05/07/2020
As we all move thru this pandemic together, I realize event planners aren't needed right now and our future is uncertain...but I strongly encourage all of my clients to continue to support our event industry vendors in whatever capacity you can. Because, if you don't, they may not be here when we open back up fully. Please realize that most of the companies have either shut down completely or laid off 90% of their staff. They are doing absolutely everything possible to keep their doors open to hopefully rehire their team when this is done. So call your favorite caterer so you don't have to cook dinner, order flowers (just to brighten your day or someone else's), create theme nights at home and order specialty linens, decor and china to match the occasion, hire a singer to serenade your loved one from the front lawn, do a neighborhood tailgate party in the back of everyone's car/truck or driveways and hire entertainment (music, games, whatever), do a street rave dance party and have a lighting company trick out the houses with specialty lighting & hire a DJ, and when you feel comfortable, book that venue at 25% capacity for whatever reason you can think of. Get creative and do what you can to support these good people that have serviced you for years. And when we do come back from this, pay more than you should if you can, but definitely full price -don't haggle - don't put these stressed companies in a bidding war against each other. Realize they have months of debt they are trying to recover from. Tip excessively to everyone and be thankful that you have a talented team to continue to help you celebrate life's special occasions. The event industry was the first to be hit and will be the last to recover so please do what you can. And that is my PSA of the day - thank you.
