How to Pick an Event Planner

The benefits of hiring an events planner are probably already obvious to you since you are looking at these pages, but you might be wondering how to pick an events planner amongst all the options available. We believe that the key to hiring a great planner is, as with all things, reliant upon good preparation.

1. Ask around

We never underestimate the power of word of mouth and know that a recommendation from a trusted personal contact can say far more than countless pages of glowing testimonials. Friends, relatives and colleagues may have worked with a planner in the past who they would be more than happy to put you in contact with.

2. Work out your priorities

Make a list of the things that you seek to gain from your relationship with your event planner. You wouldn’t employ someone at work without having defined what the parameters of their role will be; likewise you want to be sure you select a professional planner who can cover all of the elements that you need help with.

3. Do your research

Draw up a shortlist of candidates and carry out a compare and contrast exercise. Have a look at their portfolio of work; see what venues they have worked with and the kind of events they have previously worked on; gather an understanding of their background to see what experience they bring to the role; cross reference any testimonials on their website with reviews they might have received elsewhere, such as Qype or bridal forums.

4. Arrange a meeting

It’s all very well and good for your favoured planner to have curated international events for global brands or lavish private parties, but if you don’t click with them it’s going to make working together a chore. Give them the chance to get to know you on a face-to-face basis so that they can understand more about your needs whilst you assess whether your personalities will gel.

5. Request a proposal and scrutinise it

A proposal ought to outline everything from the design elements of your event to the detailed cost of every last knife, spoon and fork. Make sure you have educated yourself beforehand about the likely spend on various elements that you have requested and then scrutinise what has been proposed. Does this planner take commission from third party suppliers? Has VAT been included? Don’t be afraid to go through things with a fine toothcomb and query any hidden costs.

The best event and wedding planners will advocate and encourage these initial steps as the start of their working process with you, but if at any point they seem to be withholding information or not listening to you, alarm bells should start to ring. However, when you get the right planner for your event, you ought to find a weight lifted from your shoulders as they will be able to easily translate your ideas into the type of event that will leave your guests speechless.