All too often people who plan their own events are unaware of vendors that could make a huge difference in the success or the stress level of their social or business event. For weddings, the most common regrets include not hiring a wedding planner or a videographer. Statistics show that they are also the last vendors to be hired. In fact, the most common time for people wishing they had hired a wedding planner is the day before the wedding or the day after the wedding.
I dare say, that the same applies for any type of event. People avoid hiring event planners because they think it will cost too much money. In reality, (same with my own clients) people are surprised at how much money event planners actually save them. This happens through connections that the event planner has such as with new venues that are offering deep discounts, knowledge of options that are just as effective but cost less, knowing which questions to ask that can save thousands of dollars, helping people set priorities and stay with a plan. Even using the wrong word can make all the difference. Event planners also know what their clients are probably assuming about what is included in a vendor's services and chances are, it is more likely wishful thinking rather than fact. A mistake not made is money saved.
What does daycare have to do with it?
I want to mention some vendors that people seldom, if ever, think about that would make a huge difference in the stress level on the day of their event. Most commonly, we think of events as weddings, but I want you to stretch your mind to any event you might be planning. Let's begin with onsite day care. If you don't think that addition will increase your Rsvp return rate, think again. There are people who will provide licensed day care at your event. Some of them only work at events! Some colleges have programs that can also help people out with providing onsite daycare.
Just imagine the gratitude for this service being offered at a client or employee appreciation event! Literally, any event that involves parents with children.
How in the world are dogs, wedding ceremonies and honeymoons related?
We all know how crazy pet owners are over their furry family members with four feet. Who hasn't seen a picture of a dog playing the role of ring bearer? Has anyone wondered what the role of the dog is after that or who is going to take care of them? There are pet sitters who will deliver your dog to your wedding and stay long enough to take the dog back to a person's house or at their facility. This is especially helpful if the dog is going to be boarded there during a couple's honeymoon.
It might be harder to think of this service being offered in a business setting. Now that would be one perk many employees would appreciate. Paying for your employee's pet care while they are on business trips? A person can dream, can't they?
Who's going to help set up and tear down?
We know that for almost every task a person dreads doing, there is someone who loves doing that same thing, and you can hire them. Set up and tear down at an event is a big one! For large events involving family and friends, I have to warn the client that in reality seldom do these people live up to your expectations. Add alcohol to the mix and you really diminish your odds of having help at the end of any event.
Think beyond custodial services. There are companies that will help you set up the tables and chairs, decor and the things that make you exhausted before your event even starts. If you are saving money on a venue that does not provide those services, these people are worth their weight in gold.
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