07/28/2017
Please understand, that this is not a post to insult, but a post to inform. And it is in no way, shape or form directed at any person. It is simply a generalization based on mine, my company's and many other businesses that I know experiences. Some are even ones I just read about on a website or in a magazine.
When hiring a business to provide a service for your big day, (or for anything really) it is important for there to be clear communication between all parties. If a contract is involved, please make sure that if you have any questions after it is thoroughly explained to you, that you ask them so that everyone is on the same page. Most businesses provide a copy of the signed contract to their clients while keeping one themselves for their records in case of a dispute or misunderstanding. If the company does not have contracts or if the client waives it, the company will still explain their terms as many times as the client needs it explained over the course of their workings. We want the client to fully understand everything so that there is never any misunderstandings.
Now in regards to weddings, we the businesses understand that things can be extremely nerve wracking, especially the closer it gets to your big day. It is very important that you express any and all concerns the moment you get them with us so that we can correct, fix or simply reassure you to put you at ease, as we want your day to be perfect for you.
Some businesses go above and beyond what they are hired to do just to give you the perfect day. This could be in the form of charging less, staying longer, providing extra help, not charging for things that normally would cost more to assist with your budget, running errands so that no one else has to leave, etc. Please do not take advantage of this. We do this because we want to, because we care about our clients.
If a business says, and states within their contracts, (or if they don't use contracts and just tell you their terms of service), and you were informed and said you understood said terms, that certain things are not allowed, i.e. staying longer than hired for, doing work for/on someone/thing that they're not contracted with, refunding monies if dismissed, etc, do not continuously goad us into doing so. Also, please, PLEASE do not try to guilt trip, blackmail and/or threaten the business into doing what you want because on many occasions, the businesses would have gone ahead after thinking it through and accepted/provided something that originally they were not contracted to do. Especially if the client(s) were agreeable, friendly, kind, etc.
In using any of the above actions in order to obtain things/services/etc from a business, please be aware that you have just given the business every right to retaliate and defend themselves, especially if what you did involves any form of slander or liable as this would fall under defamation of character. The majority of businesses would not want to seek out any type of lawsuit towards a client, but if what the client does is harmful and/or damaging to the businesses image, reputation and employees, then they will do what is needed to protect themselves and their company. Please do not let ignorance, misunderstandings, rage, nerves or simply impatience cause a more serious situation to arise.
This is coming from over 15+ years of experience owning my own company in this industry. And also being involved with many, many other companies also in this industry and others, either personally or professionally.
Again, this is simply an informative post. This is to help you the client understand and have the best relationship with the companies you hire. We the businesses may be here to make money yes, but we are mainly here to provide you with a service or services to help make your event or big day the absolute best it can be. We want to make you happy! We want (and I apologize that this sounds a bit corny) to make your dreams come true! This post is to help both clients and companies work together smoothly and soundly.
Thank you everyone.
Kirstin Buchanan
Owner/Reverend/DJ/Jane Of All Trades
"Just For You" Events by Kirstin
