Category Archives: Event Tips

Event planners provide services to help take the stress away from planning a large or small-scale event. Through using an event planner, you’ll often find the end result being better than what you had originally planned for. 

Event planner prices can vary in range depending on how big the event you need to be planned is, what your budget for the event is, and how long the event will take to plan. But, the initial cost of an event planner is worth it, considering the amount of time and energy you’ll save preparing an event this way. 

To learn more about event planning prices, keep reading.

What an Event Planner Does

Event planners are in charge of coordinating all of the fine details that go into planning your event. Event planners may have a team of assistants to help them oversee everything they have scheduled, depending on the size of the event. 

An event planner is a person you will want to trust. They’re primarily responsible for the outcome of your event. Being on the same page with an event planner is an important factor in choosing one for hire.

Don’t be afraid to ask any event planners questions and exchange vision boards and ideas back and forth. After all, they will be responsible for seeking out venues, decorating, hiring caterers and other vendors, and more.

Their jobs involve having to take into consideration contingency planning. They have to be able to foresee what you as a client want and what is doable in the budget and time frame they are given.

They act as a coordinator and scheduler to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible.

Lots of event planners also pride themselves on coming up with the most creative and unique ideas for your event. They are usually more than willing to bring an extra flair to your event if your budget allows for it. 

They have connections to entertainers such as musicians, magicians, characters, DJs, and more. They also have resources to bring together arcade games, airbrush artists, caricaturists, and anything else you could possibly want at your event.

Most importantly, an event planner uses their time wisely to plan your event so that you don’t have to. Many people in charge of coordinating events don’t have the time to spend planning the perfect event. This is where event planners come in handy.

Event Planner Prices

Event planner prices vary depending on a few different things. Independent event planners may charge hourly, while corporate event planners may charge a percentage of the total event budget. Some event planners may charge a combination of the two. 

Event planners who charge hourly can start anywhere from forty dollars to two hundred and fifty dollars per-hourly consultation.  

Otherwise, planners might take a fifteen to twenty percent cut from the total event’s budget. These are most commonly called event planning packages and are standard for large-scale event planning and corporate event planners. Keep in mind that this cut may not include the hourly base pay towards the event planner as well.

An event planner in Dallas should be professional and able to easily work with their clients. Don’t hesitate to get multiple quotes from event planners to compare their services and rates. 

Expensive event planners probably go by that rate for a good reason. Higher costs can mean that they are well established and have many connections in the community. These connections could mean that you have access to vendors you otherwise would not be able to book or even get discounted rates for certain vendors because of deals they have with your event planner. 

Factors to Consider

There are factors to consider when determining how much your event planner will charge you aside from initial basic costs. 

The type of food and beverage needed at your event can play a role in costs. Some food is more expensive to make and transport. If you have many guests to feed, this will also increase the cost as well. Open bars and fancy dinner meals may be more expensive than hosting a brunch buffet or tea party, for example. 

Decorations are another factor to consider. These prices will vary and be included in your overall event budget, but they can still influence how much an event planner will cost due to the amount of work they have to put in to secure vendors, decorations, and more for you. Fresh flowers, large balloon arches, lights, and more will be more expensive than fake floral arrangements and cheap table cloths. 

 The type of event will very much influence how much an event planner will cost as well. The event planner price can be higher for a large wedding or important corporate event than a small birthday party, for example. 

The location plays a big role as well. Hiring an event planner to plan a destination event will be more expensive than hosting a local event. 

Making sure you have room in your budget to cover the costs of everything you want your event to have is important so that you do not spend more money on an event planner than you’re willing to spend. You want to pay for quality services without sacrificing the main parts of your event.

Hire an Event Planner Today

All in all, event planner prices don’t have to compromise the quality of your event. Hiring an event planner will most definitely elevate your event to the level that you dream it to be. 

Contact Total Events DFT here to hire an event planner in Dallas to help schedule your important event today.

Are you planning a wedding, corporate event, or big family blowout? Are you considering the advantages of hiring an event planner?

You can save yourself a great deal of time and headache by hiring a wedding or corporate event planner. These folks will take over the details and allow you to enjoy the big day without missing any moments while you’re worried about the menu.

But can you afford professional planning? How much does an event planner cost, and is it worth what you’ll end up spending?

Here’s what you need to know.

What Does an Event Planner Do?

An event planner will take on the task of bringing your vision for an event to life. They may find you the perfect location, talk to vendors, and brainstorm about decorating ideas. Your planner may be in charge of negotiating prices, creating contracts, and keeping you on budget.

Your event planner may scout out various venues and field price bids. It’s their job to find the best location for you based on your budget and other requirements.

On your big day, an event planner will handle all of the details so you don’t have to. They will make sure all vendors are present and paid. 

If you’re getting married, an event planner can make sure the ceremony runs smoothly. You won’t need to concern yourself with who is going down the aisle and when, as long as you get there on time!

If your event is a corporate one, you can concentrate on socializing with your guests and making sure everyone feels comfortable. All of the details, such as guest attendance, menu items, and entertainment, will be managed by your event planner.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many event planners will charge you based on a percentage of the total cost of an event. The percentage is usually somewhere between 15% and 20%. So, if you’re going to pay 18% of an event that costs around $30,000, you’ll end up paying your event planner $5,400.

Some event planners may also charge you an hourly rate. Planning hours are usually included in this. They may include hours spent negotiating with vendors or picking out floral arrangements.

Still, other vendors may charge you a combination of an hourly rate and a percentage of the total event cost. It’s important to talk about the details of your payment arrangement before you hire a planner, and make sure you get it in writing.

A number of different factors will impact what your event planner may charge you. Your event location, time of year, and the number of guests will of course play a role. In addition, you can expect to pay a different amount based on your food and beverage choices.

It’s important to remember that the least expensive event planner in your area isn’t necessarily the best option for you. You’ll want to hire someone with a proven track record of experience and quality delivery.

Still, you won’t want to be overpaying for the services completely. Make sure you get at least three estimates in writing before you decide upon a local event planner.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Event Planner?

Many folks cite peace of mind as their number one reason for hiring a professional event planner. They want to know that all of the details of their event are being managed carefully by someone who knows what they’re doing.

In addition, your event planner may already have strong existing relationships with bands, florists, and bakers. They will know who to reach out to and which vendors will be able to meet any special requests you might have.

If budgeting isn’t your forte, the right event planner can also help you to save some money on your big day. They will know how to negotiate with vendors for a lower price, and when it’s okay to look for a bargain. They will also know when it’s time to splurge based on your specific requirements.

If you want to focus on the joy of your big day and leave the hassles to someone else, it pays to hire a quality event planner.

How Do You Find a Good Event Planner?

If you don’t have any close friends who have hired event planners in the past, you can start your search for an event planner online. Ask for recommendations in local social media community groups, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Did the event run smoothly? Was the planner able to help with negotiations and budgeting? Were there any unexpected costs along the way?

You’ll also want to check out reviews once you’ve narrowed down your search. Be on the lookout for repeated negative comments, such as a lack of timeliness or friendliness. On the other hand, a string of positive experiences can give you the confidence that you’re making a good decision.

It’s important to hire a local planner, as these professionals will have good relationships with vendors and venue owners in your area. You may also want to ask for at least three references you can speak to directly.

Your Important Day

When it comes to prominent events, you’ll want to know that every detail is a reflection of your taste. The right event planner will make sure that everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Don’t stop getting smart about hiring an event planner now. For excellent professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, contact us today. 

Are you planning a big corporate event? Are you wondering about a corporate event planner, but you’re unsure about the cost and how it all works?

Event planning is no easy task, and corporate event planning takes months of meticulous planning to bring everything to perfection.

The right corporate event planner understands what’s at stake and will guide you through the entire process, from budgeting down to logistics.

So if you’re looking to ditch the stress and hire an event planner in Dallas, then keep reading this guide. You’ll find out everything you need to know about corporate event planning, from the cost to the big event.

What Does a Corporate Event Planner Do?

A corporate event planner has one important role. That role is to make your event a success. Corporate event planning is a long process, and it needs constant attention to detail to make sure things stay on track.

Corporate event planners can work with public relations or marketing companies to organize events for their clients. They plan and manage conferences, press conferences, product launches, annual meetings, and more.

But before you go scampering off to hire a corporate event planner, you need to be clear on what you want to accomplish at your event.

Know What You Want

The best avenue to finding the perfect event planner is defining what you want to accomplish. Whether your event is to launch a new product or celebrate a huge company milestone, you need to determine the tasks you expect your event planner to do

Not all event planners are made the same, and all of them offer different pricing based on the services you need. But they will typically choose the venue, entertainment and give you food and drink options.

What to Look for First

Recommendations on Google are helpful when searching for the perfect event planner, but you want to take it a step further and find solid recommendations from peers in your field. 

Ask about their work for other companies, how well the event was planned, and how friendly the event planning company was to work with.

When you’re organizing a corporate event, more is at stake, so you need to know what to pay attention to when meeting with prospective event planners. It’s a good idea to meet with at least three professional event planners so you can sit down and compare the pros and cons. 

The first thing you want to look at is the event planner’s actual planning process. You need to understand how their process works, how your input fits in, and a clear picture of the preparation schedule.

You also need to know they will communicate with you. Whether you will have in-person meetings, get email updates, or phone calls. You want an event planner that understands you have a business to run and won’t allow planning an event to disrupt your flow.

Other qualities that make an event planning company stand out are creativity, resourcefulness, and kindness under pressure. So carefully evaluate how an event planning company makes you feel from the moment you meet them.

Get the Specifics

Now you want to get down to the nitty-gritty. Find out what types of events they specialize in. Some event planning companies handle mainly product launches, while others focus on corporate events or conferences.

Next, find out what vendors they partner with or prefer to work with, as typically this gives an event planning company access to discounts for high-quality services.

And don’t forget some event planning companies won’t work with vendors who aren’t on their list, so be sure to ask this question from the get-go. You need to know what your choices are limited to.

Planning your budget is vital, so you’ll want an event planner that’s transparent with their budget plan. And one that stays within your budget as well. Some event planners have a required minimum budget, so be sure to take this into account. 

Event Planner Cost

When it comes to event planner costs, it’s essential to define your budget first. Depending on the type of event, your costs can vary.

Typically event planners can structure their fees in a few ways, such as:

• A flat fee
• A percentage of the expenses
• An hourly rate
• Commission

On average, an event planner will cost you from $500 to $900 an hour, but don’t forget the average cost varies depending on where you live. Keep in mind that most event planners charge a base fee, in addition to a percentage of the price of an event.

The type of location you need can drive up your overall costs, so make sure you include any additional venue fees. Also, the structure of your event overall can drive up the price. For example, if you have a specialized corporate event with many components, you’ll pay more.

Cutting Costs

When you’re event planning, costs add up quickly. So you need a strategy. To keep more money in your pocket, try things like:

• Shorten your guest list if you can
• Create a strict budget and stick to it
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price
• Think about event planning for only a portion of your event

You can also consider having brunch instead of dinner and drinks to reduce your food and catering costs.

Corporate Event Planner

Now you know all about hiring a corporate event planner, it’s time to talk to the professionals at Total Events DFW.

Total Events DFW is a top event planner in Texas, with over 500 five-star reviews and 15 industry awards. We can get your corporate event where it needs to be.

So make sure you contact us today to start planning your corporate event tomorrow.

Even for experienced event organizers, it is complicated to host a successful corporate event. For companies, corporate events are an investment that they hope will pay off in increased revenue and brand recognition and better relationships with employees and clients. So, there is a lot of pressure on event organizers to plan a successful event that enhances their company’s image

Successful events often take account of the attendees’ tastes and preferences while meeting the company’s budget and vision. The event planner has to manage several suppliers, tasks, and deadlines. This requires high-level organization skills and attention to detail.

Do you have the task of organizing your company’s next event or party? Don’t stress out as you are in the right place. Keep reading for 6 important factors you should consider when planning a corporate event in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

1. The Purpose of the Event

The first thing you must know when planning a corporate event is the reason why it is being held. Organizations have many reasons for hosting events. It could be a team-building party, a product launch, or a client engagement event. 

Have a meeting with the decision-makers that requested the event to set objectives and expectations for the event. There should be one main goal that will keep you focused as you organize the event. The main objective will guide every planning decision you make and help in resolving conflicts during the planning process. 

2. Your Guest List 

Another important consideration you must have is the target audience for your event. If you think of the most fun or successful parties you have attended, you will find that the program and activities matched your interests and personality. Knowing who your event audience is will make it easier for you to come up with an attractive event for them. 

Some companies and event organizers make the mistake of inviting as many people as they can to have a full party. This could backfire, as there may be many no-shows that lose interest as soon as they see the invitation. Those that show up may be from different backgrounds and personalities so they may not form a rapport with each other. 

The diversity in interests may also make it hard to create a program that appeals to all the invitees. So unless you are throwing a big celebratory event for all stakeholders, it’s better to invite a specific target audience according to the event’s purpose.

3. Your Budget

Arguably, the most important factor you must consider when planning a corporate event is your budget. The amount of cash you have could restrict or enhance the vision you have for the event. If you have a hand in setting the budget, make sure you do your research so you can have realistic figures to work with. 

It’s always a good idea to add an extra 10% to your final figure. This is because one or two things are often forgotten or some prices end up being higher than planned. If you are working with a limited budget, you will need to know where to allocate most of your funds.

Corporate event entertainment and food are two of the most expensive things when planning a corporate event. They are also what your guests will remember, so don’t skimp on these areas. It may be better to spend less on decorations and party favors. 

4. The Event Location or Venue

The venue or event location is another important factor to consider when organizing a corporate event. Choose a location that will be easily accessible both by public transport and private means. There should be adequate free parking for your guests. 

Ensure that the available space can accommodate your full guest list and a bit extra. At the same time, it shouldn’t be too big, as this will make your event look under-attended. Don’t forget to check that the venue meets your company’s safety and security requirements. 

5. Sound and Lighting

The sound and lighting at your venue can make or break your event. People underestimate the importance of good lighting and sound. That is until they end up at a dark party where they can barely see other guests. People also have to keep shouting at speakers to project their voice. 

Some parties have lighting and sound installations that are a safety risk. You don’t want your event to be memorable for the wrong reasons. Someone tripping on a sound cable and falling on their face isn’t the exact impression you want to leave.

If you can afford it, hire a professional rigger to take care of your sounds and lights. Event venues also have maintenance technicians that can help you set the sound and lighting to your taste. 

6. Event Marketing and Promotion

One of the key success factors for how to plan a corporate event is proper promotion and marketing of the event. To prevent your event from flopping you need full attendance. The company must also get the maximum exposure they can from the event before, during, and after.

Social media makes it easy and cheap to create some noise and excitement around your party. Think of the messaging and platforms that will engage your target audience and make them prioritize attending your event. 

If you have a popular speaker or entertainer attending the event, promote them heavily and ask them to share the event on their social media too. Start sending out communications about your event around 6 weeks before it takes place.

Create a unique hashtag for the event that includes the company’s name. Each time the hashtag is used, your company will get some exposure. During the event, you can post pictures and encourage attendees to take photos too and share them on their social media pages. 

What to Know When Planning a Corporate Event in Dallas and Fort Worth

Events are a great way for companies to build relationships with their clients and employees. So as an organizer, you ensure that your company benefits from its investment by hosting a successful event.

The main things you should consider are the purpose behind hosting the event, the budget, the venue, your guest list, and your promotion strategy. If you need help with planning a corporate event in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, contact us today.