1.  How does the booking process work?

After your complimentary consultation, you can notify us if you would like to begin our journey together! We will send you an electronic agreement with all the details of what is being handled for your event, including a payment option schedule. Once you have approved the agreement, electronically signed it, and the specified deposit is received your date is officially locked in with us!

 

2. For weddings, do you have a planner package available if we have not budgeted for a day-of coordinator or full-service package?

We believe that our day-of-coordinator package is very reasonably price and is in line with the high-quality service we provide. However, we do offer a custom-priced event package to fit every need. We will be happy to discuss your options during your complimentary session. If you decide to hire us for one of our larger packages at a later time, the fee for a client consultation package will be applied to the new package. Also, we do offer monthly and bi-monthly payment plans to assist with budgeting your event.

 

3. For weddings, am I allowed to select my planner of choice with my package selection? 

For our Day of Coordination Packages, our clients will be assigned to one of our lead planners based on their workload and availability. For the Customized & Full Coordination Packages, Gisele Friend, the owner will be your lead wedding planner. Planner scheduling depends on style, personality, and fit with each client, as well as availability on the company calendar. The planner you meet with for your initial consultation may not be the same planner working with you throughout the planning process; however, we will ensure that you receive the highest quality of service throughout your event!

​

4.  How far do you travel?

We can travel wherever you need us for your event! We are destination specialists, we can inform you of the regulations of any country you select and travel anywhere around the world for you! Travel charges will be added to your planning package costs if the distance exceeds 50 miles (round trip) from our office location,  Lodging accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Usually we’ll only need overnight lodging if you are having a one-day event over 50 miles away (round trip) and/or if your event extends into late night. For events with multiple-day events, we will need lodging for each day of the event (for example, rehearsal night, main event night, and next-day Sunday brunch would require a 2-night stay at the clients’ expense).

 

5. How do you handle payments? 

We are able to accept all major credit cards, money orders, checks, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or even cash! We use an online payment system and we make it really easy for you to pay your initial deposit, subsequent payments, and final payment online. Of course, you may also mail in your payments or pay in person.  

 

6. Can I establish a monthly payment plan?

Monthly or bi-monthly payment plans will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Most of our planning packages require at least a 50% deposit, with the balance split up into monthly payments. In most cases, final payment is due 30 days prior to the event date.

 

7. How much is due at the signing of the contract?

At least a 50% non-refundable, retainer fee is required to secure your event date. This is due at the signing your contract. A monthly or bi-monthly payment plan may be arranged, if needed.

 

8. When is the final payment due?

Your final balance will be due 30 days prior to your event date. 

9. Do you offer military discounts?

Yes! We offer our service men and women a generous discount of $300 to any wedding package that you choose.  The person in the military must be the bride or groom and must show an active service identification.  

​

12. I have no creative bones or no idea where to start with planning. How will we proceed?

No problem! In our complimentary consultation, we will find out your loves, interests, must-haves, desires, etc. We have not met a client yet that didn’t come up with the event of their dreams with our assistance! Our customized and full-service packages include vision and/or inspiration boards that we design to capture your ideas and start you on your way!

​

13. Where will our initial consultation and meetings take place?

Our main headquarters is in Central VA; however, we can arrange a working lunch or dinner meeting closer to your location, if desired. Also, you do have the option of holding the initial consultation by phone or Zoom meeting!

 

14. How do you determine which vendors to recommend to each of your clients?

We will work up a budget for you in our planning meeting. From your budget, we will be able to estimate an amount of how much each vendor should cost.  We will also ask questions about your priorities and assess your personality types needed in vendor selections.  We will be able to suggest 2 or 3 vendors in each category that fit your budget. You will have the opportunity to set up meetings or phone calls with each vendor, and review their work and contracts.

 

15. Who is responsible for setup & breakdown?

If we are only handling planning and management of your event, we are always happy to hire a crew for setup/breakdown in your budget or assist you in showing how to request help from family and friends. If we are creating your decor design, the costs of setup & breakdown will be included in your contract.

 

16. In which venues have you conducted events?

Over the years, we have worked in numerous locations, mainly throughout Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.  Our professionalism allows us to be able to adapt our talents to any location of your choice. Therefore, we are happy to work at any new locations that you are dreaming of holding your event. Listed below are just a few of those sites:

• American Legion Post, Mechanicsville, VA

• Art Works, Richmond VA

• Around the Table, Ashland, VA

• Ashland Subdivision Community Center, Manassas, VA

• Belmont Recreation Center and Golf Course, Richmond VA

• Officers' Club at Andrews, Andrews Air Force Base, MD

• Columbian Center, Henrico, VA

• Filomena Ristorante, Washington, DC (Georgetown)

• Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club, Fort Belvoir, VA

• Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, Henrico, VA

• Gala 417, Virginia Beach, VA

• Hanover Arts and Activities Center, Ashland, VA

• Historic Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA

• Jewish Community Center, Richmond VA

• Maggiano’s Little Italy, Short Pump VA

• Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD

• Montclair Golf Country Club, Dumfries, VA

• Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA), Virginia Beach, VA

• Norfolk Marriott Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, VA

• Olde Town Restaurant and Catering, Petersburg VA

• Patriot Center, George Mason Campus, Fairfax, VA

• Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC

• Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, Arlington, VA

• Richmond Marriott Downtown, Richmond, VA

• River Stone Chophouse, Suffolk, VA

• Upper Marlboro Golf County Club, MD

• Vantage Point Restaurant, Holiday Inn, Arlington, VA

• Virginia Beaeh Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

• Waterford at Fair Oaks, Fairfax County, VA

• Wellesley Community Center, Short Pump VA

• And Numerous Private Residences, Churches, and Others throughout Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, North Carolina, and remote destination sites