Checking expectations on a wedding planner...

TheTomato · May 5, 2008

I am about 7 months away from my wedding in the virgin islands. I have hired a wedding planner based on some positive reviews I saw online. She has responded to all of my emails within a few days time and has answered questions when I've asked. My concern is that I have expressed that I want to try and get everything reserved and figured out ASAP so I enjoy summer and not have to stress out about the wedding. While I get my questions answered, I have yet to receive any information sent to me about menus, vendor profiles, or anything other than a copy of my contract (which I had to ask for). When people ask me how things are going I have to say, "OK I guess." Part of me assumes I should not worry and be OK that she's got everything under control. BUT I have not seen anything done proactively. Isn't that what I am paying for? To have someone actually plan? I feel like if I have to ask and direct.. then what am I paying her for?

What have been your experiences? Is this an "island time" kind of thing and I'm just a spaz or are your planners sending you "you need to do this / here are some options" kind of info? I hired her to plan the ceremony and reception... even when I would have had a coordinator free with the hotel. I'm sure she's good at what she does and would pull through in the end, but I have 60 some people coming and am not a "package" wedding (which she claims she does all the time). Shouldn't I be getting more or is it too early?

Thanks everyone!

DreaW · May 5, 2008

Most wedding planners don't really start there thing until its closer to your wedding date. It might be different for different planners though

ErinB · May 5, 2008

I think it is probably a little early. Island time does slow things down and I would say getting a response in a few days is good, this far out from your wedding.

Menus, depending on who is handling the food, may not be decided until a few weeks before your wedding. This is due to availability, season, food cost, etc.

If you really are concerned, I would write out a list of everything you want done. This will help you to realize what you want done and help her understand your expectations. Writing it all out now will take less time and energy than doing it the week before your wedding, or worse, the week after your wedding, you wondering why this thing wasn't done. This will be like any other relationship and you will have to communicate! Or, you need to give her a budget and say "make it work" but be happy with the results if you truly just want to hand the whole thing over.

I like to have duties & expectations in writing so if anything were to happen, you have it in writing. Often, they can be very different things. Be sure you read through your contract carefully to be sure you understand what servie she is providing for what price.