Attached is a list of items for your consideration. I would be grateful if you could get back to me as soon as possible so I can make a start on the arrangements in the new year.
Kind regards, Abby
To: Abby Summers
From: Leo Cartwright
Subject: Re: Cartwright ruby wedding anniversary party
Date: 18 December
Dear Abby
I’m as thrilled as you are. Many thanks for sending over the document. I’ve now had a chance to look through all eight (?!) pages. My answers/queries are attached.
Best wishes, Leo
To: Leo Cartwright
From: Abby Summers
Subject: Party—queries
Date: 24 December
Dear Leo
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Believe me, eight pages is nothing when it comes to planning an event like this. Please find my answers to your queries below.
1. Re the venue, Barton Hall would be perfect, if you’re sure it won’t be an imposition. Three months isn’t a lot of notice and suitable places can get booked up years in advance, so using your house is the ideal solution. I’ve had a quick glance at Google Earth and have identified a field that would be perfect for out-of-sight guest parking (outlined in red on the attached map—let me know if it’s not suitable). As your parents will be familiar with the house it has the added benefit that fewer suspicions will be aroused.
2. I can, by all means, draw up a guest list, although it would be better if you did as you know your parents and their friends better than I do. I suggest enlisting
the help of Jake and your mother’s best friend.
3. No, you don’t have to subtly quiz your parents about what they’d like if you don’t want to, and you certainly don’t have to video it. While this method can help me with the planning of surprise events, if you’re not comfortable doing this the chances are that that element of the party may well be blown. Best not to risk it. With regards to decoration/tablecloths/napkins etc. we can stick to red and keep things tasteful.
4. Will you let Jake know he’s to make the speech, or should I?
5. No, I don’t think a black tie dress code would be too ‘stuffily formal’. After all this is quite an occasion.
6. You’re right. People will probably bring gifts. A room and a member of staff dedicated to dealing with them will solve the problem of gifts/labels going astray.
7. Far from tight, the budget you’ve indicated is extremely generous and will make my job a lot easier/more fun. Not to mention giving the party a whole string of wow factors should you want them.
As all the preliminary details have now been provided I’ve attached a breakdown of costs, and the contract. If everything is to your satisfaction, please print off two copies of each, sign and return to me for countersignature.
Abby
PS—If you were a fan of it, I’d wish you a Happy Christmas, but you aren’t so I won’t. Instead, I hope you enjoy the malt.
To: Abby Summers
From: Leo Cartwright
Subject: Christmas
Date: 24 December