Elegant Events Florist

SCAMMER BEWARE! I came upon Elegant Events Florist/Sheila and saw okay reviews, so I figured this was an okay business to work with… BOY WAS I WRONG...! My first encounter with Elegant Events Florist/ Sheila initially seemed pleasant but something was off! She sort of spoke in circles and had a suspicion about her. She boasted about the huge weddings she does and how booked she would be in the upcoming year. It lacked humility, but I didn’t think too much of it. On our first call she informed me that she only requires a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure the date and that I could pay the rest of the total at my leisure up to 30days out from the wedding date. However, on our first zoom meeting, two weeks after the deposit was given, she informed me that a $2000 first payment would be due (RED FLAG). This obviously confused me because just a few weeks before she said that the $500 deposit would suffice. Honestly, I should have walked away right there!! My instincts told me that this was very big SCAMMER ENERGY. I even had a conversation with my fiancé about it but at the time we didn’t want to lose our $500 non-refundable deposit. She says likeable things to get your business only to change the rules (RED FLAG). Next, we had an in-person meeting with Shelia and after some discussion I began to realize that she wasn’t truly involved with all the floral design. When I asked about specific designs, she would tell me that she needed to inquire with someone else to get a quote (RED FLAG). From what I gathered she operates like a middleman. A little less than one year before my wedding I ran into some challenges and needed to cancel my services with Elegant Events Florist/Sheila. I reached out to Elegant Events Florist/Sheila explaining my situation and I politely asked for a refund on my first payment of $2000. I felt comfortable asking for this refund because the wedding date was so far in advance that it would allow Elegant Events Florist/Sheila ample time to replace me with another client for the highly desirable spring wedding season. Also, the design was not yet finalized so in all actuality nothing yet was done on my behalf. Even with this knowledge Shelia denied a full refund and would only give a 50% refund if I gave proof of cancellation such as written notification from my wedding venue(s). Even with all the scammer vibes this still SHOCKED me because she confirmed that no floral and/or staff had been purchased and/or scheduled for my wedding nearly one year out. Of course, I looked back at the contract and here is where I saw the biggest RED FLAG ever. She has no obligation/policy to return any monies paid no matter the timing or possibility of replacing the client (RED FLAG). Even though, the $500 deposit is the only payment that explicitly says non-refundable. It is up to Sheila’s sole discretion to give a refund despite any timing or circumstance (RED FLAG). This type of cancellation policy leaves room for inequality and various biases. I never want to hurt or harm a Black Women Owned Business but this business is not run with honor, please avoid. Some may say contract this ... contract that but overall, Elegant Events Florist/Sheila stole $2000 from me! I am writing this review as a lesson to myself to thoroughly question every contract line and follow my god given instincts by walking away when things just don’t feel right. I am also writing this review to YOU. Beware of Elegant Events Florist/Sheila!!!! Elegant Events Florist/Sheila doesn’t operate on integrity or basic kindness. Elegant Events Florist/Sheila will KEEP your money knowing damn well she did NOTHING to earn it!!! Its shameful. I would assume that most people, especially during a sentimental time like wedding planning would want to work with a business rooted in decency and righteousness. Also, if you’re still not convinced look at other reviews on all other platforms. I am not the first to call the integrity of Elegant Events Florist into question. Thank you

Date of wedding: 05-06-2023