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| FAQs frequently asked questions |
My hotel has a free wedding planner - why should I hire you?
When planning your wedding, do you want someone who works with the hotel's best interest in mind or
yours? Hotel planners are great people and they do a good job (I know, I was one!), but when it comes
down to it - they are on the company payroll. Their job is to make sure you have a great time, but their
bottom line is to make the hotel money. When you hire an independent planner, you are hiring an
advocate who's dedicated to making sure that your wedding is exactly what you want while staying within
your budget. We'll let you know if there is a less expensive way to go, we'll bargain hunt for you, tell you
what your alternatives are and offer innovative ideas.
Additionally, there is often a high rate of turnover in the hospitality industry. The hotel planner you are
working with simply may not be there when your wedding date rolls around. Even with the best of
intentions, small details can be missed when passing the baton to a new employee. So, if you are
planning anything more than a very simple affair - consider hiring an independent planner who works for
you! Because we all know... nothing in life is truly free.
Will you stick to my budget and not push me in the direction of things I simply can't afford?
ABSOLUTELY! This is your wedding – you are the boss. We’ll guide you to the appropriate venues and
service providers that fit within your budget.
Will you devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped
decor?
We know that some brides/grooms enjoy investigating all the new trends and design options, some do
not. For those clients that want the full service treatment we offer custom design services. We’re flexible
so that we provide just the services you require.
Can your tell me the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to my
wedding size, style, and budget)?
We sure can! We live here and have worked with most of them. Since we are here in the Virgin Islands,
we also know what venues are in areas under construction or need work – the little things that are hard
to know from a website or brochure.
Are you familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in my price range?
Can you explain their strong points to me briefly?
Yes again! We are always testing and searching out new service providers. We have discriminating
taste, because the end result reflects upon us. We only work with proven vendors that are reputable and
have the same commitment to excellence that we have.
Can you score me some discounts with any vendors?
We work with local vendors on a regular basis. By bringing them consistent and volume business,
most of them are happy to work out deals and extras with us. While we can not guarantee this with
everyone, we do guarantee that we will negotiate the best available pricing available at the time of your
wedding.
Will you read over the vendor contracts for me? What are some common traps to look out for?
The islands are funny. Most people move here to get away from contracts and mainstream business
red tape, others are local businesses that are used to doing business with a smile and a handshake.
You’ll find that in the Virgin Islands many vendors are trusting and laid back, so they just don’t have
contracts. However, contracts give you peace of mind that all parties understand the expectations,
payment structures and responsibilities. For this reason, we have created our own service agreements
that we fill out, review with you and have vendors sign. In this way we ensure that YOU get exactly what
has been agreed upon and for the price negotiated. If a vendor has a contract of their own, we go
through it with a fine tooth comb to ensure that your best interests are met.
Can you create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, members
of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it?
Without a doubt! We make that our job so that you and your bridal party can relax and be guests at your
own celebration.
Will you handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?
We find that many people prefer to do this on their own. However, we are happy to create or review all
wording on invitations. We do recommend that any travel information at least be reviewed by us prior to
sending to guests so that we ensure they get accurate and up to date information on all travel plans.
Design and printing of invitations, itineraries, menus, etc., is available for an additional cost on a per job
basis. Check out graphic design
Will you counsel us on etiquette matters and alert us to hot trends on the wedding horizon?
Most certainly! This is the part we really love. Each wedding is a unique expression of your new life
together and we love to be a part of it. We’ll advise you on the newest trends, hottest websites and
helpful resources.
Will you coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians,
caterer/banquet manager, et al?
This is a vital part of the coordination process. There are various nuances related to deliveries… is a
particular vendor known for being on time? What kind of frosting is on the cake – should it be delivered
to the venue just before the reception, or is there refrigeration available at the venue? Do we need to
count all the rented glasses before the delivery truck leaves? (YES!) We highly recommend including
onsite coordination as part of your contract.
For the day of the wedding, will you be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors,
troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves?
You betcha! Again, our job is to concentrate and stress over every little detail so that you don’t have to.
You should be a guest at your wedding and leave the worrying to us – this is your day!
Will you be willing to step in as our advocate, conveying our visions and desires to vendors when we
don't feel up to the task?
We consider ourselves an extension of you. We check, double check and go back one more time to
make sure that everything is in place just as you expect it to be. We have no problem going the extra
mile to ensure that your expectations are met. We settle for nothing less.
Will you be there to help plan and book our honeymoon?
We would be more than happy to handle all of your travel plans! We work directly with a reputable VI
travel agency and can handle any travel plans, including airfare and accommodations.
When planning your wedding, do you want someone who works with the hotel's best interest in mind or
yours? Hotel planners are great people and they do a good job (I know, I was one!), but when it comes
down to it - they are on the company payroll. Their job is to make sure you have a great time, but their
bottom line is to make the hotel money. When you hire an independent planner, you are hiring an
advocate who's dedicated to making sure that your wedding is exactly what you want while staying within
your budget. We'll let you know if there is a less expensive way to go, we'll bargain hunt for you, tell you
what your alternatives are and offer innovative ideas.
Additionally, there is often a high rate of turnover in the hospitality industry. The hotel planner you are
working with simply may not be there when your wedding date rolls around. Even with the best of
intentions, small details can be missed when passing the baton to a new employee. So, if you are
planning anything more than a very simple affair - consider hiring an independent planner who works for
you! Because we all know... nothing in life is truly free.
Will you stick to my budget and not push me in the direction of things I simply can't afford?
ABSOLUTELY! This is your wedding – you are the boss. We’ll guide you to the appropriate venues and
service providers that fit within your budget.
Will you devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped
decor?
We know that some brides/grooms enjoy investigating all the new trends and design options, some do
not. For those clients that want the full service treatment we offer custom design services. We’re flexible
so that we provide just the services you require.
Can your tell me the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to my
wedding size, style, and budget)?
We sure can! We live here and have worked with most of them. Since we are here in the Virgin Islands,
we also know what venues are in areas under construction or need work – the little things that are hard
to know from a website or brochure.
Are you familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in my price range?
Can you explain their strong points to me briefly?
Yes again! We are always testing and searching out new service providers. We have discriminating
taste, because the end result reflects upon us. We only work with proven vendors that are reputable and
have the same commitment to excellence that we have.
Can you score me some discounts with any vendors?
We work with local vendors on a regular basis. By bringing them consistent and volume business,
most of them are happy to work out deals and extras with us. While we can not guarantee this with
everyone, we do guarantee that we will negotiate the best available pricing available at the time of your
wedding.
Will you read over the vendor contracts for me? What are some common traps to look out for?
The islands are funny. Most people move here to get away from contracts and mainstream business
red tape, others are local businesses that are used to doing business with a smile and a handshake.
You’ll find that in the Virgin Islands many vendors are trusting and laid back, so they just don’t have
contracts. However, contracts give you peace of mind that all parties understand the expectations,
payment structures and responsibilities. For this reason, we have created our own service agreements
that we fill out, review with you and have vendors sign. In this way we ensure that YOU get exactly what
has been agreed upon and for the price negotiated. If a vendor has a contract of their own, we go
through it with a fine tooth comb to ensure that your best interests are met.
Can you create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, members
of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it?
Without a doubt! We make that our job so that you and your bridal party can relax and be guests at your
own celebration.
Will you handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?
We find that many people prefer to do this on their own. However, we are happy to create or review all
wording on invitations. We do recommend that any travel information at least be reviewed by us prior to
sending to guests so that we ensure they get accurate and up to date information on all travel plans.
Design and printing of invitations, itineraries, menus, etc., is available for an additional cost on a per job
basis. Check out graphic design
Will you counsel us on etiquette matters and alert us to hot trends on the wedding horizon?
Most certainly! This is the part we really love. Each wedding is a unique expression of your new life
together and we love to be a part of it. We’ll advise you on the newest trends, hottest websites and
helpful resources.
Will you coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians,
caterer/banquet manager, et al?
This is a vital part of the coordination process. There are various nuances related to deliveries… is a
particular vendor known for being on time? What kind of frosting is on the cake – should it be delivered
to the venue just before the reception, or is there refrigeration available at the venue? Do we need to
count all the rented glasses before the delivery truck leaves? (YES!) We highly recommend including
onsite coordination as part of your contract.
For the day of the wedding, will you be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors,
troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves?
You betcha! Again, our job is to concentrate and stress over every little detail so that you don’t have to.
You should be a guest at your wedding and leave the worrying to us – this is your day!
Will you be willing to step in as our advocate, conveying our visions and desires to vendors when we
don't feel up to the task?
We consider ourselves an extension of you. We check, double check and go back one more time to
make sure that everything is in place just as you expect it to be. We have no problem going the extra
mile to ensure that your expectations are met. We settle for nothing less.
Will you be there to help plan and book our honeymoon?
We would be more than happy to handle all of your travel plans! We work directly with a reputable VI
travel agency and can handle any travel plans, including airfare and accommodations.
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