Perchance to Dream Events

Dear Nicole, I am very surprised about this review as you said nothing to me during or after the party with being this disappointed with my work. Please allow me to personally address the issues you mentioned. Regarding the decorations. I scheduled an additional person to assist with set up but they had a family emergency and were not able to make it so set up ran into guest arrival time and I did not think it would look professional hanging the remaining decor as her guest arrived. In addition, as I explained as soon as you arrived, I had an unforeseen issue with the helium tank I rented and was not able to blow up the balloons for the name arch. I will be happy to refund you 50% the cost of the decor. Regarding the other items, as we discussed in a previous conversation when you called to tell me you purchased the dinnerware, utensils, napkins, and cups that you found at a lower cost, the costs I quoted for you were for items purchased in bulk from Party City as to ensure there were enough for the evening. You chose to purchase the items on your own without speaking with me to find out why the costs were slightly higher. As to the candy, you also chose to purchase that on your own because your daughter couldn't decide what candy she wanted and you said it would be easier to let her pick and purchase it herself. The same goes for the invitations. I went over invitations with you and your daughter, she chose the more expensive invite with the picture then couldn't decide on a picture and went on the website herself and chose something else which you purchased on your own and told me after. For the items you purchased for the children's table, you brought those items to me at the venue as we were setting up. Originally it was just going to be favor bags but you brought much more than that. I did put the favor bags out but as I wanted to make sure I had everything else completed for your daughter I didn't have time to set up the other items. Regarding the vendors, when you hired me you already had the DJ and photographer you wanted to book. I offered to speak to them on your behalf but, once again, you chose to do so yourself because it was easier. I referred and negotiated the price for the limo service that was hired. I also referred several caterers, one of which you did use. The others you chose on your own because your daughter wanted particular items from them. The cake error I take full responsibility for as I didn't check the cake as well as I should have. I apologized profusely to you and your daughter and was able to somewhat rectify the issue by removing the name ribbon without damaging the cake. In addressing your fall, no one was laughing at you. My assistant (not my sister) didn't even see you fall until she saw me rush over to assist you up. I didn't say it was from anything leaking, I told you it was from kids spilling things as they filled their cups and dripping when they took the water bottles from the ice. I had been back and forth most of the night cleaning so that no one fell. We both showed sincere concern for your well-being and offered to get you ice which you declined. Regarding the food, I explained to you as we were setting the food out that the venue only gave us two six foot tables and a small square table to set up all the food and beverages. There was not enough room to put all of the racks and trays out so I put two extra trays behind the bar with the intention of refilling as the food was eaten to avoid overcrowding the tables. There was no intention to hide or waste any food which is why I told you what I did. The punch was grape punch, lemonade and Sprite and I did my best to make it purple but it was more of a dark pink. I gave a cup to your daughter for her approval before I served it and she was fine with it. Regarding the t-shirt, I left the shirt and markers at your daughter's table. Lastly, my assistant and I worked from our arrival at the venue at 2:30 pm until we finished cleaning the venue at 12:30 am. That time included setting up the tables and chairs as the venue didn't do it, setting up the food tables, keeping the area clean, refilling beverages, handing out the additional favors you supplied and picking up plates and cleaning tables. We sat down for a few minutes at a time but not for any extended periods. I didn't even take time to eat as I wanted to ensure things were taken care of. When it came time to clean up I didn't ask anyone to clean up table and chair covers. I took the garbage out and came back to find them already doing it. I told them they didn't have to do it, but they continued to do so. My expectation was that my assistant and I would clean up and break down. I didn't ask or tell anyone to do any of the things they did. I'm sorry you were not satisfied with my services and that you didn't feel you could address the issues the night of the event. Other than the fact I was down a helper, I kept you apprised of everything prior to and during the event. I am a professional with strict business ethics and not out to pocket any client's money. I even tried to assist with keeping you within a reasonable budget by renting you linen from my own supply at half the cost of what you would've paid from a rental company. I included the chair covers at no additional cost. I made several recommendations on items, all within reasonable cost and you made decisions and moved forward with them on your own and notified me after it was done. I did all that I could to ensure your daughter had an enjoyable Sweet 16, which she told me she did, I'm sorry you don't feel the same. Please feel free to call me directly to discuss further.