6 Steps to Consider When Hiring an Event Planner

6 Steps to Consider When Hiring an Event Planner:

Hiring a great event planner can save you time, money and stress. Our goal, as a planner is for our clients to enjoy the planning process and their event day.

Here are a six steps to consider to help you find the right event planner .

1. Is the planner available on your event day?

Make sure that the event planner that you have been considering is available on your event day.

2. Does your event planner think that your budget is doable?

Share your budget with your planner and make sure that he or she agrees that your numbers are realistic before you proceed.

Please note: if more than one planner advises you that the numbers are not realistic, please revisit your budget.

3. Do you connect with your planner’s personality and creative style?

You will be working with your planner closely and it is important that you are both on the same page and think similarly.

4. What is your planner’s policy for returning emails and phone calls – the same or next day?

A response should be communicated the same day or within 24 hours. Even if your planner is on another event, someone in their office should email or text you to let you know that they will follow-up as soon as possible – no one should have to wait more than a day.

5. How many years of event planning experience does your event planner have and does it relate to your type of event?

Ensure that your planner is not going to learn their skills at your expense.

6. What are the reviews like for your planner?

Google and Yelp reviews are very helpful. You need to know who you are hiring.

If would like to have your wedding or special event at a private estate, consider these questions before you take the leap.

Do you have a strict budget?

WE DON’T RECOMMEND HAVING A PRIVATE ESTATE EVENT WHEN A CLIENT IS ON A CHALLENGING BUDGET. PLANNING AN ESTATE EVENT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, SINCE EVERYTHING FROM THE LIGHTING TO THE RENTALS MUST BE BROUGHT ONSITE. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT SOMEONE HAS TO HAVE AN UNLIMITED BUDGET, BUT THEIR BUDGET SHOULD HAVE FLEXIBILITY.

Are you planning a late night party (going after 11 pm or midnight) with a live band and/or DJ outdoors?

WE HAVE A HANDFUL OF BEAUTIFUL ESTATES THAT CAN GO LATER, I.E., BALLROOMS AND THEY ARE ISOLATED. HOWEVER, GENERALLY, MOST ESTATES RECEPTIONS CAN GO UNTIL 10 PM OR 11 PM.

Will your wedding or special event take place during the off-season?

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS GREAT WEATHER MAJORITY OF THE TIME, HOWEVER, IF YOUR EVENT IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE DURING THE FALL, WINTER OR SPRING, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A WEATHER CONTINGENCY PLAN IN PLACE. WE ALWAYS SUGGEST HAVING A CONTINGENCY PLAN IN PLACE TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE.

Do you have a high-guest count?

CONFIRM THAT THE ESTATE THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING CAN HANDLE YOUR GUEST COUNT. THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN TRYING TO PLAN A SIT DOWN DINNER FOR 250 GUESTS IN AN AREA THAT CAN ONLY HANDLE 150 GUESTS. THIS CAN BE COSTLY AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS.

For more information, please call our office at 310-994-7789.
XO