FAQ
1. What style of wedding does Bella Amore Events specialize in planning?
ANSWER: We specialize in complete and partial planning of weddings of all shapes, sizes, styles, traditions, religions, etc.
2. How many weddings does Bella Amore Events take on each year?
ANSWER: Bella Amore Events strives to serve our couples to a high level each and every day by taking on a select number of weddings each year. We understand today's modern bride juggles a career with education and other personal obligations. By taking on no more than two weddings per month, we can better accommodate meetings of our clientele on weekdays, weekends, and even holidays. We make every effort to make the planning process enjoyable and stress free.
3. Why does Bella Amore Events only offer wedding planning packages?
ANSWER: While we agree that a "Day of Coordinator" or a "Month of Coordinator" is better than no coordinator at all, it is impossible for the day to be seamless unless you have a full service Wedding Planner. We work an average 9 months with our couples, giving us plenty of opportunities to interact and get to know the couple during the wedding planning process. During this time we gain a deep understanding of our clients, which helps us plan a wedding that will exceed their dreams and expectations.
4. How much does it cost to have a Wedding Planner?
ANSWER: Our planning services are on a sliding scale based on our client's overall wedding budget. We feel it is important to adjust the price based on the total budget; after all, weddings will have different budgets based on guests and other factors. We like to take this into consideration when pricing. It is important to know; however, that our prices are fixed once a budget is finalized. For more pricing information please download the Complete or Partial Wedding Planning and Coordination Package Sheets or contact us.
5. Will the planner commit to my budget and not push me in the direction of things I simply can't afford?
ANSWER: Yes. Bella Amore Events will help you to structure and manage your budget, as well as organize book keeping for the wedding using the Bella Amore Events Budget Manager®. If we feel we cannot work within your budget, we won't take the job. We will never forsake the budget.
6. Will the planner devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcements to the polka-dot and zebra-striped decor? (This will clue you in to organizational proficiency and a willingness to keep you in the loop on every matter imaginable.)
ANSWER: Yes. Once we begin working together, you will receive a master plan with every detail in writing so there are no hidden costs or surprises. Status reports on the progress of your event will be emailed on a regular basis.
7. Can the planner name the best and most original locations in my area (that would be suitable to my wedding size, style, and budget)?
ANSWER: Yes. Based on your style, size and budget, Bella Amore Events will suggest a number of unique venues that would be suitable for your wedding in the written event proposal. We will also attend site visits with you to ensure the location you select fits you and your selected wedding style.
8. Is the planner familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in my price range? Can he/she explain their strong points to me?
ANSWER: Yes. Since 2003, we have been producing events using the best resources in the Greater Washington, DC area. We have relationships with florists, photographers, caterers, bands and DJ's in various price ranges to accommodate every budget. After all, our reputation (as well as your special day) depends on combining all the right elements to create your perfect wedding.
9. Can the planner score me some discounts with any vendors? (Note: Wedding planners bring volume to favored vendors; often they'll reciprocate by reducing prices or throwing in extras.)
ANSWER: Yes. Bella Amore Events will negotiate better fees with vendors on your behalf and can actually save you money while maintaining quality and style.
10. Will the planner read over the vendor contracts for me? What are some common traps to look out for?
ANSWER: Yes. Because we have relationships with the vendors we recommend, most of the contracts have already been approved by Bella Amore Events. But we still read them each and every time; to be sure there are no hidden fees or unusual indemnification clauses. For instance, there are common traps in location contracts; Are valets, bathroom attendants and coat check included? Is there a curfew and what is the overtime fee if the party runs late? Are tables, chairs, linens and china additional?
11. Can the planner 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?
ANSWER: Yes. Each member of the wedding party will receive an outline of responsibilities. As the wedding approaches, a schedule of the day/weekend will be sent either by hard copy or email, as you prefer. A rehearsal dinner is highly recommended to help everyone get comfortable with their role in the ceremony and reception. Two weeks prior to your wedding, every vendor will receive the wedding schedule, floor plan, etc. which is then confirmed by phone the week of the wedding. As the event producer, Bella Amore Events will guide and keep everyone on schedule with the help of the officiant, caterer and the band leader. We also know when to bend the rules, change the pace and go with the flow.
12. Will the planner handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?
ANSWER: Yes. Bella Amore Events will help you select unique, one of a kind invitations and can also assist with wording, addressing, mailing, and even RSVPs.
13. Can the planner counsel me on etiquette matters and alert me to hot trends on the wedding horizon?
ANSWER: Yes. We can council on etiquette and alert you on the latest hottest trends, however our forte is innovation and trend setting, not following. Our philosophy is that one size does not fit all and the traditional rules don't apply to every wedding. If you're looking for a unique solution to traditional etiquette questions, we have the answers.
14. Will the planner coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?
ANSWER: Yes. Scheduling of professional services and final confirmations are part of our responsibilities and we take them very seriously.
15. For the day of the wedding, will the planner 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?
ANSWER: Yes. Bella Amore Events will be on hand every step of the way to supervise, troubleshoot and offer peace of mind. In one instance, the photographer was stuck in traffic between the ceremony and reception and we documented all the details for the couple prior to guests arriving. This is one of the perks to having an amateur photographer with camera ready to go at all events on staff.
16. Will the planner be willing to step in as my advocate, conveying my visions and desires to vendors when I don't feel up to the task?
ANSWER: Yes. As your event producer, Bella Amore Events is your crusader, supporter, defender and champion.
17. Will the planner help plan and book my honeymoon?
ANSWER: Yes. We can make recommendations, research honeymoon options and book trips for our clients, however, our specialty lies in event planning. We can recommend a number of talented travel agents.
