When it comes to planning events for fall and winter, time is not on your side. Weather changes, school days and packed work schedules all place added stress on planning a fall event! Here are some tips for planning stylish events on a time crunch!

• Any venue works. With the right creative team, that is. If you’re looking for a specific unique theme and style for your event, save time by selecting an “open venue” or studio space. The more open space, the better you can design it. We scouted the old Midtown Post Office right next to Penn Station for an event and the rustic, beat-down architecture was a perfect setting for a film premiere like Superman, but not for a corporate event. So if you’re swearing by your theme, rent a “blank slate” studio venue and invest in a creative event planner with connections to interior designers and artists.

• Ditch the Keyboard. Go for a DJ and Lighting. Orchestras? Keyboards? Saxophone? Isn’t it time to party like it’s 2013? Save time, up the “wow factor,” and go for the DJ. DJ’s have numerous musical styles available to them at the push of a button—Sephardic, Fusion, ’80s Rock, Dance, etc.—dictate the tone and energy of your event way better. Compared to musicians, DJ’s up the “cool factor” by a thousand percent. When combined with lighting, your guests will stop and stare each time the lights dim, the beats start and the strobe comes on. Talk about energy and “WOW factor”!

• Don’t be lured into “one-stop” event shops. Ever met a caterer who also does photography? Or a florist who offers limo service too? Run! Don’t get started with one-stop event shops that offer lots of services at one flat fee. You may save a few dollars, but you’ll lose value in other ways. First, if they don’t specialize in one main task, they can’t excel in it they way you want them to. Caterers should focus on cuisine, not floral design! Second, you lose out on service and accountability since they’re juggling two or more tasks on the day of your event, the time you need service the most! Third, you may actually be spending more money since these “one-stop” shops will entice you not to shop around or use referrals. Opt for event specialists that will excel every step of the way.

Olivia Bondarsky Hyman is the Lead Event Planner at High Style Events, stylish event planners for the stylish Jewish event based in Bergen County. Email events_highstyleevents.com or call 646.833.8604 to discuss your next event!

By Olivia Bondarsky Hyman