Why worry about a seating chart, till you know who has rsvp’d!
For some, planning an event can be a time-sucking, frustrating, overwhelming, daunting and stressful process. Not to push my services, but if any of these emotions are starting to surface, I highly advise calling in an expert – let me know if you need a name:)
For seasoned event planning professionals, we have a few tricks of the trade that allow us to keep our cool, have fun and embrace the adventure of designing, coordinating and managing your special event! Over the next few months, I will share with you some tricks of the trade I have learned over the past 15 years.
Trick #1 – Stick with your monthly planning calender
One of the first things I do with my clients after the date has been set, it to bring out the monthly planning calender. I breakdown the event planning process into date blocks. 9-12 months, 6-8 months, 4-5 months, 2-3 months, 6 weeks, 3-4 weeks, 1-2 weeks, day before the event and day of the event. Within each date block, you have a list of tasks that should be accomplished within the designated time frame. If you have less then a year to plan your event – NO WORRIES! Just count back how how many days, weeks or months you have, and combine the date blocks to fit your specific time frame.
Here is the trick – focus on the date block that you are in, while looking ahead one to two date blocks. When I say look ahead, I mean make a mental note about what lies ahead, but don’t fully engross yourself with tasks that lie in the upcoming date blocks. When you focus on your current list of tasks, you can manage your time and energy effectively and effeciently.
Example #1
Do not worry about the seating chart at your event until you know what guest are planning to attend.
Example #2
Securing your caterer should be one of the first things on your list, but don’t stress over what appetizers you are going to serve 9 months out from the event date.
Example #3
Begin gathering the contact information for your guests early on in the planning process, but don’t worry about addressing the envelopes until the invitations have been designed, printed and are sitting on your doorstep.
When you focus on what needs to get done today, versus what needs to get done 6 months from now, the event planning process is manageable…and for some geeks like me, down right enjoyable!
Tags: bellingham, coordination, event, True Bliss Events, Venues, weddings