Considering throwing a holiday party this season? It’s a popular misconception that hiring a professional to help is too expensive, but party planners can help make sure you stay within or below your budget. Professionals also have resources that most people don’t have access to and typically can negotiate costs.

Event planners can wear lots of hats, from the decorations, to creating a food menu, greeting guests and making sure the bathrooms have enough toilet paper!

Here are Angie’s List tips on throwing a great party with the help of an event planner:

• Research event planners before you hire: Ask the references how the service was, if they met expectations and if they were easy to work with. Keep in mind that sometimes the quality of the service is a matter of taste, but the key is meeting the client’s expectations.
• Plan early: Once you’ve found an event planner, meet weeks in advance so you can discuss your budget, needs and how to avoid potential party disasters such as crowding or inadequate seating.
• Discuss costs: Event planners charge for their services differently, but most bill by the hour or offer a flat package rate. The cost also depends on the number of guests and choices of food, drink and entertainment.
• Food and drink: Serve food that will appeal to the senses and to a variety of tastes. It’s important to have vegetarian options and mark the food clearly for those with allergies. Consider creating a “signature drink” to help keep costs down.
• Party at home: One way to help keep costs down is to hold the event at your home. A home creates a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, plus once your guests have left, you simply go to bed!
• Post-party clean up: Most event planners will take care of the mess and include it in their fee, making the cleanup for the host stress free!