Advice please!

I would be asking her for written confirmation that she has had and banked the cheque but would also be getting your mum to request a copy of the cheque from her bank as further proof.

Are you questioning her ability for on the day as well or are you confident re that?

Oh dear - not very professional at all!

have you seen her work first hand at all? If not, I would ask to see a wedding she is dressing well in advance - like, asap - which you, as a client, are perfectly entitled to do (assuming she's local to you and does local weddings you could easily get to the venue??)

TBH, that attitude and approach/lack of interest in how she presents herself to clients would raise alarm bells to me - both as an ex-bride and a wedding supplier. You don't want to be having to hassle her all the way thru' this to make sure things are going to be done - and she doesn't seem overly interested in customer service either. She might have just been having an off day, or be very pressured with the wedding season at the moment, but you can't have 'off days' when your clients are in front of you/on the phone - whatever. Regardless of what is going on.

I'd cull I think and start again ... might cost a bit more but ... I just wouldn't want that 'will she won't she' thing hanging over me ... not for your venue dressing. If you've gone to the trouble of finding a venue dresser, then to you its an important part of your day.

Let us know what you decide! And if you do cull her, tell her why - she should be aware of her failings!!

After reading Moya and Sapphire Blue's horror stories about TOGs, I'm very inclined to say you should cut your losses and look elsewhere. She sounds unprofessional at best and I reckon she will cause you more headaches than it's worth to keep her on.

Your mum should be able to check with the bank and find out if the cheque has been cashed. If it hasn't I would cancel this woman and find someone else. If it has then you may have to negotiate with her for a refund - you can give her any excuse you like really.

I have to ask, if you weren't impressed when you met her why did you go ahead? We had a similar experience with a builder recently, we got 'apathy' vibes from the guy, so we rejected him before we even got his quote.

Otherwise it's not unusual so for someone to go quiet if you've still got ages - I've not heard from my venue since I booked a year ago, but I've still got a year to go.

Thanks ladies. I thought you might say that!

I've seen pictures of our venue being decorated by her and it all looks really good, thats what made me want to go with her. It just seems now she has us on board she cant be bothered and its worrying me!

Im going to email her again and give her one last shot but im not sure what to say. Anyone any ideas?? If she doesnt get back to me or her attitude still stinks then i will go elsewhere. I dont want to have to worry about her when she should be helping to make my day easier!

x

You could speak to your venue about her as well - see how she's been with previous weddings she's done? As far as reliability, and whether they know of couples who've found her frustrating?

And I'd be honest with her - call her up maybe, or email if thats easier and say its all been a bit airy fairy about this cheque and its not really giving you a huge amount of confidence, and you are a bit nervous that her rather laid back approach is going to cause you concern, even if its not necessary!

I suppose there are uber laid back suppliers out there, and it doesn't mean they're not good @ their job, but with money you have to be on top of your game for your own sanity! I couldn't run my accounts like that! I would absolutely expect anyone I'd paid money to, to be able to tell me whether they had it or not! And given she'd asked to see you, and then sat there in her sloppy jo's - no excuse. If I had clients coming to the house it would be devoid of mess, cats, usually husband, and I would be presentable! Even if they were only coming for a quick check on something.

Her attitude will either be shirty and then you know she's not the right dresser for you, or she'll apologise and make amends.

Someone said its not surprising for suppliers to go quiet if you have months before the event - well, I beg to differ a little. I had a client book me in Sept 08 for an April 2010 wedding, and I kept in touch with them throughout the period - even tho I wouldn't start their invitations for over a year, and then do the rest of their order thru' to the April. Even just a 'hi, hows it all going, hows the planning going' type thing. Doesn't do your customer relations any harm, makes the couple feel like you give a shyte, and usuallly helps you build up a much better relationship with your clients. Venues may be different - they have so many couples in their diary - but smaller suppliers/companies - doesn't do any harm to keep in touch! Part of the service in my book!

Mrs SP - what's your website? I can't seem to find it on your profile. I want to have a nose (I definitely want a back up plan if I do *** up my invitations!). Sounds to me like you have your customer service levels sorted perfectly. It's nice for people to keep in touch, even if it's just to say you'll be in touch more substantially nearer the time.

I emailed her and said her lack of communication and not giving me a definite answer is making me feel very nervous and im now unsure if i can rely on her on my wedding day.

I've asked her to get back to me so hopefully she will. If she doesnt i'll just need to cut my losses!

Thanks again x

Thats the quickest she's ever replied to me!

She said she contacted me to tell me she recieved the cheque ok and shes sorry for any inconvenience caused.

I still dont feel very confident but i'll need to just see how things go x