Lessons in Cat Herding, Volume One

Things have been tough lately. Tough by my standards is pretty darn tough. I can handle stress relatively well. I used to work in a newsroom for goodness sakes. Stress was in my job description.

But wedding stress is on an entirely different level. To get all your vendors on the phone and squared away is like herding cats. Customer service is not a dying art form ... I'm afraid it's already dead and turning blue.

Allow me provide you with an example:

The bridesmaids dresses were scheduled to be at the bridal shop this week. The bridal shop is in New Orleans, so I thought I would phone and check in. The conversation went something like this:

"Pearls Place, how may I help you."

"Yes, my name is Stephanie Netherton, and I'm calling about my bridesmaids dresses. They were scheduled to be in this week and I wanted to see if we were on track."

"OK, let me go check."

(on hold for four minutes)

"Elaine?"

"No, this is Stephanie."

"Ok, how may I help you."

"I'm calling about my bridesmaids dresses. They were supposed to be in this week."

"Ok, let me go check."

(four more minutes pass)

"Pearls Place, how may I help you?"

"Are you serious? This is Stephanie Netherton, and I'm calling to check on my bridesmaids dresses."

"Do you know what brand?"

"Priscilla of Boston."

"Let me check."

(two minutes pass)

"They're not here, so I'm going to have to call them but they're usually on time so I wouldn't worry about."

"Ok, thanks."

... Meanwhile, back at the ranch. My sister-in-law has called and left me a message, so I return her call.

She says:

"Pearls Place called and the dresses are in and they're shipping to you today."

"What? I literally just hung up the phone with them."

"Really? Well, I told them they needed to call you firsthand and let you know. The lady told me "no, you can call her."