{"id":9172,"date":"2016-05-25T09:06:07","date_gmt":"2016-05-25T14:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/?p=9172"},"modified":"2016-05-25T09:06:07","modified_gmt":"2016-05-25T14:06:07","slug":"lauren-de-koster-ask-anything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything","title":{"rendered":"Lauren De Koster: Ask Me Anything!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Lauren De Koster of Twelfth Night Events is a certified wedding planner and graduate of QC Event School. If you missed her AMA on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/QCEventPlanning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our Facebook page<\/a> in April, no worries! We\u2019ve picked some of the best questions, so you can catch up with Lauren\u2019s advice on everything from wedding expos to home offices.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_How_do_you_determine_how_many_weddings_you_can_do_in_a_year\" >Q: How do you determine how many weddings you can do in a year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_Im_going_to_a_wedding_expo_for_the_first_time_as_a_planner_Any_tips_or_advice_to_attract_new_clients\" >Q: I&#8217;m going to a wedding expo for the first time as a planner. Any tips or advice to attract new clients?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_What_is_your_step-by-step_process_once_youre_hired_as_a_wedding_planner_for_a_bride_and_groom\" >Q: What is your step-by-step process once you\u2019re hired as a wedding planner for a bride and groom?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_What_are_the_top_3_things_you_would_recommend_doing_if_you_were_just_at_the_beginning_stages_of_wanting_to_start_in_the_wedding_planning_field\" >Q: What are the top 3 things you would recommend doing if you were just at the beginning stages of wanting to start in the wedding planning field?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_If_you_are_a_self-employed_wedding_planner_do_you_think_you_can_run_your_business_from_home_or_do_you_think_you_need_to_lease_an_office\" >Q: If you are a self-employed wedding planner, do you think you can run your business from home or do you think you need to lease an office?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_Do_you_use_software_at_all_for_the_design_element_of_events_And_how_do_you_set_out_a_proposal_for_a_client\" >Q: Do you use software at all for the design element of events? And how do you set out a proposal for a client?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\/#Q_Im_focusing_on_intimate_weddings_and_events_50%E2%80%9475_people_or_less_When_youre_planning_for_a_smaller_event_you_still_go_through_the_same_steps_but_should_the_size_change_the_pricing_Should_I_charge_less_for_these_smaller_events\" >Q: I&#8217;m focusing on intimate weddings and events (50\u201475 people or less). When you&#8217;re planning for a smaller event you still go through the same steps but should the size change the pricing? Should I charge less for these smaller events?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_do_you_determine_how_many_weddings_you_can_do_in_a_year\"><\/span>Q: How do you determine how many weddings you can do in a year?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Great question! It is tricky for me to answer this question for you because, of course, it is based on many factors. For example: Are you devoting your full attention to planning weddings, or do you <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/09\/run-event-planning-business-full-time-job\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">have another full-time job<\/a>? How much experience do you have in planning weddings? Have you completed a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/event-and-wedding-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wedding planning course<\/a>? Do you have other obligations like family and\/or travel that will prevent you from taking on weddings full time? Do you have support to assist you in planning the weddings, such as on-site help or other planners who can freelance for you?<\/p>\n<p>My best advice for you would be to take it slow and build up your number of weddings year after year. You will naturally find out the number of weddings that you are comfortable taking on. In my first year of business, I only took a handful of weddings because I wanted to really devote time to planning awesome weddings. Over the years, I have taken more and more, and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2014\/10\/expanding-business-hiring-employees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">my team has expanded<\/a> as a result. We currently average between 25\u201430 weddings a year, which is a full-time job! You will find the number that works for you!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Im_going_to_a_wedding_expo_for_the_first_time_as_a_planner_Any_tips_or_advice_to_attract_new_clients\"><\/span>Q: I&#8217;m going to a wedding expo for the first time as a planner. Any tips or advice to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/02\/wedding-planning-career-finding-new-clients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attract new clients<\/a>?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> That&#8217;s awesome! We love our wedding expos! Wedding shows are a great opportunity for you to showcase your business, your talents, and attract new clients. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow: auto;\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<p>1. Put thought into your booth\u2014Don&#8217;t leave it to the last minute! Make sure that you put attention and detail into what your booth will look like. You want to create a place that will attract potential brides to stop and want to learn more about you. With Wedding Planners, our services aren&#8217;t tangible\u2014however, you can showcase your creativity by putting together a really well planned booth!<\/p>\n<p>2. Create a show promotion! Couples are attending bridal shows because they want to find vendors and they want deals. If you are new to the industry and hoping to build your client base, why not offer a promotion? You could offer a show discount for any new weddings booked by a certain date or create a draw for a prize which requires show attendees to enter. This will allow you to capture their contact information for future prospecting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"323\" height=\"500\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9178\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Wedding-dress.jpg\" alt=\"Wedding dress\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Wedding-dress.jpg 323w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Wedding-dress-194x300.jpg 194w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 323px) 100vw, 323px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>3. Lastly, while at the show, be sure to introduce yourself to the other vendors at the show. One of our favorite things about the annual wedding shows we attend is <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/06\/event-planners-heres-find-best-vendors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">connecting with vendors<\/a> we haven&#8217;t seen lately. It becomes a fun networking opportunity year after year. So, take the time to walk around during the breaks to introduce yourself, collect cards, and hand out your information. These vendors will likely become your network as your business grows!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_is_your_step-by-step_process_once_youre_hired_as_a_wedding_planner_for_a_bride_and_groom\"><\/span>Q: What is your step-by-step process once you\u2019re hired as a wedding planner for a bride and groom?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Each wedding planner has their own step-by-step process in planning an event, and it truly is based on their own personal work style\u2014I\u2019m afraid there is no set formula for this.<\/p>\n<p>However, as a starting point, I would suggest that you create a<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2015\/09\/free-download-a-wedding-day-timeline-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> timeline of the planning process<\/a>. This is what is often referred to as a <i>critical path<\/i>. It outlines key areas, due dates, and tasks needed to complete the planning stages. Creating this template for yourself will assist you in creating your style. If you are struggling to know when certain vendors need to be booked, check in with your QC course materials or reach out to local vendors and ask them when they prefer to meet with new clients and their preferred timeline for finalizing plans!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_the_top_3_things_you_would_recommend_doing_if_you_were_just_at_the_beginning_stages_of_wanting_to_start_in_the_wedding_planning_field\"><\/span>Q: What are the top 3 things you would recommend doing if you were just at the beginning stages of wanting to start in the wedding planning field?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> My top 3 recommendations for beginning a career in wedding planning would be&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>1. Take the time to get a proper education. QC offers a very comprehensive syllabus that will give you the tools you need to be successful in this industry (Believe me, I know, I graduated from this program in 2010!). Take the time to really learn and understand the material, and you\u2019ll be at an advantage when you are ready to begin your career.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"389\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9180\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Online-study.jpg\" alt=\"A good education makes a strong foundation for your event planning career\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Online-study.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Online-study-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>2. Gain experience. Reach out to local event planning companies, catering companies, and\/or venues to explore opportunities they may have available. Work as a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2019\/04\/how-get-hired-wedding-planning-assistant-job\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wedding planning assistant<\/a>, a coordinator, an intern\u2014whatever you can find to soak up as much experience as you can! If no one is hiring, offer to intern or job shadow! The more hands-on experience you can gain before starting your business, the better. You will learn valuable lessons from gaining hands-on experience, and this will prepare you for planning events on your own.<\/p>\n<p>3. Take the time to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/09\/5-professionals-event-planners-network\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">network and build lasting relationships<\/a>\u2014and be yourself! Building relationships with vendors is key to a successful event planning business. You will rely on the relationships you create with your industry peers to ensure you are providing first class services to your clients. Make sure to take the time to introduce yourself to any vendors you could work with in advance. Before you have a client base, take the time to meet with vendors, and let them know you\u2019re new in the industry. Grab a coffee with them, tell them about your experience and education\u2014but remember, honestly will go a long way in building lasting relationships!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_If_you_are_a_self-employed_wedding_planner_do_you_think_you_can_run_your_business_from_home_or_do_you_think_you_need_to_lease_an_office\"><\/span>Q: If you are a self-employed wedding planner, do you think you can run your business from home or do you think you need to lease an office?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> This is a really great question! Yes, absolutely! As a self-employed wedding planner myself, I highly recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/03\/event-planning-course-setting-office\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">working out of a home office<\/a> rather than leasing a space. In our industry, we have to be as flexible as we can be for our clients, and that often means meeting them at their home, local coffee shops, and even at their place of work. With meetings on the go, leasing a space might be empty often and you\u2019ll be paying high monthly overheads. Working from home is a great way to keep your overhead costs lower and allows more time for work (virtually no commute!).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"375\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9183\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Home-office.jpg\" alt=\"A home office is a good choice when you're starting out\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Home-office.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Home-office-300x167.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>My recommendation to you is to ensure your home office is a professional environment that motivates you to work as efficiently as possible. Perhaps your home has enough space to welcome clients into your office as well? There will be times when clients will come to you if you have the space for them. As an added bonus, depending on where you live, you can often expense a portion of your house against your taxes! I hope that helps! Good luck!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Do_you_use_software_at_all_for_the_design_element_of_events_And_how_do_you_set_out_a_proposal_for_a_client\"><\/span>Q: Do you use software at all for the design element of events? And how do you set out a proposal for a client?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> There are several wonderful design programs available to planners and event stylists and each one offers something completely different. There are programs that will assist with floor plans, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/06\/conquering-seating-plan-part\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">seating charts,<\/a> design elements, and even timeline management. The best advice I can give is to research event planning software in your area, and take some time to explore their sites. Many offer a 30 day trial, so you can see if it is the right software for you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"397\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9182\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Event-design-software.jpg\" alt=\"Test out your event design software before committing!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Event-design-software.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Event-design-software-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Before you start preparing proposals for clients, I recommend creating a base template for yourself. Outline all of the key areas that you will assist a client with when planning their event\u2014from guest list management to assistance with vendor selection and everything in between. Really focus on thinking about all of the different aspects of planning an event.<\/p>\n<p>Once you start creating customized proposals for your clients, you will have a template to work from. Then you can remove or add based on the personalized discussions you have with each individual client. In your proposals be clear about the event planning services you will assist with: your payment structure, deposits,<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/09\/8-clauses-every-event-planning-contract-needs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> booking and cancellation policies<\/a>, and exactly what you can offer versus what is considered an extra charge. Often times, clients will use the proposal as the basis for booking, so transparency is key!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Im_focusing_on_intimate_weddings_and_events_50%E2%80%9475_people_or_less_When_youre_planning_for_a_smaller_event_you_still_go_through_the_same_steps_but_should_the_size_change_the_pricing_Should_I_charge_less_for_these_smaller_events\"><\/span>Q: I&#8217;m focusing on intimate weddings and events (50\u201475 people or less). When you&#8217;re planning for a smaller event you still go through the same steps but should the size change the pricing? Should I charge less for these smaller events?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Congratulations on finding your niche! I think it\u2019s always important to focus on the style of events that bring you the most joy! Great question\u2014and the simple answer is no, you shouldn\u2019t charge less for smaller events. More intimate events still require the same amount of work as a larger event. While the number of guests can sometimes increase your workload, like trying to source the quantities of products needed from vendors, the general workload involved in planning any event is typically the same. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/06\/event-decor-series-details\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">It\u2019s all in the details<\/a>\u2014and the same level of detail is required whether the guest count is 50 or 500.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9184 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Small-party.jpg\" alt=\"wedding guests seated around a wedding reception dining table\" width=\"672\" height=\"404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Small-party.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Small-party-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When you are<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2018\/09\/advice-from-athena-how-to-start-an-event-planning-business-part-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> creating your pricing model<\/a>, be considerate of your time, your expertise, and most importantly, your value. Always be consistent and transparent with your pricing. If you maintain consistency in your pricing, you won\u2019t have to face difficult conversations down the line from clients with larger guest counts. If you are challenged by a couple who thinks you should charge less since their guest count is less, remind them that the amount of work, the number of vendor relationships you have to manage, and the amount of detail in your plan receives the same attention regardless of the size. Hope that helps!<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"center\"><i>Want more event planning career advice from the pros? Check out our past AMAs from <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/05\/athena-devonne-ask-anything\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Athena DeVonne<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/04\/heather-vickery-ask-me-anything\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Heather Vickery<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/03\/candice-coppola-ask-me-anything\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Candice Coppola<\/a>!<\/i><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Got questions about your event planning career? Lauren De Koster has your answers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":9186,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,21,11],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[349],"class_list":["post-9172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-from-the-experts","category-planning-tips","category-career"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Lauren De Koster: Ask Me Anything! - Pointers for Planners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you have questions about your event planning career? Get event planning pro Lauren De Koster&#039;s advice on everything from wedding expos to home offices.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/lauren-de-koster-ask-anything\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lauren De Koster: Ask Me Anything!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you have questions about your event planning career? 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