As a Mitzvah party planner, I’ve worked with a lot of different families with a lot of very different needs. I’ve found that the most successful relationships start when my client is very clear about what they need and are looking for. This requires some advance thought on the clients side. Here are some great questions to think through. Feel free to share the answers as you interview party planners!
Why do I want to work with a Mitzvah party planner?
This is the first and most important question and something that you really need to think through. WHY? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you not know where to start? Do you have limited time for planning and need help? Do you have it under control but don’t want to worry about the event day? Is there a particular piece that isn’t your strength? These are all awesome reasons to reach out to a party planner.
What level of work am I willing to do?
In order to have the type of event that you want to have, you will need to make decisions. But do you also want to be calling vendors, negotiating contracts and dealing with multiple emails back and forth?
Do I trust this person?
Trust is absolutely the most important part of the planner/client relationship. If you can’t trust the advice that your planner is giving you, it’s going to be a loooong planning process for both of you! Do they have my best interest in mind?
Do they have solid relationships with vendors?
The longer a planner has been in business, the more relationships they have with vendors which translates to you finding the best team for your party.
Can they do the type of event that I’m envisioning?
Look at their portfolio. Does it contain photos with events similar to what you had in mind? Are they all DIY-looking or luxury? Which do you want?
Do they focus more on planning or on event design?
Some planners specialize in the logistics of planning, while others are skilled designers and work with decor. Still others do both. Which do you want?
Does my budget support hiring a Mitzvah party planner?
A planner can help you find clever ways to save and can even get discounts from certain vendors, but we aren’t magicians. Events still cost money and having a realistic understanding of what things cost is so important.
