The perfect party: Five things to avoid to ensure your special event goes off without a hitch

November is upon us, which means the holiday party season is just beginning. With so many entertaining opportunities between now and the new year, Rebekah Johnson, founder of Bergner & Johnson Design, discusses five things you should avoid to achieve holiday party perfection.

 No. 1: Avoid Working with Unestablished Companies

When hiring vendors for your party, get recommendations from friends or read reviews online to make sure you're working with a reliable company. Johnson also says to make sure you look for the best quality and not always the best price.

"The temptation is often that they give a very low price but that doesn't always save you money when you have to go back and fix problems from their lack of understanding a job or job site," she says. "You don't want your event to be the 'trial and error' one for them."

 No. 2: Don't Micromanage Your Vendors

"Micromanaging vendors only slows them down and doesn't allow them to do their best work," says Johnson. If you plan carefully with your vendors and put your trust their ability to execute your vision, you can avoid the perils that come with micromanaging and allow them to do their job without interruption.

 No. 3: No One Likes a Stressed-Out Host

Although hosting a party can be stressful, Johnson says it doesn't have to be. "Work hard in the beginning to get the best team together and let them solve the inevitable issues that come up with any event," she says.

Johnson highlighted that even if something goes 'wrong,' it isn't always a disaster. "Some of the best looks and atmospheres for parties have been 'happy accidents' that transpire after something unforeseen happens," she says.

 No. 4: Never Assume You'll Have Perfect Weather

When planning a party, make sure to remember the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.

"Always have a good rain plan then you will be happy no matter what Mother Nature throws your way," Johnson says. "When doing events outside it is well worth the money to have a tent on standby. If it turns out to be a rainy weekend everyone will be scrabbling to find a tent and you will be assured to get one."

 No. 5: Don't Forget About Professional Planners

Planning a party with the assistance of a professional is one way to ensure a perfectly executed party. "Use a professional planner with experience to help coordinate all the things that you don't know to think about," Johnson says.

"This is very important for emotional events like weddings," she adds. "I have seen a bride drop her red lipstick while in her gown and the planner was able to get the stain off her gown. I have seen wedding gowns split and and the planner just sewed the bride into the dress."

 Learn more about event planning solutions on by visiting Bergner & Johnson Design online and on Facebook.