Complaint Review: Anastasia Stevenson - Sweet Dreams Designs Savannah GA - Savannah Georgia

I just needed to clarify that $9000 was not a fee paid to me to "be their wedding planner" $9000. included their non -refundable deposits to the City for their permit, the restaurant for their reception, the rental company for their rentals of arch, chairs, covers, sashes and decor, their florist, their Baker and the officiant and staff for their event. $1000. was paid to me , for work that I did for them to source and hire the above vendors and plan their entire wedding, which I did. My fee is also non-refundable and standard practice in the wedding industry.

This post is extremelt unfair and does not relay the facts accurately. I only received $1000. and was paid for work that I did. As a planner, the work that we do is accomplished months before the actual date.They cancelled less than 90 days before their event and all of the 9 other vendors kept their non-refundable fees, which was the bulk of money that she paid. They did so because in such a short time frame before the date they could not book another event and would have lost income . Flowers were ordered, everything reserved and held for them in good faith. We do sympathize with her plight,, however, just like everyone else, we and all wedding vendors shoudl be compensated for teh work done and time and effort spent and dates held and things reserved in good faith for them.

It is unfortunate that on the internet, there is no one to make sure that both sides of the story are shown and that all participants are truthful and forthcoming. It is very sad that the wedding was canceled 2 1/2 months before their date.My heart did feel for the bride.However, my feelings are not the only interest to be determined here. I have many other people that are affected by this and must be considered. Our policies are very clearly stated on our website http://www.savannahweddingdesign.com/savannahweddingpolicy.htm As well as in our contract that my client, the bride, not her mother who has written this outrageously negative review, signed. We began planning this event in January 2007 It was canceled in late June 2007. The wedding was to be in August. For 6 months, we turned away other clients that wanted that date. Business, that we lost, because we were honoring our commitment for the event. We entered into an agreement. Deposits were paid to many vendors, venue, permits paid for. Flowers ordered. Brides plan for a year before their date. We could not book another bride in only 2 1/2 months! Is that fair, after all of the meetings, emails, phone calls, budgeting,vendor scheduling & planning for six months, To not be paid at all? Not to mention that another client would have honored their end of the agreement and we would have been paid, as well as all vendors, in full. This is standard practice in the Industry.if they had canceled even 6 months before the date, we may have been able to fill that slot , thus making up for the lost income. This is a business and I have a responsibility to my vendors and staff to honor the commitments with them! When a bride cancels, everyone loses out- the caterers, baker, florists, staff, DJ's, rental companies- have all held that date in good faith and turned away business - they depend on the clients to go through with their event so they can make their living. Canceling 2 1/2 months before a date is unfair to all of us. That is why the deposits are non-refundable. I also require wedding insurance that covers the bride's deposits in case they have to cancel due to illness or other reasons. The family could have pursued that option to recover their deposit. I am sorry that they could not have the wedding. I did tell the bride that they could postpone it , and or even have a party! at a later date, however, our deposits are non refundable. I am not a thief for honoring the business agreement that was broken by this client. Please view my policies page to see that we do not in any way hide or mislead our clients about our policies. They are very aware when they hire us. Thank you for your understanding and attention. Anastasia Stevenson