As I was waiting for a pizza this evening with my kids and sister in law at a fancy restaurant that recently opened, I began to think about customer service. Our waitress was lovely and seemed attentive when she took our order: veggie pie, pasta and chicken fingers for the kids, two chopped salads for us, and no drinks. “And make sure all the food comes at the same time please,” I asked, knowing that the kids would soon have a meltdown and start tossing food all over the place.

The kids’ plates came fast and hot and we were delighted. Then, nothing. Then, more nothing. Then, I ate a loaf of bread. Twenty minutes later after the kids finished their food and were ready to leave, we asked where our food was. “Oh, did you want it now?” our waitress asked when she finally returned to our table. I’m thinking: Is she kidding? Did she even hear a thing we said?

Now, I don’t mean to insult a busy waitress. Having been a former waitress myself and worked in retail for about a million years, I just happen to know a thing or two about customer service. If only people would listen. Listen.

That’s my main goal with my brides as well. If you have an idea or need something specific, you can always count on me to listen. I may ask a hundred stupid questions, but I just want to make sure I have it right every time. Because nothing is more frustrating than feeling like no one is listening.

Have a safe and happy halloween. Catherine