Semantics or not … here’s yet another debatable topic.
First, although it appears as such, it is important to understand that an event planner is not a party planner and is definitely not simply a decorator. They are professional event planners because they have the education, the resources, the experience, the network, and reliable alliances in the industry.
The professional planner focuses on the client’s objective and ensures it is seamlessly achieved by paying attention to all the details that lead up to the event for all weddings, corporate, social and fundraising events.
We must therefore understand both the definition and the nature of work associated with the different titles used in the industry:
1. Event Planner: A professional who plans special events and is responsible for the event from conceptualization to orginization and execution of the entire event. They will custom design the event and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations based on the clients vision, needs and budget. They will assist with venue searches and acquisition, vendor referals and recommendations, ettiquette advisement, budget advisement and maintenance, logisitcs maintenance, make, and implement design recommendations and assist with menu recommendations and selection. They will also ensure that the client complies with all state and federal legalities for any licenses and permits that may be required for the event as well as ensure that all political and social protocols are adhered to.
Planners will have several meetings with their client throughout the planning process, they are not only there during set-up, but are there from beginning to end to of the event to handle any problems that may arise, and oversee the breakdown as well. These are just a few of the many responsibilities of a professional special event planner.
2. Event Consultant: The American Heritage dictionary defines consultant as "one who gives expert advice." In the event planning industry, consulting and planning are in most cases synonyms of each other with minor differences in what their "comprehensive" package offers.
3. Event Coordinator: A coordinator orchestrates the event. However, it is a miss-conception and a miss understanding that a coordinator just shows up on the day of the event and "makes things happen." Typically, the coordinator will have a specific number of meetings (contractual agreement) with their client, get a list of all the vendors and their contacts, construct a time line, have a vendor rehearsal, and finally execute the event on the day of. Yes, a planner/consultant can also be a coordinator.
Now that we have clarified the definition and responsibilities of a planner, is "Day of" or "Month of" the proper "term" for this service? Or, should we coin a different term/phrase for it? Remember, most event professionals will not take on “Day of” jobs less than 3-4 months prior to the event. Therefore, "Month of" may be more fitting regarding the scope of the services. What do you think?
2 comments:
After such an elaborate extrapolation of what an "Event Planner" or 'Coordinator', or 'Consultant' means, I was looking forward to a juxtaposition of what a "Party P'anner" could be. and I did not see any! Is that It? On the other hand, I completely enjoyed the analogous flow of wit and concept of what an Event Planner is and goes through to achieve actionable execution of an event or occassion. Wonderful explanation. In practical terms it really involves a lot. Getting paid for such services deserves more appreciation than just a loaded payoff. Its big. That's much it takes, I'd say!
Thanks for that very clear exposition. And now for the Party Planner! Hoping to hear soon!
In short, a party planner is similar to an event planner but they are not all-encompassing; they focus on parties, not all special events. I hope this helps!
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