Most party problems come from things nobody asked about before the deposit was paid. Take these questions to every event planner you contact, compare the answers side by side, and get the important ones in writing.
When to book: hosts usually book event planners and party decorators about 2–6 months ahead. Saturday evenings and the holiday season (November–December) and graduation season (May–June) fill first.
The Questions
- Do you offer full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination or decor only?
- Is your fee flat, hourly or a percentage of the budget?
- Do you take commissions from vendors you recommend?
- Can we see photos from events like ours, at similar budgets?
- Who will be on site on the day, and for how many hours?
- Is setup and teardown of decor included?
- What is your backup plan if you are ill on our date?
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Tips
- Even a few hours of day-of coordination frees the host to enjoy the event.
- Share a budget range up front so the planner proposes realistic options.
Before You Pay a Deposit
- Get the date, start and end times, exact items or services, total price and payment schedule in writing.
- Read the cancellation, weather and rescheduling terms.
- Check that the business name on the contract matches the one you researched.
- Pay deposits by credit card where possible, for buyer protection.