Creating A Budget For Your Event | Event Planning Expert Tips

Creating A Budget For Your Event | Event Planning Expert Tips

Your first step in any event planning should be to set the budget. This will allow a much smoother process moving forward as you book vendors and make purchases. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to pin down exactly how much to spend and what to make major allowances on while laying out your vision. With a clear budget in mind, planning your event will become a much simpler task! Where to begin?  We like to stick to the main points: the who, what, where type questions. What is the type of event you are planning? How many people will be on the guest list? Where is the venue for your event? These three key points will determine the bulk of your budget. What is your event? The money needed to create an amazing birthday party is far less than a grand wedding. This may seem like an obvious answer, but take it a step further and determine what kind of event. Are you aiming for an upscale retirement party? A modern wedding? A boho-chic birthday bash? How many attendees? Your guest list total will create the logistics of catering, seating, and how much space you need. The next questions following will have a lot to do with how many people you will be accommodating. 20 people versus 200 makes a big difference on where to allot your spending. What is your venue? Securing a location should always be one of the first steps in your event planning process. Your other vendors will need to charge travel and services accordingly. Often, your venue may want to take...
Countdown To Success | Event Planner Expert Tips

Countdown To Success | Event Planner Expert Tips

As we embark on a brand new year, we all adjust our goals to fit the timeline we have set up. No matter what kind of event you are planning, having a month by month countdown with achievable milestones will keep you stress-free and in line for success. Time to break out the calendar. Whether you use a pen to paper planner or rely solely on the calendar on your phone, marking specific dates to hold yourself accountable will help you A LOT in the long run.  What date is your event? What vendors have you already booked? We just saw many engagements on our Facebook over the holidays which gives you a fresh map to success. 10-12 Months Before Event Collect inspiration images and determine the budget. This is the best time to hire an event planner to keep you on track and answer any big questions if you have never planned an event before. Organize names and addresses for your guest list. 8-10 Months Before Event Time to establish goals and objectives. Your date should be chosen. Next, research and book your venue. Our last blog went over creating a budget. In that blog we detailed the big questions such as where the event is being held, how many guests are attending, and what kind of event & theme you are envisioning. Book your florist, caterer, photographer, DJ or musicians.. 6-8 Months Before Event Book additional vendors such as hair and make up and rentals. Planning a wedding? Choose your wedding dress and cake! Create a registry. Book hotel rooms and a honeymoon. The Last 6 Months...
Year In Review

Year In Review

With more than 17 events this year, all we can say is, 2017 was amazing! I give thanks to my awesome clients for hiring me and sharing your awesome families with us. I also give thanks to all my hubby, family, volunteers and helpers this year. You’ve done a lot and I’m grateful for all you’ve done to help me have a successful year! Special shout outs to: Sandra Burson, Crystal Patterson, Charon Pilgrim, Melissa Stitt, Stephanie Vinson, Donna Barden, Donna Gasper, Anissa Burton, Stephaine Silas, Michelle Holland, Nicole Smith and Wanda Soloman. To our fellow vendors: You have all been amazing and I look forward to our partnership in 2018! Our 2017 Events: Honorable 2017 Events (Not Pictured) Celebration of Life – November 18th Sean Grim’s Surprise 50th Bday party – Dec 9th 50th Vow Renewal Mr.& Mrs. Kearney – Dec 22nd We are excited to work with our 2018 Clients! Kayleigh & Justin April Wedding Amanda Baker’s 50th Birthday party Lake Norman Prom May Event Zakiyyah & Donovan May Wedding Haley & Steven August Wedding Jessica & Terrance Sept Wedding What an amazing year! We took a role in planning proms, business events, birthdays, socials, and of course, weddings! We love all our clients and are so grateful to be included in their special events, families, and hearts. We look forward to the upcoming year and have some great new services coming your way. Stay tuned! To inquire about your 2018 Event – complete the form...
I’m Grateful Because…

I’m Grateful Because…

This time of year has everyone buzzing with love and things to be thankful for. I’m grateful for the happiness and health of my family. I’m also grateful for my amazing business so I can help make such a big day in my client’s lives special. We want to know— what are you grateful for? Giving Thanks While we appreciate all the important things in our lives year round, this time of year is a great opportunity to point out the little things. Let your loved ones know small differences they make in your life that maybe you never get a chance to tell them. We love writing out personalized thank you cards to give out at holiday parties with a heartfelt message. Send The Love With so much distance between relatives and friends, it can be hard to let everyone know that you’re thinking of them. When all else fails, sending a message in any form is still a way to let them know you’re grateful regardless of land or sea between you. I’m grateful because around this time I get to reflect on entire year of joy and happy couples. The events and weddings I am fortunate to be a part of shine a light on so much of our lives here at Events By Deb. Thank you for being wonderful clients and allowing our creativity to make your events so special. We want to hear it! What are you grateful...
Why Selecting the Right Vendors Can Lead to Event Success or Failure!

Why Selecting the Right Vendors Can Lead to Event Success or Failure!

Every good event is a collaboration of the vendors and hours put into creating it. Each piece of the puzzle comes together to form the final product. Choosing the right team can make or break your event when it comes time to make the magic happen. How can you make sure you choose the right vendors for event success? Compare Aesthetics Look over your list of necessary vendors and put together a cohesive theme you want them all to share. This should be based on the overall theme of your event. You wouldn’t want to hire a club DJ for a baby shower, or a clown for a vintage inspired wedding. By having vendors who match your vision, you’ll be happy with the end result as a whole. Ask The Right Questions The best way to conduct a vendor interview is to be prepared to ask questions so you aren’t left wondering what to expect. What is their experience with certain situations? Do you have any specific requests you want to make sure they can fulfill? Be open and honest about your expectations so they can be candid about their ability to live up to your vision. Do Your Research Reviews matter. When customer takes the time to write up how their experience went, there was an impression that’s worth taking into consideration. Look deeper than just the star rating. With any vendor, there may be different people who represent that company such as make up teams, floral designers, and even wedding planners. Know exactly who is going to be showing up the day of and confirm their track...