HOW TO HIRE A PARTY DECORATOR
Simply follow these steps.
Biggest Tip: Plan Ahead - Know Your Objective
Most people think that hiring an outside party decorator or caterer begins by determining the event's budget, but the truth is that it's more important to begin by defining why you want to hold an event in the first place.
Before you reach out to an external or even internal resource who will help you plan and decorate that event, you want to be in a position to share the important goals of the event: answer your own relevant questions about who, what, where, when, why and how. There will be plenty of time to make adjustments.
Know Why You Are Hiring Party Decorator
Once you've defined your objectives, a few clear ideas will begin to emerge about what theme and message you want to convey at your event. But most importantly, what themes and services do you need the decorator to handle on your behalf?
Will they help with selecting the venue(s)? Will they build menus and provide a caterer or make those recommendations? Are they helping with creating important communication items, such as invitations and other event materials? Will they be needed on site at the event? Will they handle event registration? Will the event decorator have full control over colors, fabric, floral arrangements etc.
Now Its Time To Create A Budget.
Based on your event objectives, it's possible to create a general sense of how much it will cost for various elements of your program. This will vary based on the type of event you are hosting, and what it includes.
Many people who organize an event for the first time often fall into the trap of wanting to plan a "champagne event" on a grape juice budget. Even that's possible-- not easy, but possible. And that's why many people turn to Oba Creations for help.
Source A Qualified Event Decorator.
Oftentimes people think that word of mouth is the best way to hire an event decorator for that anniversary party, breakfast business meeting, weekend retreat or other type of event. While it certainly helps, this is probably not the most effective approach.
If you're trying to find the best party decorator for your event, then it's best to research someone who is experienced and holds a strong reputation within the community of event decorators. Word of mouth provides an opportunity for easy sales for a planner wanting to find new clients, but peer reputation is very effective. Source party decorators through professional affiliations.
Regardless of whether it's a social event or a corporate meeting, generally speaking, the rules of hiring an party decorator or caterer remain the same. You want to hire someone who has expertise in your type of event.
Meet Your Decorator in Person if Possible and Provide Details
Good party decorators will walk you through a discussion to learn about your event's overall objectives, time line, budget, guests/attendees, and personal preferences. Good party planners will ask you questions about your organization, learn about your objectives, and learn about your particular event or series of events fits within your situation.
This should help your potential decorator put the event or program into context, understand why you may have set the objectives and theme that you did. This should be the same whether it's a corporate event or a social event.
Meet your planners in person if possible. It's not always possible to meet someone in person, especially if your program is out of town. However, depending on the budget and importance of your event, this is a very important step and it's a step that should be invested prior to narrowing your selected party planner.
Keep in mind, the most highly experienced planner may not always be the best hire. There's something about building a rapport with someone, looking at them eye to eye, and listening to their ideas. You'll gain a sense for someone's passion and professionalism this way, too.
Negotiate Terms, and Review the Fine Print.
Depending on the nature of your event, you will be asked to provide deposits, etc., to the party planner for the services and supplies they offer. This is a perfectly acceptable way of handling business, but the best advice at this point is to seek professional advice and never sign a contract that hasn't been reviewed by your own legal counsel-- especially when dealing with private individuals who may not have the same resources of a large firm.
Biggest Tip: Plan Ahead - Know Your Objective
Most people think that hiring an outside party decorator or caterer begins by determining the event's budget, but the truth is that it's more important to begin by defining why you want to hold an event in the first place.
Before you reach out to an external or even internal resource who will help you plan and decorate that event, you want to be in a position to share the important goals of the event: answer your own relevant questions about who, what, where, when, why and how. There will be plenty of time to make adjustments.
Know Why You Are Hiring Party Decorator
Once you've defined your objectives, a few clear ideas will begin to emerge about what theme and message you want to convey at your event. But most importantly, what themes and services do you need the decorator to handle on your behalf?
Will they help with selecting the venue(s)? Will they build menus and provide a caterer or make those recommendations? Are they helping with creating important communication items, such as invitations and other event materials? Will they be needed on site at the event? Will they handle event registration? Will the event decorator have full control over colors, fabric, floral arrangements etc.
Now Its Time To Create A Budget.
Based on your event objectives, it's possible to create a general sense of how much it will cost for various elements of your program. This will vary based on the type of event you are hosting, and what it includes.
Many people who organize an event for the first time often fall into the trap of wanting to plan a "champagne event" on a grape juice budget. Even that's possible-- not easy, but possible. And that's why many people turn to Oba Creations for help.
Source A Qualified Event Decorator.
Oftentimes people think that word of mouth is the best way to hire an event decorator for that anniversary party, breakfast business meeting, weekend retreat or other type of event. While it certainly helps, this is probably not the most effective approach.
If you're trying to find the best party decorator for your event, then it's best to research someone who is experienced and holds a strong reputation within the community of event decorators. Word of mouth provides an opportunity for easy sales for a planner wanting to find new clients, but peer reputation is very effective. Source party decorators through professional affiliations.
Regardless of whether it's a social event or a corporate meeting, generally speaking, the rules of hiring an party decorator or caterer remain the same. You want to hire someone who has expertise in your type of event.
Meet Your Decorator in Person if Possible and Provide Details
Good party decorators will walk you through a discussion to learn about your event's overall objectives, time line, budget, guests/attendees, and personal preferences. Good party planners will ask you questions about your organization, learn about your objectives, and learn about your particular event or series of events fits within your situation.
This should help your potential decorator put the event or program into context, understand why you may have set the objectives and theme that you did. This should be the same whether it's a corporate event or a social event.
Meet your planners in person if possible. It's not always possible to meet someone in person, especially if your program is out of town. However, depending on the budget and importance of your event, this is a very important step and it's a step that should be invested prior to narrowing your selected party planner.
Keep in mind, the most highly experienced planner may not always be the best hire. There's something about building a rapport with someone, looking at them eye to eye, and listening to their ideas. You'll gain a sense for someone's passion and professionalism this way, too.
Negotiate Terms, and Review the Fine Print.
Depending on the nature of your event, you will be asked to provide deposits, etc., to the party planner for the services and supplies they offer. This is a perfectly acceptable way of handling business, but the best advice at this point is to seek professional advice and never sign a contract that hasn't been reviewed by your own legal counsel-- especially when dealing with private individuals who may not have the same resources of a large firm.