Economy vs Ultra Haute

The event industry; like all industries have felt an economic downturn in a lot of areas. At C&C Event Planning & Mgt., Inc., we have been very fortunate to have fabulous clients who trust us with their events and their number one concern is putting together a fabulous event with tighter budgets.

How to create an ultra haute event in a recession...

Thinking outside the box is the only way! "Every CEO's dream, to have executive staff who not only are efficient at their jobs but can also think outside the box." During tuff economic times charities have to come up with out of the box ideas to expand and/or create new donor pools...folks direct mail is not the way! Hosting an event that steers clear from the typical cocktail hour, welcome speech, sit-down dinner and silent auction is the way. Instead replace the traditional charity event with a 3 hour Themed Cocktail Party. When designing an event for our clients, I also design an event under the pretense that if I were hosting and paying for the event; would my guests leave saying I can honestly say that was one if not the best event I have attended in a long time!

Secondly, knowing when to D.I.Y. and when to go to a professional. Trust me when I say, in most cases, not all it is more cost efficient to go to a professional then to D.I.Y. Example, flowers...we haven't had many clients tell me that they are going to do their own flowers, but the ones we have change their minds after a 5 minute conversation...sure you can purchase the flowers directly from the grower, but you have to know not just which flowers will hold up in an arrangement, but that flowers need to be feed, prepped and properly cooled. To get the look of the pros looks easy, but believe me, it is not! You will spend more money and time trying to get the same look and more important trying to get then to last the duration of your event!

Lastly, ultra haute is in the small details...theme development, event branding and collateral. Fabulous events are 100% the three aforementioned items. Theme development is essential from save the dates to thank you cards and everything in between. Event branding and collateral pulls everything together...the look, the colors, the theme and the essence of the event. Remember in grade school - the five senses. A successful event appeals to ever sense...starting with the eyes and finishing with the touch.