- An event planner is skilled at overseeing the tedious minutiae of an event from the early stages of brainstorming through to fruition on the day of the actual event. Depending on the type of event and time when the event planner was called in to help, it may take anywhere from a few days to several months to see the project into the final stages. Event planners are usually self employed and can work long and varied hours centered around the time frame of the event that is currently happening.
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A good deal of an event planner's day is spent meeting with current and prospective clients. A meeting with new clients will consist of looking at the calendar to make certain that the date of the client's event coincides with free time in the planner's schedule. From that point, the client and planner will start brainstorming together in order to mesh their individual visions for the event into one smooth plan of action.
The planner will also meet with existing clients, either by phone or in person, to touch base about the upcoming event and to make sure that things are going according to schedule. The planner will also take time to reassure the client about any areas that may not be going smoothly and address any other concerns the client may have. - A planner will also need to contact different vendors throughout the day. These tasks may include reserving dates for party locations, double checking menu numbers, getting final pricing on floral arrangements and booking talent acts.
- A good event planner will be able to set up systems before the event occurs so that things run smoothly the day it takes place. But, because there are always unforeseen glitches to contend with, some portion of an event planner's day will be spent doing hands-on field work. This may include running around town to locate hard-to-find decorative items, helping a bride get a stain out of her wedding dress or helping the DJ set up his equipment. The best event planners won't cringe at getting their hands dirty in order to get the job done to the client's satisfaction.
- The event planner arrives at the venue early in order to oversee the vendors and all other aspects of the day. On the day of the event, the event planner is the director amidst the orchestra of clients, vendors and guests. The event planner acts as a go-between all parties who will answer questions, keep everyone on schedule, direct traffic and see that all goes well until the last guest goes home.
