The planning process begins with a proper screening even before initial consultation begins. Larry says he doesn’t really get that many “shoppers.” “I’m not mainstream, I’m more couture.” After many years of back-breaking work to gain a solid reputation (he launched Larry Scott Events in 1989), he considers himself no longer “the best kept secret.”

 

After screening, the first consultation revolves around budget. Despite his clients’ extremely high net worth, he notes that everyone always has a range in mind. “People may have $10,000 or $10 billion, it doesn’t matter. People always have to know what they want to spend.”

 

Next comes choosing the venue, photographer and music. Larry uses a baking analogy, “You throw those main ingredients in the mixing bowl and you start baking your cake.” 

 

The proceeding steps vary depending on the type of event. But always, Larry Scott focuses on what elements would enable guests to join the journey that the host and/or hostess set(s). “You want guests to feel a part of the story.” According to him, it’s important that guests are properly acknowledged and given importance, that they feel like insiders and not merely spectators. For example, to make guests feel like they were part of the show, he once had every guest’s name on the dance floor.

 

It is important that the hosts understand as well. That’s not always easy to accomplish especially for events like weddings, for instance, where brides and grooms are traditionally addressed separately from their guests. Family opinions may also vary. “The bride at 25 does not know what her parents know at 55,” he opines. To help explain his philosophy, he often uses the chandelier as a reference point to illustrate the relationship between the potential hosts and their guests. “The hosts and/or hostesses are the chandelier, the event planner is the dimmer switch, and the guests are the bulbs.” In a successful party, all work as one.

 

So how does he go about creating a cohesive atmosphere? He starts by choosing décor, music and food that define what the party is about. “Do you feel something when you walk in?” is a question to which he requires a positive response. Another crucial element is the “wow” factor. Something must grab the guests’ attention.