Michelle Photo by Blue World Studios

When the time finally comes for you to throw a party that does not includes a keg and four bags of chips, you might want a little help from a professional. Michelle Gainey is the owner of Lemiga Events, an Atlanta based wedding and event planning firm specializing in event design. Today, Michelle is sharing with us 5 tips to for planning a special event.

#1 Choosing A Venue
When choosing a venue think about your event’s color scheme and theme. You will spend a lot less in décor if you have a venue that compliments the look and feel you want to achieve. For example, I have a client getting married next year who wants a Moroccan theme for her reception. She booked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta which has the architecture and color scheme that will compliment her Moroccan theme. All we will have to do is add flowers, candles and some colorful linens to achieve the look she wants.

Photos by Gail Evans

#2 Choosing Vendors

In addition to choosing qualified event vendors, choose vendors that you like. We all have different personalities and different ways of working. When interviewing vendors, it is important for you to get an idea of how they work and if you think your personalities will mesh well. You want to make sure the vendor can capture the vision you have and translate that vision into the event of your dreams. And as a bonus, when you choose vendors that you like and vibe with, it makes the experience of planning an event so much fun and the process just goes much easier.

#3 Creative Party Elements

I believe any event should reflect the personality of the guest of honor. So when you’re thinking about party décor, food or entertainment for an event, try to incorporate elements of the guest of honor’s personality. For example, I designed a bridal shower for a bride who loves to shop. So we had the bridal shower luncheon in a private dining room in Neiman Marcus. Guests were given leather totes filled with discount shopping passes, a mall directory, and other goodies. The shower was so much more personal and meaningful because we thought about the bride’s personality when we planned the shower. I never do the same event twice because each event should be as unique as the person it’s for.

Photos by Photography by R. Harrington
#4 Party Favors

The perfect ending to a great event is a great party favor. Party favors are one way to thank your guests for taking the time out of their busy schedules to support you by attending your event. When choosing party favors, make sure to choose something that guests can actually use and won’t just throw away. A sweet treat in beautiful packaging is always a popular choice. And the packaging can serve as a beautiful accent to the décor. What guest can resist a really good chocolate truffle like these from Dreamy Chocolates & Gelato

Photo by Altimx Photography

Besides edible favors, meaningful tokens that represent the guest of honor are also great. I love this favor created by Chasing Spayde Designs.

#5 Budget Saving Tip

For those on a limited budget, your guest count is the #1 way to cut costs. Food and beverage costs are always calculated on a per person basis. You need to decide – would you rather have 200 people that are acquaintances and sacrifice gorgeous décor or an open bar? Or would you rather have 75 of your closest family and friends that are really special to you and have everything you want with your event?

Photos by Jackson Photography

I hope these tips will inspire you while planning your next event!