Are you planning a party, yet overwhelmed with everything that actually goes into planning a party? You may be considering hiring an event planner to help you perfect that important birthday party, charity event or gala that you want to be absolutely amazing. Before you contact your helpful event coordinator, Wedding and Party Network has the top 9 questions you should ask to make sure they are the right fit for you.
- Are you willing to work within my budget? Budget is a major factor with everyone. Your event planner may have some great cost-effective ideas for you or be able to take your ideas and just run with them. Just make sure that the one you are hiring understands your budget and exactly what you are wanting for your party.
- Are you familiar with the best local vendors? Do they know the right photographers, DJs, florists and caterers in town? Their ties with the local vendors could help you get a better deal. Just make sure your party planner knows and understands the strengths and weaknesses of all the vendors. Plus, make sure they understand your style, as well as the vendors. Knowing how the vendor's style will work with your own could make the difference in products.
- Will you coordinate the invitation process or do I do that? Some planners take care of sending out the invitations for you and some don't. This isn't a big deal when hiring one, a lot of people like to send out their own. However, it's definitely more convenient if the planner does it for you.
- Will you be there the day of the event? You may or may not want them there; but if they are, they can troubleshoot any problem that may occur. That way you can enjoy the event and avoid any unneeded stress.
- Will you help me with social etiquette and keep up with the latest party trends? Having a party planner who will make sure you are up to date on social trends will give your event an impressive edge. Make sure your party coordinator understands what's popular and what your guests will be expecting so you won't be following outdated trends.
- How involved will I be in the planning process? You may or may not want to be involved in planning your party. However, if you do, make sure your coordinator is open to your ideas and wants to meet with you every few weeks to discuss ideas and how everything is coming.
- Will you go over the vendor contracts with me? Most every party vendor has a contract for you to sign that benefits you and them. Since you may not understand everything within the contract, it's important that your party planner goes over them with you. They may see some items that could create potential problems or even have some ideas to make the transaction more beneficial for you and the vendor.
- Do you offer references from your previous clients? You may want to call your event planner's previous clients and see how their experience was when working with this coordinator. They may have been wonderful or may have some slight flaws. It's important to understand who you are working with and how they work.
- Will you planner provide me with a plan, checklist and timeline? You want your planner to let you know what exactly is going on with your own event. Make sure your event coordinator will keep you in the know 100%. It's your party after all.
When hiring a party planner, keep these 9 questions in mind. Don't be afraid to ask them. You're the one hiring them and really they want you to ask these questions. They want you to be confident that you are getting one of the best planners out there and to know what they are willing to go above and beyond to create your special event.
This post is brought to you by Houston Event Coordinators.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find an event coordinator near you!
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