Questions To Ask Before You Hire Your Event Planner
Hosting an event is an excellent way to grow the business if the event runs smoothly. There are many different parts that come together for a strong event. If your event planner is not competent enough, you will definitely be in chaos. Whoever you hired must be having sufficient knowledge about event planning. You want to hire your event planner who truly knows what he is doing and the event organized by them must be up to the standard.
You may ask:
What Type of Event Do They Usually Plan? What Is Their Specialty?
Every event is different. There are significant differences between trade events, business events, weddings, exhibitions, etc. It’s better to have a face-to-face session and provide them with the situation and ask them how they will handle it. Their past event will be very helpful in this regard.
What Specific Services Do They Offer?
Before hiring the event planner, inquire what services they offer. You need to make sure that they are understanding your requirements or not. Are you going to need them for finalizing the venue? Do they have organized catering? Should transportation be provided? You need to make everything very clear.
How Do They Remain Up to Date in The Event Industry?
Remaining connected to the relevant industry makes you perfect. Things change, technology emerges, trends come and go. Remain updated about the latest trend is very much essential for a successful event.
What are Their References?
Reviewing their previous events with photos, portfolios, videos, and testimonials will make things very clear for you. It can show how professional they really are. These references will deliver insight into how your prospective planner has worked with clients in the past and what you can expect from them in the planning of your event.
Asking such questions can be very helpful for you to finalize and hire your event planner for your upcoming event and make it successful!
What Does an Event Planner Actually Do?
An Event Planner Will Save You Time and Headaches
There are hundreds of small details that need to be taken care of when planning any event. Much of them you may be aware of, but most of them likely not. Hiring an event planner will save you time and allow you to focus on some of the bigger aspects of your day. An event planner will save you the time and headaches of attempting to figure out what to do, and when to do it.
An Event Planner Will Help You Bring Your Vision to Life
Where an event planner comes into play is hearing what you want and using their expertise to bring your vision to life. An event planner will use their industry expertise in Pakistan to help achieve the look and feel that you want for your event.
For example, perhaps you wanted to use blue napkins, but the planner knows that black napkins will compliment your other colors more appropriately. It’s all in the small details that really can push your event from being great to being unforgettable. This is where the event planner’s expertise and vision can make all the difference.
Industry Expertise and Fostered Relationships
Over time, event planners build up a list of vetted industry connections which they can tap into when planning your event. Since they’ve worked closely with these various vendors such as florists, bakers, makeup artists, photographers, bands, and so on, chances are your event planner will be able to not only find the perfect vendor for your specific event, but they can often get you a better deal than if you were to visit a vendor yourself.
Organization and Details
By the very nature of their job, event planners have to be organized. Through their experience, they’ll have expertise on what the best practices are when it comes to planning your event. They’ll know how to best structure your event, which will have the biggest impact on your guests. Having an organized event means that everything will run smoothly, which leaves you having to worry less.
When you read a story, the essence of what makes it so great is the small minute details. An event planner knows that the little details are what matter in telling your story to your guests.
Budgeting for Your Event
When it comes to your event, naturally you want everything to be perfect. All the details you dreamed of are important, and that can be fine when you have an unlimited budget—but most people have a specific amount that they have planned on spending.
Having an expert event planner will keep in check with your budget. Their expertise allows them to know where to allocate the right amount of money to make the biggest impact you’re looking for. Also, as mentioned earlier, your event planner will have connections to vendors who may work with you for a lower price, which should help stretch your budget.
Timeliness and Flexibility
It’s not easy to leave work in the middle of the day to meet with a vendor. Having an event planner will eliminate that problem, since they will be able to meet with vendors and make any decisions that need to be made.
Your Event Planner Will Be There for You
In the process of planning your event, you’re certain to have ideas and questions. Having an event planner will allow you to ask those questions and bounce ideas off of someone who is an expert in the field.
Also, their job doesn’t stop at planning. On the actual event day, you’ll have someone who is there to stay on top of things so that everything goes smoothly.
Event Planners are responsible for every aspect of event planning. Their main duties include selecting venues, determining the cost, arranging event services, and monitoring client approval.
So if you are looking to organize a successful event in Karachi, get in touch with The Event Planet team straightaway to make your event planning stress free.
5 Event Cost-Saving Tips For You
Reducing the budget does not always mean poor and cheap quality. In reality, it is possible to reduce your budget and still deliver a great attendee experience. Follow these 5 cost-saving tips to conduct your event at lesser costs.
Prepare Before Time & Communicate
As your venue is booked, reach to the vendors and suppliers. Make sure that all the things must be available for the event dates. A last-minute panic situation can cost you extra if the vendors need to arrange as per your requirement. Have a meeting with the vendor and suppliers to organize the things.
Invest And Reuse
Purchase the staging in such a way that it can be assembled in other ways and versatile lighting elements can also create a unique feel for every event. Produce such graphics that can be useful for further events.
Look For The Package Deals & Save On Event Cost
Going for some cheapest deals in each expense category i.e., catering tables, chairs, etc. is the way to save money. You can also avail of these deals at the time of booking the event or wedding venue.
Staff Your Event With Volunteers
Volunteers are a great way to get the manpower to your event without adding the cost. You just have to invest your time in training the volunteers in the decorum of your event. They must be well versed to facilitate the attendees without any hassle. They must have quick access to anyone at the management level if something goes wrong.
Cut Down On Catering
Food and beverages don’t have to be such a large expense if you are straying from traditional trappings. Always think outside the box. You can skip the multi-course, plated dinner over a buffet. Your attendees will love to choose the food of their choice.
These are a few cost-saving tips on cutting your budget that we could think of. Hope you liked them.
10 Ways To Celebrate The Birthdays
Celebrate the birthdays of your loved ones in a few simple ways.
Fill the Room With Balloons
When the birthday boy/girl is sleeping fill the room with the balloons. They will be delighted when they wake up and see the balloons all around them.
Do a Birthday Countdown
Prepare a chart showing the countdown to the birthday date. You can also arrange some cheap goodies to be given on each countdown. It will be very memorable for them.
Dressing Them in the Birthday Attire
As it’s a very special day for them so let them wear the birthday attire proudly with a birthday shirt, birthday crown and button crown. It might be a great idea to help them decorate their own birthday attire.
Share Their Memories
It’s a very cool idea to have a collection of past birthday memories and present them in the form of an album. Do tell about their behaviour in the past.
Let Them Choose the Menu
On their birthday the dinner for the whole family will be based on their choice.
Keep in Action-packed
Keep much fun and entertainment in the form of games and quizzes that will boost everyone’s participation in the party. Arrange them before the cake cutting ceremony.
Start a Birthday Tradition
Start a birthday tradition. Plan out the complete day from breakfast till dinner. It will make them feel really special. These include the gesture to signify the special day.
Give Small but Meaningful Gifts
Give them some meaningful gift that can include the things they like the most. Edible and homemade gifts can also be a part of it.
Write a birthday message.
Any message related to the birthday can be written on a piece of paper and can be placed at a place from where they can easily see once they wake up.
Let It Be All About Them
Just give them quality time to enjoy their day. Involve with them for the whole day. Keep your commitments aside. It’s also a great way to learn more about them.
These are some ways to celebrate birthdays simple but memorable. Just make sure to follow all covid related SOPs and maintain appropriate social distancing. Moreover, to make your event successful hire the professional services of Event Planet who will make the birthday event a memorable one for sure.
Ways of Celebrating the Virtual Birthday
Birthdays are celebrated in different ways. Here are a few of the ideas that can be helpful in celebrating virtual birthday parties.
Make a Fun Digital Invite
Send an invite for a zoom/meet/hangout birthday party. Keep your theme in your mind.
Encourage People to Dress Up in a Theme
Ask people to dress up according to the birthday theme. It feels great to dress up and sit for the party.
Make a Compilation of Happy Birthday Video or Slideshow
Share a video having the memories of the past events. It can be a slideshow as well. It can include some fun photos as well. Make sure that the video is easily presentable in the zoom/hangout meetups.
Play a Virtual Game
Plan out some virtual games for the participants. It will be helpful in developing their interest in the party.
Send the Birthday Person Some Special Treats
Sending some cookies, brownies or delight can be easily done as deliveries are really easy these days.
Keep It Classy With a Birthday Card
Keep it very simple and classy by sending the birthday wishes through cards. It feels so special.
Make a Birthday Donation
Make some goody bags and celebrate the birthday by sending it to those who are at hospital, orphanage, old age home etc.
Send a Birthday Countdown
Send a whole week of envelopes prior to the big day. Label each envelope with which day to open. Attach any funny note, photo in each of the way till the birthday.
The virtual birthday celebration will keep you away from worrying about social distancing and following SOPs. Moreover, to make your event successful hire the professional services of the Event Planet who will make the birthday event a memorable one for sure
Explore The Event Planet’s Facebook Handle to get updated information.
Corporate Event Planning Mistakes
Corporate events are a delicate matter to handle and need extra care to deal with. It’s better to learn from the mistakes of others instead of making mistakes yourselves. Here are few corporate event planning mistakes we should avoid when hosting one.
Keeping an Eye on Everything
A very common event planning blunder is to involve trivialities and not lining up the tasks. If your event is not having any impact on the people its purpose is still a way far to be achieved. The real achievement of an event is having an impact in the first place. It is an essential element of an event.
Crossing Your Budget
Crossing the limit of your budget is very easy to go. But it is very important to get it right. Hidden fees include taxes, permits etc. can easily increase your expenses. This results in all sorts of financial disturbance.
Unawareness of Cultural Sensitivity
Lack of cultural sensitivity is one of the biggest deficiencies for the event series from a tactical as well as an activation vantage point. This can be further intemperate into things such as lack of attention on the catering, toilet arrangement, temperature regulation of the facilities among the other factors.
Unsuitable Use of the Technology
Technology can both boost or flop your event. Guests roaming around using the events app will only distract them from the event or scanners unable to read tickets because heat or humidity can quickly break the situation.
Poor Timing
The biggest issue is the balance of the timing. Organizing all elements like budgets, Ramadan considered, the biggest tipping point is the timing. From the beginning of the preparation till the inauguration of the event and afterwards timing is everything.
Neglecting the Five Senses
The first impression of an event and the guests will definitely appreciate the warm welcome. They will feel truly comfortable if all the ambience will be according to the basic need of a person. At this point, there is a need for some check and balance on the right area temperature, memorable visuals, a pleasant aroma, delightful tastes, and a fitting soundtrack.
Failing to take help from the professionals
Hiring a professional photographer/videographer is very essential. To capture the feel and energy of the event that is the guest arriving, mingling, entertaining all should be captured for the lovely memories.
To avoid event planning mistakes and make your events memorable and exciting, contact the Events Planet team today.
Wedding Trend Updates of 2021
The concept and wedding trend is changing with time. We must walk along the change to have more from weddings than food and gathering.
Beach Weddings
It’s an easygoing ceremony on the shore followed by a more over-the-top dinner in a tent on dry land. Others might feel that much more casual and end with s’mores around a fire pit.
Whatever your style, expect beach weddings in 2021 to honour their natural setting, with a twist.
Bring the Destination to You
Destination weddings were all we talked about before 2020, and they’re all we’re currently craving as travel remains up in the air. Expect 2021 to be all about transformative design, rather than experiential travel—at least to start.
Extraordinary design is a mainstay, not a trend, but next year, a couple’s favourite destinations may play a role more so than ever in inspiring the event’s look, feel, colour palette, and more. The goal here is to bring your original wedding destination, your dream honeymoon location, or an experience you shared together abroad or out of town into your home, or to an intimate affair, via destination-inspired experiences, tastes, textures, and colours
Shendi & Shalima
Shendi and Shalima are becoming widely popular wedding events across the wedding culture of Pakistan.
Fast and smart, Shendi and Shalima are events combining two functions in one.
In some cases, it can also include more than two events in one – to even have the complete wedding on one day.
Guests enjoy these events more, with hosts having fewer expenses. This is a win-win for all.
As part of the wedding preparations, both families can gather together and decide if they want a Shendi or a Shalima.
From the common man to celebrities, many are choosing Shendi or Shalima for their wedding. With weddings galore taking place in Pakistan, both events are a good option.
For either event, families can share the costs and duties, along with a shorter duration for the festivities.
Both functions require fewer clothes to think about. With these events not dragging on, they can also be less draining, especially for elders.
Shendi is a formal function where the bride and groom arrive at the ceremony venue. The event includes customary ‘mehndi’ features such as ‘thaals’ (plates) and dancing from both sides.
Due to a shortage of time, there is no ‘rasm-e-henna.’ Hence ‘mehndi’ is not put on the hand of either the bride or groom. They are also not fed any confectionery sweets.
With most people in Pakistan like dancing during weddings, it is good to amalgamate both functions. Thus there is plenty of entertainment during the Shendi.
Green, Eco-friendly & Sustainable Weddings
Given how unifying the pandemic has been, it is only natural that human kindness would become paramount to the wedding scene, and couples will think of several ways to do more eco-friendly weddings and minimalistic themed weddings.
The Power of Personalization
As the wedding will get smaller, it will be more customized. As the devil is in the details, the pros will help clients fabricate intricate details of the design. Everything will be customized from decor to entertainment to cake to the wedding down, it will all narrow down to details and personalization.
Outdoor Weddings
In the post-pandemic era, people will look forward to socializing again, however, they are still expected to be skeptical about attending mass gatherings. In such a world full of heightened cautiousness, wedding planners or couples need to take all precautionary measures while organizing mass gatherings, especially weddings. This invites a new wedding trend of an open-air or outdoor wedding. It means plenty of space, which could help people maintain physical distancing as compared to an indoor wedding.
The times are changing. And it is changing at a fast rate. The new normal for weddings across the world is going to be significantly different. In the meanwhile, it’s time to stay educated about new wedding trend, make more informed decisions, and rethink safer ways to plan happy and safe celebrations post the pandemic.
Perfect Wedding Months In Pakistan
Are you planning to get hitched soon? The first thing you need to consider is the best wedding season or wedding months to have a perfect wedding at a perfect. This is crucial as based on that you can look for available venue options, wedding photographer, wedding caterer, invitations, and so on so forth. In short, there is a lot to plan for your wedding.
Finding the right wedding season, wedding months and dates can be a task sometimes. To find the right wedding season and dates, you need to consider the choice and preferences of your partner and yours too.
Weddings in Pakistan vary from place to place, region to region, based on the beliefs and the personal preferences of the bride and groom. Pakistani weddings are festive occasions, and in most parts celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm. People spend a lot of money on extensive decorations, themes, dance, colour schemes, music, costumes, delicacies, ceremonies, and rituals all that depend on the religion of the bride and the groom and their preferences.
2021 holiday and events calendar will help you understand and decide the timing, and season in which you wish to get married. You can plan your leaves for the wedding month accordingly.
Wedding Seasons in Pakistan
People follow different practices in different parts of the country. More often than now, the Pakistani wedding months start in the month of Rabi ul Awwal and continues till Zilhajj excluding Ramadan.
Suitable Weather
An ideal wedding season in Pakistan very much depends on the weather conditions in the country. Of course, couples would definitely don’t want themselves and their guests to ‘sweat’ about runny makeup or have heat waves spoiling their wedding event or the pool party. Well, there are several things a couple can think of before choosing the wedding date. These days destination weddings are too much in fashion and if two are willing for a destination wedding then they can get married at any exotic place with good weather conditions and vibrant surroundings. For instance, for a wedding destination like Islamabad, Murree and other hill stations are ideal for a wedding in summer. Residents of cities like Karachi, Lahore and Multan prefer to hold weddings from October till March because of good weather.
The Favored Dates
Some popular wedding dates that are almost becoming fashionable these days – Friendship Day (first Sunday of August), New Year’s Eve, friend’s anniversary, parent’s anniversary, and sibling’s anniversary, etc. Think about it and choose it!!
Avoid the Exam Season
Pakistani weddings are full-fledged festivals in some sense. Any wedding will be at least 4 days and everyone’s attendance is mandatory. One can’t imagine a wedding without their cute cousins, nephews and nieces running and playing around!
Make sure that your wedding dates are not clashing with school and college exam dates. It is one of the reasons Pakistanis consider March and April as the least favoured months for weddings.
The best thing is to communicate the exam dates in advance to your relatives and confirm the wedding date accordingly. It will not hurt anyone’s feelings when you can’t make it to the event.
Holiday Season
Winter holidays are the most used holidays in Pakistan for throwing parties and even planning a wedding. Mostly in summers, people keep themselves free as their kids also have vacations. A wedding during the summer holidays will have you have all your near and dear ones of course! In fact, a wedding is basically another name of the holiday season in Pakistan. You ask why? It is because everybody is on holiday and free. So the family plans a wedding in the same holidays. It will just double the fun!
Just make sure to follow all covid related SOPs and maintain appropriate social distancing. Moreover, to make your event successful hire the professional services of the Event Planet. They will make the wedding event a memorable one for sure.
Tips for Planning an Event Successfully
Develop Your Event Goal and Objectives
The very first step in planning your event is to establish a tangible goal and objectives.
First, start by asking yourself: Why are you organizing this event, and what do you hope to achieve?
Set a Budget and Stick to It
If it’s a wedding event, make a budget and stick to it. If you think you may have “wish list” items that will pop up closer to the time of the wedding, add those items in with your set budget from the very beginning. Aim to never exceed the set amount you have budgeted for from day one.
Begin Timely
Begin planning as soon as you possibly can. If your event is a large event you should really begin planning it four to six months in advance. Some events need at least one month to plan. To keep the final run-up to the event flowing smoothly, try to ensure that all vendor contracts are completed a few weeks before the event.
Remain Flexible & Do Create a Confirmation Checklist
Over the course of planning the event, things are going to change. Whether it is event times, locations or even the type of event you’re hosting, you need to ensure that you’re flexible and can meet the changing demands. In the week leading up to your event, you should be running through your event planning checklist to ensure that you and all those involved are ready to go.
Don’t Send Out Invites Too Late
Your guest’s availability is largely out of your control, but one thing you can do to encourage attendance is to stay on top of invitations and RSVP confirmations.
Don’t Forget About the Trash Removal Service
Your event doesn’t begin and end when your guests arrive and leave. Consider every little detail from setup and strike to trash removal, though these services are sometimes included in venue fees.
Do Plan for Everything
You should always expect something to go awry — and be prepared for it.
Long-distance Venues
You may not be a fan of where you currently live or want to wed where you grew up, but make sure you don’t stray too far from the majority of your guest list, as fewer people will be likely to attend.
Make Sure You Have Plan B in Place
However much you don’t want to think about it, something could go wrong on the day. This could be anything from a problem with the catering to rain (despite the forecast promising a dry day). Plan alternatives for each scenario and account for anything that might not go to plan so you’re not left stressed out and panicking on the big day.
Get the Menu Right
One of the biggest talking points at any wedding is the food. As with most aspects of wedding planning, you should begin by consulting your budget. Food can get costly, so make sure you know your limit before you dive into selecting hors d’oeuvres and mains for your wedding meal menu.
List, List and More Lists
With a million and one supplier to deal with, each with different payment deadlines, it’s impossible to keep track of everything by yourself.
Looking to make your wedding event more memorable, get in touch with the Event Planet team today.
Tips for Organizing Corporate Events
Hosting a corporate affair allows you to strengthen bonds with current clients and partners, and attract future ones. Here are 10 tips on how to plan corporate events that your attendees won’t soon forget.
Understand the Purpose of Your Event
Once you decide you want to host an event, your first step is to define what you hope to accomplish.
Start by asking yourself why you are hosting the event and what you expect from it. Once you’ve identified your goals and expectations, you can then determine what kind of event will resonate with your intended audience.
Set a Realistic Budget
You need to know how much money you have to work with to determine what sort of event you can produce. According to Worley, you should know early on how much you want to spend and then plan on spending at least 10% more.
Once you have a budget, knowing where to allocate most of your resources is essential. For example, if you spend more money on fancy decorations than you do on a skilled tech crew or personable speakers, your event might be lacking in substance.
Additionally, don’t skimp on food or beverages, and take into account special dietary restrictions. Though this may not seem as important as other aspects of your event planning, audiences are more forgiving of missteps when they aren’t hungry or thirsty.
Establish a Project Timeline
Designing the event requires you to keep track of a broad range of tasks. This can be facilitated by creating a master detailed checklist. There are new, tech-savvy tools that streamline and simplify the managing of dozens, if not hundreds, of tiny details.
Decide on Your Audience
An important part of the planning process is defining your target audience. Is it your company’s executives, managers, longtime clients, business partners, community members, or a combination of a few of these or other groups? Once you can name your audience, you can cater the program to their needs and interests.
Choose a Theme and Format
Once you have set your objectives and defined the audience, it’s time to choose a theme or topic for the event and determine the best format for presenting it to your guests.
Select an Appropriate Location
Once you decide the type of corporate events you’d like to create, it’s time to find a venue that allows you to bring your vision to life. It’s tempting, at times, to jump ahead and book a venue you’ve heard good things about or that you know is an up-and-coming hot spot, even if you haven’t quite honed in on the mission of your event.
Plan the Logistics of the Day
To have successful corporate events, you will have to identify, vet and contract all the necessary event specialists. This may include caterers, audiovisual technicians, printers, decorators, photographers, florists and security personnel, to name just a few. Of course, you must also book speakers and presenters, including prominent figures, experts or influencers, who can best communicate the ideas you’d like to circulate throughout the gathering.
To assure everything goes according to your plan, determine a timeline for the event, and make sure everyone on your team knows what aspects of the day they are responsible for managing.
However, you don’t want to jampack the schedule. There needs to be leeway in the itinerary to deal with unexpected occurrences that may arise. Additionally, your attendees need time to themselves to process what they are learning, recharge and connect with other attendees.
Promote Your Event
If people don’t know about your event, no one will show up. It’s imperative to find creative ways to get the word out. For a small event with a limited guest list, simply send out invitations. But you need to be bolder for larger events.
From there, you can promote on social media and have your team spread the word. Create an event website or, at a minimum, a new landing page on your current site. Your social media marketing can also include promo videos, guest blog posts, and Facebook, Instagram or Twitter updates. Maintain uniformity by using the same handle and hashtag across platforms and consistent messaging so it’s always clear that the buzz is about one particular event.
You can also explore possible sponsorship opportunities for your event. Sponsors can fund a portion of the event, which helps you defray the costs. More importantly, sponsors have a vested interest in promoting your affair. Brainstorm a list of ideal sponsors whose brand, mission or services complement your event in some way. You can develop a range of sponsorship packages and reach out to them about potential partnership opportunities. This works best if you focus your pitch to highlight the value of attendees to potential sponsors.
Make Use of Technology
Gone are the days of cumbersome mile-long lists to track all the moving parts of an event. There are tons of event management software platforms and apps (some of which offer a free base product) available in the market. These do everything from providing seamless onsite check-in of attendees to enhancing the appeal of workshops and presentations with simulations and virtual reality games.
Interactive features, such as live polling and session Q&A, can be easily displayed on large screens in the venue, and some apps have gamification features, such as scavenger hunts. You can make speaker slides available to attendees, as long as they are in the correct format. You can simply upload them to the event app.
Event management software keeps your project on track, but it also makes it easier to work collaboratively with vendors and other creative partners.
Celebrate and Evaluate Your Event Planning Success
If your event went off without a hitch or mistake, congratulations! You aren’t done yet. Now is the time to wrap up any loose ends, such as sending final payments to vendors, reconciling your finances. In the end, conduct a post-event debrief with your team.
Most importantly, you want to gather feedback from guests. If you used an event-planning app with a feedback option, you can use it to ask attendees questions. It will help you determine if the event met your original goals and what impact, it had on the attendees. You can then share this information with all the relevant stakeholders so an appropriate follow-up can be planned. The lessons you learn will help you refine your planning for the next corporate events.