The reason event planners know how to throw a good party is that we cater for the needs of humans on a daily basis. Here are nine lessons brides & grooms can learn from #eventprofs, when planning their own weddings. From Guide to Events: www.guideto.events

1. BRIDES & GROOMS
CAN LEARN FROM
#EVENTPROFS
9 LESSONS...
THE GUIDE TO
EVENTS

2. THERE’S NO SHAME IN HAVING
A BUDGET
• Get creative
• Ask friends to help
• Make, mend & borrow
• Negotiate everything
1

3. WORK OUT WHAT YOU WANT
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
• Agree on what is important
• Focus on details that matter
• Prioritise the budget
• Stick to your vision
• Don’t be swayed by anyone
2

4. FIND THE RIGHT VENUE
(AND WORK OUT HOW TO USE IT)
Event managers look out for:
• How clean the venue is;
• State of the skirting boards;
• Versatility of the event space;
• Journey time between venues;
• Cost of accommodation;
• Number of hotel rooms;
• Quality of the food;
• Layout of venue & signage;
• Comfort of the chairs.
3

5. YOUR DAY IS UNIQUE TO YOU
BUT IT IS JUST WEDDING #83
THIS YEAR FOR THE VENUE
• Make friends with the team
• Work with the chef
• Become their favourite client
• Offer them your photos for
promotional purposes
4

6. REMEMBER: YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER
NOT JUST
THE GRATEFUL
RECIPIENT OF
OVERPRICED
SERVICES
Negotiation is about power.
And you never have more
power than the moment
before you sign a contract.
Use your power confidently.
If something feels too
expensive, challenge the
cost – find out if there is a
cheaper way to do it
(there usually is).
5

7. THE KEY TO EVERYONE ENJOYING IT
IS MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
Other peoples’ weddings can
induce anxiety. Make it as
easy as possible to plan
ahead by telling your guests
in advance:
• What time they will eat
• What type of food
• What they should wear
• Whether the bar is free
• Where they should stay
6

8. SURPRISE, DELIGHT, ENTERTAIN.
Whatever the budget, an
event manager will
always choose the best
entertainment for their
guests, not themselves.
7

9. LEARN TO DELEGATE
• Co-opt willing volunteers
• Divide up responsibilities
• Be clear about your needs
• Explain roles & actions
• Delegate out the stress
• Enjoy your day!
8

10. GET THE PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHT
Event managers understand that
finding the right photographer to
document your day is crucial.
• Meet several photographers
• Look at their portfolios
• Discuss your vision
• Explain what you want
• Write a list of ‘money shots’
• Focus on what matters to you.
9

11. CREATE THE DAY
YOU WANT TO
REMEMBER
This companion blog to
this Slideshare can be
read online at
www.guideto.events

12. THE GUIDE TO
EVENTS
For more information, visit
www.guideto.events
Photography credits:
Coco Boardman Luca Rossato
Jeremy Piehler Michael Salvato
Robb North Ly Thien Hoang
Brian Geltner Jen Gallardo
Habrda Micadew