Sky Productions

Ask about their experience with similar event sizes, their vendor network, how many events they manage simultaneously, their communication style, their emergency protocol, and request references.

Experienced planners know market rates, have vendor relationships that may yield discounts, prevent costly mistakes, and help allocate your budget effectively. Their fee often pays for itself in savings.

12 months: set budget and hire planner. 9–10 months: book venue and key vendors. 6 months: invitations, attire, decor. 3 months: finalize details. 1 month: confirmations and timeline. 1 week: final walkthroughs. Use our checklist to stay on track.

Start with your total budget, allocate percentages by category (venue 40–50%, catering 20–30%, entertainment 10–15%, etc.), track every expense, and maintain a 5–10% contingency fund. Use our budget tool for detailed tracking.

Use digital RSVP tools, create guest categories (must-invite, should-invite, wish-list), track dietary needs and seating preferences, and send reminders. Our guest list tool handles all of this.