Planning a special event with a myriad of details is no easy task. It is such a relief to use the services of a professional event planner so that they can save you a lot of time and help realize the details of your event. An experienced event planner can make your event a most memorable one.

Here a few guidelines to consider while choosing an event planner for your next special event

Expert Consultation: Your event planner should understand the overall vision and goal for the event. Details such as type of event, budget, guest count, theme, ensemble (for weddings; outfits for bride, groom, and bridal party), decor, entertainment, food & drink preferences, "wedding souvenirs" and party gifts etc should all be discussed at length.

Customization: A professional event planner should be able to effortlessly work with you through the entire process right from the proposal stage to the day of the event.

Familiarity with your venue: Established planners are familiar with popular venues and should provide great advice on what works best as well as provide cost saving alternatives.

Trusted Vendors: Your event planner should be familiar with top vendors and be able to recommend trusted and reputable vendors.

Experienced event planners will remain committed to a philosophy of value and quality by giving you the event you have envisioned at a cost that fits your budget.

Event Layout: Professional event planners will often create your event venue to scale to ensure that you are aware of what the space would look like and that everything will fit into the space before the event.

Complete Proposal: To avoid any form of confusion, your event planner makes sure you understand their fee structure with all costs predetermined and clearly defined. The best event planners pride themselves on giving you a complete quote ensuring you'll not be surprised when the final bill arrives!

Event Details: Lastly, your event planner would go over the details of your event, gather pictures or catalogs to help you envision your event, walk you through the venue and address any final concerns you might have.

Event Planners often offer a wide range of services so you'll need to decide if you want your planner to provide just consulting services or play a more active role that will include overseeing every minute detail of your event. Whether you're hosting a wedding, birthday party or corporate event, you should talk to several planners to determine which one you're most comfortable with and work with one who has experience with the type of event you're having.

All in all, the job of your event planner is to take the stress off you and combine available resources to give you the value of receiving the undivided attention of a single collaborator.

Best Wishes!

Elise Charles - Your Event Planning Partner