September 21st, 2009
Everyone trusts the vendors when there is no funny business. Photo by Magical Moments Photography.
If you have looked recently at the page on my website that deals with Money Matters, you might have noticed at the bottom that I have my integrity pledge there. In case you’re not familiar with how this scheme I mention works, let me lay it out for you here.
When I first hung out my (virtual) shingle as an event planner, vendors started getting in touch with me. They wanted me to refer my clients to them, and for the privilege, they were willing to pay me–in hard, cold cash–an amount equivalent to 10% of what my clients paid them for their work. I understand that this can be quite a good revenue stream for an event planner, but I am not willing to sell out for the cash. I always insist that the vendor give my client the equivalent discount, instead. It costs the vendor the same amount and it allows me to offer my clients a little bonus.
Taking the commission (as they call it) has several drawbacks. I work for the person who is paying me. If I were to take both a fee from a client and a payment from a vendor, then I would have two masters with conflicting interests. I would lose the ability to help my client stay within their budget, since my own personal interest would be for them to spend more. I also might be tempted to refer clients to the vendor who offers me the largest percentage, rather than the vendor who does the best work or gives the best value for money.
I heard a very telling story from a woman I know who makes and sells eco-friendly event invitations. She told me that she had been taking her wares around to various event planners. She was discussing the commission amount with one planner. The planner pointed to a wall of invitation sample books and told her that those vendors all offered her a much higher commission. She clearly expected that this woman would offer her more. And that is a situation that can lead to bidding wars, which can not be good for the planner’s clients.
When I first started out as a planner, I was pretty sure I would never take these kickbacks from vendors. But the thing that really gave me the resolve came from a very unexpected place. I took a taxi home from the very first wedding I ever planned and coordinated. The cab driver was an older gentleman, and we chatted on the way home. Of course he asked me what I do and where I was coming from. When I told him that I am a wedding planner, the first thing he said was, “You don’t take those payments from the vendors, do you?” I assured him that I do not take them. And I have never been tempted to go back on my word.
Posted in Budget Planning, Family Parties, Parties and Special Events, Wedding Planning, Weddings | No Comments »
August 18th, 2009
The bride's friends made the centerpieces for this wedding.
A friend of mine who recently got married told me something she learned in the course of planning her wedding. For some reason or another, she was talking to a lawyer who specializes in divorce (having nothing to do with her wedding, of course!) They were discussing the size of her wedding budget, which I understand was quite modest, since she works as a free-lancer and her husband is a graduate student. This lawyer told her that he had noticed an interesting correlation in the course of his work. According to him, the larger the wedding budget is, the shorter the marriage is likely to be. I can’t account for this surprising parallel, but I can say this: If you are planning a wedding on a small budget, you can at least console yourself that, statistically speaking, your marriage is more likely to be a lasting one.
Posted in Budget Planning, Wedding Planning, Weddings | No Comments »
August 3rd, 2009
"Shall we tip the limo driver?" Photo by Happy Buddy PhotoArt.
I get asked sometimes about tipping wedding or party vendors. Now, I’m not an etiquette expert, but here is what I know. My rule of thumb is that it is never wrong to tip someone if they have provided you with exceptional service. If someone goes above and beyond the call of duty, you will never be wrong to show your appreciation in a tangible way. For most vendors, however, tipping is still optional.
There are some exceptions to that last rule, however. Food servers, hair stylists, and drivers are some of the people whom it is customary to tip. Your catering contract probably includes a gratuity. If so, then you have already tipped the staff. If you want to show further appreciation, you may, but it is not necessary.
If your stylist or limo driver is also the owner of the company, then it is not customary to tip, because they already have the full benefit of the payment you are making. I heard recently about a hair stylist who works for herself. She was going to charge $150 for a simple updo and then wanted an 18% tip on top of that. I recommended to the bride-to-be that she find a different stylist, as in that case the tip is a form of highway robbery.
I understand that it is also not customary to tip musicians. But the first rule still applies: Anyone who gives exceptional service might merit a reward. But don’t stress over tips. Most independent contractors don’t expect them and they are a very pleasant surprise if you do give one.
Posted in Budget Planning, Day-of Coordinating, Wedding Planning, Weddings | No Comments »
July 7th, 2009
One way to control costs at your event is by considering the beverages.
Non-alcoholic beverages are relatively inexpensive and may be included in your food package. Bar service can either be very expensive or relatively inexpensive, depending on your venue and the way you procure it. Many venues have bar packages: beer, wine, and soda; mid-price open bar; and top shelf, among others. I have not generally found that it is possible to negotiate these prices with a venue that has standard pricing. But, if you are on a budget, the beer, wine, and soda option is generally affordable. If you’re on a really tight budget, you might have to forego alcohol entirely, or just do a champagne toast. One way to liven up a beer and wine package is to add a signature cocktail to the package. This can often be done without a large additional cost.
Champagne toast. Photo courtesy of Artisan Events. Inc.
If your venue allows you to provide the alcohol, you have even more options. The least expensive of these is to purchase the alcohol yourself at a liquor store. Be sure to choose a store with good prices that allows returns of unopened bottles. This option also gives you maximum flexibility in your choice of what to serve. There are even a few liquor stores that provide event service. They will sell you the liquor, deliver it to the venue, provide glassware at no extra charge, and pick up anything left the next day to give you a refund or credit. These establishments are becoming a rarity, however, so don’t be surprised if you need to do the heavy lifting yourself.
One thing I do not recommend for keeping costs under control is to have a cash bar. As the host of the party, it is your job to provide food and drink. If your resources dictate a limited supply of alcohol, your guests will live with the restriction. The quantity of alcohol served is not a measure of how good the party is. Serve what you can afford and you will have enough left over to do whatever else is important to you at your event.
Posted in Budget Planning, Family Parties, Wedding Planning | No Comments »
