Hiring A Decorator
By Katherine Taylor, designer & decorator of
Taylor-Made Memories
905-545-8383
www.taylormadememories.ca,
taylors@sympatico.ca
A Brides Vision
I saw these awesome ideas in Martha Stewart, and at my
friends' wedding, they had this ceiling draping with lights. The head table and cake table
was all lit up with beautiful sheer fabrics and really nice clusters of bows and flowers,
and a pretty backdrop behind the head table with lots of lights and greens and flowers;
even the chair covers had sashes that matched the head table decorating. That's what I
want, only in mauve.
 I love doing that sort of thing; it's so
much fun. I'll just buy all the things (I know some great dollar stores), then, I'll just
get the wedding party, family & friends, go into the hall the day before and show them
how I want it, and let them go to it. I'll get the wedding party, and our parents to take
it all down after the wedding, they won't mind.
A Brides Reality
How come I can't find the things I need? Wow! I never
thought it would cost so much. I didn't realize I needed so much material and things to do
all this. Oh! I have to remember to buy extension cords. I hope the wedding party knows
what I'm talking about. Some of them are not very creative. I'm sure they'll be able to
get the time off work on that Friday. I wonder how I attach that ceiling thing? I hope
everybody isn't too tired or drunk to take it all down. I wonder what I'll do with all
this stuff afterwards? What!!! I can't get into the hall on Friday, What am I going to do?
Saturday, we will all be getting our hair done and the photographer is coming at 1:00.
p.m. - OH my God, what did I get myself into - what was I thinking, this is too much
stress.
Solution - Hire a decorator
A good decorator will respond to your call quickly and
set up a meeting either at your house, at their place of business or your venue to consult
with you to determine your vision for your perfect day. She or he will offer options to
customize your decorating to match your style and taste -and helpful tips on getting the
most for your money.
You should expect to see a portfolio of the decorating
done for other clients and a list of references that you can contact. A good decorator
will do a site inspection to determine what will work and not work and take necessary
measurements. Be sure to give the decorator a contact name at the venue to obtain answers
to the following questions: when can it be decorated? When does it have to be torn down?
Are there any safety restrictions such as open candle flame and electrical cords etc.
Be sure to get a proper contract itemizing each item and
price, outlining the payment schedule and cancellation policy.
Remember! This contract protects you.
A good decorator returns phone calls promptly during the
planning process for your questions or concerns and is respectful of your time; arrives on
time prepared with all items, equipment, experience, knowledge and staff required for
completing the job; uses their time effectively; and if time restraints are a factor,
hires additional staff to assist the designer in completing the job. A good decorator will
have the décor completed long before the guests arrive.
No preparation, tear down work should be seen by the
Bride and Groom or their guests. The decorator should provide an emergency # just in case
during set-up and wedding day times. The only thing a Bride and Groom are responsible for
is to walk into a beautifully decorated reception hall and gasp with delight when they see
their vision become a reality.
And finally, when your beautiful celebration comes to and
end, you and your groom, the wedding party, family and guests can leave with just the
memory of a wonderful day. The decorator and the crew arrive to tear it all down and
remove. |
