Check out our top tips for hiring the right suppliers for your event.
Working with the right suppliers is a key part of ensuring your event goes off without a hitch, yet sadly not every supplier is the right fit for your event. With a wealth of options out there, we tackle how to find the right suppliers to make your event something special.
Plan it out
Before you even begin looking for vendors, you need to know what it is you need from them. Figure out what you need for you event: catering, decorations, AV services? Once you know what you need, get an idea of the specifics. What kind of theme do you want your decorations to follow? Are you catering? Once you have these fine details locked in, you can start looking for suppliers who can provide what you’re looking for.
Don’t just Google
The event industry is fully of dynamic and driven people with a wealth of expertise just waiting to be tapped into. The beauty of an industry such as this is that it’s full of people who love to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other event planners and ask for recommendations or advice, or pick up a copy of an industry magazine! Googling is quick and easy, and certainly good for getting a brief idea of what’s out there, but nothing beats the first-hand experience of people that know what they’re talking about.
Reputation is everything
Always look at the reviews. The last thing you want is to hire what you think is the perfect vendor for you, only to find out they aren’t suitable. Do your research, and remember that when it comes to reviews, quantity counts as much as quality. 300 four-star reviews tell much more about the consistent quality of the vendor than one five-star review. If you really want to be thorough, request a reference from a past client.
Expect experience
Experience is key to ensuring that your event is a success. Event planning is a tricky business, and problems often crop-up in the process. A vendor with experience is much more likely to be able to circumnavigate any issues and will also have a better idea of any challenges to expect, will already know exactly what you need and have expertise in their field.
Be Thorough
Once you’d identified a supplier you think you want to hire, make sure they know their stuff. Think of it like making a new hire for your business. Ask questions and get them to tell you exactly what they can provide and how, ensuring they are willing and able to answer all your questions, and maybe even provide a presentation on what they can offer you.
Taste will tell
Ask for samples of everything your potential supplier will be providing, be that fabric, food, or tech. The only way to ensure the product is up to scratch is to personally sample it. Even one wrong detail can taint what otherwise would have been a perfect event, and you want your event to reflect the time and effort you’ve put into it.