Looking to sue my event planner. Would you?

I would definitely take her to court. Sorry this happened to you and hope you can get it resolved. Best of luck.

If you sue you pretty much need evidence such as signed contracts and some sort of evidence to show that contractual elements were not done or were done insufficiently. Also, the guilty parties may have to be included in the lawsuit where each party has potential contribution to the problem.

All this is outrageous. I definitely would. Seems to me there are a number of things on that distressing list that you can prove with the contract, photos, text messages, emails, witnesses or statements. I'm very sorry this happened.

Ugh. That’s terrible. It definitely sounds as though she did not fulfill the duty she promised. I will say, when it comes to court, the only things you’re going to have a case on are concrete items that you can definitively prove. So for example, if the contract (signed by both you and her) states that she will provide cleanup services after the reception, you can easily prove she did not provide that contracted service since the venue charged you the cleanup fee. I would go through every item she did not properly deliver on, and determine how you can concretely prove it. Unfortunately, when you take someone to court/sue them, the burden of proof falls on your shoulders. So if you decide to go that route, make sure you have all the documentation in order. I don’t know if you’re planning on going to small claims court, or getting a lawyer. If you get a lawyer, definitely consult with them about text messages. I know a lot of courts won’t give much weight to them. I’m so sorry this was your experience, and I hope you get your money back!

It's concerning that she won't show you proof of the increase in costs. And it sounds like she didn't do much of what she promised. Did you have all of these things listed in your contract with her? Courts will definitely want proof of what was promised, and your legally binding contract is the first place to start. Any texts, emails, and voicemails that discuss items you agreed on, as well as photos showing what you actually received (messy venue, different cake, different backdrop, etc) are great for supporting your claim too. Sorry to hear that all this happened! I hope you're able to get your money back!

Absolutely sue.

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That reminds me. It can help to list everything that went wrong under the planner's supervision. That can put pressure on the planner to settle. However, if you do a small claims case, evidence would be needed that is sufficient to support enough items to make win a decent decision, if the case continued to that point.

You used one person for catering, cake, set-up, decor and take down and bar staffing and there was no detailed contract? Download your text messages for paper trail and court, and hire certified and vetted vendors next time. Congratulations on your marriage, you made it.

I would go to the rental company and the butcher shop myself and see what she ordered/paid for. If they won't provide to you, get it subpoenaed.

Did you hire her for the entire planning or partial planning? Either way, Im so sorry! I would consider the legal costs if you go that route. See if you can maybe give a bad review to the venue and just the spread the word of your experience. Hurt her business.

Usually with small claims, as person prepares the case without having a lawyer in court. It can be possible to get a paralegal or lawyer prepare the initial case paperwork. There also may be additional filings required. And if settled without a decision, you could have a settlement agreement saying you can post negative reviews with issues raised in court. That makes it less risky posting a negative review. It should be noted that the planner could likely settle the case instead of getting a court decision against her.

I’d sue her for sure. NONE of that was acceptable. 10/4 bride here, so sorry for this to happen to you on your day!

Try to get a refund first. Have a paper trail of all documentation and agreements. If that doesn’t work, contact the local news stations’ consumer reports advocates and your state attorney general, both of which it’s their job to act on your behalf after you have done your part to fix the situation. Then write an honest review on all platforms (not TheKnot which removes reviews at the vendor’s request) to warn all future couples from using the vendor. Yelp and Google don’t allow the vendor to dispute and remove the reviews.

You can take her to small claims court - but it costs money to file & serve paperwork. I’m not a lawyer but I could imagine if you have evidence and can find this person you could sue for cost and emotional damages. But this person seems shifty so it might be difficult.

Hello, Whitney. I am so sorry about your experience! Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Such a lovely time of year to get married. I was married on my birthday, May 11, 2024. You need to take those text messages and the contract and seek legal counsel to get back some of your money. That's crazy! This woman needs to be held accountable for what was not honored and delivered. I not only wish you success with the situation but I wish you a very long and happy marriage❤️