Dear Sir,

In a world where time is precious and expectations are high, the role of the professional event planner remains one of the most undervalued and misunderstood professions —particularly in close-knit communities such as Bermuda.

Whether planning a milestone celebration or executing a high-stakes corporate event, too many people still choose to go it alone, underestimating both the complexity and the emotional toll involved. This often results in unnecessary stress, budget overruns and substandard outcomes that ultimately fall short of the original vision.

It’s time we change that mindset.

One of the most common reasons people hesitate to hire a professional event planner is cost. There is a false belief that engaging a planner is a luxury reserved for the wealthy or large corporations. In reality, hiring a professional is not an added cost — it is a strategic investment.

Event planners bring far more to the table than simply executing a checklist. From the very beginning — ideation, theme development, venue scouting — they help to transform vague ideas into tangible, cohesive experiences that tell a story. They bring creativity and logistics together, ensuring that your event is not only beautiful but also seamless in its execution.

A seasoned event planner knows how to stretch a dollar further than most clients ever could on their own. Through established vendor relationships, expert negotiation skills, and deep industry knowledge, they can often secure better rates, higher quality service, and unexpected extras—without compromising the vision. They help clients stay within budget while elevating the outcome. This alone makes them indispensable.

But their value goes far beyond cost management.

Event planning is an emotional and high-pressure endeavour. From family weddings to corporate galas, there is always the unexpected: last-minute changes, vendor no-shows, technical malfunctions or inclement weather. Professionals are trained to stay calm under pressure and execute contingency plans without burdening the client. The ability to troubleshoot emergencies discreetly and effectively is not something that comes from casual experience — it comes from years of training, exposure and hands-on practice.

Unfortunately, in smaller communities like Bermuda, the value of an event planner is too often overlooked. Their work is seen as “nice to have” rather than essential. This perception not only undervalues their contributions but also discourages young professionals from entering the field or being taken seriously when they do. The irony is, in smaller communities, where resources can be limited and reputations travel fast, having a skilled planner is even more crucial. A well-executed event becomes a benchmark; a poorly executed one becomes a cautionary tale.

Whether you are planning a baby shower, a milestone birthday, a wedding, a retirement celebration or a corporate launch, the benefits of hiring a professional event planner are clear. They bring structure to chaos, offer peace of mind, and deliver results that reflect professionalism and polish. They remove the guesswork and the stress, allowing hosts and guests alike to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

We must move away from the mindset of cutting corners, especially when it comes to life’s most important moments. Events are not just about decor or logistics; they are about creating memories. And memories deserve to be crafted with care, skill and intention.

Let us give event planners the respect and recognition they deserve — not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental part of any successful event.

SHERVONNE HOLLIS

Hamilton Parish