Quick Tips Offered by Event Planners That You Can Use

Interested in reading quick tips offered by other event planners that may apply to a variety of situations?
Event planners face hundreds of challenges on each program, so imagine someone else’s innovative solution to some common challenges. dg collected more than 175 event planning tips from meeting and event planners as part of its Stellar Tip Contest. dg is a commission-free search directory available to meeting professionals.
The following highlights a few tips offered by colleagues in the profession:
Event Planning Tip: Reduce Room Attrition Fees
A day or so before your event, find out if your hotel is booked. If so, you can use that to get them to waive any attrition fees you may have incurred. This worked for me at Bellagio. -- Submitted by: Sandra Corzine, with ADP Insurance Services, Florham Park, New Jersey.
Event Planning Tip: Arrive 1 Hour Early for Site Visits
Show up at least one hour before your scheduled site inspection, unannounced. In that time, walk around, try to interact with staff like you are a guest (ask directions, ask "difficult questions" as if you were not a seasoned traveler), look in the restaurants -- eat there if you have time, ask for recommendations for a local restaurant (just to see the responsiveness). I've actually called off an inspection when the property didn't come close to my standards for the meeting being placed -- saved my time and did the sales manager the courtesy of saving his, too. In the time I saved, did a spur-of-the-moment inspection of another hotel and ended up booking it! -- Submitted by: Robert Abbott Director-Corp. Marketing & Communications, with Mueller Co., Decatur, Illinois.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Tree Stanchion for Lanyards
As any planner or registrar knows, string/lanyard badges can get tangled easily and create quite a mess in the registration area. After going to a store one day, I noticed a necklace stanchion in the jewelry section. I found and bought a few "tree stanchions" on the Internet and now use them at all of our conferences. I barely ever have to fight with knots. Plus, they make the registration area look even more professional and organized. You can even place a sign on top of them! -- Submitted by: Christopher Gossett Conference Coordinator, with Investment Company Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Event Planning Tip: Reserve Last Rows to Fill Front Rows
Want to fill those empty tables at the front of a banquet?
Nothing looks worse than empty tables in front of your stage on banquet night, especially when you have a guest speaker. When I want to make sure the tables in front of my stage are full I put reserved signs on the last two rows of tables in the ballroom which forces people to look at tables closer to the stage. Once those front tables are filled I pull the reserved signs and fill the tables in the back of the room too. It really works great! -- Submitted by: Dan Lough Project Coordinator, with United Transportation Union, Cleveland, Ohio.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Fishing Tackle Box for a Supply Kit
Purchase a fishing tackle box and put any miscellaneous items you would need for your meeting (pens, stapler/staples, paperclips, box cutter, scissors, velcro, batteries, sewing kit, emergency kit etc.) and emergency kit. Everything is organized and in one spot to help save time when needed. Make sure you have a list of contents and restock the tackle box when you return home before you find yourself at the next meeting and something is missing. -- Submitted by: Julie Garrison with Association Management Ltd (city and state not listed).

Quick Tips Offered by Event Planners That You Can Use

Interested in reading quick tips offered by other event planners that may apply to a variety of situations?
Event planners face hundreds of challenges on each program, so imagine someone else’s innovative solution to some common challenges. dg collected more than 175 event planning tips from meeting and event planners as part of its Stellar Tip Contest. dg is a commission-free search directory available to meeting professionals.
The following highlights a few tips offered by colleagues in the profession:
Event Planning Tip: Reduce Room Attrition Fees
A day or so before your event, find out if your hotel is booked. If so, you can use that to get them to waive any attrition fees you may have incurred. This worked for me at Bellagio. -- Submitted by: Sandra Corzine, with ADP Insurance Services, Florham Park, New Jersey.
Event Planning Tip: Arrive 1 Hour Early for Site Visits
Show up at least one hour before your scheduled site inspection, unannounced. In that time, walk around, try to interact with staff like you are a guest (ask directions, ask "difficult questions" as if you were not a seasoned traveler), look in the restaurants -- eat there if you have time, ask for recommendations for a local restaurant (just to see the responsiveness). I've actually called off an inspection when the property didn't come close to my standards for the meeting being placed -- saved my time and did the sales manager the courtesy of saving his, too. In the time I saved, did a spur-of-the-moment inspection of another hotel and ended up booking it! -- Submitted by: Robert Abbott Director-Corp. Marketing & Communications, with Mueller Co., Decatur, Illinois.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Tree Stanchion for Lanyards
As any planner or registrar knows, string/lanyard badges can get tangled easily and create quite a mess in the registration area. After going to a store one day, I noticed a necklace stanchion in the jewelry section. I found and bought a few "tree stanchions" on the Internet and now use them at all of our conferences. I barely ever have to fight with knots. Plus, they make the registration area look even more professional and organized. You can even place a sign on top of them! -- Submitted by: Christopher Gossett Conference Coordinator, with Investment Company Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Event Planning Tip: Reserve Last Rows to Fill Front Rows
Want to fill those empty tables at the front of a banquet?
Nothing looks worse than empty tables in front of your stage on banquet night, especially when you have a guest speaker. When I want to make sure the tables in front of my stage are full I put reserved signs on the last two rows of tables in the ballroom which forces people to look at tables closer to the stage. Once those front tables are filled I pull the reserved signs and fill the tables in the back of the room too. It really works great! -- Submitted by: Dan Lough Project Coordinator, with United Transportation Union, Cleveland, Ohio.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Fishing Tackle Box for a Supply Kit
Purchase a fishing tackle box and put any miscellaneous items you would need for your meeting (pens, stapler/staples, paperclips, box cutter, scissors, velcro, batteries, sewing kit, emergency kit etc.) and emergency kit. Everything is organized and in one spot to help save time when needed. Make sure you have a list of contents and restock the tackle box when you return home before you find yourself at the next meeting and something is missing. -- Submitted by: Julie Garrison with Association Management Ltd (city and state not listed).

Quick Tips Offered by Event Planners That You Can Use

Interested in reading quick tips offered by other event planners that may apply to a variety of situations?
Event planners face hundreds of challenges on each program, so imagine someone else’s innovative solution to some common challenges. dg collected more than 175 event planning tips from meeting and event planners as part of its Stellar Tip Contest. dg is a commission-free search directory available to meeting professionals.
The following highlights a few tips offered by colleagues in the profession:
Event Planning Tip: Reduce Room Attrition Fees
A day or so before your event, find out if your hotel is booked. If so, you can use that to get them to waive any attrition fees you may have incurred. This worked for me at Bellagio. -- Submitted by: Sandra Corzine, with ADP Insurance Services, Florham Park, New Jersey.
Event Planning Tip: Arrive 1 Hour Early for Site Visits
Show up at least one hour before your scheduled site inspection, unannounced. In that time, walk around, try to interact with staff like you are a guest (ask directions, ask "difficult questions" as if you were not a seasoned traveler), look in the restaurants -- eat there if you have time, ask for recommendations for a local restaurant (just to see the responsiveness). I've actually called off an inspection when the property didn't come close to my standards for the meeting being placed -- saved my time and did the sales manager the courtesy of saving his, too. In the time I saved, did a spur-of-the-moment inspection of another hotel and ended up booking it! -- Submitted by: Robert Abbott Director-Corp. Marketing & Communications, with Mueller Co., Decatur, Illinois.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Tree Stanchion for Lanyards
As any planner or registrar knows, string/lanyard badges can get tangled easily and create quite a mess in the registration area. After going to a store one day, I noticed a necklace stanchion in the jewelry section. I found and bought a few "tree stanchions" on the Internet and now use them at all of our conferences. I barely ever have to fight with knots. Plus, they make the registration area look even more professional and organized. You can even place a sign on top of them! -- Submitted by: Christopher Gossett Conference Coordinator, with Investment Company Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Event Planning Tip: Reserve Last Rows to Fill Front Rows
Want to fill those empty tables at the front of a banquet?
Nothing looks worse than empty tables in front of your stage on banquet night, especially when you have a guest speaker. When I want to make sure the tables in front of my stage are full I put reserved signs on the last two rows of tables in the ballroom which forces people to look at tables closer to the stage. Once those front tables are filled I pull the reserved signs and fill the tables in the back of the room too. It really works great! -- Submitted by: Dan Lough Project Coordinator, with United Transportation Union, Cleveland, Ohio.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Fishing Tackle Box for a Supply Kit
Purchase a fishing tackle box and put any miscellaneous items you would need for your meeting (pens, stapler/staples, paperclips, box cutter, scissors, velcro, batteries, sewing kit, emergency kit etc.) and emergency kit. Everything is organized and in one spot to help save time when needed. Make sure you have a list of contents and restock the tackle box when you return home before you find yourself at the next meeting and something is missing. -- Submitted by: Julie Garrison with Association Management Ltd (city and state not listed).

Quick Tips Offered by Event Planners That You Can Use

Interested in reading quick tips offered by other event planners that may apply to a variety of situations?
Event planners face hundreds of challenges on each program, so imagine someone else’s innovative solution to some common challenges. dg collected more than 175 event planning tips from meeting and event planners as part of its Stellar Tip Contest. dg is a commission-free search directory available to meeting professionals.
The following highlights a few tips offered by colleagues in the profession:
Event Planning Tip: Reduce Room Attrition Fees
A day or so before your event, find out if your hotel is booked. If so, you can use that to get them to waive any attrition fees you may have incurred. This worked for me at Bellagio. -- Submitted by: Sandra Corzine, with ADP Insurance Services, Florham Park, New Jersey.
Event Planning Tip: Arrive 1 Hour Early for Site Visits
Show up at least one hour before your scheduled site inspection, unannounced. In that time, walk around, try to interact with staff like you are a guest (ask directions, ask "difficult questions" as if you were not a seasoned traveler), look in the restaurants -- eat there if you have time, ask for recommendations for a local restaurant (just to see the responsiveness). I've actually called off an inspection when the property didn't come close to my standards for the meeting being placed -- saved my time and did the sales manager the courtesy of saving his, too. In the time I saved, did a spur-of-the-moment inspection of another hotel and ended up booking it! -- Submitted by: Robert Abbott Director-Corp. Marketing & Communications, with Mueller Co., Decatur, Illinois.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Tree Stanchion for Lanyards
As any planner or registrar knows, string/lanyard badges can get tangled easily and create quite a mess in the registration area. After going to a store one day, I noticed a necklace stanchion in the jewelry section. I found and bought a few "tree stanchions" on the Internet and now use them at all of our conferences. I barely ever have to fight with knots. Plus, they make the registration area look even more professional and organized. You can even place a sign on top of them! -- Submitted by: Christopher Gossett Conference Coordinator, with Investment Company Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.
Event Planning Tip: Reserve Last Rows to Fill Front Rows
Want to fill those empty tables at the front of a banquet?
Nothing looks worse than empty tables in front of your stage on banquet night, especially when you have a guest speaker. When I want to make sure the tables in front of my stage are full I put reserved signs on the last two rows of tables in the ballroom which forces people to look at tables closer to the stage. Once those front tables are filled I pull the reserved signs and fill the tables in the back of the room too. It really works great! -- Submitted by: Dan Lough Project Coordinator, with United Transportation Union, Cleveland, Ohio.
Event Planning Tip: Use a Fishing Tackle Box for a Supply Kit
Purchase a fishing tackle box and put any miscellaneous items you would need for your meeting (pens, stapler/staples, paperclips, box cutter, scissors, velcro, batteries, sewing kit, emergency kit etc.) and emergency kit. Everything is organized and in one spot to help save time when needed. Make sure you have a list of contents and restock the tackle box when you return home before you find yourself at the next meeting and something is missing. -- Submitted by: Julie Garrison with Association Management Ltd (city and state not listed).

Getting Tickets To The Sold Out Event

Getting tickets to a sold out event can be frustrating. Here are some ways to get the tickets you want at a reasonable price.

There's nothing more frustrating as a sports fan than trying to get tickets to the big game, only to run into long lines, busy signals, and no tickets left. Here are some ways to get those tickets you desire without paying an arm and a leg to get them.

1.) Get the word out that you want tickets. Tell your friends. Tell your co-workers. Tell everybody you know that you are looking for tickets. Too many times there are people who can't go the game at the last minute, or have one extra ticket because somebody cancelled. Or, somebody gets a couple of tickets from a boss or vendor at the last minute, and needs someone to go with. If people know you want to go, there's a chance they will call you.. There is no chance they will call you if you don't tell them ahead of time that you're interested.

2.) Go to the game and find out who's selling tickets on the streets (scalpers). Yes, they will want a lot of money. But their price will go down as the day wears on. If the game's at noon and it's now 10:00am, they will want a lot of money. By 11:00, they will still want a lot, but not quite as much. Around noon, you now have the leverage. The game is about to start and they are stuck with useless tickets. You now can dictate the price. If it's after 12:00, you may get them below face-value. No scalper wants to be stuck holding extra tickets.

3.) Offer to barter with a broker. Ticket brokers are in the business to make money. But if you have a couple tickets to a big game or event in the future that you know you can't go to , they may make an even swap with you - your future tickets for the same number of tickets to the big game you want to go to. If they know they can possibly make more money on the tickets you're trading with them, they'll make the trade. You now have tickets to the big game and have gotten rid of tickets you know you couldn't use anyway.

It's always frustrating not being able to get the tickets you want. But with a little publicity and patience, you should be able to find somebody who will be able to provide you with the tickets you want at a relatively low cost.

Getting Tickets To The Sold Out Event

Getting tickets to a sold out event can be frustrating. Here are some ways to get the tickets you want at a reasonable price.

There's nothing more frustrating as a sports fan than trying to get tickets to the big game, only to run into long lines, busy signals, and no tickets left. Here are some ways to get those tickets you desire without paying an arm and a leg to get them.

1.) Get the word out that you want tickets. Tell your friends. Tell your co-workers. Tell everybody you know that you are looking for tickets. Too many times there are people who can't go the game at the last minute, or have one extra ticket because somebody cancelled. Or, somebody gets a couple of tickets from a boss or vendor at the last minute, and needs someone to go with. If people know you want to go, there's a chance they will call you.. There is no chance they will call you if you don't tell them ahead of time that you're interested.

2.) Go to the game and find out who's selling tickets on the streets (scalpers). Yes, they will want a lot of money. But their price will go down as the day wears on. If the game's at noon and it's now 10:00am, they will want a lot of money. By 11:00, they will still want a lot, but not quite as much. Around noon, you now have the leverage. The game is about to start and they are stuck with useless tickets. You now can dictate the price. If it's after 12:00, you may get them below face-value. No scalper wants to be stuck holding extra tickets.

3.) Offer to barter with a broker. Ticket brokers are in the business to make money. But if you have a couple tickets to a big game or event in the future that you know you can't go to , they may make an even swap with you - your future tickets for the same number of tickets to the big game you want to go to. If they know they can possibly make more money on the tickets you're trading with them, they'll make the trade. You now have tickets to the big game and have gotten rid of tickets you know you couldn't use anyway.

It's always frustrating not being able to get the tickets you want. But with a little publicity and patience, you should be able to find somebody who will be able to provide you with the tickets you want at a relatively low cost.

Getting Tickets To The Sold Out Event

Getting tickets to a sold out event can be frustrating. Here are some ways to get the tickets you want at a reasonable price.

There's nothing more frustrating as a sports fan than trying to get tickets to the big game, only to run into long lines, busy signals, and no tickets left. Here are some ways to get those tickets you desire without paying an arm and a leg to get them.

1.) Get the word out that you want tickets. Tell your friends. Tell your co-workers. Tell everybody you know that you are looking for tickets. Too many times there are people who can't go the game at the last minute, or have one extra ticket because somebody cancelled. Or, somebody gets a couple of tickets from a boss or vendor at the last minute, and needs someone to go with. If people know you want to go, there's a chance they will call you.. There is no chance they will call you if you don't tell them ahead of time that you're interested.

2.) Go to the game and find out who's selling tickets on the streets (scalpers). Yes, they will want a lot of money. But their price will go down as the day wears on. If the game's at noon and it's now 10:00am, they will want a lot of money. By 11:00, they will still want a lot, but not quite as much. Around noon, you now have the leverage. The game is about to start and they are stuck with useless tickets. You now can dictate the price. If it's after 12:00, you may get them below face-value. No scalper wants to be stuck holding extra tickets.

3.) Offer to barter with a broker. Ticket brokers are in the business to make money. But if you have a couple tickets to a big game or event in the future that you know you can't go to , they may make an even swap with you - your future tickets for the same number of tickets to the big game you want to go to. If they know they can possibly make more money on the tickets you're trading with them, they'll make the trade. You now have tickets to the big game and have gotten rid of tickets you know you couldn't use anyway.

It's always frustrating not being able to get the tickets you want. But with a little publicity and patience, you should be able to find somebody who will be able to provide you with the tickets you want at a relatively low cost.

Getting Tickets To The Sold Out Event

Getting tickets to a sold out event can be frustrating. Here are some ways to get the tickets you want at a reasonable price.

There's nothing more frustrating as a sports fan than trying to get tickets to the big game, only to run into long lines, busy signals, and no tickets left. Here are some ways to get those tickets you desire without paying an arm and a leg to get them.

1.) Get the word out that you want tickets. Tell your friends. Tell your co-workers. Tell everybody you know that you are looking for tickets. Too many times there are people who can't go the game at the last minute, or have one extra ticket because somebody cancelled. Or, somebody gets a couple of tickets from a boss or vendor at the last minute, and needs someone to go with. If people know you want to go, there's a chance they will call you.. There is no chance they will call you if you don't tell them ahead of time that you're interested.

2.) Go to the game and find out who's selling tickets on the streets (scalpers). Yes, they will want a lot of money. But their price will go down as the day wears on. If the game's at noon and it's now 10:00am, they will want a lot of money. By 11:00, they will still want a lot, but not quite as much. Around noon, you now have the leverage. The game is about to start and they are stuck with useless tickets. You now can dictate the price. If it's after 12:00, you may get them below face-value. No scalper wants to be stuck holding extra tickets.

3.) Offer to barter with a broker. Ticket brokers are in the business to make money. But if you have a couple tickets to a big game or event in the future that you know you can't go to , they may make an even swap with you - your future tickets for the same number of tickets to the big game you want to go to. If they know they can possibly make more money on the tickets you're trading with them, they'll make the trade. You now have tickets to the big game and have gotten rid of tickets you know you couldn't use anyway.

It's always frustrating not being able to get the tickets you want. But with a little publicity and patience, you should be able to find somebody who will be able to provide you with the tickets you want at a relatively low cost.

Wedding Coordinator

Information and questions to ask when interviewing your wedding coordinator.

From the second a woman is proposed to, the wedding plans have already begun. When my husband proposed to me over four years ago, I had practically created a guest list in my head in the few moments between the time it took him to propose and show me the ring. For some women, like me, the mere thought of planning a picture-perfect wedding is exciting. For other women, however, it may seem overwhelming. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, a coordinator will do everything from narrowing down a list of venues, florists and photographers for you to pick from to planning every single detail of the wedding, including the theme and colors, so you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are planning on hiring a wedding coordinator, here is a list of some items you will want to keep in mind and some questions you may want to ask during your interviews.
One thing you will want to know is how long the wedding coordinator has been in the business and how many weddings they have actually planned. Sure, your old college roommate may think it exciting to help coordinate your wedding, but if this is the first wedding she will be planning, much less, attending, then you may have some problems. If a coordinator having a degree is important to you, then, by all means, only choose one who has gone to school for it; however, his or her work must speak for itself, so ask to view a portfolio of recent weddings and some reviews from their past clients.
After determining if your styles mesh, it is vital that your personalities do not clash. After all, this is the person who will be coordinating your wedding, who may be in attendance at the wedding, who will be telling you, your spouse, your bridal party/groomsmen and your relatives where to sit or stand and who will help you with one of the most important days of your life. Be sure that you get along well with the coordinator you choose. Many wedding coordinators start off part-time while their businesses get off the ground. If you want a coordinator whose work schedule you do not want to work around, you may want to choose a coordinator who is full-time in the business already.
Unless you and your spouse-to-be are trust-fund babies with no money worries, you will want to have a coordinator who helps you stick to your budget. One of the first things you will need to discuss with a coordinator is how much you are willing to spend on the entire wedding. A great coordinator will pick vendors accordingly and not have you meet or interview, say, a florist or photographer that is out of your financial league.
Discuss fees and costs with your coordinator. Most coordinators charge one of three ways. They will either charge a flat fee (in other words, they will offer package deals based on how much involvement you want in the coordination of your wedding), a per hour fee or a percentage of your budget. Ask the coordinator up front of any hidden costs or extras they may charge, like travel fees or fees for extra helpers at the wedding.
Depending on the size of your wedding, your coordinator may work alone or they may hire a few helpers for the actual wedding day. If so, make sure this is included in the fees you have discussed. You may also want to get a breakdown of when you will need to pay. Some coordinators may ask for the cost up front, while some are willing to accept payments leading up to the actual wedding day.

Wedding Coordinator

Information and questions to ask when interviewing your wedding coordinator.

From the second a woman is proposed to, the wedding plans have already begun. When my husband proposed to me over four years ago, I had practically created a guest list in my head in the few moments between the time it took him to propose and show me the ring. For some women, like me, the mere thought of planning a picture-perfect wedding is exciting. For other women, however, it may seem overwhelming. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, a coordinator will do everything from narrowing down a list of venues, florists and photographers for you to pick from to planning every single detail of the wedding, including the theme and colors, so you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are planning on hiring a wedding coordinator, here is a list of some items you will want to keep in mind and some questions you may want to ask during your interviews.
One thing you will want to know is how long the wedding coordinator has been in the business and how many weddings they have actually planned. Sure, your old college roommate may think it exciting to help coordinate your wedding, but if this is the first wedding she will be planning, much less, attending, then you may have some problems. If a coordinator having a degree is important to you, then, by all means, only choose one who has gone to school for it; however, his or her work must speak for itself, so ask to view a portfolio of recent weddings and some reviews from their past clients.
After determining if your styles mesh, it is vital that your personalities do not clash. After all, this is the person who will be coordinating your wedding, who may be in attendance at the wedding, who will be telling you, your spouse, your bridal party/groomsmen and your relatives where to sit or stand and who will help you with one of the most important days of your life. Be sure that you get along well with the coordinator you choose. Many wedding coordinators start off part-time while their businesses get off the ground. If you want a coordinator whose work schedule you do not want to work around, you may want to choose a coordinator who is full-time in the business already.
Unless you and your spouse-to-be are trust-fund babies with no money worries, you will want to have a coordinator who helps you stick to your budget. One of the first things you will need to discuss with a coordinator is how much you are willing to spend on the entire wedding. A great coordinator will pick vendors accordingly and not have you meet or interview, say, a florist or photographer that is out of your financial league.
Discuss fees and costs with your coordinator. Most coordinators charge one of three ways. They will either charge a flat fee (in other words, they will offer package deals based on how much involvement you want in the coordination of your wedding), a per hour fee or a percentage of your budget. Ask the coordinator up front of any hidden costs or extras they may charge, like travel fees or fees for extra helpers at the wedding.
Depending on the size of your wedding, your coordinator may work alone or they may hire a few helpers for the actual wedding day. If so, make sure this is included in the fees you have discussed. You may also want to get a breakdown of when you will need to pay. Some coordinators may ask for the cost up front, while some are willing to accept payments leading up to the actual wedding day.

Wedding Coordinator

Information and questions to ask when interviewing your wedding coordinator.

From the second a woman is proposed to, the wedding plans have already begun. When my husband proposed to me over four years ago, I had practically created a guest list in my head in the few moments between the time it took him to propose and show me the ring. For some women, like me, the mere thought of planning a picture-perfect wedding is exciting. For other women, however, it may seem overwhelming. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, a coordinator will do everything from narrowing down a list of venues, florists and photographers for you to pick from to planning every single detail of the wedding, including the theme and colors, so you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are planning on hiring a wedding coordinator, here is a list of some items you will want to keep in mind and some questions you may want to ask during your interviews.
One thing you will want to know is how long the wedding coordinator has been in the business and how many weddings they have actually planned. Sure, your old college roommate may think it exciting to help coordinate your wedding, but if this is the first wedding she will be planning, much less, attending, then you may have some problems. If a coordinator having a degree is important to you, then, by all means, only choose one who has gone to school for it; however, his or her work must speak for itself, so ask to view a portfolio of recent weddings and some reviews from their past clients.
After determining if your styles mesh, it is vital that your personalities do not clash. After all, this is the person who will be coordinating your wedding, who may be in attendance at the wedding, who will be telling you, your spouse, your bridal party/groomsmen and your relatives where to sit or stand and who will help you with one of the most important days of your life. Be sure that you get along well with the coordinator you choose. Many wedding coordinators start off part-time while their businesses get off the ground. If you want a coordinator whose work schedule you do not want to work around, you may want to choose a coordinator who is full-time in the business already.
Unless you and your spouse-to-be are trust-fund babies with no money worries, you will want to have a coordinator who helps you stick to your budget. One of the first things you will need to discuss with a coordinator is how much you are willing to spend on the entire wedding. A great coordinator will pick vendors accordingly and not have you meet or interview, say, a florist or photographer that is out of your financial league.
Discuss fees and costs with your coordinator. Most coordinators charge one of three ways. They will either charge a flat fee (in other words, they will offer package deals based on how much involvement you want in the coordination of your wedding), a per hour fee or a percentage of your budget. Ask the coordinator up front of any hidden costs or extras they may charge, like travel fees or fees for extra helpers at the wedding.
Depending on the size of your wedding, your coordinator may work alone or they may hire a few helpers for the actual wedding day. If so, make sure this is included in the fees you have discussed. You may also want to get a breakdown of when you will need to pay. Some coordinators may ask for the cost up front, while some are willing to accept payments leading up to the actual wedding day.

Wedding Coordinator

Information and questions to ask when interviewing your wedding coordinator.

From the second a woman is proposed to, the wedding plans have already begun. When my husband proposed to me over four years ago, I had practically created a guest list in my head in the few moments between the time it took him to propose and show me the ring. For some women, like me, the mere thought of planning a picture-perfect wedding is exciting. For other women, however, it may seem overwhelming. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, a coordinator will do everything from narrowing down a list of venues, florists and photographers for you to pick from to planning every single detail of the wedding, including the theme and colors, so you and your soon-to-be spouse can sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are planning on hiring a wedding coordinator, here is a list of some items you will want to keep in mind and some questions you may want to ask during your interviews.
One thing you will want to know is how long the wedding coordinator has been in the business and how many weddings they have actually planned. Sure, your old college roommate may think it exciting to help coordinate your wedding, but if this is the first wedding she will be planning, much less, attending, then you may have some problems. If a coordinator having a degree is important to you, then, by all means, only choose one who has gone to school for it; however, his or her work must speak for itself, so ask to view a portfolio of recent weddings and some reviews from their past clients.
After determining if your styles mesh, it is vital that your personalities do not clash. After all, this is the person who will be coordinating your wedding, who may be in attendance at the wedding, who will be telling you, your spouse, your bridal party/groomsmen and your relatives where to sit or stand and who will help you with one of the most important days of your life. Be sure that you get along well with the coordinator you choose. Many wedding coordinators start off part-time while their businesses get off the ground. If you want a coordinator whose work schedule you do not want to work around, you may want to choose a coordinator who is full-time in the business already.
Unless you and your spouse-to-be are trust-fund babies with no money worries, you will want to have a coordinator who helps you stick to your budget. One of the first things you will need to discuss with a coordinator is how much you are willing to spend on the entire wedding. A great coordinator will pick vendors accordingly and not have you meet or interview, say, a florist or photographer that is out of your financial league.
Discuss fees and costs with your coordinator. Most coordinators charge one of three ways. They will either charge a flat fee (in other words, they will offer package deals based on how much involvement you want in the coordination of your wedding), a per hour fee or a percentage of your budget. Ask the coordinator up front of any hidden costs or extras they may charge, like travel fees or fees for extra helpers at the wedding.
Depending on the size of your wedding, your coordinator may work alone or they may hire a few helpers for the actual wedding day. If so, make sure this is included in the fees you have discussed. You may also want to get a breakdown of when you will need to pay. Some coordinators may ask for the cost up front, while some are willing to accept payments leading up to the actual wedding day.

Why Should I Hire An Event Coordinator?

When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or to hire an event coordinator to take care of the planning process for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

Kyle Hayden, the Event Coordinator for Strong Events, which specializes in event decorating and design for theme parties, says the main reason for hiring an event coordinator is accessibility. While people can do the planning on their own, he says, the advantages are that event coordinators know the people involved in carrying out the party and do not overlook a lot of the smaller details that the average consumer might overlook.

He also says that event coordinators might be able get a better discount than a single consumer: "I can go to particular vendors with your budget and tell them I really need to stay within it." He also says that event coordinators speak the language that vendors understand: "At least with a coordinator, somebody speaks the language and you can tell them what you want and they can go and bring it back, show you pictures, or take you to the place."

One example Hayden provides is an event like a 50th anniversary for a couple who likes to travel. He says that if the husband got a trip to Hawaii for his wife, it may be fun to use an island theme for the anniversary party. With that type of theme, Hayden says he would then locate the types of foods that are found in Hawaii and have the party bartenders all dress in Hawaiian print shirts. "We can also add the other touches that they might not think of, such as a using a margarita machine and passing out plastic leis when the people come to the door," he adds. Depending on what the budget is, Hayden says an event coordinator can really expand on the theme.

Hayden also says that hiring an event coordinator can also be a true time saver: "The consumer might spend five hours on the party with an event coordinator as opposed to two weeks. A lot of times, they don't have the time to plan, and that's when we come in and help them." He says that event coordinators can help you to narrow down your search for all the elements of the party and save you a lot of time.

In addition to saving time, Hayden explains that event coordinators can help to simplify the entire party planning process for the consumer. If you do not have to plan and implement every detail of the party, you can truly enjoy the special day without the added stress. He says, "Whether it is a private party or a corporate fund raiser, event coordinators can help you enjoy it so you can mingle with your guests. They take the hassle out of being a host. You won't feel the need to serve or refill anything."

If your budget allows for you to hire an event coordinator, it can save you a lot of the headaches that can come with planning and throwing any type of party. Keeping these things in mind can help you to decide if hiring an event coordinator is right for you.

Why Should I Hire An Event Coordinator?

When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or to hire an event coordinator to take care of the planning process for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

Kyle Hayden, the Event Coordinator for Strong Events, which specializes in event decorating and design for theme parties, says the main reason for hiring an event coordinator is accessibility. While people can do the planning on their own, he says, the advantages are that event coordinators know the people involved in carrying out the party and do not overlook a lot of the smaller details that the average consumer might overlook.

He also says that event coordinators might be able get a better discount than a single consumer: "I can go to particular vendors with your budget and tell them I really need to stay within it." He also says that event coordinators speak the language that vendors understand: "At least with a coordinator, somebody speaks the language and you can tell them what you want and they can go and bring it back, show you pictures, or take you to the place."

One example Hayden provides is an event like a 50th anniversary for a couple who likes to travel. He says that if the husband got a trip to Hawaii for his wife, it may be fun to use an island theme for the anniversary party. With that type of theme, Hayden says he would then locate the types of foods that are found in Hawaii and have the party bartenders all dress in Hawaiian print shirts. "We can also add the other touches that they might not think of, such as a using a margarita machine and passing out plastic leis when the people come to the door," he adds. Depending on what the budget is, Hayden says an event coordinator can really expand on the theme.

Hayden also says that hiring an event coordinator can also be a true time saver: "The consumer might spend five hours on the party with an event coordinator as opposed to two weeks. A lot of times, they don't have the time to plan, and that's when we come in and help them." He says that event coordinators can help you to narrow down your search for all the elements of the party and save you a lot of time.

In addition to saving time, Hayden explains that event coordinators can help to simplify the entire party planning process for the consumer. If you do not have to plan and implement every detail of the party, you can truly enjoy the special day without the added stress. He says, "Whether it is a private party or a corporate fund raiser, event coordinators can help you enjoy it so you can mingle with your guests. They take the hassle out of being a host. You won't feel the need to serve or refill anything."

If your budget allows for you to hire an event coordinator, it can save you a lot of the headaches that can come with planning and throwing any type of party. Keeping these things in mind can help you to decide if hiring an event coordinator is right for you.

Why Should I Hire An Event Coordinator?

When planning any type of party or event, there is always the option to plan it yourself or to hire an event coordinator to take care of the planning process for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

Kyle Hayden, the Event Coordinator for Strong Events, which specializes in event decorating and design for theme parties, says the main reason for hiring an event coordinator is accessibility. While people can do the planning on their own, he says, the advantages are that event coordinators know the people involved in carrying out the party and do not overlook a lot of the smaller details that the average consumer might overlook.

He also says that event coordinators might be able get a better discount than a single consumer: "I can go to particular vendors with your budget and tell them I really need to stay within it." He also says that event coordinators speak the language that vendors understand: "At least with a coordinator, somebody speaks the language and you can tell them what you want and they can go and bring it back, show you pictures, or take you to the place."

One example Hayden provides is an event like a 50th anniversary for a couple who likes to travel. He says that if the husband got a trip to Hawaii for his wife, it may be fun to use an island theme for the anniversary party. With that type of theme, Hayden says he would then locate the types of foods that are found in Hawaii and have the party bartenders all dress in Hawaiian print shirts. "We can also add the other touches that they might not think of, such as a using a margarita machine and passing out plastic leis when the people come to the door," he adds. Depending on what the budget is, Hayden says an event coordinator can really expand on the theme.

Hayden also says that hiring an event coordinator can also be a true time saver: "The consumer might spend five hours on the party with an event coordinator as opposed to two weeks. A lot of times, they don't have the time to plan, and that's when we come in and help them." He says that event coordinators can help you to narrow down your search for all the elements of the party and save you a lot of time.

In addition to saving time, Hayden explains that event coordinators can help to simplify the entire party planning process for the consumer. If you do not have to plan and implement every detail of the party, you can truly enjoy the special day without the added stress. He says, "Whether it is a private party or a corporate fund raiser, event coordinators can help you enjoy it so you can mingle with your guests. They take the hassle out of being a host. You won't feel the need to serve or refill anything."

If your budget allows for you to hire an event coordinator, it can save you a lot of the headaches that can come with planning and throwing any type of party. Keeping these things in mind can help you to decide if hiring an event coordinator is right for you.