This is a great place to start the Hiring an Event Planner series (HEPs) as this is the top question I get from prospective clients. People are sometimes challenged as to whether to pay someone to do the work or do it on your own. Here are a few things for you to consider:
Do you have the time to find, meet with, and review work and contracts for potential vendors (e.g. venues, photographers, DJs)?
Securing vendors for your date can be time consuming. You need to talk with people or conduct internet searches for vendors in your area. As you get contact information, you then have to reach out, check availability, explain your vision, review quotes, and finalize contracts. Event planners typically have a list of professionals with whom they have worked which makes reaching out for availability, pricing, etc., less complicated. The planner is familiar with the services offered by their preferred vendors and can easily have options for you to consider.
Are you organized?
This is an important question to ask yourself. Putting together an event is really project management. Are you good with storing and keeping up with paperwork and receipts? Are you able to keep up with email and text communications? Are you good with figuring out timing and developing an itinerary? An event planner offers all these services. They are the go-between the client and vendors. They keep accurate records related to contracts, monies received/sent, and receipts. They develop full itineraries and communicate it out to all interested parties so everyone knows exactly when they should be in place, where they should be, and the specific tasks they are performing.
Do you want to be able to show up and be fully present at your event?
I have encountered many brides who do not remember the "joy" of their wedding because they were worried about whether the cake had arrived or if the groomsmen were at the venue after the bachelor party the night before. These types of worries happen at all types of events and can leave a blemish on a beautiful memory. An event planner is responsible for taking care of these issues so you can put your energy into getting dressed, engaging with guests, or just having fun.
This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully will help you begin the decision-making process. Looking forward to adding more to this series. Until next week...
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