<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen you\u2019re new you won\u2019t have the well-developed relationships with vendors an experienced event planner has. These relationships (and the trust that comes with them) take time to build. Eventually, you\u2019ll have a contact list filled with reliable vendors you\u2019ve worked with that consistently meet deadlines and come through for you. Until then, you need to try to make the best choices possible!<\/p>\n
Gather information from multiple vendors or suppliers that you\u2019re considering for your event. Start by getting quotes so you can compare services and pricing. Ask for references and testimonials but don\u2019t stop there\u2014search online for reviews as well! Making an informed decision will increase your chance for success.<\/p>\n
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Choosing and booking your vendors is only half the battle. One of the most common rookie mistakes is forgetting to confirm your vendors before the event. Remember, you are often booking your vendors weeks, months or even years in advance. That\u2019s a lot of time for wires to get crossed!<\/p>\n
To prevent disasters, follow-up with your vendors at least 48 hours before your event to confirm everything is in order. Make sure they still have the correct information for your event (head counts, flower choices, etc). Who knows\u2014maybe the person you booked with has moved on to another job and did not leave detailed records.<\/p>\n
<\/span>No Back-Up Plan<\/span><\/h2>\nMurphy\u2019s Law should never be far from your thoughts as a planner: \u201cAnything that can go wrong, will go wrong.\u201d All the preparation and planning in the world does not guarantee a flawless event. You can hope for the best but you need to prepare for the worst. Having a \u201cPlan B\u201d can save you if and when things go horribly wrong!<\/p>\n
You need to make risk assessment part of your planning process. Identify potential risks for your event and come up with contingency plans. Create a list of emergency vendors who can act quickly and have a similar product\/service to what you\u2019ve booked. Make sure you have a second choice standing by to take on MC duties in case the planned MC is sick or late. For any outdoor events, have an indoor space available to you or room in the budget for an emergency tent!<\/p>\n
We hope this helps you avoid the common mistakes you may encounter when becoming an Event Planner! Keep this quote in mind as you start your journey: \u201cLearn from the mistakes of others. You can never live long enough to make them all yourself\u201d\u2014Groucho Marx<\/p>\n
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