Bluebird Event Destination Management

rst brought my concerns to Meredith, she told me I just didn't understand the contracts. I gave her the opportunity to clarify the contracts, and instead she had her lawyer send me a termination agreement with a non-disparagement clause, so that I wouldn't write a review just like this. High level - she is not upfront about how she makes money as an event planner. The contract states you are paying a flat fee but really she is funneling 4x that amount via contract padding and undisclosed ownership of an overpriced (and very *basic*) event rental company. I say *basic* because buying out Restoration Hardware isn't 'good design', it's just expensive. Anyway, after I learned of the dishonesty and conflicts of interest, and after she sent her lawyer after me, I wanted out of the contract but I did not feel it was right to sign a non-disparagement agreement, which would allow her to sue me if I ever said anything badly about her. When I had told her I didn't feel I needed to sign anything, she told me she has "been through this many times with clients" and they never had a problem signing a non-disparagement agreement -- revealing that she has been through this (and caught) time and time again. Not the stress you need when planning a wedding! Fortunately, after I explained to her lawyer that I had documented everything (and after he berated and screamed at me for a bit), he finally advised her to return the deposit, I imagine because he realized the writing was on the wall. In addition to her dishonesty, the biggest issue with Meredith is that she isn't a good functional planner, she only wants to do the 'fun' stuff. She refuses to put a budget together, and prefers to max out costs (mostly on her own event rentals) by having you "dream big" and then she makes you feel cheap for pulling back anywhere. I've seen this in countless reviews and wish I had taken it more seriously. It took me months of begging to finally receive a draft budget, and when she finally provided an *incomplete* budget, it was already 150% overbudget. That's unacceptable. If I wanted to run-up a bill I can do that on my own! As a remedy, she suggested I remove the programs from the ceremony, as if that was the issue and not her grossly overpriced rentals or kickbacks she was giving herself across the board. As an example, we had a tent at our wedding which required a generator. The generator costs $800, and she charged us $2,000. She did this on nearly every line item. There should be no hidden upcharges when you're paying your planner a flat fee, or else they should be disclosed upfront. After firing Meredith and finding another wedding planner (better taste, better personality, and we came out with a much more beautiful and unique wedding - check out The Gatherist!), magically the costs came down, even where no changes were made. I know this sounds like an angry review, and trust me I was incredibly angry at the time, but I hope you are able to take it in earnest because I wish I had done better research before hiring her. With her, you will spend more to get less. While capable of running an event, at the end of the day she's also a scammer who likes to think of herself as being something different/bigger than she is. Listen to her voice and you can hear it.

wedding. We had consistent communication when we needed to and were able to meet up a few times in person to go over more details (we’re from out of state). I also loved that Meredith held a table Mock Up so we could alter any designs to make sure our decor was perfect! Thank you again Meredith & Bluebird!!