[Bethtrn]

My daughter is having her reception at a large plantation home where an event planner is part of the package. With this package we are given 12 hours to help plan the event from start to finish. It is stressed that the event planner is not the same thing as a bridal consultant. We are told if we need this type of service, a separate contract is needed and, we should pay $100.00 an hour. I will say that the planner and the bridal consultant, should we hire her, is the same person. To me, it seems like double dipping and it is a way for them to get extra money. However, I need someone to assist the caterer and the florist staff to help dress the tables (putting small flowers in each napkin that will be on the tables) and also someone to set out all the escort cards. Should this responsibility fall to the planner since she will be there that day? The contract states she will be at the venue 2-3 hours before the reception begins. I will also add that all vendors are given 2 hours max to see that everything is put in place at the venue. I just want everything to look nice and not thrown together due to being rushed. I also want to note that we are paying $4000.00 to rent this venue for 7 hours max and the 12 hour planner is part of this total fee.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 24 May 2025 - 03:04 PM

[Nancy Tucker]

I would think that the planner provided in your contract would be for all pre-planning related to the site. The planner, whether contracted separately or independently, would normally not be responsible for the table dressing, setting up the escort cards, etc. The caterer or venue lead would normally do the escort cards and can also add the additional flowers to the napkins.

If this is not something that your vendors can be contracted for, you would want to have a planner to oversee these items. Be specific with your needs in the contract with the planner.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 26 May 2025 - 07:28 AM

[Bethtrn]

Thank you for the advise. Does it make any difference that the "venue lead" is also the planner (who also serves as the consultant if payed on a separate contract)? I just want to make sure the caterer has enough time to do these things and if not, that someone (hopefully the planner) could help. There will only be 2 hours to get everything together. Thanks.

[Nancy Tucker]

I would suggest that you have an in-depth discussion with the caterer to find out if they feel that they can do the extra items in the alotted time. If they do not, then talk to the planner to discern how much time she will require to accomplish the tasks.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 27 May 2025 - 05:34 PM