Communication
Q: How do you communicate with the bride and groom? Does phone or email work better?
A: Phone calls, emails and in person appointments.
Q: Who’s the contact person if I have additional questions?
A: The couple will be assigned their own Fairy Godmother.
Planning
Q: Do you offer different package options or is everything customized based on what we’re looking for?
A: No.
Q: How many meetings will we have to discuss details?
A: Usually 6-8 totally appointments.
Q: Will you handle every aspect of our wedding or can we do some things on our own?
A: We welcome our couples to be involved during the entire process.
Q: Can I present a vision for my wedding?
A: Yes we love to have our couples involved in personalizing their wedding.
Q: Does the foundation choose the flower design, table centerpieces, and banquet?
A: No we allow our couples to pick out their flowers and décor. We do have a cap on the cost of the flowers, rentals, cakes, etc.
Q: Will I be able to do cake tasting and choose the design of my cake?
A: This will depend on the cake vendor; our preference is yes that the couple would be allowed to do a cake tasting.
Venue & Vendors
Q: Will I be involved in the meetings with the caterer, locations or other vendors?
A: Yes.
Q: If there are issues with the vendors before, during, or after our wedding, will you handle them or are we responsible?
A: The foundation will handle any and all issues with vendors.
Q:Who chooses the venue?
A: The Fairy Godmother Foundation Board
Q: Can we choose the photographer/videographer?
A: Yes as long as they are on the Wedding Donation List.
Q: Can we meet with potential photographers/videographers so we can look at their portfolios?
A: Yes as long as they are on the Wedding Donation list.
Q. Will I be able to choose my florist, bakery, and catering services from a list of donors?
A: We like to give our couples choices in all categories. Depending on how many wedding professionals that comes forward. For example if we have 5 photographers than the couple will have 5 choices.
Q: Who chooses the DJ?
A: You can choose any DJ from our Wedding Donation List.
Q: Can I have a live band instead of a DJ?
A: Yes at the couple’s expense.
Q: Will you stay on-site after our wedding to make sure everything has been broken down and all vendors have left the location?
A: Yes the entire team will make sure everything has been taken down etc.
Q: Am I expected to tip any of the vendors?
A: This is entirely up to you.
Q: Will you stay on-site after our wedding to make sure everything has been broken down and all vendors have left the location?
A: Yes the entire team will make sure everything has been taken down etc.
Wedding Party & Guests
Q: How many people can I invite?
A: No more than 100 people and this will include the couple and the bridal party.
Q: How many bridesmaids and groomsmen is the normal amount to have?
A: We do not have a cap on this however keep in mind that if you have a larger bridal party the will mean you will have less guests.
Grooming & Attire
Q: What’s the price limit for a dress?
A: Up to $500.00
Q: Does the foundation pay for my shoes?
A: No we do not pay for shoes, accessories, undergarment, veil etc.
Q: Does the foundation cover the groom’s tux?
A: Yes, the foundation will cover the groom’s tux.
Q: Are the bridesmaids dresses included in the free wedding?
A: No.
Q: How many days prior to the wedding should I get the bridesmaids fitted for their dresses?
A: This will be up to the bridal salon.
Q: Does the bride pay for the cost of the bridesmaid’s dresses?
A: Yes the bride or the bridal party.
Q: Will the foundation pay if I decide I want my nails done?
A: No.
Additional Questions
Q: If we choose an outdoor wedding and closer to that date we learn the weather will be terrible, will there be an alternate venue?
A: No. Normally other arrangements are made, for example bringing in a tent.
Q: How many full-scale weddings have you planned?
A: The Fairy Godmother Company has planned more than 300 weddings.
Q: Is the rehearsal dinner paid for by the foundation?
A: No.
Q: Does the foundation provide honeymoon planning?
A: No.
Q: Does the foundation help pay for the honeymoon?
A: No.
Q: Does the foundation pay for the wedding invitations and postage stamps?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you have an emergency kit? (Sewing needle/thread, Tylenol, feminine products…)
A: Yes.
Q: What are the preferred colors for….spring….summer…fall…winter…weddings?
A: Foundation weddings will take place in February and you can choose any colors you would like.
Q: What’s the cost of the average wedding you plan?
A: Because the Wedding Professionals volunteer their product and service we do not divulge this information.
Q: Do you do destination weddings (beach) or does the wedding have to be here in Bakersfield?
A: The weddings must take place in Bakersfield at a venue selected by the Foundation.
Q: Will I have to prepare my own vows?
A: Yes.
Q: How many people from the foundation will be at my wedding?
A: It will depend on which wedding professionals are available.
Q: What items will I have to pay for?
A: All personal items, shoes, jewelry, undergarment items, manicure, pedicure, rehearsal dinner, gifts for your bridal party, hair and make-up for your bridal party. We do not pay for any expenses of your bridal party, bridal shower, or any type of luncheons. Each vendor will have a cap so anything over and above this cap.
Q: How long has the foundation been doing weddings in Bakersfield?
A: The foundation was formed Jan 8, 2014. Fairy Godmother Co June 8, 2010.
Q: Do you provide a contract?
A: Yes.
Q: How many days prior to the wedding do I send save the date and invitations?
A: 4-6 weeks.
