If you want a successful and productive relationship with your event team, keeping secrets are a “no-no”—yes, even accidentally on purpose. It is similar to the relationship with your doctor or lawyer; if you want us to really help you, we do need to know everything.  I typically tell my clients what my Contract Law professor told me:  “Clients should tell you everything, and you can decide what’s not important”.  This is very true, and rings true in our profession.  We represent you to your caterer, florist, venue—practically everyone you come in contact with.  Therefore, it is imperative that we always stay on the same page.  Lack of communication and embarrassment can and has been the downfall of what could have been beautiful weddings.

1. The budget changes  If for any reason your budget increases or decreases, you need to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Your planner bases his/her recommendations based on the event’s personality, the dynamic between you and the vendor providing a service, but also on your budget.   Any changes in your budget may put you in a different price bracket—either allowing you to choose between a higher caliber vendor or cause you find a more economical resource.  Fear not, your planner can help you by creating a new set of priority shifts to meet your new budget to ensure you get what you want and need.

2.  The family dynamic is off  Some families have issues—others have subscriptions.  And that is okay.  If your parents are divorced and your mother would like to literally rip the face off of your stepmother or if the groom’s brother is the undependable black sheep of the family, your planner needs to know.  To avoid any gaffes at the rehearsal or planning of the day, be sure to let her know of any rough edges either family may have.  If you feel more comfortable discussing these potential pitfalls with your planner one-on-one, definitely take the time to do so.  Your planner does this often enough to be able to foresee any mishaps and help you avoid them.

3.  Critical vendor changes  We want you to be proactive with all of your vendors, just be sure to keep us in the loop.  If you ordered 20 burgundy bichon table linens, but then change it to 25 merlot lamours, your planner definitely needs to know.  If you fire a vendor or change their service, it’s best to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Do not assume that a change is too small to notify your planner; one simple change can cause a logistical nightmare.  Since s/he will be responsible for confirming services and executing your day, having the latest, correct information is not optional.

4.  You are not happy with his/her service  Do not suffer in silence.  Your planner is there to assist and guide you, not to be a hindrance to you enjoying your planning and special day.  If your expectations are not being met, please bring them to your planner’s attention.  Ask your planner if you could have an outline as to when you should expect certain things to be done.  I am quite sure that your planner will welcome the opportunity to better assist you.

Remember: open lines of communication…always.