I love watching the Wedding Planner and 27 Dresses – but real world events do not happen like that for small businesses. You rarely have a crew of people running around with ear pieces to ensure that every detail is perfect. Most of the time, it is like I was this weekend – running solo.
I arrived at 10:30 am for an event start time of 5:30 pm. I had never seen the inside of the venue but the company had hosted similar events in the space. First thing that happened was the person helping me get into the building set off both sets of door alarms. Second thing that happened was that 8 couches awaited me in the middle of the venue.
They had set up the 8 tables in and around the couch formation. This completely restricted the flow of movement and was a hazard to the couches. So, I spent the next two hours moving tables, chairs, side tables and the couches themselves – and no one at the event knew about it.
Event planning is not glamorous.
It is long hours spent working on details that are rarely noticed when they are done correctly but always noticed when they are not done. It is listening to people complain about the brand of soda at the event. It is cleaning up after people as they leave their glasses and food across the tables. It is putting on make up and getting dressed in the bathroom of the venue because you do not have time to go home. Event planning is all of this but it is much more as well.
Event planning is very rewarding.
Creating and nurturing an idea that then comes to life in front of your eyes is addicting. I get a fizzle down my spine as all the details start to come together. The relationships you build with others in the industry will last far beyond that one event and turn into true friendships. Event planning allows you to transport people to worlds of fun and fantasy, bringing joy to so many.
So while event planning is not like the movies it can be so much better because you help create dreams, are involved in their most special days, and make lasting memories. At the end of the day, it is worth the long hours and the 10-15% of people who test your patience and your ethics to make someones day.
Tips for Succeeding in Event Planning
- Grow a thick skin. People will always think they could have done better without knowing the details.
- Learn to love the process. Taking and idea from inception to creation is an amazing feeling.
- Find good partners to work with. Having the right people around you and helping you at events make a world of difference. I keep list of my preferred vendors and a list of people who I will not work with again.