Choosing The Perfect Planner
by Kashava Logan
by Kashava Logan
You’re planning the perfect event, but where do
you start? From determining the perfect venue, selecting the decor and creating
a seating chart, there are many elements to be planned. The first step is to
choose from the selection of advisors - event consultants, coordinators and
planners - to coach you through making your event memorable.
Event
Consultant
For the client who wants an initial consultation,
consider an event consultant. An event consultant will be your triage
consultant, prioritizing your ideas and game plan. The consultant will meet
with you for 3 sessions to specifically review and narrow your plans, wedding
design, budget review, and connect you with the best vendors in the Virginia
area. The event consultant helps to bring innovative ideas while acting as your
temporary assistant.
Event
Coordinator
For the client who has planned their
event but require assistance with executing
final preparations, consider an event coordinator. The
event coordinator will provide you with month of and day
of coordination to assist with completing the final details, initiating
services 4-6 weeks prior to the event. Think of the event coordinator as the
person who “ties up loose ends” while ensuring the event remains as scheduled.
Event
Planner
For the client who does not have time or would
like a full-time advisor to assist with stress reduction, consider an event
planner. The event planner provides comprehensive assistance from the initial
concept of the event through the very end. The event planner is the total
package - your rainmaker, fairy godmother and ultimate stress reducer.
Although there is not a wide-spread agreement on
the terminology, review the responsibilities to determine how you would like your
coach/advisor to assist you.
|
Event Task
|
Event Consultant
|
Event Planner
|
Event Coordinator
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|
Wedding Design
|
✓
|
✓
|
-
|
|
Wedding Checklist
|
✓
|
✓
|
-
|
|
Budget Review & Budget
Management
|
✓
|
✓
|
-
|
|
Vendor Referral
|
✓
|
✓
|
-
|
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Ceremony & Reception
Venue Selection Assistance/Site Visits
|
-
|
✓
|
-
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|
Food and Beverage Selection
|
-
|
✓
|
-
|
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Floor Plan
|
-
|
✓
|
-
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Etiquette
|
-
|
✓
|
-
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Review all contracts with
wedding professionals
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
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Style, design and wording
of invitations
|
-
|
✓
|
-
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Seating chart & RSVP
Tracking
|
-
|
✓
|
-
|
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Rehearsal Coordination
& Ceremony Coordination
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Reception Coordination
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Wedding Day Itinerary
Construction
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
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Assist with vendor pay
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
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Maintain timing of event
|
-
|
✓
|
✓
|
