Details Matter

Any good event professional will tell you that details matter. If you’ve hired one and they don’t start by asking you a myriad of questions, get a new one. No, really. Charles R. Swindoll once said, “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” 

Some people think that when they ask a planner for a “table” this is more than enough information. The planner should be able to set the room to the vision in their head. However, from the event planner’s perspective, this is what she’s thinking (or should be):

• What is the table being used for?
• Is this a round table or rectangle, high top or cafe?
• If round, what size? 60 ” or 72″?
• How many tables are needed?
• Does the table need a tablecloth or is it uncovered?
• If a tablecloth is needed, is it linen or plastic? And what color is it?
• Do you need chairs to go with this table? 
• If chairs are needed, how many? Of what type?
• What is the placement of the chairs around the table? On all sides or semi-circle?
• Is anything being pre-set on the table? A centerpiece? Any part of a meal?
• Who is requesting or purchasing the table and chairs?
• Who is setting up the table and chairs?
• Who is ordering or purchasing the tablecloth?
• When are the table and chairs to be set up by?
• Who is responsible for clean up?
• Are tables and chairs the only thing needed in this room for this particular event?

And based on the answers, there could be 50 additional questions related to the details of a request for a “table.”

Some people may think these details are unimportant, but if you are planning a dinner party and the only thing in the room is one high-top table and no chairs because all you requested was a “table,” you will quickly begin to complain that you don’t have what you need to serve dinner. No chairs. No buffet tables, no check-in table, no trash cans, and more. Whose problem do you think this becomes?

Truly, details matter.

If you think in questions as I do and want to share some I missed, please email me
or add them below!

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