Author Archives: Sandra Alandete

People attend social events for:

• Fun
• Food 
• Excitement
• Something to do 

But let’s face it: Some events aren’t as good as they could be, and this happens for several reasons, including a lack of expertise. If you’re hosting an event and want it to be a success, hire a social event planner!

Social event planners know the ins and outs of planning events and can ensure a quality, successful event. As you plan your upcoming event in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, hire an event planner.

Not sure what to look for when choosing one? To be a successful event planner, a person needs the following qualities. 

1. Social Intelligence

Most of us know someone who can walk into any room and instantly feel at home. They fit in and appear comfortable and confident. Some call this gift “street smarts,” but it’s actually likely due to the person’s social intelligence.

A person with social intelligence understands how to:

• Fit in during any situation
• Talk to anyone
• Listen
• Work the room

Successful event planners demonstrate social intelligence. They use this skill to plan great events, build relationships, and handle communications.

When choosing event planners, you should look for these social skills to ensure you receive professional event services.

2. Flexibility

Successful event planning also requires a planner who embraces flexibility. Every event is unique, and most events experience:

• Last-minute changes
• Unexpected events or problems
• Setbacks

Think about a time you planned an event. Did anything change? Did you experience any setbacks or changes? 

Last-minute changes and unexpected issues can disrupt an entire event unless you have a planner who knows how to handle them quickly and wisely. 

A flexible social event planner finds solutions that work. They address each issue to ensure the event works out well. They use this skill when planning social events and corporate events. 

3. Listening and Communication Skills

Listening is also among the top qualities of event planners. Listening is a learned skill that helps a person:

• Hear the other people talking
• Understand what the person wants and expects
• Deliver the best solutions

Imagine meeting with an event planner who seems dazed and in another place. When you talk, you wonder if they’re even listening. If this happens, you might wonder how they will plan the event.

A social event planner must listen well to learn what the client wants and expects, as this is the only way the planner can plan the event. Listening well helps the planner understand exactly what you want and need. 

4. Organizational Skills

Excellent organization is one of the top event planning tips, so you need a planner with great organizational skills. Organizational skills help them plan every aspect of the event, even if that requires handling simultaneous tasks.

You can plan an event without hiring an expert to help, but it’s much easier to hire an event planner. They will handle all the research for you and present you with options.

They’ll lock in contracts with vendors and settle conflicts. When a problem arises before or during the event, they’ll be there to find a creative solution quickly. All these skills require good organization.

5. Attention to Detail

Some people are detail-oriented, while others aren’t, but a great event planner always pays attention to detail. This means, the event planner:

• Plans every part of an event, regardless of its size or importance
• Sees potential issues before they occur
• Strives for accuracy 
• Is thorough

Paying attention to detail is a skill required in an event planner because it ensures they consider every aspect of your event. It helps them avoid problems by seeing them before they occur.

Event planners naturally pay attention to small details. However, this trait is also something they learn from experience planning events. After planning many events, they learn what to look for and the things often overlooked.

6. Creativity and Innovation

Consider the events you’ve planned or attended. What made some of these events better than others? There are many things that set great ones apart from mediocre ones, and the top quality is creativity.

Creativity enhances the event by:

• Appealing to the attendees
• Using unique ideas
• Focusing on memorable activities and decorations

Event planners start the planning process by considering the event type and the attendees. Next, they use innovation and creativity to guide them in the planning stages, creating an event people will love and remember. 

7. Self-Motivation and Passion

In addition, an excellent event planner is:

• Self-motivated
• Passionate
• Able to make decisions

Self-motivation and passion drive an event planner to plan the event quickly without procrastinating. These qualities help the planner consider every event detail and tackle challenges before they affect the event.

When you combine passion and self-motivation with the ability to make decisions, it leads to creating the best event possible. 

8. Resourceful and Knowledge of the Area

A resourceful planner who knows the area well will present the best results for your event. They’ll have contacts for anything your event needs and relationships with vendors your event might use.

9. Experience and Continuous Learning

Experience is one of the most helpful qualities of an event planner. Experience helps them learn what works and what doesn’t, and they apply this knowledge to every future event they plan. 

It helps them learn ideas to incorporate to plan memorable events and how to avoid setbacks. Experience also builds trust and credibility with clients. 

Find a Social Event Planner With These Qualities

Social event planners require these qualities for success. When you choose one with these characteristics, you can trust them to plan the greatest event possible. 

As you begin planning your event in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, find the right social event planner. Are you ready to learn more about our services?

Total Events DFW knows how to make an event successful. We have over 20 years of experience assisting clients with events in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area and would love to help you create a memorable, successful event. 

Are you ready to elevate your next event? Reach out today to learn more!

Getting married is fun. Planning it? Not so much.

And that’s even more the case if you aren’t planning early enough. So what should you be doing, and when?!

Join us as we look at a perfect wedding timeline. From early preparations to the final dance, these tips will ensure a seamless and memorable celebration.

Perfect Wedding Timeline: Start Early

Begin by setting your wedding date and securing a venue. Popular venues in Fort Worth, TX can book up quickly, so it’s best to do this as soon as possible.

Once you have the venue, focus on hiring your key vendors like the photographer, caterer, and florist. This early stage is also the time to decide on your wedding party and send out save-the-date cards.

Early planning gives you the time to make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed. 

Six Months Out: Major Milestones

At the six-month mark, your wedding planning should focus on finalizing key details. Send out your save-the-date cards to ensure guests can mark their calendars.

This is also the time to choose your wedding attire. Whether you’re selecting a gown, suit, or something unique, make sure to schedule fittings. It’s wise to finalize your guest list now, as this will impact many other decisions.

Another important step is to book your entertainment. Whether you choose a band, DJ, or other performers, securing them early will give you peace of mind. Confirm your florist and start discussing your vision for the floral arrangements.

Three Months Out: Fine-Tuning Details

At the three-month mark, it’s time to fine-tune the details of your wedding. Start by finalizing the menu with your caterer. Whether you’re having a formal dinner or a casual buffet, make sure the food reflects your style.

This is also the time to order wedding favors. Choose something that represents you as a couple and that your guests will appreciate. Confirm all your vendors and ensure they understand your vision.

This includes the photographer, florist, and entertainment. Review and finalize your ceremony and reception music. Whether you have specific songs in mind or need help choosing, now is the time to make those decisions.

Lastly, schedule your hair and makeup trials. This will help you feel confident and look your best on your big day.

One Month Out: Final Preparations

With just one month left before your wedding, it’s time to focus on final preparations. Start by obtaining your marriage license. This essential step ensures your marriage is legally recognized.

Next, schedule your final dress fittings to ensure everything fits perfectly. This is also the time to finalize your timeline with vendors.

Confirm the schedule with your photographer, caterer, and entertainment to avoid any last-minute surprises. Review your seating chart and make any necessary adjustments.

Make sure your guest count is accurate, as this will impact your catering and seating arrangements. Double-check your transportation plans for the day to ensure everyone knows where they need to be and when.

If you’re planning a honeymoon, now is the time to finalize your travel arrangements and start packing.

The Week Before: Last-Minute Checks

In the week leading up to your wedding, it’s time to take care of last-minute checks. Start by reconfirming all your vendor details. Make sure they have the correct times and locations.

Review your seating chart one last time and print out place cards if needed. Pack a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, tissues, and makeup touch-ups.

If you’re having a rehearsal, ensure everyone knows the schedule and their roles. Check in with your wedding party to confirm they have their attire and understand their responsibilities. Prepare final payments for your vendors and put them in labeled envelopes. 

Wedding Day: Morning to Ceremony

On the morning of your wedding, start with a hearty breakfast to keep your energy up. Schedule enough time for hair and makeup, allowing for any unexpected delays.

It’s helpful to have a timeline for the bridal party to follow, ensuring everyone is ready on time. Once you’re dressed, take a few moments for some candid photos with your bridesmaids and family.

These shots capture the excitement and joy of the morning. If you’re doing a first look, plan for this before the ceremony to give you and your partner a private moment together.

Wedding Day: Ceremony to Reception

Once the ceremony concludes, the transition to the reception begins. Allow time for a brief mingling session after the ceremony. This gives guests a chance to congratulate you and allows the photographer to capture candid moments.

If there’s a cocktail hour, ensure it’s well-coordinated to keep guests entertained while you take additional photos. This is a good time for group shots or more intimate pictures of you and your partner.

Plan for travel time to the reception venue, even if it’s nearby. Arriving a bit early gives you a moment to catch your breath before the festivities start. Coordinate with your planner or coordinator to manage the timing of events.

The grand entrance sets the tone for the reception, so make sure it’s well-timed and energetic. Follow this with key events like the first dance, speeches, and dinner service.

Keeping the reception timeline on track is essential for maintaining the flow of the evening. Ensure that the DJ or band leader is aware of the schedule to announce events and guide guests. After dinner, schedule the cake cutting and any other traditions you wish to include, like bouquet and garter tosses.

As the evening progresses, allow time for open dancing and enjoying the celebration with your guests. Make sure there are moments to step back and take it all in.

Wedding Planning Tips

Crafting the perfect wedding timeline ensures a seamless and joyous celebration. By planning each detail of your Fort Worth wedding carefully, you’ll create lasting memories.

Total Events DFW has everything you need to make your event a success. Our founder, Renee Hart, started the company after spending 20 years in the local event planning industry. And she has taken her amassed knowledge to create a company that is ready to elevate your wedding!

Get in touch today to find out how we can make your wedding magical.

In 2024, the landscape of corporate events in Dallas, TX, is thriving more than ever. This highlights the growing significance of well-planned corporate gatherings in the business world.

Planning corporate events can be stressful and intimidating, especially if you’re juggling responsibilities of your own. Corporate event planning involves a lot of moving parts. Aside from organizing entertainment and catering, you also need to look for the right venues and hosts.

This is where a corporate event planner comes in. In this article, we’ll list ten helpful tips to consider before working with top event planning companies. Read on to find out how you can find someone to transform your event into an unforgettable experience.

1. Understand Your Event Needs

Before looking for a corporate event planner, it’s important to understand your event’s objectives, budget, and desired outcomes. Are you planning a large-scale conference, team-building retreat, or product launch? Are you looking to impress clients, or do you want to give your staff members a good time?

Knowing these details will help you find a planner who specializes in the type of event you’re hosting. Make a list of all the things your event needs to have. This will help you communicate your vision to potential planners and ensure they meet your expectations.

2. Research Top Event Planning Companies in Dallas

Dallas is home to many top-notch corporate event-planning companies. Start by doing some research online to identify the most reputable ones. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and event planning directories can be valuable resources.

Check out different social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Many event planners, such as Total Events DFW showcase their work on these platforms. This gives you a glimpse of their style and capabilities and allows you to determine if an event planner is right for you.

3. Check Their Experience and Specialization

Always look for planners who have experience managing events similar to yours. Some planners may specialize in certain types of events, such as conferences, trade shows, or gala dinners. Choosing event planners with relevant experience ensures they understand the potential challenges.

Don’t hesitate to ask for their portfolios. This showcases the events they’ve previously organized. This will give you a better idea of their expertise and what to expect.

4. Check Their Event Planning Services

Event planners offer different services. This can range from full-service planning to à la carte options.

Full-service planners handle everything from concept to execution. Others may focus on specific aspects such as venue selection or day-of coordination. Make sure the event planner you choose offers all the services you need.

Look for planners who offer customizable packages. This flexibility can be helpful if you have specific needs or want to handle certain aspects of the event yourself.

5. Assess Their Network and Relationships

A good corporate event planner has a strong network of reliable vendors and suppliers. This could include caterers, venues, decorators, AV technicians, and more. Their established relationships often translate to better deals and smoother coordination.

Ask about their preferred vendors and why they chose to work with them. This can give you insight into their work style and the quality of services they provide.

6. Read Client Testimonials and Reviews

Client testimonials and reviews are important when choosing the right event planner. They provide real-world insights into the planner’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver on promises. Look for positive feedback and any recurring issues mentioned by previous clients.

Don’t rely only on testimonials provided by the planner. Look for reviews on independent sites and ask for references you can speak to directly.

7. Schedule Initial Consultations

Once you’ve shortlisted a few potential planners, try to schedule consultations. This is your chance to discuss your event in detail. Ask questions and gauge their enthusiasm and understanding of your vision.

Pay attention to how well they listen and whether they offer creative ideas and solutions. Prepare a list of questions beforehand. Ask about their planning process, communication style, and how they handle unexpected issues.

8. Consider Their Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to successful corporate event management. Your planner should be responsive, clear, and proactive in their communication. This guarantees you stay informed at all times, and your event planner can quickly deal with any problems.

Take note of their communication during the initial consultation. Do they quickly respond to your emails and calls? Do they provide clear explanations?

Knowing this can be a good indicator of how they will communicate throughout the planning process.

9. Carefully Review Their Contract

A professional corporate event planner will provide a detailed contract. This contract should outline their services, fees, and terms. Review this contract or service package to make sure there are no hidden costs or ambiguous terms. It should state what’s included in the planning service packages and what is not.

Don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications or negotiate terms that don’t work for you. It’s important to have a contract that protects your interests and the planner’s.

10. Trust Your Instincts

You want to work with someone who has the skills and experience and makes you feel comfortable and confident. If something feels off during your interactions, it’s okay to keep looking.

Remember, this is someone you’ll be working closely with. There will be high pressure and tight deadlines. Establishing a strong rapport and mutual respect with your corporate event planner is essential for a successful partnership.

Discover Dallas’s Top Event Planning Companies for Your Next Corporate Gathering

Finding the perfect corporate event planner in Dallas, TX, is about aligning expertise, communication style, and a shared vision for success. Choosing planners who match your needs and goals helps pave the way for a smooth and memorable event. A great corporate event planner has the right skills, experience, and a clear understanding of your vision.

Are you in need of a professional events planner? Look no further than Total Events DFW! Our team of experts has 20 years of industry experience committed to providing outstanding event planning services customized to suit your event needs.

Contact Total Events DFW now and discover how we can help you elevate your next event to new heights.