Not to be confused with a wedding planner, an event planner may work independently or on behalf of a company to organize and implement events such as parties, conferences, meetings and trade shows.

Typical costs:

Hourly consultations with an event planner typically cost $40 -$250 per hour. For $100 per hour, Laura Jennifer Events in North Carolina offers advice on etiquette, customs, design ideas and budget management.
Hiring a full-service event planner, meaning someone hired to manage an entire event, typically cost 15%-20% of the total event budget. Often, this is called an event planning package. Smith's Event Planning in Alabama charges 15% of the total event budget for their services, which includes securing a venue choosing decorations and suggesting vendors, with half of the fee due upon signing the contract. For a $10,000 event, the host would budget an additional $1,500 to $2,000 to pay the event planner. Other examples include a $3,000 bar mitzvah (add $450 to 600 for event planning) or a $1.2 million conference (add $180,000 to $240,000 for event planning.)
High-end event planning costs vary, especially in metropolitan areas like New York City. Event-planning consultations with Save the Date can cost $2,500 and total event coordination costs up to $35,000. Corporate events planned by New York's David Tutera can cost $250,000 for an event with 175 guests. Event planners who charge the highest fees generally have more than a decade of experience and have been featured in the press.

What should be included:

Event planning packages should include several consultations as well as day-of event coordination.
A full-service event planner should work with the host to research and refer vendors to provide the venue, decor, menu and entertainment. Additional services may vary between vendors. For instance, Austin-based company The Simplifiers says its corporate event planning services include risk management, working with keynote speakers, coordinating registration, negotiating group hotel rates and creating a day-of timeline, among other tasks. When working with hourly event planners, it's important to communicate expectations so both parties know what tasks will be completed.
Following the host's budget, the planner should negotiate vendor fees and contracts, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Event planners that charge a percentage of the budget do not have an incentive to negotiate lower rates with vendors. If budget is a concern, this should be communicated up front.

Additional costs:

Because the event planner's fee is determined up front, tipping is not required. However, a thank-you card or gift card are welcome if the event coordinator did an outstanding job.

Discounts:

One advantage to hiring an event planner is the potential of saving money on vendors with whom the planner has a good, working relationship. Ask if the event planner can get discounts on printing, catering or entertainment and have them work those figures into the overall budget.

Shopping for an event planner:

365 Event Planner lists seven tips for hiring an event planner, such as negotiating a payment schedule so the final payment is not due until after a successful event.
A trade group for event planners, Meeting Professionals International lists individual chapters by region. Contact the chapter representative, who can recommend a local and reputable event planner.

Article updated January 2011