Hiring a Decorator

In my experience I come across a lot of Bride and Grooms with lots of different ideas
I'd like you to imagine for a minute that I am a bride planning my wedding and this is my vision,

I saw these awesome ideas in Martha Stewart, and at my friends wedding, she had this ceiling thing with lights and lights under her head table with poofy fabric and really nice bows ( I think they call it sage) and roses and this pretty sheer thing behind the table with lots of lights, and chair covers with the same matching bows as the head table, and the cake table was all lit up , and these really neat table centres and lots of candles. That's what I want, only in cranberry.

I love doing that sort of thing, it's so much fun, .I'm really crafty, I'll buy all the stuff (I know some great dollar stores). Then, I'll just get the wedding party, the family and some of our friends, go into the hall the day before and show them how I want it, and let them go to it. No problem, we can get it done. No problem

A Brides Reality:
How come I can't find the stuff I need. Wow! I never thought it would cost so much. I didn't realize I needed so much stuff to do it. Oh! I have to remember to buy extension cords.
I hope the wedding party knows what I'm talking about. Some of them are not very creative. Oh! I hope they don't fight. I'm sure they'll be able to get the time off work on that Friday.
I wonder how I attach that ceiling thing?
I'll just get the wedding party, and our parents and that to take it all down after the wedding, they won't mind. They're always offering to help
I wonder what I'll do with all this stuff afterwards?
What! I can't get into the hall on Friday, What am I going to do? Saturday, we will all be getting our hair done and the photographer is coming at 1:00. P.m. - OH my God, what did I get myself into - what was I thinking This is too much stress


Here is a solution - Hire a decorator
A good decorator will respond to your call quickly and set up a meeting either at your house or their place of business or your venue.
Will consult with you to determine your vision for your perfect day. Offer options to customize your decorating to match your style and taste - Not just a wedding in a box with no choices and offer helpful tips on getting the most for your money
You should expect to see a portfolio of the decorating done for other clients and a list of references that you can contact.
A good decorator will do a site inspection to determine what will work and not work and take necessary measurements.
Should ask the client for a contact name at the venue for questions; when can it be decorated? When does it have to be torn down?, safety restrictions such as open candle flame and electrical cords etc. an example would be: ceiling swag at Liuna Station - lift - union additional cost
A great decorator will not promise anything that can't be done.
A reputable decorator will send or e-mail the Bride and Groom a proper contract itemizing each item and outlining the payment schedule. Remember this contract protects you.Sends receipts for each payment.
Returns phone calls promptly during the planning process for your questions or concerns and is respectful of your time.A good decorator has all the items required or knows where to source them out; knows how to attach and connect the items and has all necessary equipment;
A good decorator arrives on time, prepared with all items, equipment and staff to complete the job.
Uses their time effectively; and if time restraints are a factor, hire additional staff to assist the designer in completing the job
A Great decorator will have the décor completed long before the guests arrive. No preparation, tear down work should be seen by the Bride and Groom or their guests.
The decorator should provide an emergency # just in case.

The only thing a Bride and Groom are responsible for is to walk into a beautifully decorated reception hall and gasp with delight when they see their vision become a reality.

And finally, after it's all over the wedding party, family and guests can leave with just the memory of a wonderful day and the decorator and the crew appear to tear it all down and remove.

If you have any questions, I will be available during the break.
Thanks - and remember it's fun to plan the wedding day, don't forget to plan the marriage.

Author: Katherine