Sweet Occasions

In my initial interview, I get a combination of event details and personal details. This is usually conducted via email or over the phone. I get the potential client's full name, a good contact number, and an email. The phone number is very important in case we get disconnected, I can call right back. Then I get the type of event and basic details. Finally, we set a date and time for our face-to-face meeting. If it is an out of town client (more than 50 miles away), the face-to-face meeting can be done via Skype or Facetime.

I am completing courses to be a Certified Event Planner and Certified Wedding Planner through the New York Institute of Art and Design. I have my travel agent licensing through KHM Travel Group. I have completed certifications in several vacation and group hotspots, such as, Cancun, Guadeloupe Islands, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands and Martinique. I am constantly studying the latest trends in wedding styles and venues, as well as, fashions and destinations. I also completed a course with Nash Community College to plan fundraisers in order become a better asset to my non-profit clients who I assist with annual fundraising.

Sweet Occasions does full-service, destination, and day-of planning. I have a base price for weddings and event planning, but it isn't standard. Pricing depends on the extent and size of the event. A full-service or destination event is naturally going to cost more than an event that I'm only need for the day-of coordination. I don't quote prices until I know exactly what the client needs and their budget. I do promise that my pricing is competitive and I will be open and honest about how much you can expect to spend based on what the client wants. I try to stay within or below the clients budget.

Event planning has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I also like to travel. People have always asked me to recommend places to go or how to execute the perfect party. When working for a fine dining cruise ship, I helped set up for many elegant events including weddings, children's parties, and corporate events. This gave me my early training in finding wonder inexpensive ways to pull off extravagant events. In 2009, my job closed and I found myself not being able to find employment. During this time, I decided to create my own "job".

I have worked with many different types of clients. I have planned fundraisers for non-profits. This included finding a venue and caterer, decorating, and making sure the event timeline is kept. I have planned weddings and receptions. My destination events include family reunions, family vacations, and honeymoons. For example, with a full-service family reunion, I book the accommodations, plan some meals, transportation, and activities.

I planned a family reunion in Atlanta, GA for five days. There was a total of about 40 people traveling. Each individual family had thier separate rooms. The rooms varied in size from a studio to three-bedrooms. The family wanted the option of either eating out or being able to prepare meals for themselves. Each room was a suite that included a full kitchen and full size refrigerator. This particular family decided they would handle their own transportation. I coordinated a check-in welcome package that included each families attraction tickets and itinerary. During their stay, they had a breakfast each morning and an evening reception. The activities included a trip to Zoo Atlanta with buffet lunch, a day at Six Flags with a meal ticket, World of Coca-Cola tour, and the Martin Luther King, Jr Visitors Center and tour. Each family was given a breakdown of the hotel price and activity package. A group leader was assigned and this is who I signed the contracts and who I contacted about payments being due. However, each family had my contact information in case they wanted to add or make changes to thier particular reservation. When the family returned, I called the group leader a few days later to make sure everything went according to plan. Her family is still raving about the trip!

Check their credentials. In North Carolina, it is not required for an event planner or travel agent to have any particular certification, but anyone in these fields should have some type of formal training. They should be able to provide you with certifications that are tracable. Also, verify that they have an online presence. Most event planners and travel agents have some type of website or social media page that will show activity. If there is no activity on their social media or they can't provide you with some kind of certifications, don't use the service.

Clients should have an idea of the budget and style of their event or travel. You may not know exactly what you want to do or where you want to go, but know how much is too much.