Things to know before you even pick up the phone…
We get a lot of calls daily from customers needing help with their upcoming events. Some are more prepared than others and many just don’t know where to start. Of course, we are here to lend a hand and our expertise. Here are a few insider tips though on how to be an informed consumer:
1. Know the date, time, and location of your event. If you don’t have the location 100% confirmed that is ok, but from a design standpoint, there is not much we can do until we know that. We are happy to give recommendations though!
2. About how many guests do you expect? This doesn’t have to be exact, but at least gives us a relative idea of whether you are planning for an intimate group of 50 or group of 500 or if it is a larger corporate or gala event of 1,000+
3. Is there a particular theme? If not, let us help you! We want to know what ideas you have, but are always open to giving advice too, so please ask.
4. What type of tables, linens, & chairs does your venue already have? This is also helpful so we know what we have to work with. If you already know the size tables they use too, that is a bonus! (Standard sizes are 60”RD, 72”RD, or 48”RD)
What type of services are you looking for? Everything – great! Just lighting, table décor, drapery, flowers, theme props? Those are all fine too. Be open to other ideas though. Even if you are just calling because they came up under lighting, if they offer other things ask about them. The more you can get under one roof, the less you will have to pay in delivery fees and set up costs.
Those are really the big 5. Those are the questions that I will ALWAYS ask a client, so if you are prepared with the answers I will better be able to assist you and get information to you more quickly. That is not to discourage anyone from calling of course, but having that information is always helpful.
Notice I didn’t ask about your budget? If you have that information, great. A lot of times though, clients may arbitrarily come up with numbers that may or may not be realistic. I always like to break everything out for each client so you can specifically see what the costs are and then we can always go back and edit to make it all fit within a cost that you are comfortable with. This way at least you can see what all your options are and then make an informed decision about the elements you wish to have from there.