Rōz Event Planning is a full-service event planning company that coordinates and facilitates weddings, special occasions, and business events. Rōz isn’t your typical frilly event planner – we have bold and out-of-the-box ideas that bring our clients’ visions to life. Roz founder, Miranda Guerra, utilizes her event planning education, experience, and passion to organize meaningful events for her clients.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
There is always some level of challenge when planning any event. Right now, with the current circumstances created by Covid-19, seems to be the biggest challenge. I have clients who had to move their weddings to 2021 or completely change plans and choose elopement.
Right now, the most difficult event is one I just started planning this week for August 1st of this year! Not only is timing short, but we are dealing with the uncertainty of what health guidelines may look like for August.
I think overcoming these current difficulties is just being optimistic and innovative! This industry is constantly changing so being able to think on your feet is a norm but I am certainly being pushed now more than ever! I actually love challenges and it’s just another day in the life of a planner.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
Right now so many couples are choosing micro weddings or elopements vs big traditional weddings. This trend was already on the rise but the Covid-19 really pushed that movement forward with couples having to get creative. I have always loved a more intimate wedding setting so this “new norm” is actually amazing in my eyes.
My other favorite trend right now is having food trucks vs traditional catering. Food trucks are so versatile and can really fit any wedding style. I am the type of person who loves fresh, uncommon ideas! Guests really appreciate when they have a variety of choices when it comes to food and it is easy to do with food trucks. I remember when I first saw a food truck at a big fancy wedding in 2012 and I was so excited! This wedding only had the truck for dessert but it was amazing! I am so excited to see more of this trend in the future!
What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?
My best advice for pulling off an elegant and memorable event with a smaller price range is simple; prioritize!!
I always have every client, no matter the budget, prioritize what factors of their event are most important to them. Once that is done, we can start budget planning and make sure to focus on top priorities. Every event and every client is different so I can’t give many specific details that would work for everyone. One person might focus the budget towards the venue or decor where another might focus on entertainment or food.
Always know that there are amazing event vendors and pros for every budget! Just because a client may be on a tight budget doesn’t mean that every aspect has to be “cheap” or that it has to look low cost.
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?
My dream client and event? That is so incredibly hard to choose! I love clients who are true to themselves and allow that to show through their event. I also love learning about new cultures and traditions. I am really looking forward to the day that I get to help plan a big wedding or celebration of life for a cultural group that I don’t get to work with often. Right now I am researching different traditions from all over parts of India and I can’t wait to experience some of these traditions!
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
Relationships with other event pros are so important! I have many “friendors” and these relationships are priceless. Not only do vendors help recommend clients to me, but I also get to learn from them. The event industry is a tough one to be in at times and having a community to learn from and lean on is the best! I always say that staying true to yourself and the vision and mission of your business are key. I work with vendors that I feel align with who I am and who my business is and that helps attract the ideal client.
I also am realistic with what I expect from others and always try to put my best foot forward. Just like any other industry or social setting, I know I am not for everyone and vise versa. I never try to be someone I am not for the pleasure of others but I always treat others with respect and hope for the best.
What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?
I always advise hiring a planner of course! If someone isn’t looking for a planner, my best advice is to recognize your visions and do lots of research. If you want to plan a fundraiser, you need to experience one first. Attend a fundraiser that is similar to what you are wanting and observe and take in everything you can. Talk to other people who put on similar events.
But most importantly, take the time to figure out your WHY. Why do you want to have a fundraiser? What’s the vision? What is your mission? Objectives? Goals? Once you can identify your event, you can start with the logistics.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
The most exciting thing on my horizon both personally and professionally is growth! I am still very new to being a CEO and it is still so exciting. My company is just over 3 months old and it has already gone through a global pandemic! I have learned so much in this short time and it will only make me stronger. My industry is changing every minute and that means growth is mandatory. I am in for a wild ride but it is going to push this business like I never imagined.
What inspired you to launch your own company in the event industry? How long did it take from initially having the idea to setting up and starting to attract a client base?
I have worked in the industry for going on 8 years and started out shortly before I started college. I have known what I wanted to do since I was pretty young and I stuck to it. I had my “ah-ha” moment while working what I thought was going to be a very long term job and it spiraled from there! I realized my soul wasn’t really being fulfilled and promised myself to change that. My parents are entrepreneurs and I always feared that path because I know firsthand how hard it is.
After my moment, I finally realized that being a boss is in my blood and I could not ignore it any longer. My “moment” was in the last week of October of 2019 and Rōz Event Planning was officially established by the first week of November. My official launch was on January 17th, 2020. I was lucky enough to already have somewhat of a “client base” from doing event planning on my own as just a side gig over the past few years. Thus far it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made!
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
I always wanted a hand in every family event and that goes back to at least 3 years of age. I’d say the first event I planned on my own was my 13th birthday party. At that time we lived in a really cool, big house with a circle drive and amazing basement. I had about 60-70 guests, mostly friends, and it was pretty successful in my eyes.
I drag race and at the time I raced jr. drag and made sure to show that off. When guests arrived, they walked up our driveway to our Italian style water fountain, a projector lit up the front of our house with”Happy Birthday”, a fog machine under the carport along with spotlights put focus on my drag car on full display. The race car was a cool “photo op” and was the talk of my friends for months!
The party was completed with a basement party that included :
– a strobe light
– disco ball
– fog machine
– loud music on our huge speakers
– a floor full of balloons & confetti galore
– a hot dog machine
– every snack you could think of
– 2 birthday cakes homemade by mom
I am now 25 and I have friends who still talk about this day. I always get teased by family saying “you have been so extra since day 1”.
