THE BRIEF
Allira & Riley came to me in mid July 2024 just a narrow 6 WEEKS before their big day! They had booked most things but were running out of time quickly and didn’t know what to do to be able to get the final details sorted. Both working full time and Allira having taken on additional training and responsibilities in a colleagues absence saying they were stressed is an understatement.
They needed someone to come in to not only run their day flawlessly but assist them with their final styling elements, vendors and guidance on final steps to ensure everything was on track!
THE PROBLEM
Stress, overwhelm, lack of time and a remaining budget of roughly $3500-4000.
Overall budget for the wedding was $30,000 total – due to this and self planning unfortunately Allira & Riley had chosen the cheapest possible DJ and photographer without properly vetting them. This lead to issues on the day despite my follow ups 4 weeks, 2 weeks and 1 week prior.
Both these vendors had terrible communication.
The photographer when amending the timeline refused to stay past 8pm because “he had to be up early” meaning although they were happy to pay to extend the package they missed out on alot of dancefloor photos.
Both vendors were late on the day – a particular issue for the photographer being late to the residence of the girls by 25 minutes meaning the girls didn’t get any photos in their pyjamas and were rushed getting to the venue.
The photographer was not good at guiding when it came to family photos or group.
The DJ was so rude the Bride and Groom themselves were scared to go up and ask him to change the song.
THE SOLUTION
You should never feel uncomfortable with ANY of your vendors!
So on the day although these vendors were booked and I didn’t realise how bad it was until too late I did my best to mitigate the issues:
I dealt with the DJ direct to ask to change songs on the Bridal Parties behalf.
I had a nominated POC (point of contact) in each side of the bridal party to notify me if the photographer was late which meant whilst styling the venue I was able to let them know to hold off or get dressed etc.
I grabbed the microphone and helped gather the crowd and family for photos.
Through my vendor network I was able to find the styling elements they needed within the short timeframe and budget and deliver the vision they wanted.
I took the stress away by including a rehearsal to ease nerves of the bridal party.
And ultimately everyone including the family enjoyed the majority of the evening. I was even there to pack up everything for them making it easy for the family when leaving the venue.
THE VENDORS
Styling & OTDC: Events With Amie
Venue: No1 Events Malvern
Celebrant: Sam Lavery Celebrant
Cake: Brunetti Classico
Floral Backdrop & Aisle arrangements: Botanical Theory
Menus & Place cards: Officeworks Self Printing
HMUA: Allira’s Sister Tiff
Seating Chart & Welcome Sign: Paperlust
Audio Guestbook: Off The Hook
Photographer & DJ unnamed for obvious reasons (do not recommend)
THE COST
Events With Amie OTDC+Styling
Florals, Signage, Delivery, GST
All remaining elements required for simple styling when booked
Total Spent $3450
Photos & Imagery: Amie Laiyton – Events With Amie (Personal Content)
THE FEEDBACK