There are many reasons to hire a party planner. Life is busy, your job and after school activities keep you too busy, you just don’t know the first thing about throwing a party. A party planner can be a great addition to your team in hosting a great birthday party for your child.
Your first stop is to ask family and friends for referrals. Ask around to see if anyone that you know has used an event planner that they would recommend. Find out the ones they wouldn’t recommend as well in order to steer clear. Your phone book or a search engine is also a great way to find party planners in your area.
You will definitely want to make a face to face meeting with at least three party planners in order to meet with them and discover their personality. You do not want to let someone plan your child’s party if you are not going to get along during the process.
Ask them how many years of experience they have and how many parties they have planned. They should have a portfolio to show you. Find out their method of working and how they deal with problems that may arise.
Discuss your budget and their fees. Find out if they charge per event, a percentage of the total budget or per hour. Let them know if there is any flexibility in your budget. They may have an ala carte plan so that you can pick and choose the services that you require. Perhaps you only need help in choosing a caterer and someone to coordinate the day of the party.
The party planner should have a list of references that you are able to contact. Call them and ask about their event and how the party planner handled everything. You may also be able to attend an upcoming event that the planner has worked on in order to see him or her in action.
Make sure you have a list of ideas for the party as well as an estimate of the guest list. This will make the event planner’s job much easier and the ability to plan a party in line with your vision. Following these tips should make hiring a party planner much easier and your child the birthday party that they are hoping for.
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