Hiring a Party Planner
A party planner oversees all aspects of a premier party to make it a worthwhile experience for the guests. They work one-on-one with the clients to plan, organize, coordinate, and execute the party, making it a success for everyone involved. These planners get trained to handle both private and corporate parties, which include weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, or corporate events and gatherings. Party planners work with clients with different budgets, managing events of all types. Professionals in this field get employed by event planning and management companies. Apart from this, the job is often in demand in large corporations that frequently hold functions for clients or employees. In addition, some establishments in the hospitality industry also hire their own party planners as a part of their staff to help guests organize special gatherings. Some experienced planners work with celebrities. A party planner makes an average of $41,500 per year. However, their pay may vary depending on their experience, clientele, and the type of party.
Functions of the role
The duties of a party planner vary depending on the setting and the requirements of the client. The planners must be able to juggle multiple responsibilities, including: meeting clients to understand their needs and budget, recommending and visiting proposed venues, detailing and developing floor plans for the party, liaising with vendors, suppliers, and other essential providers. They are in charge of ensuring customer satisfaction by providing quality service and overseeing the resolution of issues promptly.
Party planners are required to maintain an ongoing line of communication with the client, staff, and the team prior to, during, and after the event. Party planners are also responsible for delegating tasks to relevant parties, thereby getting the job done in a timely manner. Planning professionals who are part of an event company must be able to negotiate the best contracts, meeting the sales goals of the company. They are required to create a portfolio of all planned events and collect testimonials and references from satisfied clients. Experienced party planners take the necessary initiative to train and assist teammates, helping them prepare for future events.
Hiring requirements for the position
Hiring managers prefer applicants with a degree in hospitality or a related field. A strong portfolio of previous work, excellent client references, and testimonials give the candidates the desired edge to get hired for the job. The position is suitable for candidates who have experience in customer relations or event planning. The ideal candidate should have the ability to perform multiple tasks in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude. In general, candidates must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. They must also be open to working flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Other skill sets that are essential to the role include excellent time management skills, attention to detail, superb networking skills, and negotiation tactics. They should also be up to date on all the latest party trends giving clients the best experience possible.
