Planning: Reason #103 Why You Should Hire a Planner

I have been very busy the last few weeks and have now had the opportunity to relax and come up for air. Just in time to share this real life planning story with you. I am in the beginning stages of planning a milestone birthday party in which the client has already selected the venue. NO PROBLEM. But I suggest let me be present when we review the final details of the contract so we know what you are signing and you are not fooled by any of the language. NO PROBLEM.

Read the exchange of communication below...

In-house (Venue) Event Planner: We will happily take care of all of your planning needs. Linens, Bar, Catering and Table decor for $x,xxx.xx including all applicable taxes.

JunePlumm Events: Gives Venue a MAJOR side-eye

Client: WOW, that sounds fantastic. What kind of table decor would you provide for my event. I am having a 60th birthday celebration and I want it to be really elegant but not overly stuffy and I LOVE flowers.

Venue: Well, for the head table we recommend a few roses and baby's breath. For the guest tables we highly recommend, balloons and a balloon weight. And we will HAPPILY take care of all the strenuous work of setting it up for you.

JunePlumm Events: Looks at Venue (with more side-eye) "BALLOONS!" ... "A FEW ROSES!"

JunePlumm Events: Looks at Client..."HELL NO"

Venue: Looks at Client: " Balloons can be very classy. Besides this is ONLY a party not a wedding. No need to waste your money on flowers.

PROBLEM!

Your event is never "ONLY" this or that. Each event should be special and treated as such. Just because it isn't a wedding doesn't mean you can't put some oomph into it, especially if it is within your budget and you are specifically looking for certain touches.

If this is you, I suggest you:

• Hire a Planner ( if you don't already have one)
• Say thanks but no thanks and find another venue
• Tell the venue manager that you will have your own decor and hire a florist or a designer to create the look you are going for. 

Don't forget to ask the venue how this will impact the overall cost. Since they are not providing balloons and a balloon weight I suppose you should be able to get the cost of the materials (balloons and helium) deducted from your bill...say $75 bucks. Oh and let's not forget the balloon weights... say another $28.  The only thing they should say at this point is ...NO PROBLEM!