1. Event Planning
Interior Design 11

2. Event Planning
As a derivative of Interior Design, event planning can be a lucrative and rewarding career for those interested in organization & presentation
Event planners are key players in the wedding industry, promotional/marketing arena and for non-profit organizations

3. Do you have what it takes?
To plan an event that runs smoothly, successful planners have three key traits:
1. Organizational Ability
2. An Eye for Detail
3. Problem Solving Skills

4. Why those 3 Traits? Organizational Skills
Beginning to end, there are endless checklists to be made and double-checked so that nothing is missed—from food to parking, décor and invitations, there is nothing that can be missed to have an event be a complete success!

5. Why those 3 Traits? An Eye for Detail
The attention to detail is where the interior design skills come into play—flowers to themed table settings, food that corresponds with mood lighting, having an eye for what compliments and adds to the overall event is essential to it’s success!

6. Why those 3 Traits? Problem Solving Skills
What if something does go wrong? A problem solving event planner not only has a back up or alternate plan, but can make it happen without the event guests even knowing that it wasn’t suppose to happen in the first place. A back up plan should never look like a back up plan!

7. Steps to Planning: Brainstorming
Client Profile
Who are you planning for?
Event Date (Preliminary)
When are you planning for?
Guest List
How many are you planning for?

8. Steps to Planning: Brainstorming
Theme
What is the overall concept of the event?
Budget
What is the budget? How will it be spent?

9. Steps to Planning: Brainstorming
Venue
Where is the event going to be?
Catering
What will be served for food/beverages?
Entertainment
What will the guests be doing at the event?

10. Steps to Planning: Action
Client
Approval of theme, finalize guest list, confirm date
Venue/Catering
Book venue/catering, finalize menus
Guests
Create and send invitations, confirm parking, set RSVP date
Theme/Entertainment
Book rentals for décor, plan floor plan, book florist/other décor, development event agenda

11. Steps to Planning: Action
Budget
With all action items, always have your budget in mind as you book and purchase items for the event—nothing should be booked/bought without double checking costs as a whole

12. Event Countdown: 1-2 Weeks
Confirm final guest list with venue/catering
Confirm entertainment/MC/parking/other
Call guests who have not RSVP’d
Seating Plans
Back up plan:
If it’s outdoor, what is rainy day scenario?
What happens if catering doesn’t happen?

13. Event Countdown: 1-2 Days
Create and complete décor, pick up rentals, set up major displays at venue, call volunteers/other persons helping with event

14. Event Countdown: Day before/of
Keys/Parking passes in needed from venue
Bring emergency kit for YOU! (clothes, etc.)
Set up décor
Check facility over (remove garbage, etc.)
Signage to direct guests to venue
Checklist for major contributors:
Did the caterer show up? Is the entertainment here and ready? Is there a microphone ready?

15. Event! Check in with client when they arrive:
Never ask if they “like it,” just if there is anything you can get them.
Smile! If there is ANYTHING wrong, DO NOT TELL YOUR CLIENT! (unless it’s life or death)

16. Event!
Clean as you go:
Tidy up displays often to keep the event fresh for those who may arrive late
Continue to monitor key contributors for issues:
Food/Beverages
Entertainment
Venue Staff

17. Done! Always stay to clean up:
Keep track of rentals, owned and other items used for décor or entertainment
Work with venue staff to clean up major displays
Load vehicles with items not staying at the venue (leaving items for the morning team is a VERY BAD IDEA)

18. Assignment
You will hypothetically plan a party for a client draw at random with a budget draw at random!