{ faq }
AND, JUST THE FAQs
What is an event designer?
Event designers design and plan events and are often also referred to as event planners, event coordinators, event consultants, or event organizers. Event designers are professionals who conceive, organize, and implement all types of special events: social, organizational, and nuptial. Event designers are like project managers for individual events. Independent event designers act as a tour guide and client representative navigating their clients through the specialized field of event planning.
What are the benefits of working with an event designer?
There are many advantages to working with a professional event designer:
Event designers act as your professional advocate and guide throughout the planning process. Most event designers have “seen it before” and know what works and what doesn’t work for all types of events. This allows them to navigate quickly through the myriad of event details and emergencies. Event designers do not simply oversee logistical matters; they also act as your creative partner and provide knowledge, ideas, references, etiquette tips, and industry insights.
Instead of going at it alone and learning a professional industry from “scratch”, by using an event designer you can save your valuable time and money. Event designers know the ins and outs of their industry and can suggest ideas and sources for all budgets. Also, they take care of the time-consuming planning “legwork” for you, saving you loads of valuable time.
Event designers know the best vendors to hire and can negotiate great rates and firm contracts. They have professional relationships with vendors in all budget categories that have been thoroughly researched and tested so you avoid the hours of legwork ensuring vendors are not only legitimate but are the best they can be.
Finally, an event designer can save you stress during the planning process and especially on the actual day of your event so you can enjoy your special event and your guests to the fullest.
What type of events does LMED work on?
BUSINESS / ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS - Business or organizational clients are interested in hosting an event to develop business, bring clients or employees together, express appreciation, fundraise, or showcase an idea, brand, product, or service. Events include but need not be limited to festivals, expositions, meetings, art openings, luncheons, holiday parties, galas, fundraisers, open houses, product release events, etc.
SOCIAL EVENTS – Social clients are looking to host an event to bring together family and/or friends. Social events include but need not be limited to holiday, graduation, birthday, cocktail parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, dinners, reunions, open houses, showers, anniversary, retirement, and celebratory events - anything social!
WEDDINGS – Wedding and commitment ceremony clients are looking to make their nuptial celebration a reflection of the couple’s unique personalities. Visit the Laura Mullen Event Design WEDDINGS page to learn more!
Can’t I plan the event myself or with a friend or relative’s help?
Of course, but keep in mind a professional event designer has already done mountains of research and has the experience and connections needed to professionally plan your event. You still share in the fun aspects of planning your event – an event designer should always work to convey YOUR vision of YOUR event - while having help from a professional in a specialized field. There are many legalities and hidden elements in the special event industry and only a professional has the access and experience to avoid problems and headaches. Also, designing an event is more time consuming and stressful for people who have limited experience. Event designers can also help you better avoid awkward situations that may result from differences of opinions among vendors and friends or relatives. And, always keep in mind that if your friend or relative is coordinating your event, they are not enjoying the celebration with you.
Can I afford an event designer?
Event designers should be factored into your budget instead of being thought of as an added expense. Very often an event designer can save you money by negotiating better rates and by getting automatic discounts from vendors and passing those savings on to you. They also use their industry knowledge to save you from making costly mistakes and by thinking through your event elements to create them in a more cost effective way. Typically event professionals are paid 10 to 15 percent of your total event budget.
How can Laura Mullen Event Design save me money?
Above all, the experience of the event designers at Laura Mullen Event Design will save you time and save you from making costly mistakes. Laura Mullen Event Design will expose you to the best choices for your style and budget. For each client, Laura Mullen Event Design aims to cover the cost of our fee (and often more!) by thinking through the event as a whole and making smart budget decisions with the client. Budgeted funds are allocated to create the most impact based on the client’s goals. Laura Mullen Event Design saves clients money by creating unique event elements from scratch with an inventory of craft supplies, passing on automatic vendor discounts directly to the client (you’re having flowers anyway right?, why not get them for 10% off!), using the vast Laura Mullen Event Design event supplies inventory at no additional cost to the client (250 glass votive holders, 300 gold charger plates, gorgeous altar stands, we’ve got ‘em! - no charge), and so on – and all this while alleviating the stress of planning on the client.
Do you always use the same vendors?
Although Laura Mullen Event Design has a core list of hip, local vendors, Laura Mullen Event Design constantly seeks new talent and always researches new vendors as needed or requested by the client. Got a cousin who does gorgeous floral design or an aunt with a festive, insured catering business?? – excellent! Laura Mullen Event Design does not receive any kind of kickbacks in exchange for exclusively referring a vendor. Our extensive list of contacts allows us to find the best vendors for your budget and event.
Why should I choose Laura Mullen Event Design?
You should choose Laura Mullen Event Design because its company philosophy of managing high-caliber events for a smaller clientele means that your event will be custom, chic, and memorable for your guests and, most importantly, for you. You get to relax and watch your event vision and style come alive. With Laura Mullen Event Design you will know that you have a partner in the event industry that is really looking out for you and your events’ best interest. Also, you should choose Laura Mullen Event Design because it will be a fabulously good time!
How do we start?
The first step is to call or email Laura Mullen Event Design. After discussing a basic summary of your event and date availability is confirmed, LMED will email you a Prospective Client Worksheet. Upon review of your completed worksheet, LEMD will contact you to set up a convenient complimentary hour long consultation either in person at our home-based office in Northeast Minneapolis or via telephone if you are not in the Twin Cities area. Following the consultation and full review of your worksheet, LEMD will submit a proposal with the flat fee indicated. Once the proposal is mutual agreed to, signed by both parties, and a deposit is received - Let The Planning Begin!