Discovering my Passion

We’re back again, lovely people! Before I jump into where I’m at now, let’s rewind a bit, back to where it all began. My love for planning and design actually started with a simple, “Sure, I’ll help plan it!” Somehow, that turned into me being in charge of a major university event. I took it on from start to finish, completely unaware that I was stepping into what would become a lifelong passion. At first, I thought I had everything perfectly under control… until setup day came and I realized my table arrangements didn’t quite fit the room, and a few décor pieces were clearly going through an identity crisis (lesson learned — not everything needs to match perfectly). But even through the chaos, something clicked. I realized this wasn’t just a fun project, it was what I was meant to do.

Big Girl Event Planning: Lessons From My First Non-College Gig

Fast forward to my first big girl event, no college budget this time, but definitely a few lessons learned the hard way. Preparation is everything. I would consider myself as an individual with a natural gift to plan events fairly quickly. What I didn’t account for is the amount of DIY projects. Let’s just say my DIY skills are the same skills as a two year old drawing on a wall. (Not cute) Because when it comes to event planning, it’s not always about planning, something will require you to DIY, it never fails.

When it comes to preparation, consider any and everything imaginable. Account for your weaknesses, in my case, DIY. Can I outsource this? Do I need to go to good ole YouTube University? Can I phone a friend? During my preparation phase, I like to imagine the room from start to finish starting from the entrance. What will guess experience upon arrival? From there, I break the room into zones. If you’ll have a DJ, food, seating, gifts, etc., ensure that the event flows naturally and maximizes your space. Preparation isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about anticipating challenges so that when something unexpected happens, you’re ready to handle it seamlessly.

The Secret Weapon of Every Event Planner

No matter how perfectly you plan, something will always throw you a curveball. That’s where flexibility comes in, and trust me, it’s your best friend as an event planner. Maybe your table setup needs to change last minute, a centerpiece arrives too small for your liking, or the caterer calls with a surprise. Instead of panicking, having a flexible mindset lets you pivot without losing your cool.

I always keep backup plans for seating, food, and décor. Extra chairs? Check. A stash of emergency décor? Check. A Plan B for food stations? Double check. And honestly, some of my favorite moments have come from these “oops” situations, a last-minute seating shuffle might actually improve flow, or a spontaneous décor tweak can totally elevate the vibe.

The key takeaway? Flexibility isn’t just about avoiding disaster; it’s about turning surprises into opportunities, keeping guests happy, and staying calm when things don’t go exactly as planned. In event planning, being adaptable is just as important as any checklist, and it’s often what separates a good event from an unforgettable one.

The Little Details That Make a Big Impact

When it comes to events, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff, such as the venue, the food, and the schedule. On the other hand, it’s extremely easy to forget the tiny touches that really make people smile. But honestly, it’s the little details that stick with guests long after the party is over.

I’ll never forget one event where I created a signature cocktail based on the particular theme, then added personalized décor accents at each table. It was such a small idea, but guests were snapping photos, constantly complimenting me, and even asking if they could take the cocktail recipe home; sorry, not sorry, that’s a secret! (Kidding) Sometimes it’s the handwritten place cards, memorable party favors, or even perfectly placed candles that make a huge difference.

The takeaway? Don’t underestimate the little things. They’re often what people remember most and sometimes, they’re the only reason someone posts about your event on Instagram instead of just scrolling past (we all know that counts as a win).

Hosting for Connection

Here’s the secret no one tells you about hosting: guests don’t remember if every napkin was folded perfectly or if your centerpieces were Instagram-ready. What they do remember is how you made them feel. Hosting isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, comfortable, and genuinely seen.

I’ve had events where a centerpiece DIY fail wobbled like it was doing the cha-cha, the playlist skipped a few songs, and yes, no one cared. They noticed the little gestures, such as remembering someone’s favorite drink, chatting with everyone in the room, or even laughing at my DIY fails, those are the moments that stick.

Forget perfection. Focus on connection, energy, and making your guests feel good. If they leave smiling, laughing, or even just feeling a little more “at home,” you’ve already won. Honestly, isn’t that way more fun than stressing over whether a napkin is folded like an origami?

Lessons, Laughs, and Your Event Stories

Planning events has taught me so much, from the importance of preparation to embracing flexibility, noticing the little details, and remembering that connection always matters more than perfection. Every event comes with its surprises, its chaos, and, yes, its moments that make you want to pull your hair out… but those are often the moments that make the best stories later.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear about your funny, stressful, or downright “oops” moments from events you’ve planned or attended. Did a DIY project go hilariously wrong? Did a last-minute change save the day? Share your stories in the comments, let’s celebrate the chaos and the magic that comes with hosting!

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Do you want your next event and your everyday spaces to feel seamless in style? I’m now offering combined interior + event planning packages. Or, if you’re just curious, reach out and let’s chat about our interior design and event planning services to bring your vision to life. Feel free to inquire about an event you are planning.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes peeks, mood board mashups, how-to’s and much more coming very soon.

Thanks for reading my blog! Can’t wait to grow with you all!

xoxo,

Gabrielle Simone <3