A Learning Experience...And A Grain of Salt

It was recently brought to my attention that a review was made about me and my company, Je t’aime Weddings, on another wedding site.

In all my years as a Planner, I have never had a Bride that was unhappy with my work, let alone given a bad review.

I decided to leave her comments alone until I actually read it and saw that her post was falsely stated.

A Bride said that after she gave me a certain amount for a deposit (which was NOT the actual amount paid to me), that I never called her back and that I basically ignored her. That when she said she was unhappy and wanted a refund, I never gave her an explanation and never emailed her. Also, that I never helped her with vendors and never went to see the site she had chosen for her wedding.

So I am addressing the situation here on my Blog for anyone that may have questions about what was written.

A bride inquired on April 23, 2008 to see if I was available for the date of her wedding and I was hired for her October 11th destination wedding. On the 26th, she said she would definitely want me as her Planner and if I could get started on a list that she had right away because she was nervous about time.

Against my better judgment (and believe me I have learned from this) I wrote her, then spoke with her on the phone saying I would be glad to help her, and started working on her wedding right away...almost getting ahead of myself because I knew June would be a busy month; so I let her know that I would email her the contract. On top of my two-month service, they also hired me on an hourly basis stating they would need more help before the two-month mark.

When I sent her contract out via email on May 5th, 2008 for her to sign and mail back to me - she then emailed back saying that she would send it out the following day. A week went by and when I asked her if she had mailed it, she said she forgot and would send it.

Finally, she emailed me and asked if she could bring it down when her and her fiance came to visit the first week in June. Again, I went against my judgment and said yes.

When I met with them in June, I gave them names of Top Vendors here in the Outer Banks that I have already worked with - some, who I called beforehand personally asking them to set aside the October 11 date for this bride, and all gladly obliging because they knew the caliber of my work.

This Bride was very appreciative, and we specifically spoke about the coming weeks ahead. I assured her that even though June is a busy month for weddings for all of her vendors (including myself) that we would be in touch. Our consultation ended wonderfully with her and her fiancé thanking me for all my help that day, and throughout the past month.

That week I got extremely sick and after she spoke with my husband on my home line, and sent me a text message; I replied saying that I received her email and message and would be in touch with her after the weekend (I had a wedding I was preparing for).

The reason for my sickness was that I found out I was pregnant! I even told her that, and her response was asking me if I would be capable of handling her wedding. I explained her to that I have been pregnant during other weddings (we have two girls) and that I was fine to plan her event including three others following her date, but if she still felt unsure, to please let me know.

In the following 2 weeks, I answered all of her emails and replied to her last one saying I would not be able to speak with her until the following week (because of another wedding) but I would be working on any questions that was sent to me in the meantime.

Five days later I got an email expressing that she was unhappy with my last message and needed my help right away. And because I was unavailable to speak on the phone with her when I was working on another wedding, she wanted her deposit back. By this time it was the very end of June and past the two-week return period on her deposit. She also never paid her hourly fees due to me at that time.

Like all my contracts, the base of it outlines what my clients are hiring me for, the type of service they have chosen, what their total pricing is, and when the deposit is due (7 days after signing the contract). It also clearly states that they have 2 weeks after I have received their deposit before it is non-refundable.

In the August/September issue of Modern Bride, there is a Q&A section (page 188) that talks about Brides feeling they are not in enough contact with their vendors.

In the ‘Answer’ part, it states that we do have other obligations that need attending to, and that we are not avoiding our clients. That if, however, Brides feel that way, to please talk to the vendor to work something out with them.

I am always glad to hear what my Brides have to say, and willing to help them out because my ultimate goal is to have a happy client. This would not be my job if I felt otherwise!

In her review, this Bride also stated that she did not feel I had the experience to plan a wedding in the Outer Banks….

Just because I am from another state (New York) does not mean I have limited knowledge on planning a wedding. I have been coming to the Outer Banks for MANY years for vacations and events that have led me to come acquainted with the area. I have met and become friends with many wonderful vendors, all that have supported me as well!
In the time I have been here I have been recognized for my work and the innovative ideas I have brought to the weddings I have done.

Well! I know this was long, but it was time I had written something to right this wrong.

Some have said to “Let it go” and “Don’t worry about it”…but the truth is, I can’t!

I am too passionate about my work, and I truly do love what I do.

I know the more I grow in my business, the more I have to adapt. But that doesn’t mean I have to sit quiet about it! ….I don’t stay quiet about anything!!!