What does 'Event Planner' mean to you?

I've always been a little torn about calling myself an event planner.

Maybe it's because I have this image in my head of what an event planner is supposed to look like.

And with Hallmark Christmas movie season upon us, you know exactly the image I'm talking about!

There's always that perfectly dressed woman in heels, clipboard in hand, coordinating some elaborate holiday gala or hometown celebration. She's juggling a dozen things, taking on one more project she probably shouldn't, and absolutely convinced she can do it all herself.

Of course, everything comes together beautifully in the end. Usually with a little romance thrown in. Ha!

I love those movies, but I have to laugh because my version of event planning looks a little different.

I'm much more likely to be in Skechers, carrying supplies, taking out the garbage or moving tables around to make a room work.

I love beautiful things. I love thoughtful details and those moments when someone walks into a room and says, "Wow!"

But I'm also practical.

And I've realized that practical doesn't mean basic, inexpensive or less creative.

To me, practical means knowing what matters, what's realistic and where your time, energy and budget will make the biggest difference.

And unlike our favorite Hallmark heroines, I believe there's nothing wrong with asking for a little help!

Because I Know What It's Like to Overthink Every Detail

Here's something else I've learned: Sometimes the hardest part of hosting isn't the planning. It's all the little things we worry about.

And I'm just as guilty of this as anyone.

Will someone notice that mark on the wall?

Should I have scrubbed the floor one more time?

Did I buy enough favors?

Should we add another centerpiece? Another activity? Another little something?

I think a lot of us, especially women who tend to carry the mental load of hosting, can get caught up in these details.

We want everything to look nice. We want our guests to have a good time. We want to make sure we haven't forgotten anything.

And somewhere along the way, we can forget that we're supposed to enjoy ourselves, too.

That's where my practical side comes in.

Sometimes my job is to help a client create something beautiful and elaborate.

Other times, my job is to say, "They won't notice. I think it's perfect the way it is!"

Or, "Let's revisit the priorities and see if we have those covered!"

Or simply, "Don't worry about that. We've got it."

I'm not here to convince you that every celebration needs more decorations, more activities or more money spent.

There's no wrong way to celebrate!

I'm here to help you decide what's important and make those things happen.

Because the truth is, most guests aren't coming to inspect your baseboards or count the party favors.

They're coming to celebrate.

And I think we could all use a little reminder of that—including me!