Disappointing Premium Planning Experience: Poor Communication and Budget Transparency
My wife and I hired Kiss & Tell for our destination wedding in Sintra, Portugal, and purchased their Premium Planning service because we wanted expert guidance, budget oversight, and a less stressful planning experience.
To be fair, the team helped us identify and secure a beautiful venue, and several members of the team were friendly and genuinely tried to help throughout the process. Unfortunately, our overall experience with the planning and coordination was disappointing.
Our biggest concern was budget transparency. Beginning in March 2025, we repeatedly requested updated budget information and a clear understanding of our remaining financial obligations. Despite numerous follow-ups over several months, we struggled to obtain clear answers regarding what had been paid, what remained outstanding, and what our realistic final wedding costs would be. This created significant stress while we were simultaneously planning an international move and making major financial decisions regarding housing, transportation, and relocation.
Communication was another recurring issue. Throughout the process, we often felt that we had to chase information rather than receiving proactive updates. There were repeated difficulties involving guest accommodations, RSVP management, booking logistics, website functionality, and vendor coordination. Many of these issues ultimately required substantial involvement from us and our family members despite having hired a premium planning service specifically to reduce that burden.
We also felt that important concerns raised months in advance were not addressed with the urgency we expected. Several key planning and budgeting issues remained unresolved for extended periods, and some important details were still being clarified very close to the wedding date. As a result, instead of feeling supported and reassured in the final weeks before our wedding, we often felt stressed and uncertain about matters that should have already been finalized.
As clients paying for a premium planning service, we expected more proactive project management, clearer communication, stronger budget oversight, and better transparency throughout the planning process. Instead, we frequently felt responsible for following up on matters that we believed should have been managed by the planning team.
Importantly, we are not alleging fraud, dishonesty, or misconduct. Our concern is with the quality of the service we received and the gap between our expectations of a premium wedding planning experience and the reality of the planning process.
The wedding itself was beautiful, and we appreciate the efforts of the individuals who worked hard to make the day successful. However, the months leading up to it were significantly more stressful than we believe they needed to be.
Based on our experience, we would not choose this service again and cannot recommend it to couples seeking a premium wedding planning experience.