You’re probably experiencing a slough of emotions, especially if you’re planning an event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your event producers and creative partners are right there with you, not only are we concerned about the future of our small business but we are trying our hardest to keep an optimistic outlook for our clients and our communities. Like the Hospitality and Tourism industries our Event Industry is hit just as hard, if not harder. While you may have a lot of stress regarding the reschedule of your event to deal with right now, take a minute to think about your event vendors and possibly consider small ways that you can support them during this time (of course, this goes without saying -only if your own financial situation allows).
In case you were wondering…I have outlined 10 ways you can help your event vendors and Event Industry alike.
1.) PLANNERS: Don’t cancel, just reschedule. If you are rescheduling your event, your planner is still your go-to resource (if you don’t have a planner, now is the perfect time to hire one! Professional teams, like LUXE, are trained in project management and that includes event crisis management —helping you reschedule your vendors by spearheading all communication on your behalf. This will not only provide stress relief, it can give you peace of mind and much more.
2.) CATERERS: Almost all caterers we know have already made the move to selling delivery and takeout meals. Considering all assembly is banned and most restaurants and bars across our nation are closed, consider supporting not only your favorite restaurants but also your favorite caterer. If you can support your caterer by purchasing takeout or delivery it could make a huge difference as to whether they will be able to keep doing business during and post-COVID times. Furthermore, while we cannot break bread together, buying meals for friends and families could be another way to “stay connected” during the pandemic and do your part to help if you’re able. Send food and break bread together via video chatting…
3.) FLORAL DESIGNERS: Almost every floral designer I know will design and allow you to pick up or even deliver in some cases. Send flowers! Spring is here and it’s the time when floral is plentiful. Unless you have horrible allergies, a floral arrangement can brighten up the gloomiest day! Send them to your family, friends, hospitals, extended care facilities, etc., and/or consider buying a mock-up for your event.
4.) PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY: PHOTO: Book a family photo session. Not for right now, but for later this year. Get your Summer, Fall or Holiday card photo session on the books. VIDEO: Have you been considering adding a video “about us” page to your website? Want to start a Podcast. VLOG or YouTube channel and need a videographer to help you make that perfect intro? Now is a great time to think “virtual” and video may just be the best way to communicate and share experiences that ever before. The down payment alone may not be much money for you but it could be just the right amount of hope that could keep your our nation’s photography + videography businesses afloat.
5.) DJ: Music is my go-to self-care as well as millions of Americans -music is so good for the soul! Help your DJ out by promoting them on social media. Listen and follow their podcast or playlist. SHARE their podcast or playlist. Have a dance party in your kitchen -there’s not much a dance party won’t cure! Dance it out, dance the blues away -use your DJ’s playlists to do so! If they don’t have one, ask them to make one, trust me when I say they would be more than happy to do so!
6.) VENUES: Love your venue? Love another venue you looked at but didn’t pick? Share your venue search with your friends and family -share the venue on social media. You never know who is looking for a space to celebrate (later in the year). From birthdays to anniversaries venues across the country are offering incredible rates right now.
7.) BAKERS: Sugar!! Sugar is a major mood booster -HA! As you well know, confections and baked goods can lift the saddest spirit, consider buying a small cake or dessert to have at home. It may not seem like much but to a small business baker, it could be everything.
8.) CALLIGRAPHY + HAND LETTERING ARTISTS: If you are rescheduling your event, invite designers across the board are offering digital invites and new custom design options that are styled to support your rescheduled/new event date. Frankly some of the new designs are witty and super fun, just what the world needs right now!
9.) RENTAL COMPANIES: First, pay your deposits! Get them in and reserve your rentals now for your event coming up later this year. There will be double (if not triple!!) the amount of events in the late Summer, Fall and Winter considering that most late Winter and Spring events are already forced to reschedule. This means rental options may become scarce closer to the events. To ensure you have your rentals when you need them, reserve them NOW.
10.) MAKEUP + HAIR PROFESSIONALS: Your event may be postponed, but it’s still happening so reserve your Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist now. Book your trial for a later date, place your deposit and secure your makeup/hair team before they are booked solid trying to accommodate an even heavier event season later in the year. Beauty Teams may become even harder to book later this year so book and pay your deposits now! If they offer a makeup application class on YouTube -join it and finally learn how to create that smokey eye you’re not so good at right now.
