Event Planner - Ever Use One??

[TennisGirl80]

Has anyone ever used an event planner? What kind of party was it for - ie birthday party, wedding, reunion, etc. How much did they charge you, and what did they do for you?

 

[TennisGirl80]

No one??

 

[designermv]

I used a wedding planner. I had a destination wedding and it made things *much* easier. I can't remember how much it cost to contract her...I'll have to see if I can track down the info tonight.

Here is her website:
http://www.vineyardweddings.net/index.html

Edited to add that she helped me with everything really. Decisions regarding flowers, cake, liquor, food, reception site, decor, wedding site, limo, and much more. She also got up at the crack of dawn on my wedding day to go buy fresh wildflowers from the farmers market (we used these for the reception). She and her assistant decorated the reception site (an old lodge at a sailing camp), dealt with the caterers, musicians, photographer, guests. I can't believe how much she did, now that I think about it.

 

[Duchie]

I am an event planner in central Texas. The fees will vary, based on the level of involvement needed. If my client just wants me there the day of the event to help coordinate the vendors, then the fee is relatively low. However, if they want me involved in every aspect of the event, want me to find specific items and then negotiate with the vendors, etc. then the fee is much higher.

I don't typically do weddings but we do have planners in our office who handle them. A good percentage of our clients are repeat business, meaning they're coming back to us for their second daughter's wedding. The moms always say that it's so worth the money not to have to deal with it all. Plus a good planner can usually get you a lot of discounts that can help offset the cost.

I guess it depends on what type of event you are having and how much you want your planner to do for you.

 

[chris1gill]

Has anyone ever used an event planner? What kind of party was it for - ie birthday party, wedding, reunion, etc. How much did they charge you, and what did they do for you?

I had an event planner for my wedding. She did everything except find the DJ and photographer. I have no idea what her fee was. Everything was packaged together on a per person price, and that's what we paid.

She did everything and everything was absolutely above and beyond perfect. I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[Chicago526]

I voted "never have, never will". I enjoy doing it myself too much! But I can see how for a really big event, or a destination event, it could be a huge help to have someone do it for you.

 

[js]

I use to work in NYC. I was an executive assistant for the Pres & CEO and would plan our holiday parties and events for the company of approx. 600 people. I always used an event planner-same one. I have no idea what her fee was since, like another posted stated, everything was under one bill.
I would get an itemized bill from her but listed price for the space, flowers, cars, etc. I just assumed the prices were marked higher and she got something from the places we used.
Either way, it was VERY VERY helpful for me since she took care of everything. I just told her what we needed/wanted and it was done.
She always arrived at the event prior to the start and would make sure all was in order. If not, she made people jump until it was ready.
Our events usually ranged from $60,000 - $100,000.