“You have the best job!”

“You have the best job” is a popular phrase when I meet someone for the first time and explain to him or her what I do. In the years that I have been an Event Planner, I am constantly asked if I need help, if I am hiring, or if I need any interns. The truth is, I have seen hundreds (yes…hundreds!) of starry-eyed, hopeful young girls come in with the dream of someday playing the role of Jennifer Lopez, from the movie, The Wedding Planner. They have helped plan their friends’ weddings or set up a surprise party and think, “That was fun! I want to do this as a career!” Smiles quickly turn to shock when they realize that the job really entails incredibly long hours (60-80 hour weeks), heavy lifting (vases full of water aren’t light), stressful work conditions and getting your hands dirty kind of jobs. In fact, it is very rare to find someone with the right amount of passion in the industry to be able to stick it out.

So why am I revealing all of this in my first blog entry?

Well, the intention of my blog is to be REAL. To accomplish that, I need to start by shattering all of the misconceptions about event planners. Having worked in the wedding industry for a number of years, I understand the legwork that comes along with planning an event, large or small. I know the questions to ask when hiring a vendor, I understand the costs, and I can anticipate certain problems that may arise to which I offer tangible solutions. Most importantly, I am realistic. I have no problem telling a client when I feel they are in over their heads. While I am sure my clients are capable of creating their own floral centerpieces the day before their wedding in order to save money (because they saw it on Martha Stewart) my response will always be honest. The truth is, most people who take on DIY projects spend more money and time than they originally anticipated. If I have the experience, supplies, and staff to create what you need, why not let me help? I’m not here to break your budget-I want to help you save money and keep you focused.

This blog is intended to give advice on how to plan your perfect party while also inspiring you by showcasing the work of our past events. I will discuss a variety of topics, which may help you when planning, and offer instructions on some fun DIY projects that are realistic in costs and production time. I truly believe if there is a way for you to create something by yourself, I should share it. However, I also want to explain the importance of hiring someone for extra help. Fact is that no one can plan a great event alone-especially if you plan on being a guest or enjoying that party yourself!

So when told that I have the best job, I always reply with “Yes. I love what I do.” I enjoy coming up with new ideas and seeing a project through from the very beginning to the end. I take pride in tackling challenges, large or small, which inevitably come up during the course of planning an event. Finally, I love being a part or some of those most memorable days in my client’s life. From birthdays to weddings, graduation to retirement parties, these milestones are meaningful, and if I can be a part of making them more special, then how can I not enjoy what I do? I hope this blog shares my love for this profession, while also portraying the facts. Most importantly, I hope it helps relieve the stress some of my readers may face when planning their own event so they may have more time to enjoy their SociaLife!