DIY vs. Hiring Event Planning Company

Planning an event, yourself can be both exciting and challenging. If you do choose to plan and organize your own event we have created a checklist to assist you with all your planning.

1. Define the Event’s Purpose and Goals: Start by clarifying the purpose of your event. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate gathering, or charity fundraiser, knowing the goals will guide your planning decisions.
2. Set a Realistic Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the event and allocate funds for each aspect, such as venue, catering, decorations, and entertainment. Stick to the budget throughout the planning process.
3. Create a Timeline and Checklist: Establish a detailed timeline with milestones for tasks like booking vendors, sending invitations, and finalizing logistics. A checklist will help you stay organized and track progress.
4. Choose the Right Venue: Select a venue that suits the event’s size, theme, and location. Consider factors like accessibility, parking, amenities, and ambiance to create a memorable experience. The Legacy Center checks off many of the boxes for a great venue as well as offers great value for the price.
5. Plan the Guest List and Invitations: Decide on the number of guests and create a guest list accordingly. Send out invitations well in advance, either through traditional mail or electronic invites, to ensure maximum attendance.
6. Arrange for Catering and Refreshments: Whether it’s a formal dinner, buffet, or snacks, arrange catering that aligns with your event’s style and guest preferences. Ensure there are options for attendees with dietary restrictions. If you did not know already, The Legacy Center has a warming kitchen on site for your catering or for yourself if you are prepping your own event refreshments or food, which is included with all rentals!
7. Organize Event Entertainment: Depending on the event type, plan entertainment such as live music, DJ, games, or speakers. Entertainment should complement the event’s theme and keep guests engaged.
8. Decorate to Impress: Enhance the ambiance by decorating the venue with appropriate elements. Choose decorations that align with the event theme and create a visually appealing atmosphere.
9. Have a Contingency Plan: Always be prepared for the unexpected. Have backup plans for outdoor events in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances that might impact the event.
10. Coordinate and Communicate: As the event date approaches, communicate with vendors, staff, and volunteers to ensure everyone is on the same page. On the event day, be available to handle any last-minute issues and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Bonus Tip: Enjoy the Process – Event planning can be stressful but remember to enjoy the journey. Embrace the challenges, learn from the experience, and celebrate your successful event!

Should we cater our own event?

Catering your own event can be a cost-effective and personalized option, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Let’s explore the pros and cons of self-catering an event:

Pros of Catering Your Own Event:

1. Cost Savings: One of the main advantages is the potential to save money since you won’t be paying for a professional catering service.
2. Personalization: You have complete control over the menu, ensuring that the dishes served reflect your preferences and those of your guests.
3. Flexibility: Self-catering allows you to accommodate specific dietary restrictions or preferences more easily since you’re preparing the food yourself.
4. Family or Community Involvement: For smaller events, involving family or friends in the cooking process can create a sense of togetherness and make the event more meaningful.
5. Homemade Touch: The personal touch of homemade food can make the event feel warm and welcoming, adding a unique element to the experience.

Cons of Catering Your Own Event:

1. Time and Effort: Self-catering can be time-consuming, especially if you’re preparing food for a large number of guests. It may divert your attention from other important event-planning tasks.
2. Stress and Pressure: The responsibility of preparing and serving food can be stressful, particularly if you’re not experienced in cooking for a large group.
3. Lack of Professional Expertise: Professional caterers have the experience and expertise to handle large events efficiently. Without their know-how, you may face logistical challenges and potential mistakes.
4. Limited Resources: If you’re self-catering, you may lack the equipment and resources that professional caterers have to handle food storage, transportation, and serving effectively.
5. Reduced Enjoyment: Self-catering can take away your ability to fully enjoy the event as you’ll be occupied with food preparation and serving.
6. Clean-Up: After the event, you’ll be responsible for cleaning up the kitchen and the mess created during food preparation.

Should I plan my own event?

Hiring an event planner can offer numerous benefits and make the entire event planning process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the top five reasons why you might consider hiring an event planner:

1. Expertise and Experience: Event planners are professionals who specialize in organizing various types of events. They have extensive experience and knowledge in handling all the details, from finding the right venue and coordinating with vendors to managing logistics and resolving unexpected issues. Their expertise can save you time, and stress, and ensure a successful event.
2. Time Savings: Planning an event can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you have other responsibilities or a busy schedule. An event planner takes the burden off your shoulders by handling all the research, coordination, and organization, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life or business.
3. Vendor Connections and Negotiation: Event planners often have established relationships with various vendors, including caterers, venues, decorators, photographers, and entertainment providers. These connections can lead to better deals, discounts, and access to top-notch services that you might not have been able to secure on your own.
4. Attention to Detail: Event planners are meticulous in their planning, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. From setting up the venue to managing the schedule and coordinating with all parties involved, they strive for perfection, resulting in a seamless and well-executed event.
5. Stress Reduction: Planning an event can be stressful, especially if you’re not familiar with the process or if it’s a significant occasion. Hiring an event planner alleviates stress, knowing that you have a professional handling all the logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly. This allows you to enjoy the event and create lasting memories with your guests.

Bonus Tip: Creativity and Unique Touch – Event planners bring creativity to the table, helping you design an event that aligns with your vision and theme. Their innovative ideas and attention to detail can add a unique touch that makes your event stand out and leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Overall, hiring an event planner can be a wise investment, especially for larger or more complex events. It allows you to delegate the planning responsibilities to a capable professional, ensuring that your event is a resounding success while you can relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Just like an event planner, catering your own event can be a viable option for small gatherings, informal events, or if you have a passion for cooking and enjoy the process. However, for larger or more formal events, it’s generally advisable to hire a professional catering service. They can handle the logistics, ensure the food is prepared and served flawlessly, and allow you to focus on hosting and enjoying the event with your guests. If you do decide to self-cater, make sure to plan well in advance, recruit help if needed, and keep the menu simple and manageable to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

By following these tips and staying organized, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and successful DIY event, for whatever you feel is the best option for you. Combine help or do it yourself, you know best, and The Legacy Center is here to help you every step of the way. Check out our affordable rental options and pricing here.