. Will you provide me with a detailed budget outline?
This is one of the services we can provide for you and we can stick to it as well, if that helps you in the planning.
15. How will you be sure all vendors etc will be there on time?
What is your plan if something happens and they are late? We make confirmation calls the week of the wedding to ensure set up times and the production schedule is followed. Situations have happened in the past (a tornado flipped a tent once....) Yikes- but it was all worked out! Again, those are the details we take care of so you don’t have to!
16. What happens if I don't use all of the coordinating time established in the contract?
I would credit you any unused time. This hasn’t happened yet... There will be meetings, a site visit, creation of design plan, a demo the budget created, the phone calls and coordinating the week of the wedding.. Etc. all those items fall under the category of pre-planning consulting.
17. Will you setup the personal items on each of the place settings?
Absolutely. Part of our contract typically includes creating and implementing all décor as specified in design plan for the wedding day
18. My contract states “ Attend and manage wedding rehearsal if requested (management as directed by officiate)” What do you mean by manage rehearsal? Are you making sure the ceremony is conducted properly? Need more info.
Some officiants run the show, others need direction and assistance. We would attend the rehearsal and help tell people where and when to go and the order of the service if your officiant needs the help. This is just an option of where some brides and grooms request help. If you do not need direction the night of your rehearsal, there is no need for us to attend.
Thank you so much for meeting with me and answering any questions I have.
Hillary Kring