5 Reasons to Hire an Event Planner for Your Next Event

"You can shave $5,000 off your 2009 budget AND hire Big Buzz as the coordinator," I explained to a prospective client in early 2010. It was the easiest project I have ever secured. There were no negotiations, no hesitations. We went straight to contract after a one-hour meeting.

It was a bold statement but one that I believed we could uphold. I was fairly certain that the company my client had previously worked with was less than reputable, and I was determined to prove that we could offer them a higher quality corporate picnic while saving a significant dollar amount. And we did: the 2010 project came in 25 percent under the cost of the 2009 event.

It is common for people to think that professional Event Planners are going to be expensive. But the reality is that planners know the tips, tricks and contacts that could save you time and money in the long run without sacrificing the quality of your event.

Here are five compelling reasons to hire an Event Planner:

•You Will Save Money - Event Planners build relationships with suppliers, and they receive discounted rates from vendors that a quality planner will pass on to the client. When you call the same supplier, you are likely to pay their standard rates, which can be higher by as much as 20 percent or more.

•You Will Save Time - Nobody has enough hours in the day anymore, so why spread yourself too thin doing something that someone else can do for you more efficiently and effectively? Planners thrive on this activity, and they can organize and execute your event in less time than you ever could, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities.

•Benefit from Their Knowledge/Experience - Over time, Event Planners gain extensive knowledge and wisdom regarding events and parties; they know the latest trends, newest venues, the hot colors, budget-saving secrets and details that you may not be aware of if you plan only one or two events annually.

•Capitalize on Their Contacts and Resources - A Planner's rolodex is a gold mine. From lighting to d矇cor to power and more, all the right contacts are at their fingertips. No more web-searching required when they can speed-dial the best canopy vendor to serve your location, or obtain a liquor application for a City park. Put their rolodex to work for you!

•Stress-Free Troubleshooting - Despite all the planning, preparation and management, almost every event inevitably encounters an unforeseen hiccup. You don't want guests aware of this snag and you certainly don't want to appear panicked....This is when you need a Planner at your side because they know who to call and how to remedy a situation quickly. Whether it's a missing limo or a fallen wedding gown hem, your Planner can secure the resources necessary to resolve an issue seamlessly and keep the event on track.

At the end of the day, the right planner will serve as an extension of you. They do all the "heavy-lifting" so that you can be a guest at your party or outing and provide you the opportunity to network effectively to make a favorable impression that will long be remembered by your guests.