Hello and welcome to the Serenity Blog if this is your first time visiting us. We have been super quiet this year but it ends here. We are back like we never left and better than ever! The Serenity Blog is a space covering all things events, hospitality and lifestyle with honest opinions and findings and hopefully an easy read for you all.
Jumping straight into today’s blog, I am sure you are all expecting me to discuss a new design or decor trend that has developed over the last couple of months or even a type of event that everyone is hosting. For all of those who like to jump in on the trends this may disappoint you.
2019 has been the year of the 4 week turn around; yes your read correctly, we have had at least 70% of our clients this year enquiring for events within 3-5 weeks of their preferred event date.
Now we are not saying this is a terrible thing for us event planners although I can only speak on behalf of Serenity London however we thrive with working under pressure when we have clients who are ready to make decisions and get things done. The challenge we have found with short turn around clients is managing their expectations of availability.
We cannot express enough how busy our fantastic suppliers or London, Essex and Hertfordshire venue are throughout the year. The event season as it once was is no longer, venues are booked all year round for all types of events which means short turn around clients may not get their first venue of choice or the entertainment they hoped for due to the last minute enquiry.
Luckily this year we have always found a way to make our clients happy even if they did not get the venue they thought they wanted, we will always find a like for like or a better alternative.
Depending on the event we always suggest 7-12 months a great period of time to plan an event to ensure you get the Venue or Photographer of your choice.
We also strongly advise to those who are planning an event in a short turn around to follow these key points:
Avoid too many cooks in the kitchen.
This applies to planning events in general, even more so when you are working in a short time frame. Having to many people involved without clear roles can cause more mayhem that results. We suggest hiring an event planner who will coordinate the mayhem and have direct contact with you.Be open to suggestions
This is key to get the ball rolling and the papers sign sealed and delivered.Decisions Decisions
Be prepared to make decisions promptly, time is everything. Taking 5 days to decide on the font of your invite is TIME WASTING when we have 3 weeks to plan an engagement party for 150 guests.Is it too late?
Although you may be planning an event in a short time, it is a waste of time messaging your event planner at 1am. We too tend to sleep and you may become anxious, concerned or frustrated waiting for a response.Have a clear budget in mind
This is important as it will help your event planner piece together your perfect event and minimise back and forth negotiations because elements are out of budget.
We hope this has been a little insightful read and prepares any readers planning an event to get their ducks in a row and check lists ready. Should you make the right decision and want to hire a reliable and trusted event planning we can be reached at events@serenitylondon.co.uk or weddings@serenitylondon.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you back her soon!
S xo