The event planning industry has come a long way from the days of holding a binder.
Just like other creative positions, there seems to be a disconnect between what event planning looks like and what it actually requires.
Because of this, many event planner clichés have evolved into complete myths.
Picture huge ballrooms, endless budgets, and planners sipping champagne while executing the event to perfection. (ha!)
But what about reality? Attendees no longer just want the big or flashy. They want events that feel personal, creative and (most importantly) worth their time. As event professionals, we have to let go of some long-held assumptions to keep up.
What’s the cliche of top event planners?
Let’s bust the biggest event planning myths, laugh at how far we’ve come, and discuss what’s actually working today.
1. “Bigger is better”
Is it worth it if your event is small? Bigger venues, more guests, taller centerpieces – it’s all about getting bigger, right?
No. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. sometimes it just means More pressure, higher costs, And more logistics. In fact, today’s events are all about creating meaningful, personal experiences rather than just overwhelming guests.
this is about intentional designand bringing the right people together in the right environment
Pay attention to the people, atmosphere, and details that make an event special. Think VIP dinners, private seminars or small micro-events for your attendees.
Not only do these gatherings create deeper connections, they also tend to have higher engagement rates. After all, who doesn’t love being part of an exclusive club?
2. “Event planning is charming”
“Oh, so you’re an event planner? It’s like…picking napkin colors and flowers, right?
Bless the originator of this myth, but event planners do and more Instead of picking something pretty.
You know, dress up, drink champagne, and elegantly plan amazing events like it’s no big deal.
Except… that’s not what happened. like, Not at all.
Of course, there are exciting moments, like when the stage lights finally come on and everything goes smoothly. However, this charm was quickly overshadowed by sheer chaos. Let the magic happen.
- Behind the scenes? You’re probably drinking caffeine, dealing with last-minute changes, and wrestling with a printer that refuses to cooperate.
- Fascinating mission? Think hauling heavy loot boxes, unclogging a smoke machine, or realizing your carefully curated seating chart is out of control.
The truth is, being an event professional isn’t all glitz and glamor, it’s about problem solving, teamwork, creativity and resilience. Honestly? This is more valuable. Focus on organizing the best possible experience for your attendees, and the magic will follow.
3. “The traditional sit-down dinner is mandatory”
you have A sit-down dinner requires a gorgeous venue and a strict schedule, otherwise, it’s not an appropriate event.
Guess what?
Formal dinners are not for everyone. Not every event needs white tablecloths, courses on timers, and an assigned seat where you sit next to someone who only talks about their fantasy football team.
Ditch the “rules” and do what works for your crowd.
Today’s guests value flexibility. Interactive food stations, tapas-style catering, or even bringing in food trucks can make your event feel fresh and fun while still keeping everyone fed and drunk.
The point is to make dining part of the experience, not just a box to be ticked.
4. “The topic must be clear”
If you have a theme, it needs to scream “I AM A THEME!” (Think over-the-top decorations, costumes and all the matching touches.)
Today’s event themes are more subtle and intentional – they’re about creating a Feel Instead of slapping a pineapple on every flat surface and calling it “tropical.”
Focus on a cohesive atmosphere rather than abrasive themes.
For example, a “Great Gatsby” event might mean moody lights, jazz, and champagne towers rather than feather boas affixed to every centerpiece. A well-executed theme is one that your guests don’t need a giant neon sign to spell out the feel of.
5. “All suppliers are the same”
“Well, just rent the cheapest one. All DJs/caterers/photographers are basically the same.
Let’s get this out of the way: Suppliers no Interchangeable.
The wrong vendor can ruin your event faster than you can say “soggy hors d’oeuvres.” That DJ who “gets your vibe completely” but was in a ’90s boy band? Or the photographer who somehow missed every candid moment? Yes, not all suppliers are created equal.
Stay away from event planner clichés and take the time to vet your vendors. Ask questions, read reviews and check out their portfolios. It’s not just about staying within a budget, it’s also about finding people who share your vision and know how to get there.
6. “Corporate keynotes must always be formal”
Corporate keynotes = boring speeches, stiff suits, and awkward small talk.
The days of cookie-cutter corporate keynotes are over. Companies are realizing that creativity and engagement are much more important than monotonous presentations and PowerPoint slides.
Employees and customers want to be inspired, entertained, and—dare I say it? -Actually enjoyed it.
Make it new with interactive workshops, team-building activities, and even a casual cocktail hour with live entertainment. Rather than thinking of it as a “corporate keynote,” think of it as an opportunity to connect on a human level.
7. “You have to please everyone”
“Let everyone be happy!” On the surface, this seems like a good idea. After all, who doesn’t want to please as many people as possible?
But the truth is, an event that tries to please everyone can end up feeling ordinary.
And, let’s face it, no one remembers any of this. Attendees want something that directly addresses their needs and interests. What if instead of spreading your focus too thinly, you thought about pleasing a specific segment of your audience?
Maybe you have a technical event, but you break it down into smaller sessions: one session for developers to dive into coding, and another session for business leaders to discuss high-level strategies. This way you offer something of value to both groups rather than trying to force everyone into the same mold.
you don’t need to please everyone– You need to find different ways to engage people in a way they like.
Personalization is one of the modern event trends that helps attendees feel more valued and engaged.
8. “Guests just want to have fun.”
“As long as there’s great music and good food, nothing else matters.” – Found another event planner cliche!
Today’s guests are concerned about the whole experienceincluding the impact of the event on humans and the planet.
People notice when things feel thoughtful and when they feel wasteful. What impact did the incident have on the local community? Are the flowers sourced locally? Is the restaurant industry sustainable? What to do with leftover food or decorations?
Sustainability and social responsibility are more important now than ever.
Engage with the local community and let them be part of the event. Swap single-use plastics for compostable plastics and choose suppliers that prioritize environmentally friendly practices. Consider donating unused food or materials.
Guests enjoy activities that feel good and Doing good deeds shows that you not only care about the party but also about making a positive impact.
9. “The walking activity is over”
For years, event planning was viewed as a one-and-done thing: the event is over, the guests leave, and that’s it. But what now? This mentality is long gone.
In today’s connected world, events don’t end when the last person walks out the door, they are just part of a larger picture. Post-event engagement is just as important as the event itself.
How do you maintain momentum after the event?
You can send a follow-up email to thank attendees, share key takeaways from the meeting, or provide access to exclusive content.
Maybe you could create an online community where attendees can continue the conversation. It’s all about keeping the audience engaged so they remember the experience long after it’s over.
Building lasting connections with your audience can amplify the impact of your event and create a stronger brand presence.
Let go of myths and embrace meaningful events
Event planning has come a long way. Thanks to changing trends, smarter tools, and sky-high guest expectations, the industry is more creative and innovative than ever.
By breaking away from these clichés, you can create campaigns that are fresh, personalized and completely in sync with today’s trends. In the end, event planning isn’t just about logistics or aesthetics, it’s about the stories we create and the memories we pass on.
So, what stereotypes do you still see among event planners? Or better yet, which ones are you guilty of holding on to? Let’s work together to create better events.
Looking for more? Here are 5 meeting myths busted.
