Event planner: Lucille Hansen
Freelance event planner Lucille Hansen's passion was ignited in 2007 when she took on the challenge of designing her own wedding decor.Crafting decor items from scratch and working with her hands brought out a side of her that she did not know she had.
The ultimate reward was the "wow!" from her guests, which continues to drive her in her profession.
Friends soon began to request her assistance with their weddings, birthday parties and other events, recognising her talent and passion.
Despite her early aspirations to become a full-time event planner, life’s twists and turns led her to pursue the work as a freelancer.
Today, she operates her own company, Hansen and Hansen, offering event planning services, particularly catering to corporate clients.
Her specialisation lies in small events, though she is more than capable of handling larger gatherings, such as corporate year-end functions. But she prefers to keep them limited, as she is a team of only one.
Meticulous planning
Hansen's expertise in budget management is her main reason for her success.
She creates detailed budget plans and tracks all expenses to ensure events stay within budget.
She prioritises essential elements and seeks cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality, ensuring that her clients receive great value for their money.
Selecting and managing vendors and suppliers is another area where she excels.
She places great importance on building strong relationships with reliable vendors, often relying on referrals and her own network to identify those who align with her needs.
Regular check-ins and updates with vendors ensure everything stays on track, contributing to the seamless execution of events.
Client satisfaction is paramount for Hansen.
She conducts in-depth consultations to understand her clients' preferences, goals and budgets, creating detailed proposals and mood boards to visualise the event concept.
Her personalised approach sets her apart in the industry, as she tailors every aspect of the event to meet the unique needs of each client.
Communication a key pillar
Hansen's organisational skills and time management are crucial to her success.
She creates detailed timelines and task lists, setting clear deadlines and priorities for each event.
Effective time management allows her to balance multiple events simultaneously without compromising on quality.
"Communication is key in my process," she explained.
She maintains regular updates and check-ins with clients, being responsive and available to address any concerns or questions.
"This open line of communication helps build trust and ensures a smooth planning experience," she said.
She added: "I measure the success of her events through client satisfaction, attendee feedback, budget adherence and overall execution."
Her commitment to excellence and personalised service makes her a standout event planner, bringing her clients' visions to life with creativity and precision.