5 Reasons to Hire Your Event Planner Early
Back in the day when I was getting married, I remember wishing that I had a planner’s assistance. After a long day at work, I would come home in the evening and work my second job – planning my wedding. I was so fearful that it would be too costly that I opted for many sleepless nights getting things in place. Now, being in the business, I’ve learned that event planners are affordable insurance policies that bring peace of mind. In addition, I’ve learned that some planners (me, for example) set up monthly payment plans to make this necessity manageable. So, my first words of advice if you’re on the fence about hiring a planner is, “Don’t fear the cost.”
My next words of wisdom are to obtain your planner early in the process and for more than just month-of (there’s no such thing as day-of) services. Many people opt to DIY their planning and engage a professional simply to execute the plans. While this initially may seem like a good idea, quite honestly, it’s a stress-laden, risky plan.
Here are 5 reasons why your event planner’s support should extend beyond day-of support:
Events have lots of moving parts. Even the most humdrum affair has lots of pieces; and, let’s face it, who wants just humdrum? We all want the best deals and vendors that our budgets will allow. However, it’s really difficult to achieve this goal if you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the event industry. On the other hand, your planner can answer questions, confirm if something is really a deal, and suggest skilled vendors to achieve the vision within budget.
Even after the theme is set, it’s really easy to get sidetracked by all of the decisions that are required? There are things to consider such as venue, food, color scheme, guest list, entertainment, and more. Overwhelming, right? Your planner, if engaged early in the process, can help to keep the true vision in focus and help to assess what is truly feasible.
Planners have lots of valuable ideas and experience. They have seen and done a lot, so they can make suggestions that the non-expert would never think of or even know about. However, once contracts have been signed, it’s hard (and sometimes pricey) to make changes. Your planner, if engaged early, will help you avoid some really costly mistakes.
4. Without a doubt, if your planner is engaged after all of the arrangements have been made, there will be some amount or rework. Often, vendor arrangements and activity start and end times will need adjustments once your planner is engaged. This is usually necessary in order to achieve a cohesive flow of events. But, consider how frustrating this rework is after all of the work it took to make these arrangements initially. Yet, this is avoidable if your planner handles this upfront.
5. Added communication and time spent with your planner will only enhance the final outcome. The more your planner gets to know and understand your desires, the better able he or she will be able to flawlessly handle those unexpected things that will inevitably come up on event day.
Your event planner is your eyes and ears, alley, and confidant. YOUR PLANNER’S GOAL IS TO MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD; and, that’s the best deal of all. So, contact your planner TODAY and turn your vision into reality!