I was just reminded of one of my favorite past posts on this blog:
March 14, 2007: The OTHER Kind of Advice
It's a must-read for anyone still interviewing vendors, and also anyone who appreciates my depraved, dry humor.
Add to this, though, the "Real Simple" guide to "Questions to Ask Your Wedding Planner" as brought to our attention by a sharp colleague, and I can reasonably announce that new depths have been attained by otherwise conscientious publishers.
Incidentally, Real Simple Weddings is one of my favorite bridal magazines, and I'm a fan of their regular magazine as well. But it must have been some SERIOUS tired eyes that let this through as "good advice":
#6 of 10: How do you handle dicey situations? For example, how aggressively do you negotiate? How would you handle something like a groom with a broken leg?
Hmmm...well, from my Med-School days I think I'd evaluate for a compound-fracture, see if there was any blood - set it, x-ray it? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Could it happen? SURE. I've had a 90+ grandmother need emergency (911-style) attention. I've had a tiny toddler have her hand pulverized in a door needing the attention of an EMT/guest who was (thankfully) close by. I've carried specially-requested snacks for diabetic clients and clients with dietary needs that were critical to their health. I carry an absurdly extensive emergency kit.
Are you telling me that given 10 questions you might ask me during an initial consultation, that my response to "how would you handle something like a groom with a broken leg" is going to either make or break your confidence in me? You have what amounts to an hour to figure out if I am experienced, honest, creative, well-connected - even if I'm going anywhere (like Alaska to stay) before your wedding. I'm HOPING that you use your time more wisely than to glean whether or not I have a plan for a groom with a broken leg.
If it IS important to you (or you happen to be marrying someone with a broken leg, in which case, I of course apologize profusely and with some measure of exaggeration), I'll answer it for you now. If the groom has a broken leg PRIOR to the wedding, I'll be glad to make sure his crutches are nearby and ask if he'd like to sit during the ceremony. I'll find out how he wants to handle the first dance, I'll arrange a receiving line if he really wants one...in other words, I'll act logically and conscientously and get you through the day. HOPEFULLY once you've met with me and asked me a series of really insightful and important questions, you'll know that already.
And if he breaks his leg on my watch...first of all, not allowed, I hate paperwork (kidding!)...then I'll make sure he gets the medical attention he needs and I'll keep your guests calm. Again - I happen to be a professional. Expect no less.
I'll only kick a crutch out from under him if he plays the "I think I lost the ring" game that some of the guys think is just SO funny to use on their coordinator. Try me.
Moral of the story - planning a wedding is not your carte blanche opportunity to check your brain and let the clearly overworked editors of popular publications ruin your credibility by filling your head with nonsense and drivel. THINK for yourselves, remember and expect the vendors you interview to act like (and be) professionals. Approach us with respect, and you should see that we return it 10-fold (at least).
Rant over - Happy Planning!
Shayna
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