DOC Questions

So I'm going to meet with a Wedding Planner that I'm thinking about hiring as my DOC. I'm not sure what I should ask her? Any Ideas? What did you all ask your WC??

TIA

You can have her give you an outline of everything she will do on the day of. That way you can know what to expect or if you need to add or delete anything. You can also ask her:

1. How long have you been a wedding planner?
2. How many weddings have you planned?
3. Do you cover more than one wedding per weekend?
4. What time do you arrive / leave?
5. Are you certified?

I'll let you know if I think of more.

One question my mom always makes me ask when I meet with a new vendor - what happens if she gets sick/has an emergency such that she cannot be there on the day of the wedding?  Has that ever happened before?  Who will replace her?  (I always try to get these names so that I can check out how good her back-ups are).  A remote (but important!) possibility.

Normally when you have your consultation with a prospecticive coordinator all of their information is in the contract and it gives you an idea of their procedures...  I think its helpful for them to click with you and understand your needs, since they will be "you" the day of!

I just booked my DOC- Platinum Weddings By Kerrie~  She has been super helpful and friendly, and I feel will truely look out for me since we are juggling 3 places the day of.  I am relieved to have her :) 

When you meet with them discuss the day of and you will see if they are made to fit your day.  As well as their procedures to troubleshoot...

- HMM :)

What is your experience/background?

Do you with an assistant?

Do you have liability insurance?

Do you have a recent couple I may contact for a reference?

Will you create a timeline? A production (vendor setup times etc) timeline?

How many hours of planning is included in DOC? (A DOC at least needs to introduce herself and touch basis with vendors to confirm details which is why "Day of" is kind of a misnomer.)

Questions via Bliss! Weddings...

Is this your full time job?

Do you accept commissions, kickbacks or professional discounts from any vendors you refer?

Who signs the vendor contracts? Do we pay you the fee for the entire event and then you pay each vendor or do we contract with vendors separately? [I wouldn't book someone who does this because they're probably marking up vendor's prices]

How many hours are you on site the day of the wedding?

Do you help with setup and break down?

How are the payments structured? When are they due?

What is the amount of the initial deposit?

What is your refund policy in case of cancellation?

What won’t you help with?

Are you present at the rehearsal?

A question to ask yourself: Has the wedding coordinator addressed your personal concerns satisfactorily?

I would also review the proposal and contract carefully and make sure your understand the services and terms under which they are provided.

HTH!

The knot (sorry) says:

"1. Will the consultant commit to your budget and not push you in the direction of things you simply can't afford?

2. Will the consultant devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped decor? (This will clue you in to organizational prowess and a willingness to keep you in the loop on every matter imaginable.)

3. Can the consultant name the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to your wedding size, style, and budget)?

4. Is the consultant familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in your price range? Can he/she explain their strongpoints to you briefly? (Ask yourself: Does the consultant seem both knowledgeable and passionate?)

5. Can the consultant score you some discounts with any vendors? (Consultants bring volume to favored vendors; often they'll reciprocate by slashing prices or throwing in extras.)

6. Will the consultant read over the vendor contracts for you? What are some common traps to look out for?

7. Can the consultant create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, members of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it? How will she/he make sure that everyone sticks to the schedule?

8. Will the consultant handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?

9. Can the consultant counsel you on etiquette matters and alert you to hot trends on the wedding horizon?

10. Will the consultant coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?

11. For the day of the wedding, will the consultant be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can she/he share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?

12. Will the consultant be willing to step in as your advocate, conveying your visions and desires to vendors when you don't feel up to the task?

13. Will the consultant help plan and book your honeymoon?

Knot Note:

Remember that the consultant should have plenty of questions for you too, in an effort to determine your wishes, needs, level of maintenance, budget, scope of imagination, and more. You're both trying to assess each other and how well you'll work together. The consultant will probably initiate discussions -- take this time to consider manner, personality, confidence, warmth, whatever you're looking for. Whomever you enlist, do not hire a consultant who doesn't want to listen, is bossy, tries to convince you of what's best for you, critiques your ideas, has no references, and won't sign a written agreement."

Also you can call the Association of Bridal Consultants (860) 355-0464.

IVillage says

"1. How many weddings has she planned?

2. Can she work within my budget?

3. What is her fee? Is it a flat fee, a percentage of the wedding, an hourly rate, etc.?

4. What is included in her fee -- all phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.?

5. Does she get a kickback from vendors?

6. Does she understand my vision?

7. Will she make a checklist of all the items I need to accomplish?

8. Will she create a timeline for the wedding day?

9. Does she have an assistant who will work with her at my wedding?

10. Can she recommend vendors who fit my budget and style?

11. What will she take care of -- finding vendors? Invitations? Favors?

12. Can she get me discounts with vendors?

13. Will she review vendor contracts with me?
14. Can she help me with etiquette issues that may arise?<!--r-->
15. Has she planned a wedding at my location before?

16. Is she planning other weddings on the same day or weekend as mine?

17. Can she help me plan the rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch or shower? Is there an additional cost for these parties?

18. Will she coordinate with all the vendors the day of the wedding -- handling all deliveries and overseeing the set-up?

19. Is planning weddings her full-time job?

20. Who will take over for her if for any reason she can't be at my wedding?

21. Can I see pictures from weddings she's planned?

22. What will she wear to my wedding?

23. How accessible is she? How often does she expect to meet with me?

24. Will she help me find my wedding dress and attire for the other members of the bridal party?

25. Has she worked with any of the vendors I've already hired?

26. Can she run my rehearsal if my officiant can't be there?

27. Does she provide a wedding day emergency kit?

28. If I give her payment envelopes, can she pay each of my vendors?

29. How much is the deposit I'll need to leave?

30. When is the balance due?
"

Hope this helps (sorry it is long)