When it comes to non-wedding events (birthdays, anniversaries, parties, etc.) many hosts don’t know that they have great resources in event planners.  For smaller parties, I will admittedly concede that it can be overkill. However, if you begin the process of securing a location, bringing in caterers, etc. your party has grown in scale and could benefit from a planner.  Many hosts opt to rely on caterers or florists for recommendations.  While these vendors can be of great help, their resources can be limited outside of the scope for which they are handling your event.

Here are some ways that an event planner/producer can help with your event:

• Create a concept or inspiration board to start your planning
• Match you with vendors that are inline with your event
• Help you maintain your budget
• Come up with ideas for your menu, flowers, décor and location
• Be onsite to help set up while you get ready
• Coordinate the event and maintain the flow of events so that you can enjoy the event

Even if you are the Type A personality that loves to plan things and are highly detailed and organized (I hear that a lot!), you can still enjoy the benefits from a planner.  An analogy:  When I am not feeling well, I will journey over to CVS and pick up something to alleviate the symptoms.  When it is something a bit more serious or the symptoms are chronic, I will ask the pharmacist for some advice.  They can tell me about which medicines are new and improved, non-medicinal remedies and prescriptions I may want to talk to my doctor about.  So, it’s great to rely on and have the help of an expert.  True, I could ask the check out girl that I am interacting with, and while she may see a trend in what people are buying, she doesn’t know the trend in what is working because her job is to check people out.  I let her be good at her job and rely on the pros for sound advice.

The same can be said of event planners.  Most wedding planners also plan and produce non wedding events which can be a great resource to you.  It doesn’t hurt or cost anything to speak with them about how they can improve or enhance your event.

Happy Planning!

Photos :: Sarah Yates