Rain or Shine Services

Rain or Shine's Five Rules for planning a Successful Event

1. DESIGN A UNIQUE EVENT

The resources available to people planning events today are endless. Dozens of magazines and websites are devoted to the task; they provide checklists, timetables, and formulas for just about everything. These tools, though helpful, don’t always take into consideration your vision and ideas; “Unique" and "personalized" are not necessarily synonymous with "expensive." Remember, your event should be a reflection of you and doesn’t need to follow the cookie-cutter plan everyone else uses.

2. PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Although no one wants to think about the “what ifs,” it is absolutely necessary when planning an outdoor event. Whether it is having a backup plan for an unexpected rain shower or adding a few extra chairs and place settings for those unexpected guests, we have the experience to help you plan your event with as few surprises as possible. As one grateful mother-of-the-bride put it “Always have a Plan B.”

3. FIND PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

Although, there are many qualified professionals to choose from, be aware there are also those that may not live up to their own accolades. When choosing your team of professionals, be sure to check references, meet with prospective vendors and make sure you feel comfortable with their knowledge, level of expertise, and ability to work together.

4. COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES

It is easy to get confused when comparing prices, so be sure that you are looking at the big picture. At first glance, one company’s pricing may seem less expensive but if you look further you may find that some services and products come at an extra cost. For example, does the tent price include installation of the sidewalls; do the table and chair prices include setup and breakdown; does the lighting package include the necessary cords and dimmers? When costing out your event, be sure to factor in the level of service that each company is willing to provide.

Examples of Rule #4 HERE

5. REMEMBER, PERFECTION LIES IN THE DETAILS

It is easy to focus on the fun stuff: flowers, food, music, etc; however, the logistical planning “or lack there of ," can mean the difference between a perfect event and a stressful one. For instance, having adequate power to run the sound system is equally as important as choosing the right band. Although there are a host of things you may never see behind the scenes, be assured, they are as crucial as the centerpieces on the tables.