Ranting & Raving

So I am now late at night after a very wedding day re-evaluating venue relationships. And I know I am probably just tired and a sore ( I broke my toe during cocktail hour setup and have been throbbing ever since)...but alas the show must go on!



But, I had one of the BEST VENUE experiences at a that I have had for a long time!

There has been a general consensus amongst vendors, that some venues due to short staff and long hours in a difficult economy, have become...well...." a case of the cranky pants". All of a sudden, if you ask for a little team effort, or even "hey, do your job??" it's either more money or no way "we don't do that"....
For example, I had a beautiful wedding at a beautiful property. AMAZING DETAILS! And on a scale of budget, this was a $$$$$. Do you think I could get anyone to fold a napkin? With all the thousands of dollars you are profiting you could find it in your heart to do your job? Hmm, or because instead of your yucky polly wasn't used and I have thousands of dollars in custom and couture linens coming in you all of a sudden won't give me the cumberbun I asked for? I mean, really!

Now, I have a wedding that would be like a $$. And its a moderate property, with a catering mgr who has changed 3 times..and was given a super quick turn. Because the ceremony was at a church, I was at the property for prep in a seperate room, then left. I arrived 5 minutes into the cocktail hour and about 25 minutes after the room opened at all for set.

Can I tell you I was RELIEVED!! I had left the napkins, seating chart, signing platters, cocktail arrangments, candles, favors, table stationary, card box and candy for each table in boxes. I came in and the WHOLE THING WAS DONE! What an amazing thing to walk into! I had to direct on where certain items went, but because of this I was able to set my uplights and attend to my brides eyelash glue drama. And that , quite franky, is what I get paid for. It's not to fold napkins. Or to supervise the OBVIOUS.

Now in defense of the guilty, I have to say that there are many vendors who are afraid to do the OBVIOUS because other planners have been known to act like "ballroom natzis" (not my term, but I find it high descriptive of exactly what I am not, and why so many vendors comment- "oh you actually have fun at your job- thats refreshing!?") So rather than to jump in and make it work better wait to hear what the general says.

Well here's my overhelming order to the troops: Take intiative. I will adjust what is necessary for the happiness of the client I have just spent 9+ months with creating a vision. But when I walk into a ballroom with more than 30+ candles on each table, we are 10 mintues before doors open and you are sitting at a table, rather than picking up a lighter...are you were waiting for direction? It makes me very sad for the brides who trust their most important day to a venue that won't allow me to take care of the personal details like eyelash drama, or family drama, or any drama that may occur for that matter. Instead, my clients have paid me to do the OBVIOUS, and to tell others to do the same.
Why when a planner is involved to be the voice of our client is everyone "on vacation"?

So what is a bride to do?
Talk to a pro first. We know who, what, when, where, and why. That is our job. Let someone know what is important to you - who can do something about it. No matter your budget, hire a planner. It will be the best money you spend on your wedding. ( and then you'll actually know the other pennies were well spent too!)

Major props to Eileen and the entire staff at the Hilton East Mesa for honoring your commitment to service and hospitality! You exceeded my expectations and I will make sure EVERYONE knows about it.

For everyone else ( you know who you are) here is a lesson from my good friend WIKI:

Hospitality refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host, and it also refers to the act or practice of being hospitable, that is, the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, with liberality and goodwill. Hospitality frequently refers to the hospitality industry jobs for hotels, restaurants, casinos, catering, resorts, clubs and any other service position that deals with tourists.
Hospitality is also known as the act of generously providing care and kindness to whoever is in need.