Should I hire an event planner?
Not sure if you need an event planner to plan your next party? Answer (Y/N) to the following questions to find out:
- I am very organized and enjoy managing timelines, spreadsheets and budgets.
- I am planning a multi-day or multi-site event.
- I am working with multiple vendors and/or venues.
- I am planning an event or party in a city or country when I do not live.
- I have a demanding job and schedule.
If you answered no to the first question and yes to the last four, consider hiring an event planner.
Here is why, event planners are organized wizards, strategic partners and logistical mavens! They make magic happen, taking care of timelines, budgets and recommending venues and vendors that match your budget and style. They know what needs to be taken care of immediately, in two weeks and two months from now. They are your planning bestie and fully invested to making sure you have a great event.
If they are well established, they can save you time and money by steering you in the right direction at each decision point. This is a huge savings, both in terms of time and money. Plus on the day of, they will coordinate vendor set-up, breakdown and keep everything running smoothly so you can enjoy the event with your guests.
Now, if you answered yes to the first statement, you probably don’t need an event planner since you are comfortable with details and systems of organization. You may however, depending on the complexity, hire a month of, or day of coordinator. A month of coordinator usually starts working on your event 4 weeks before to: coordinate with vendors, double check all contracts, review set-up and break down times, and schedules the final walk-through with vendors. On the day of the event, they are working behind the scene to steer the show and make sure everything is happening on cue. Similarly, a day of coordinator will take the reins from you the day of your event. This is a great option, if you have kept very detailed notes and timelines so the coordinator can hit the ground running.
Your event planner, or coordinator are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. If you decide to not hire anyone, make sure to have someone on staff or close to you that can play the coordinator role for you so you can still tend to your guests; I promise you will be glad you did!