Those using Elena, are you inviting her to stay for dinner?

For those of you who have used or are using Elena, are you paying for her to stay for dinner? Do you need to pay for her a plate or did you just pay for the cocktail hour? I'm not sure what to do. Thanks

Using her but not having her stay.

Im having her come to my house for hair/makeup and then leave. I absolutely didn't want anyone fussing with me after taht. My trial makeup/hair lasted all day without touching up so I assume the same will be true on that day. But if you are having her stay, I doubt she would stay for the dinner since her deal is only to stay til first dance.

Bride-to-Be

I did not use Elena, but I have read a good deal about her on this board. Her fee is very expensive and I don't think that you are obligated to have her stay for dinner. Where would you seat her, anyway? Since she is supposed to stay until after your first dance, she can have a bite to eat during your cocktail hour, if she wishes. You should not have to pay extra for one vendor at your cocktail hour. However, Elena really should be paying attention to you during cocktails/photos - not eating - since that is what you are paying her for. Just my opinion...good luck!

Thanks! You all made great points :) *NM*

Bride-to-Be

I used her over a year ago. She ate at the cocktail hour, while we were 'greeting' people. She grabbed some food and then followed us to take pics. (all at one loation) She leaves after the 1st dance, so you won't have to feed her. Her work is over then, so she's not likely to want to stay just to get a free meal.

kgb...Thanks! *NM*

Bride to be

On additional piece of advice. Don't have Elena do anyone else but you. She ended up doing my mom too. If I had to do it over again, I would have had her just do me and hired someone else to do my mom. It will take her about 2 hours to do hair/makeup per person, so keep that in mind. We ended up running 1/2 hour late. We'd planned to have extra time, so we were fine. Just something to keep in mind.