I'm ready to book. What's next?
If you're ready to book, please reach out to me at events@robyndiane.com or via my contact page. Please include the type of event, date of event, and the best way to contact you. From here, I typically like to schedule a phone call to go over the details of your event and what you're looking for from me as your event planner. Once we come to an agreement, I will send over a contract and payment information to make a deposit to confirm your event date.
What type of events does Robyn Diane Events do?
Robyn Diane Events has been involved in many types of events over the years. This includes, but is not limited to: weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, corporate events, conferences, and team building. You can see more info about each type of event under the services section of my website. Don't see your exact event on the list? I'd still love to discuss it with you!
Where are you located?
I am located in Redwood City, California, which is about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose on the peninsula. I work out of a home office, but my mailing address is 364 Woodside Road #610045, Redwood City, CA 94061.
What areas do you serve?
I do events around the entire San Francisco Bay Area. I'm happy to travel depending on where your event is located. I have done events as far as Carmel to the south, Petaluma to the north, and Winters to the northeast.
How long have you been in business?
I have been doing events professionally since 2009; however, I started doing events on my own in 2014 and from there Robyn Diane Events was born.
What is the best way to contact you?
I can be contacted via email at events@robyndiane.com or reached by phone or text at (925) 517-3226. If you're a new client, I prefer to be contacted via email to start, so we can set up a call time instead of playing phone tag. You can also use my contact form as your message is emailed to the address above.
I have a date set for my wedding or event. How do I know if you're available?
To check my availability, visit my calendar page. I try to keep my calendar as updated as possible as I book new events.
What's the difference between an event or wedding planner and a coordinator?
An event or wedding planner is directly involved in the planning process. A planner makes decisions such as where to host the event, the menu, the entertainment, the decor, and more. They are also involved in budgeting as well as comparing and selecting vendors based on what they offer, their price, and their reviews.
An event or wedding coordinator typically steps in after the planning process is completed. The coordinator's job is to make sure the vision of the planner becomes a reality. They take care of the logistics of the day, making sure things go smoothly before, during, and after the event.
Whether you're looking for a planner or a coordinator or a little bit of both, Robyn Diane Events can help!
Can you help me find an event or wedding venue?
Yes, I can absolutely assist you in finding the right venue for your event type, size, location, and budget.
Can you help me find vendors for my event or wedding?
Yes, I can help find any vendors you need for your event. This may include, but is not limited to: rentals, florists, caterers, bakeries, photographers, videographers, photo booths, DJs, live bands, musicians, entertainers, magicians, and more.
Can you help me with my guest list, invitations, and RSVPs?
Yes, I can help with all three of these things. Putting together your guest list can be one of the most difficult parts of the planning process - especially for weddings. Although you will still be the primary decision maker in this process - since they are your guests - I can help go over your list with you.
For invitations, I can help you pick out the right type of invitation, design, and wording. I can also help keep track of your RSVPs.
Is your business LGBT friendly?
Yes, absolutely! Love is love and I love celebrating love!
Can you perform my wedding ceremony?
Yes, I am an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church for the State of California.
I only need help planning or coordinating my wedding reception. Is that something you do?
Yes, if you only need help with either just your ceremony or just your reception, I would love to work with you.
Do I have to have my ceremony and reception in the same location?
No, many couples choose to have their ceremony and reception in different locations. Although it can be easier to use the same location for both, it’s important to choose the right location - or locations - for you. If you are doing your wedding ceremony and reception at different locations, you will want to consider the timing. It’s best not to leave too much time between your ceremony and reception; however, you will need to take into account travel time - and don’t forget building in time for pictures after your ceremony.
Do I have to follow all of the wedding traditions?
No, I have always considered wedding traditions to be more guidelines than requirements. Besides, there are a ton of different wedding traditions from around the world and it’d be impossible to do all of them in one wedding! I recommend taking a look at the many wedding traditions and figuring out which ones are right for your wedding. Each wedding is unique and should reflect you as a couple.
Do I have to have a wedding party?
No, you certainly don’t have to have a wedding party. When it comes to wedding parties, you should do what’s best for you and your wedding. There are many options for you to consider: no wedding party, only best man and/or maid of honor, no best man or maid of honor, multiple best men and maids of honor, mixed gender wedding parties, and more. You can also choose to have your wedding party sit instead of standing.
What is the typical order to walk down the aisle?
Based on tradition, the bride’s mother’s entrance typically marks the beginning of the ceremony processional. She can be escorted down the aisle by someone or walk down on her own, typically taking a seat in the first row on the left. Of course, she may also choose to escort her daughter down the aisle, which is typically done in Jewish ceremonies, but can be done in any ceremony if you so choose.
Next comes the groom. The groom can choose to walk down the aisle or simply already be up at the altar before the procession starts. If he is walking down the aisle, he can walk by himself, or with his parents or a parent, or someone else that is special to him.
The wedding party will come down the aisle next if there is one. They can either enter in pairs or one by one in groups - groom’s party first, then bride’s party. The best man and maid of honor walk down the aisle last for the group.
Following the wedding party are the ring bearers and flower girls. The ring bearers should give the rings to the best man and the maid of honor once they reach the altar. The flower girls will go in front of the bride and spread petals down the aisle for her.
Last, the bride and her father will walk down the aisle. Often, the music will change to a different song for the bride and her father. Of course, the bride can also walk down with both parents, someone else that is special to her, or even on her own. Though it's not typically done, the bride and groom can also choose to walk down the aisle together.
For same-sex weddings, the couple can choose to walk down the aisle with one or both of their parents, someone special, or on their own. They can also choose to walk down the aisle together as a couple. In any case, both grooms or both brides would go towards the end of the procession.
The wedding officiant should already be up at the altar before the processional begins, though you can certainly choose to have them walk down the aisle as well if you want. In that case, they would start the processional.
Obviously each wedding - and each couple - is unique, so the ceremony processional can be completely customized. I'd be happy to work with you on exactly how best to get everyone down the aisle.
Who is supposed to give a toast?
Traditionally, toasts are given by the couple’s parents, the best man, the maid of honor, and sometimes the couple with either the parents or the best man typically giving the first toast. Of course as with any tradition, who gives a toast depends on the wedding and the couple. When it comes to toasts, my recommendation is to decide who will be giving toasts ahead of time, make sure you confirm with each person, and remind them to not make their toast too long. One to two minutes per person is ideal and it’s best not to have any surprises with toasts - for you or them!
Do I need a wedding website?
No, having a wedding website is certainly not a requirement; however, it can be a great tool to provide guests with information about your wedding. This can include details about the location, timing, and dress code. Plus, you can also direct people to your wedding registry, provide information about accommodations, feature your wedding party, and share your story and photos with your guests. Creating your website doesn’t have to be difficult. There are some great free and easy options from Wedding Wire, The Knot, Minted, and more.
Do I have to send out save the dates?
Save the dates are a good way to announce your wedding to guests, especially if you are doing a destination wedding or having a long engagement. For destination weddings, save the dates are usually sent 8-12 months in advance. For more local weddings, they are sent 4-6 months in advance. If you are doing a local wedding, but will have guests from out of town, save the dates are definitely something to consider.
When should I send out my wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations are typically sent out about eight weeks before your wedding. Wedding invitations should include a response card asking your guests to RSVP by a date approximately three weeks prior to your wedding. Your response card should already be addressed and stamped and don’t forget to include information about meal choices if necessary.
What do I need to include in my wedding invitations?
In addition to including your and your fiance’s names, you also need to make sure to include the date, time, and location of your ceremony and reception. You should also include information about your wedding’s dress code and how and when to RSVP. If you have a wedding website, you should include that as a resource for more information. If you don’t have a wedding website, you may want to consider including maps to your ceremony and reception, accommodation and transportation information, and any other details your guests will need.
Can I have guests RSVP on my wedding website?
Yes, having guests RSVP on your wedding website is a great option. The only thing you may want to consider is whether older guests will be comfortable RSVPing in this manner. For those that you aren’t sure about, it is best to sent a response card with their invitation, so they have the option to RSVP the traditional way.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, I require a non-refundable 50% deposit upon receipt of my contract. Then, the other 50% is due prior to your event.
What type of payment do you accept?
I accept payment through PayPal, Square, Venmo, cash, or check. After I receive your signed digital contract, I will send you payment information based on what you selected as your preferred method.