It seems I am more interested in my Brides wedding than she is... what would you do??

 

 

Back in October, I worked with any event company and got an inquiry from a bride who wanted to get married in January.  She wanted the company to handle only the decor aspect of her event.  She came in and I spent an hour telling her what we could do, offering suggestions and basically getting a feel for what she was looking for.  I sent her a proposal a few days later and never heard from her again... and this was not from lack of trying to reach her!

I opened up my own wedding planning company in December and then got an inquiry from her a little over a week ago.  I responded and met with the couple the following day, only to find out she had not gotten married as yet and was planning on February 22... Yes- of 2011!!!  She had finalized the venue the day before, her brother who was a caterer was taking care of the menu and she had not sent out her invitations as yet!  What I thought was going to be an hour long meeting turned into six hours of meet the couple, checking on their invitations, seeing the venue, and going to the bridal store to check on a dress.... yes, did I forget to say that she doesn't have a dress as yet!

Throughout this entire day I kept asking for the budgeted amount for their event, even for a range and this question was evaded on every single occasion.  By the end of the day we had decided that I would provide them with a costing based on what they requested.  I met with the bride three days later with a complete proposal.  By the end of the meeting I realized that the proposal wasn't within her budget even though it offered options which could both increase and decrease the cost so I also suggest changing things around slightly.  We were suppose to meet the following day- a meeting which she did not show up to and toward the end of the day expressed that the costing was too high...Tell me something we both didn't already know.  I unsuccessfully tried again to get a range which she was willing to spend.

That evening I changed the entire set up to include only the essentials.  The budget was cut by about half.  I included a letter indicating that she had to finalize the plan, sign contract and make a deposit by the week's end. (Today Friday!) 

I met with her yesterday and was shocked by the conversation I got into with her.  She came stating that the Husband to be wanted to change the venue.  Invitations went out last week... your wedding is in 19 days.... OMG!!!  I saw the proposed new venue it wouldn't work because it couldn't accommodate their 120 guests.  After seeing the venue, it got worse!  The bride incited to me that the husband to be agreed to give her a certain amount of money to do two things which she was suppose to "make work." She was supposed to have a wedding for 120 people from 10am-6pm and also set up a business which they had plans on going into (an internet cafe)!  The amount he was giving her was $450 less the cost of my second proposal. I basically told her it was unrealistic and impossible and further, I wouldn't compromise my product just to meet her budget.  I had to play the tough planner and tell her that she had to go home and discuss things with her partner and I still expected that decisions would be made today along with the contract signing and deposit.   I tried contacting her several times today and have not heard from her.

I have prepared my bill for the work I have already done and considering sending it to her with a letter indicating that I am unable to work with her any further.  BT Vendors, please let me know if I am being too hard on her or if you would handle this differently?

Looking forward to your responses!

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I would have done a one hour consultation only until I had a signed contract and deposit from her.  Never go anywhere with a prospect that is not a paying client yet.
I have learn't this lesson!
I agree- now you know for next time to not invest that much time into someone until you have the contract and payment. Maybe the next time you have an inquiry, you should make it clear that they get a complimentary one hour consultation so you can get to know each other and she can make a decision as to whether or not she would like to work with you. In fact, you should have that wording right on your website so your clients know what to expect before they even speak with you. It seems to me you should have never taken this client on in the first place, but at least it's a lesson learned. If I were you I would absolutely break ties with her asap- I can't see anything good coming from this situation. As far as sending a bill, did you guys ever discuss payment terms? Did she know she was to pay you for what you've already done?

I have certainly learnt a lesson and quick too!  She is aware that I was not working for free at the time of the consultaiton and noted thoughout various subsequent conversations.  I went ahead without the deposit at the time due to kindness as she is sister in law to one of my closest friends- who might I add had nothing to do with her coming to me.  Even my friend has told me do not waste my time.  I will send a little update throughout the week to let you guys know how it's turned out.

 

LESSON LEARNT!

We've all made mistakes like this at one time- the upside is we learn to run our businesses more efficiently from these experiences.

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