Hiring a personal assistant for the wedding weekend - from craigslist

I hired my DOC from Craigslist, but I set out some hard core rules - all of which I've broken - up front. I told her how much I was going to pay. What I expected of her and what hours I would need her. None of that has come to fruition, but it set the stage so I didn't get ripped off. I'm now paying her almost double her initial fee (at my insistence) and she is doing a whole lot more than I initially though she would have to. She's the best and I'm so stinking lucky I found her. All good, all around. Read the posts carefully, you can usually read through the bullshit.

I personally would not use anyone from Craigslist unless they had an official website and I spoke with some of their previous clients. In my area everything on Craigslist seems super-shady. Good luck!

Thanks for chiming in, Karen. Sorry for the ignorance, but what is a DOC? Also, how did you go about finding her? Did you put up an ad or search through those that had posted their services?

I would be careful sometimes you think they are going to help you and they just make a mess making you regret having hired them in the first place. Also make sure she has a website because Craigslist is full of fakes.

I wouldn't use any vendor that didn't offer me a contract. Without a contract they can take the money and never show up and in court you don't have a leg to stand on.

Try Thumbtack.com. I've had good luck with them and was able to find a great caterer when google couldn't help.

DOC = Day of Coordinator

Whenever I hear of people buying stuff (or finding services) off of Craig's List, I always think of the Craig's List Killer.

I agree with the contract moments above - whoever you find, be it from Craig's List, Thumbtack, Facebook, get a contract.

Me too @erica!

Yes, definitely get a contract - and having a website helps.

Hahah Mrs. Matthews - glad I'm not the only one! I've never bought anything off of Craig's List for that reason (usually I'm not paranoid, but…).

I just hired a girl that I work with to be my assistant or 'personal DOC' as the venue has a DOC. We are not close as she is new at work, (so she wouldn't expect an invite) but she is competent add loves weddings, so I asked her if she wanted to help. She is thrilled and I am relieved so it's a win-win

Thanks for all of the tips ladies! I doubt anyone from craigslist would have a website or provide a contract, because they are not vendors, just individuals. That's just the nature of craigslist.

I could, however, draw up my own contract and only agree to pay half upfront and half upon completion. The venue also requires a copy of all vendors identification since it is a private country club.

Well I have found quite a few vendors on Craigslist that have websites and offer contracts. I don't know if for a DOC it works the same but be careful I've heard stories of people taking the money and never showing up it really is not worth it, your better off assigning a family member to help you. I got scammed on Craigslist with some concert tickets and ever since then I don't want to know about buying anything through Craigslist.

Update - have talked to a few promising potentials. I think this is going to work out.