When you are planning an event, there are so many things that you need to take into consideration, and it is a hallmark of a truly great event planner that you pay attention to the small details and all of the event processes. This makes the process a smooth and simple practice for your client and makes the whole planning scenario as smooth and easy as possible. Missed things and forgotten items add time and stress to any activity schedule when you’re planning an event, so it’s in your best interests that you ensure that you have everything covered. I wanted to take a look at some of my top ten tips – ten commandments, if you will – to event planning that will make any event a dream.
Commandment One – Thou Shalt Know Thy Local Suppliers
You need to have people in your good books (and you in theirs) who can help you out at the drop of a hat, and for a good price, too. Knowing that you have people you can call will make the planning process a whole lot easier. When your suppliers are the best, it will add an edge to your reputation as well, as a quality event planner.
Commandment Two – Thou Shalt Offer Options
Your clients need to be able to have choice – and not to take the only option you give them. Even if you arrange things so that they choose the option that is best for you, it still gives people a sense of control if you allow them to choose.
Commandment Three – Thou Shalt Be In The Know
There are trends that pop up every day, like a teal table runner, and knowing what’s hot and what’s happening is going to make a huge difference for your planning abilities. Your creative ideas will be more likely to manifest if your finger is on the pulse, so stay up to date.
Commandment Four – Thou Shalt Be Culturally Sensitive
There are multi-faith weddings and events happening every day, and a great multi-faith wedding or event is a joyous sight to behold. A badly executed one is a nightmare, so be sure to be open to everything and culturally sensitive.
Commandment Five – Thou Shalt Have Enough Staff
I don’t need to even explain this one. When I have an event where I know I’m going to need extra staff I got to hireawaiter.com.au and sort the staff out ahead of time. Saves hassle and saves time. Easy peasy.
Commandment Six – Thou Shalt Get Feedback
When you hold an event, you need to get feedback from your previous clients in order to find out what you did well and what you could improve on. Saves you making the same mistakes over and over, and makes for a better service overall.
Commandment Seven – Thou Shalt Not Put Up With Crap
Clients giving you a hard time is no one’s idea of a good time. Make sure that you have firm rules in place for what is acceptable. This will make everyone’s lives much easier.
Commandment Eight – Thou Shalt Communicate Budgets
You need to work with your clients to find out what they’re able to and willing to pay, and then work within that. Simple. And non negotiable.
Commandment Nine – Thou Shalt Market Thyself
If you’re throwing an incredible event, it will make things a whole lot more awesome for you in the future when you can show potential new clients photos of the event. Ask your current clients if they mind you taking some promo shots. They most likely won’t, and it will make for more business for you in the future.
Commandment Ten – Thou Shalt Have Fun
You are planning this event because you want to – so enjoy yourself!
