We love great events. We love great clients. When they go hand in hand dreams come true. We are often asked for a checklist of what to do in the lead up for events - we have a lovely little template we can share if you'd like to get in touch!
BUT sometimes clients overlook how THEY personally can prepare for a big event, or bring their best self to the relationship with their event team. Like all relationships, your journey for your event and suppliers you choose is built on communication.
Here are some tips we feel may help in getting the very best out of your team of professional event suppliers.
MANNERS: Please and thank you's. All day. Every day. Pre and post event. Verbal, written - it's all good!
REPLY TO QUOTES: We all know everyone shops around to make sure they find a supplier coming in on their budget and event ideas. Keep in mind many small (and big!) businesses devote hours of their time to replying to quote requests. Make sure you reply, even if you've decided to move forward with another supplier. (see Point 1 above)
KNOW AND SHARE YOUR BUDGET: Event professionals are there to help you achieve your event goals, within your budget. But, we aren't mind readers. Share your budget with your suppliers, and they can work with you to achieve appropriate plans to suit.
SET REALISTIC GOALS: There's a Royal Wedding planned for 2018! Unfortunately you may not be able to keep up with 'those' Joneses.
TREAT YOUR GUESTS LIKE FAMILY: Most of them probably are, anyway. Offer a drink on arrival, a spot for coats, easy options for parking, transport, accomodation and where necessary baby sitting options if kids aren't included in your celebrations. You know what - treat your event team and staff like family too. You'll get back so much more than you give.
LEAVE THE DIRTY LAUNDRY AT HOME: Personal events involve - guess what - people! Event professionals in the wedding / celebration space are quite often thrown in the deep end of all types of families. Keep in mind we TRY and do our best, but aren't hostage negoiators! Endeavour to iron out any underlying issues before the professionals arrive on site. Most event planners are very good at reading between the lines and navigating wedding day jitters and nerves but it can be difficult to be a buffer to say... a bride and an unhappy bridesmaid or offended sister-in-law.
BE PREPARED TO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR: We love to cut the right corners! But, it can backfire if not thought through. Say you have 120 guests for your cocktail function, but only cater for 90. We find this is a pretty tough spot to put your caterer in - guests will think the caterer has been a little ungenerous, and once the food and drinks are all gone (especially on country properties out of town, or late at night) you'll find yourself with hungry and sometimes drunk guests.
DON'T SAY: "My best friend does flowers (insert said talent - cakes, styling, singing, balloon animals) and wants to help!" While most personal event planners love incorporating family and friends into your planning, unless that person is an experienced professional it often adds more stress and pressure to your event team. Find a special way to include that VIP - your new mother-in-law's skills could be amazing for a bridal shower or baby christening. Make them feel included but leave the big jobs to your team of chosen and proven professionals.
IF YOU NEED A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, GET ONE: Event professionals often go above and beyond what they have offered to assist you with. But sometimes (eek!) clients take advantage of this. If you need someone to make sure you pack the right pair of knickers for your wedding weekend, look to your bridemaids, family and friends. And don't forget your knickers!
SPEND MONEY ON: SOUND! Many a wedding has been ruined when guests can't hear speeches.
For more tips and tricks feel free to drop us a line on how we can help with your next business or personal celebration.