The DDD 5-Step Planning Framework

Event curation, if done correctly, is not easy. It’s not a “one size fits all” proposition. At a minimum, event curation requires listening, imagination, flexibility, intuition, and skill. There is, however, a framework that I use to turn the simplest affair into a truly unforgettable experience. 

Here are my 5 proven steps to creating events of which you will be proud. 

Step 1: Develop the Event Design and Theme. The first thing to decide is the event purpose from which you can then come up with lots of supporting designs and themes. From here, pick the one that fits YOU best. 

Step 2: Vendor Selection. An amazing vendor will make your event shine. On the other hand, an amazing vendor that doesn’t fit your event style can turn the sizzle into a whimper. With great advice and recommendations, you will find the right fit.

Step 3: Establish a Cohesive Timeline. Let’s face it, no matter how creative and exciting the event, if there isn’t a logical and comprehensive schedule, it will be a hot mess. So, skip the guesswork, and let a professional create the master plan.

Step 4: Communicate with and Coordinate Vendors. There has to be one focal person (the planner) to ensure that everyone and everything is in step with the vision. 

Step 5: Plan Execution. This is when the rubber meets the road. After all of the planning, there has to be an experienced person at the helm on the “day-of” to bring the plans to life.

Each of the steps above sound simple enough, but when DIYing your own event, it quickly becomes apparent how overwhelming event planning can be. And, worst of all, after doing all of this work oneself, the DIYer is often too exhausted to enjoy their big day. But it doesn’t have to be that way and that is the beauty of engaging the right event planner. Your planner, who really understands the vision, is your dedicated advisor that navigates all the details on your behalf. 

Tune in over the next few months while I talk about each of the steps in more detail. I will provide some hints and tips to help you spot a great planner and explain why my strategy works.