Top 5 Ways to Reduce Event Costs

1. Hire an event planner that is a pro at maximizing your event dollars. I would typically say stay away from planners that promise discounts!!! However a good planner can and should always give you advice on how to maximize your event dollar. For example, we just did an Italian Wine Tasting Event and for decor we used real grapes, breadsticks, pasta, packaged food items from Italy etc. to make the event more authentic...to be sure not to cross over the line of being cheesy.

2. Cut the Guestlist! We have potential clients that come to us asking to do an event in Chicago for 150-200 for $10,000 and this really is almost impossible! My first suggestion is to cut the guestlist...min. per person cost is $175.00 and typically the per person cost is anywhere from $210-250 for a wedding.

3. Shorten the length of the event to save on food and beverage costs. For example, host a three hour cocktail party instead of a five hour site down dinner event. FOOD STATIONS ARE THE WAY TO GO! Great for conversation and really give the event a very high-end feel.

4. Utlize decor items that serve more than one purpose at the event. For example, human statue centerpeices - provides decor, entertainment and eye-candy for guests. Be careful on this one, if done tastefully this can really be a crowd pleaser.

5. Less is often more when it comes to floral centerpieces. Mono-chromic event decor and flowers are not only gorgeous but totally modern and def. a show stopper. Hello Martha Stewart - refer to almost everyone of her magazines and you are almost guarenteed to see an event that is has min. flowers with high impact.