As a wedding photographer in Houston and around the Country, I encounter other professionals in the wedding industry and I have grown to respect and appreciate the work they do as well. Wedding planners, DJ’s, Caterers, etc.. Each of us plays a role in making sure that a couples wedding day go as well as possible for them so they can have lasting memories and the “once in a lifetime” event.
If you are planning a wedding, you need a wedding planner and rather than try and explain why, I decided to “interview” some of them and allow you to get it straight from them. One of the premier wedding and event planners in Houston is Simply Jubilee Events and the owner, Heather Hamilton-Sims. Their contact information is:
Heather @ SJE, Inc.
Simply Jubilee Events
713 443 2588 ext. 250 phone
simplyjubilee.com web site
simplyjubileeblog.com blog
Awarded…
2009 Bride’s Choice Award, Wedding Wire Network
Magazine BLU Preferred Partner
As seen in…
The Smart Planner TM
Modern Luxury Brides
Weddings in Houston
The Knot Texas
Meetings and Events Houston
Heather Hamilton-Sims of Simply Jubilee Events
Here are the questions I asked (some of which I found on another web site) and her responses.
1. How many weddings have you planned?
Since I started the company in 2005, I have planned over 100 weddings to date.
2. Can you work within my budget?
I can work with any realistic budget from $5,000 to over $150,000. A realistic budget is when the client and the planner understand the value of their dollars and how far they will spend. If your budget is limited, I always encourage my clients to really prioritize their wants and their needs.
3. What is your fee?
Is it a flat fee, a percentage of the wedding, an hourly rate, etc.? We offer packages based on where you are in the planning process. Those packages can be customized to better suit the client’s needs and are charged as a flat rate. We do offer our services on an hourly basis as well.
4. What is included in your fee — all phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.?
Unlimited communication is included in all of our packages via phone or email during reasonable hours. I do not restrict communication to “business hours” because I deal with national and international clients.
5. Do you get a kickback from vendors?
As a part of my services, we offer our clients savings and value. Any offerings from vendors that we d business with is passed on to the client in an effort to help our clients pay for percentage of our services.
6. Will you work with me and listen to my ideas?
Absolutely! We are here to make sure our client’s wedding is what you envisioned. We do make suggestions regarding design and coordination based on our experiences; however, the final decision belongs to our clients.
7. Will you make a checklist of all the items I need to accomplish?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.
8. Will you create a timeline for the wedding day?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients, unless otherwise requested not to include one. We still make one though even if it is just for us.
9. Do you have an assistant who will work with you at my wedding?
There is always at least one assistant assigned to each wedding.
10. Can you recommend vendors who fit my budget and style?
Yes, we pair our clients with vendors according to their budget, personality and style.
11. What will you take care of — finding vendors? Invitations? Favors?
This is determined by the package our clients select; however, these are things we assist with. We also assist with contract negotiations, etiquette, and graphics (i.e. programs, escort/place cards, menu cards, etc.).
12. Can you get me discounts with vendors?
Discounts are not guaranteed with all of our vendors; however to work to negotiate the best rate possible for what our client needs.
13. Will you review vendor contracts with me?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients, unless otherwise the client customizes a package that does not require this service.
14. Can you help me with etiquette issues that may arise?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.
15. Are you planning other weddings on the same day or weekend as mine?
We only focus on one event per weekend.
16. Can you help me plan the rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch or shower?
Is there an additional cost for these parties? Absolutely! This is included in our all-inclusive package, this element can be added at anytime during the planning process.
17. Will you coordinate with all the vendors the day of the wedding — handling all deliveries and overseeing the set-up?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.
18. Is planning weddings your full-time job?
Yes. I established Simply Jubilee Events in 2005 in Houston, expanded to New Orleans in 2007 and currently seeking to expand to Savannah, GA by 2010.
19. Who will take over for you if for any reason you can’t be at my wedding?
As a member of several special events associations, if one of my staff members can not fill in for me, I am able to seek out one of my partners in the industry to manage the event in my absence.
20. Can I see pictures from weddings you’ve planned?
Select wedding galleries are available for viewing on our website at www.simplyjubilee.com.
21. What will you wear to my wedding?
Professional attire.
22. Will you help me find my wedding dress and attire for the other members of the bridal party?
If requested, we will be happy to assist with this aspect of the wedding.
23. Can you run my rehearsal if my officiant can’t be there?
We sure can. It is not common that an officiant will attend a rehearsal unless they personally know the family or it was requested and paid for by the wedding couple.
24. Do you provide a wedding day emergency kit?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.
25. If I give you payment envelopes, can you pay each of my vendors?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.
26. How much is the deposit I’ll need to leave?
Based on services contracted.
If you have additional questions, you can contact her directly and I’m sure she or her staff will be glad to answer them…