Celebrations Should Be Simple

When it’s time to celebrate, it’s time for parties and fun. But just organizing an event can be complex and frustrating.

“It’s especially hardest remembering everything that needs to be done,” said Felicia D. Owens-Smith of Celebrations Made Simple in Arlington. “There are so many things that are not thought about. People find planning events to be very stressful.”

Although Owens-Smith has only been in the event planning business for a few months she’s realized how time consuming and costly it can be for a consumer to plan a party. “It’s actually more cost effective to hire someone,” she said. “I’m in a better position to negotiate with hotels and vending. And I buy my supplies wholesale-those savings are passed onto my clients.”

And when planning your own affair, it can be easy to lose sight of when invitations have to go out and how much money is being spent. “I tell my clients to stay on budget, and to keep things on time,” said Owens-Smith. “When someone wants to add something to the event, I’m in a neutral position where I can remind them of their goals. Then they make a more conscious decision.”

When planning a party or hiring a consultant to do so, it’s important to give ample notice to friends, family and associates. Big events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties are sometimes planned a year in advance. With other events, you may want to give 6-8 weeks advance notice. “For holiday parties, the earlier, the better,” she said. “People are making plans with their families. You might want to send out “Save the Date” cards.”

Celebrations Made Simple offers plans for general events like engagements, holiday parties, reunions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, children’s birthday parties and graduations. They also plan parties for corporate events like open houses, company picnics and customer appreciations. The service includes timeline/schedules, invitations and mailings, collecting RSVPs, and supplies, as well as coordination of venue, catering, entertainment and music. New Year’s parties are already being planned for next year and casino parties seem to be very popular.

“I try to listen to the client to capture the essence of the event,” said Owens-Smith who researches each event. “I make an effort to learn my client.”

She also has advice for planning your own party. “Outline your plan and decide what your goals are,” she said. “Plan your budget. Most people underestimate the time involved. And decide what you want to achieve then stick to the plan.”

– L.A. Eaton
Prime Writer