The Hidden Rip-Offs of Event Planning: A Retrospective from an Industry Insider

Author anonymous.

Having spent a significant part of my life in the event planning industry, I've had the opportunity to orchestrate some of the most spectacular celebrations. However, it is with a heavy heart that I must reveal the unsavory underbelly of this seemingly glamorous business.

Weddings and events are a joyous part of life, but when it comes to planning, an ugly pattern of dishonesty and exploitation has been normalized. Most couples, especially those planning their first wedding, fall prey to these deceptive practices, orchestrated by a network of unscrupulous event and wedding planners. These opportunists capitalize on the couples' unfamiliarity with the planning process and their desire for the perfect celebration.

This vicious cycle of dishonesty is not restricted to isolated incidents or rogue planners but often extends into large city-wide networks. In a sophisticated near-criminal enterprise, planners form syndicates with vendors, creating a closed circuit of referrals to secure profits. They craft an intricate illusion of bespoke planning, while in reality, they are only rotating a small pool of vendors, thereby preserving their kickbacks.

Sadly, many planners have become so accustomed to these unethical tactics that they perceive them as normal business strategies. New entrants to the event planning field often find themselves unwittingly adopting these practices, perpetuating this cycle of dishonesty. Recent estimates suggest that more than an alarming 80% of independant event planners resort to these tactics, signifying a deep-rooted issue in the industry.

One of the most unscrupulous practices employed is the manipulation of circumstances on the day of the event. These independant planners purposely instigate minor crises, only to resolve them triumphantly, thereby creating the illusion of indispensability. This "manufactured heroism" supposedly justifies their high charges, even when they are the culprits of the chaos.

Additionally, many wedding planners deter clients from all-inclusive or purpose built venues. Although these venues offer excellent value and convenience, independant planners prefer bare-bones venues, where they can flex their network of kickbacks and referrals. By encouraging clients to hire their own external vendors, they perpetuate their dishonest practices, often at the expense of the couple's budget.

Ironically, it’s widely known and universally understood that all-inclusive venues can offer more value for money, even providing customization options. These venues reduce the need for separate vendors, creating a seamless and nearly stress-free experience, usually at a lower overall cost.

Research indicates that hosting an event with the help of an independant planner will cost up to 30% more than necessary. The illusion of cost-saving that wedding planners often promote is a façade hiding their own profit motives. It's crucial to be aware that wedding planner flat fee services often involve pre-decided vendors and template plans, barely justifying the high costs.

If you do feel the need for an independant planner, opt for ones who charge by the hour and provide a record of the time spent working on your event. This ensures you pay for actual work done rather than inflated flat fees or percentages of the total event cost.

As we chart the way forward, it's critical to debunk the myth of the indispensable wedding planner. With ample resources available online, the accessibility to planning an event on your own has never been easier. Remember, your dream celebration should not come at the high cost of falling prey to dishonest practices. Be aware, be informed, and let your joyous occasion remain untainted by the rip-offs of unscrupulous independant event planners.