FAQs

ON THE MAGIC OF PLANNING

Q:   Why do I need an event planner?

A:   Oh sweetheart, I love a good Pinterest board as much as anyone! But here is the truth:  a DIY resource can give you a checklist, but it can't give you presence. When you hire a professional, you aren't just paying for someone to call the florist; you are buying the ability to be a guest at your own celebration.

I am your "wedding bodyguard." I manage the vendor who is running twenty minutes late, the sudden rain cloud, and the complex family dynamics, all while you ae sipping champagne. We transform DIY stress into a bespoke experience where every detail reflects your soul, tells your story, not just a template.

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Q:   How do you charge for your services?

A:   Being a wedding planner requires a lot of time and a lot of hard work. If it was really as easy as a lot of people like to believe, everyone would be turning out fabulous events. But let's face it, most don't have the time needed to put together a beautiful event. Planners are always working behind the scenes, even when you don't speak with them. And all of that hard work has to come with a fee which can be a percentage of the total event budget, a flat management fee or hourly consulting.

We want our relationship to be built on transparency and trust! We will discuss your dream concept and come up with a plan that is best suited for each event.

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Q:   Do you offer a consultation?

A:   Absolutely! I do not book a client without first having a consultation. Your consultation is handled on a Zoom call, an agreed upon public place or in the comforts of your residence or place of business. The consultation usually lasts for an hour. 

There is a non-refundable consultation fee assessed before we meet.

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Q:   Are deposits refundable?

A:   The short answer is "No" but there are a few exceptions. When you book with an event planner, they are immediately putting your deposit to use on supplies and planning for your event. And any other payments in your payment plan will also be put to use so it's hard to refund money for the time the planner has already used to plan all the details you require. But as stated above, there is an exception. If you cancel within 48 hours of signing a contract for services then a refund is possible minus a service fee. Also, if you have to cancel your contract due to a medical emergency, then a refund minus service fees is possible.

Any refunds requested after 3 days will be denied but you will be given an extension on your event without any additional planning fees.

Any deposits due to vendors outside of RbD planning services are the responsibility of the client to pay to the vendor they are contracted with. You will find more details regarding refunds on your signed contract.

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Q:   How much time is needed to plan my event?

A:   I generally don't do any last minute events because I like to spoil my brides and give them ALL the attention they deserve. So to keep from cheating anyone from the attentiveness I require for all my brides, I have given guidelines for planning time for each one of my packages in the description.

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Q:  Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

A:  Yes I do. Nothing is more comforting than knowing you're working with a group of highly professional people that you can trust. I work with a select group of companies in each category of vendors that have time and again produced stellar results in everything that I've asked of them.

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Q:   Do I have to use your vendors if I book your services?

A:   Another short answer..."No". However, we have searched for and worked hard to find and develop relationships with vendors that we can guarantee the level of professionalism, quality and care for my brides. But we are more than happy to work with the vendor you prefer. Keep in mind, RbD is not responsible for the actions of any outside vendors. And Rendezvous by Dawn reserves the right to suspend or stop services due to any conflicts that may arise from the lack of professionalism that is required.

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Q:  Do you carry event insurance?

A:   Absolutely!

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ON THE ART OF TRAVEL

Q:  Why should I use a travel agent when I can just use a big-box booking website?

A:  The internet is for booking; a travel advisor/agent is for traveling.  A website won't call the hotel GM to ensure there are fresh peonies and your favorite vintage wine is in your room upon arrival. A website won't get you a table at that "fully booked" Michelin-starred bistro in Paris or find you a private guide who can open the doors to a closed museum.

I have spent years building "boots-on-the-ground" relationships. When you book with me, you get VIP status (and often free breakfast, room upgrades, and resort credits) that an algorithm simply can't provide. If a flight is canceled at 2:00 AM, you don't all an 800-number, you call me.

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Q:  How does a travel agent get paid?

A:  This is the most asked question that travel agents get. The travel vendors that we book your vacations through see us as their expert sales force and pay us a commission for bringing them lovely guests like you.

For highly complex, bespoke itineraries (think: a three-week multi-country trek with private drivers and custom tours), I charge a Professional Planning Fee. This covers the hours of research and advocacy I do to ensure your trip is flawless. You get the best of both worlds: industry perks and a dedicated advocate.

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Q:  Why is insurance included on all of my vacations?

A:  Because Rendezvous by Dawn cares about your dollars! There are so many moving factors in your trip and at any given time one component can negatively affect the rest of your trip. But having insurance let's you travel with peace of mind. Paying for vacation protection can make the difference between having a short delay that's covered versus having to shell out extra money that you had dedicated to other trip expenses.

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ON THE BESPOKE EXPERIENCE

Q:  What does "bespoke" actually mean for my event or trip?

A:  Bespoke means custom-made and perfectly tailored to individual needs and desires, moving beyond standard packages to craft unique, personalized experiences with meticulous attention to detail, much like a custom-fit suit. It is about creating something exclusive, flexible, and deeply personal, whether it's a private tour, a themed trip, or a corporate event, often involving expert planners and local knowledge to deliver an unforgettable, non-scripted journey.

It can be a menu based on the meal you had on your first date; it's a travel itinerary that leaves room for spontaneous magic. It's about creating a feeling that is uniquely, unapologetically you.

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LET'S START SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

I would be honored to hold your hand through the narration of your event or journey and turn your "what ifs" into "remember whens."