Benefits of Hiring an Event Planner

Raise your hand if you've ever planned a kids' birthday party? Or perhaps a surprise party for someone? Bridal Shower? Baby Shower? Reunion? Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Shall I keep going? Planning a party is a lot of prep work and so often includes many details that we think of after the fact. 

​All too often I am asked, why hire an event planner? My answer is always the same; to be able to be a guest at your own event. Even when I got married, I still hired someone to take care of the details the week leading up so that I could sit back and relax! 
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​So, really, why hire a professional event planner? Here are four reasons…

1. Experience

We want you to have a fun, exciting, smooth, “wow factor” type of event. We want to make it convenient for you and want you to enjoy the experience as a guest! Hiring a professional will ensure that your vision is executed. Not only will they handle all of the logistical details they will know what your wants are and plan for them so that it's the best possible experience.
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2. Value

We've all heard the saying "you get what you pay for" and that's true with hiring an event planner. Most assume that it's just another budget expense that will be more than if you did it yourself, yet that's quite the opposite. Your planner knows the true cost of goods and whether you’re being overcharged or if there is a mark-up. They can be the negotiator for you and make sure you get all you want that's within your budget. And most of the time the planner can even help save you costs! There is no need to break the piggy bank in order to hire a professional.

3. Engagement
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I’m not just talking about weddings here. To be engaged is to be participating - we want you and your guests to have fun no matter what type of event you are organizing. We want your guests to be raving about your event long after it's finished.  Don’t you always hear after a great wedding you’ve been to: "wow, I wish I could go back and do that again" or after an annual fundraiser or event for a company “that was so much fun, I can’t wait for the next one.” That’s what a great event planner will do for you! What was the most fun you’ve had an event? 

4. Relevance
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An event planner can help at any stage of the preparations. I have had many clients that I work with ask to get them started and then they can run with what I’ve set up. Others have needed our expertise throughout the entire process - from inception to completion. When deciding whether or not to hire an event planner ask what’s relevant for you and your event. Ask yourself: do I need to be present during the event? Do I want to be a participant? Will I be the center of attention at anytime during this event? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you most likely need to find yourself a planner. I know event planning is fun and can sometimes be glamorous yet it can also be scary and stressful when things go wrong. Work with a professional planner and be a guest at your own event.  I would love to hear your stories about the last event you attended or hosted.  Let us know in the comments! 

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Author

Nicole Ratner, CAE, CMP is a wife, mom and business owner with over 17 years in the event industry. Visit her online at www.thenextstepsllc.com or on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/thenextstepsllcva.