Don’t Mess With The Bride
Employee Handbook
Internal Team Reference
Last Updated — April 2026

Support the client. Execute the plan. Make the event feel effortless.

📄 Printable Version — Employee Handbook

Operating Standard

  • The client never manages logistics during the event.
  • We offer solutions, not problems.
  • We do not say “not my job.”
  • We support vendors like teammates.
  • We remain calm under pressure.
  • We protect the client experience at all costs.

Core Event Standards

Applies to all events
Non-Negotiable Standards
  • The client never handles logistics during the event.
  • We stay proactive about timing, flow, and vendor execution.
  • We offer solutions instead of bringing problems.
  • We do not walk past trash, dishes, or unattended issues.
  • We support the client first, and we support the full vendor team alongside them.
  • We keep trusted members of the event informed when needed.
What We Don’t Do
  • No non-work phone use in front of guests.
  • No speaking negatively about the event, client, vendors, family, or wedding party.
  • No alcohol while on duty.
  • No visible panic.
  • No asking the client to solve logistics.
Communication Standard
  • Use Zello with earpieces at all times.
  • Communicate clearly, briefly, and early.
  • Work collaboratively to solve problems.
  • Keep vendors informed of changes that affect them.
  • Vendors are teammates for the day.
  • The Lead makes the final call after the team weighs the factors.
Decision-Making Model

Lead Responsibilities in Decision Making

  • Leads communicate directly with vendors, venue staff, clients, and key family members.
  • Ultimate decision-making authority rests with the Lead.
  • Leads understand and adhere to all venue policies and help enforce them throughout the event.
  • Leads are expected to collaborate with teammates, vendors, and venue staff when making decisions.
  • Leads weigh all factors and make clear, timely calls to keep the event moving.

Assistant Decision-Making

  • Assistants are empowered to make practical setup and logistics decisions.
  • Assistants should execute assigned tasks without waiting on finite approval.
  • Assistants inform the Lead of changes that impact timeline or vendors.
  • Assistants support Lead decisions and help carry them out.
Arrival Standard
  • Arrival time is established during the timeline meeting.
  • Everyone plans to arrive early enough to account for traffic and parking.
  • If you are running late, communicate immediately.
  • If the Lead is delayed, the team begins load-in and setup without waiting.
Break & Meal System
  • Meal breaks are placed on the timeline.
  • Breaks often align with vendor meals.
  • Critical stations are never left unattended.
  • Bar and sound coverage must rotate in shifts if needed.
Phone & Personal Conduct
  • Establish a team home base for belongings.
  • Home base should be close to operations but out of guest view.
  • Phones are for work use during the event.
  • Personal phone use happens only on break or late in the evening, out of guest sight.

Roles

Clear ownership lines

Lead Coordinator

View Full Job Description
  • Captain of the ship
  • Owns timeline, vendors, and final decisions
  • Keeps the day moving
  • Protects the client from logistics

Assistant Coordinator

View Full Job Description
  • Supports execution
  • Acts as eyes and ears of the day
  • Owns delegated tasks fully
  • Stays proactive and in motion

Bar Lead

  • Sets up and organizes the bar
  • Batches cocktails and displays drinks
  • Ensures the bar is event-ready
  • Keeps the couple cared for at the bar
  • Purchases ice and ensures beverage plan
  • Uses drink calculator with the client

Bartender

  • Keeps drinks flowing
  • Keeps the line moving
  • Supports guest experience
  • Maintains a clean, efficient station
  • Keeps ice stocked and glassware available

Food Lead

  • Oversees buffet and food-related setup
  • Maintains clean, organized buffet areas
  • Supports food service flow
  • Handles food setup and clean-up

DJ Lite / Sound Operator

  • Attends music coordination meeting as assigned
  • Sets up and breaks down sound system
  • Operates sound system during the event
  • Executes client music selections per timeline

Operations

How the team works
Appearance Standard

Leads: professional attire, including blazer or sport coat with pants or skirt, or a dress. Coats are worn for the ceremony portion of the day, and Leads may switch to the apron look as appropriate.

Assistants / Bar Leads / Bartenders: wear an apron. The client selects whether the team will wear a formal or informal look.

  • Formal: white button-up with pants, skirt, or dress
  • Informal: branded EventsPDX t-shirt with pants or skirt

Clients will choose the attire direction, and teammates will be informed no later than one week prior to the event. If you do not know, default to formal.

Leads Formal

Leads Formal

Leads Casual

Leads Casual

Assistants / Bar Formal

Assistants Bar Formal

Assistants / Bar Casual

Assistants Bar Casual
Grooming, Conduct & Operational Standards

Grooming & Presentation

  • Clean, pressed attire
  • Free from strong fragrances or body odor
  • Clean face with subtle makeup if you choose
  • Hair done in a practical way that allows for easy movement

Additional Standards

  • Branded hats are available for casual looks for Assistants, Bar Leads, and Bartenders
  • Earpiece and nametag must be worn at all times
  • If nametags, aprons, or branded t-shirts are lost, replacement items may be charged against future invoices

Operational Appearance & Conduct

  • Branded EventsPDX or Don’t Mess With The Bride shirts may be worn during set up and tear-down
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Black tennis shoes are allowed
  • Snacking, hydration, and restroom breaks are allowed as needed
  • Brief breaks outside of meal breaks are allowed — coordinate with the Event Lead
  • No smoking or vaping in sight of guests (off-site only)
  • Follow all venue rules and park legally
  • Leave prime parking for guests with mobility needs
  • Unload vehicles, then move to vendor parking
Client Experience Standard
  • The client should feel fully supported throughout the event.
  • They should feel affirmed in the choices they made.
  • They should not need to think about time, logistics, or next steps.
  • The Lead determines who is primary contact for client check-ins.
Problem-Solving Standard
  • Try to solve first.
  • Escalate immediately if you need help solving.
  • Keep the Lead informed.
  • Protect the client from unnecessary noise.
Post-Event Debrief
  • The team debriefs after the event.
  • Review vendor performance, timeline issues, and notes for next time.
  • The Lead reports all standouts and issues to the owner within 24 hours.
  • If something goes terribly wrong, communication with the owner is immediate.

HR & Policies

Standards for working with the team
Contractor Expectations
  • This role is a 1099 independent contractor position.
  • You are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and business expenses.
  • You accept events based on your availability.
  • Professional appearance and conduct are required at all times.
Attendance & Reliability
  • Accept events you can fully commit to.
  • Late arrivals must be communicated immediately.
  • No-shows are not acceptable.
  • Repeated lateness or cancellations will impact future scheduling.
Communication Expectations
  • Respond to messages in a timely manner during planning and event days.
  • Ask questions early — not on-site.
  • Confirm assignments, timelines, and responsibilities before the event.
  • Keep the Lead and team informed of anything that may impact execution.
Professional Conduct
  • Be calm, direct, and respectful in all interactions.
  • Do not engage in gossip, complaints, or negative commentary.
  • Support teammates and vendors as part of one team.
  • Use good judgment in all situations — you represent the company at all times.
Substances & Safety
  • No alcohol or substance use while on duty.
  • Stay aware of surroundings and guest safety at all times.
  • Report unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Prioritize guest accessibility and assistance when needed.
Breaks & Working Conditions
  • Breaks are scheduled within the timeline.
  • Team members coordinate coverage before stepping away.
  • Be prepared to be on your feet for extended periods.
  • Work environments may include outdoor conditions and variable weather.
Performance & Growth
  • Assistants may progress to Lead roles after demonstrating consistency and leadership.
  • Growth is based on reliability, communication, and execution.
  • Feedback is part of the process — from Leads, team members, and post-event reviews.
  • Continuous improvement is expected.
Disciplinary Standards
  • Failure to meet expectations may result in reduced scheduling or removal from events.
  • Serious issues (no-shows, misconduct, substance use) may result in immediate removal.
  • All decisions are made to protect the client experience and team integrity.
Scheduling
  • Events are bid on through the scheduling app.
  • Events will be assigned as soon as possible, and no later than 2 weeks prior to the event.
  • Open availability on prime weekends may place you on-call for last-minute coverage.
  • On-call shifts may include a bonus for stepping in on short notice.
  • Once you agree to an event, it is your responsibility to find a replacement if you can no longer do it.
  • Except in cases of illness, you are expected to find a Lead-approved replacement for your shift.
  • Any replacement must hold the same licenses and permits required for the position.
Calling In Sick
  • If you are sick, notify the owner as soon as possible.
  • Early communication allows time to secure a replacement.
  • No-shows are not acceptable.
  • Frequent call-outs or missed shifts may impact future assignments.
  • Continued reliability issues may result in removal from the team.
Invoicing
  • An invoice must be created for each event.
  • Multiple events may be included on one invoice.
  • Invoices must be submitted within 30 days of the event.
  • Leads must send a thank-you and post-event follow-up before sending an invoice.
  • Drive time and mileage are paid for events more than 30 miles from zip code 97204.
  • Drive time and admin time are billed at separate rates per the current agreement.
  • Rates are outlined in the employment agreement and updated annually.

Wedding Playbook

Wedding-specific guidance
What Makes Wedding Work Different

Wedding work includes ceremony timing, family dynamics, wedding party flow, rehearsal management, and a higher level of couple care. These standards sit on top of the core event system.

Wedding Day Success Standard
  • The couple enjoys the day without managing logistics.
  • They move from one moment to the next with confidence.
  • Vendors come to the team, not the couple.
  • The couple is fed, hydrated, informed, and celebrated.
Family & Wedding Party Dynamics
  • Identify difficult personalities during planning.
  • The Lead proactively communicates with challenging family members.
  • Protect the couple from unnecessary conflict and decision-making.
Onboarding for Wedding Events
  • Read the handbook and full wedding documentation before arrival.
  • Review the timeline and ask questions before the event day.
  • Know the couple’s names, venue, ceremony time, and core logistics.
  • Shadow early weddings before taking on greater ownership.