frequently asked questions
From booking our wedding planning services to our bespoke processes and the technical things of our party hire items, you’ll most likely find the answers to your urgent questions below. Don’t forget you can also find a full walk through of our on-boarding processes here and preices on our packages page.
Weddings FAQ
How do we book?
This makes us really excited. And its really easy... fill out our quick enquiry form and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as to get started.
When is the best time to book?
Head to the intended package page for most updated information based on booking times:
Do you work on all types of weddings?
Absolutely, with our trusted and experienced wedding coordinators, you can take us anywhere. For wedding planning however, we do focus on weddings for under 150 guests. But through us an incredible wedding theme and you may have us begging to be a part.
Do you work abroad?
Our focus is on cool London weddings but we love a destination wedding to start off our bucket list.... Johannesburg or Cape Town?
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We work with couples mainly that live internationally but want to wed in the UK.
Can I pay in installments?
Each service allows for installments which are discussed at our consultation to suit your monthly outgoings already prioritised.
How can I pay?
We accept payments through BACS once we send through our invoice and contract for review.
Can we book you for our wedding this year?
Absolutely...we have great availability for November & December 2022. Pop us an email today to find out.
Do you have a contract for your services?
We absolutely do! No booking is commenced without a signed contract.
Are you insured?
We absolutely are! For planning & on the day management. We have it all.
What wedding venues have you worked at before?
Grand Connaught Rooms, De Vere Selsdon, Stanley Arts, Core Clapton, Dulwich College, Oakley House, RSA House, Morden Hall, Trinity Buoy Wharf and more...
Are my payments refundable?
Unfortunately not, but our contracts explain exactly why.
Are our wedding meetings in person?
Most of our couples are so busy ... to drag them out to Croydon can be a bit of a killjoy. So all appointments are held on Zoom - modern day millenials we are.
What is the best way to book a consultation?
You can book a free call by clicking here
How do I check if you are available?
Head to this page and fill out the quick form, our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
How long have you been working in weddings?
Our team have a range of experience within the wedding industry. However, Akilah our lead wedding planner has been an expert in the field since 2020. Read more about our team here.
Why should we book you?
Our team can think of plenty of reasons, but what is most important to us is how well we get on with you; our couples. We hope to make meaningful relationships with our couples and build personal wedding days for you.
Our venue has a coordinator in the package, do we still need you?
Absolutely! We could not scream this enough. Your venue coordinators are employed by your venue. They role includes them working really hard for their employers everyday. So they become our good friends on the day for you. We liaise with them closely and ensure we are following their rules whilst ensuring your wants are communicated clearly through all of your suppliers.
Where can we read some testimonials?
We have a few on our Google Page. Click here!
Do you take part in wedding shows?
We do! And we will always keep our followers on instagram...so give us a follow to meet us at the next show.
What is wedding management?
Its a chance for your to plan your day, your way! But you understand the pressure that comes with on the day duties, so we created our wedding management service to give you your freedom from the wedding planning stress.
What is wedding planning?
Fun Wedding Planning...Luxury Wedding Planning...Relaxed Wedding Planning. Only thing is we allow you to maintain control with all of your choices from our incredible recommended suppliers.
Can you guarantee we will save money if we book you?
The only guarantees we make here is we save you time and can help negotiate all contract terms which in turn saves you some money.
We don't know how to start?
No problem! We do...download our free brochure and we can book in a call when you are ready.
Do you have a minimum wedding budget you work with?
For weddings, we have worked with £6000 budgets, this was for 12 guests. We are not against a challenge but we do work with you to decide your budget based on guest numbers and where you would like to wed.
What is wedding planning systems do you use?
You have access to Google sheets and Aisle Planner with your own login and 24 hour access.
How much control do we have after we book you?
As much as you want. We help you plan your wedding flexibly. Want less control, no problem.
Are there any fees not included on your website?
There may be accommodation and travel fees, but all fees we propose to you are inclusive so you know what you are paying from when you say I do.
Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?
As much as your recommended suppliers are our most trusted. We had to meet them somehow. So, we are open to working and meeting new suppliers as long as we are confident they align with our wedding vision that you are hoping for.
Will you be with us on the day
Our team are made up of experienced lead coordinators. Akilah will be there on the day to ensure the team hand selected for your wedding are set up and briefed ready to go. You will see Akilah, and she will wave you down the aisle and allow the team to work their magic for you.
Can we book you for on the coordination only?
Yes you can! Check out our Wedding Management page for more information.
How do you keep in touch with us during the process?
Whatsapp group, emails & monthly calls
Can you help us stay on a budget?
We definitely can, however if you are the type of couple that are planning to save the time whilst planning your big day, sometimes a strict budget is not the best way. Our team ensure you are happy and informed the whole way in the choices you make.
Are you eco-concious?
We are... planning a DIY Dry Hire wedding, we get recycling bags. Planning to not waste paper... we will work with eco-concious stationers and so much more.
What areas do you cover?
From Croydon to South Africa, we will head where you would like us to head.
We live abroad, can you still help us?
Yes, most of our couples live outside the UK. If you are planning to get married in the UK we can help you by removing all the stress of not knowing much about weddings over here.
Okay we are totally sold...what next?
EEEEKKK! Okay thats exciting. You can fill out our enquiry form by clicking on our contact page.
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We look forward to it.
Party Shop Hire FAQ
How do I book?
Add your items to the basket and submit our quick booking form. If you would like a bespoke set up, pop us an email to enquiries@withakilahandco.com
When is the best time to book?
As soon as possible. Its really simple and we would love to make sure we have the availability for you.
Do you offer party decorating too?
We do...baby showers, birthdays, engagement parties and bridal showers we can offer a bespoke styling service for you.
Where do you cover?
South London from Croydon to Greenwich.
Can I pay in installments?
We offer a really simple payment plan from a 50% deposit with monthly installments in between. Final balance is due 5 days before.
How can I pay?
We accept payments through BACS once we send through our invoice and contract for review.
Can we book you for our party next year?
Yes you may. We would love to hear from you. Just pop us an email to enquiries@withakilahandco.com to check availability.
Do you have a contract for your services?
Yes we do.
Are you insured?
We absolutely are!
How big are your LED lights?
They are 4FT but very chunky. Everybody tells us how large they are in person compared to others they have seen.
Are my payments refundable?
Unfortunately not, but we are totally rescheduable.
How can I contact you on the phone?
How do I check if you are available?
Pop us an email on enquiries@withakilahandco.com
How do I see what you have available?
Head to our Party Sistaz Shop Page and add your items to the basket, submit booking and we will confirm all enquiries within 24 hours.
How long is the hire period for?
The standard hire is 24 hours unless stated when we confirm your booking.
We don't know how to start?
Have a look at our shop and get in touch from there.
Do you have a minimum budget you work with?
Absoltely not! However, for all our bespoke services there is a £150 fee added onto all bookings.
What if I need to make changes to my original booking?
No worries, pop us an email to enquiries@withakilahandco.com with your booking date.
How much do you charge for delivery and collection?
We charge a minimum delivery fee of £40 with added mileage on top. This is to cover our delivery drivers fees as we drive mini cars and most items are very heavy.
Are there any fees hidden?
No hidden fees here, for all our bespoke services there is a £150 fee added onto all bookings.
What Type Of Service Can I Expect When The Delivery takes Place?
Professional and organised...nothing less.
What Is My Responsibility For Equipment Return?
If you have arranged your own collection and return, we will arrange a suitable date. Otherwise most bookings are collected at the end of the event.
What Happens If Something Is Broken, Damaged Or Missing?
Please ensure you check your items on arrival. All items are safely delivered and checked but if something doesn't seem right, please let us know as soon as possible.
Can I Return My Items Dirty?
All items need to returned in a clean condition to help us prepare for future bookings. Please check the invoice for additional washing charges if applicable.
What happens if I need to cancel?
No problem, we will issue you with a credit voucher for when you are ready to book again.
Do You Price Match?
We do not unfortunately, all of our fees are competitive already and help us continue running without compromising our service to you.
Do You Have A Minimum Order Value?
We don't! Lucky you :)
We are sold! What next?
Branding & Styled Shoot FAQ
How do I book?
This makes us really excited. And its really easy... fill out our quick enquiry form and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as to get started.
When is the best time to book?
An excellently planned styled shoot takes time to get right. If you give yourself 3 months we have a good start. However, please do no hesitate to get in touch to check our availability.
Do you offer styling too?
We do, however for shoots that we do not plan ourselves, it is most successful when we outsource our styling for a smooth journey.
Where do you cover?
For styled shoots we do stay within London.
Can I pay in installments?
You absolutely can, we work with to arrange a payment plan to suit you.
How can I pay?
We accept payments through BACS once we send through our invoice and contract for review.
Do you have a contract for your services?
We absolutely do!
Are you insured?
Of course we are!
Are my payments refundable?
Once booking is confirmed, initial payment is made and contracts signed there are no refundable payments, however our service is flexible and we can tailor to your needs accordingly.
How can I contact you on the phone?
What if I need to make changes to my original booking?
No worries, we are totally flexible and happy to discuss your needs the more you get to know them. We are here to save you time.
Are there any hidden fees?
There may be accommodation and travel fees, but all fees we propose to you are inclusive so you know what you are paying from when you say lets book.
What Type Of Service Can I Expect When The Delivery Takes Place?
Relaxed, personable and honest. We ensure you get the plans you want to help portray your brand or shoot vision from the beginning.
What happens if I need to cancel?
No worries, there is always a better time and will make availability for you.
Do You Have A Minimum Order Value?
We don't because we know what it means to be a small business too.
Okay we are totally sold...what next?
EEEEKKK! Okay thats exciting. You can fill out our enquiry form by clicking on our contact page.
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We look forward to it.