9 Event Planner Clichés That Are No Longer True

The event planning industry has come a long way from its binder-toting days. 

And just like any other creative position, there seems to be a disconnect between what event planning looks like from the outside, and what it actually requires.

Because of this, there are a lot of event planner clichés that have graduated to full-on myths. 

Think massive ballrooms, endless budgets, and planners sipping champagne while flawless events unfold. (Ha!)

But the reality? Attendees don’t just want big or flashy anymore. They want events that feel personal, creative, and (most importantly) worth their time. And as event professionals, we’ve had to let go of some long-standing assumptions to keep up.

What are the Top Event Planner Clichés?

• 1. Bigger Is Always Better
• 2. Event Planning Is Glamorous
• 3. Traditional Sit-Down Dinners Are Mandatory
• 4. Themes Need to Be Obvious
• 5. All Vendors Are the Same
• 6. Corporate Keynotes Must Always Be Formal
• 7. You Have to Please Everyone
• 8. Guests Just Want to Have Fun
• 9. The Event Ends When People Leave

Let’s break down the biggest event planning myths, laugh at how far we’ve come, and talk about what actually works today.

1. "Bigger Is Always Better"

If your event isn’t HUGE, is it even worth it? Bigger venues, more guests, taller centerpieces—it’s all about going big, right?

Nope. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes it just means more stress, more costs, and way more logistics. The truth is, today’s events are all about creating meaningful, personalized experiences, not just overwhelming guests with size or scale.

It’s about intentional design, and getting the right people to gather in the right setting.

Focus on the people, the vibe, and the details that make the event special. Think VIP dinners, intimate workshops, or niche micro-events that feel tailored to your attendees. 

Not only do these kinds of gatherings allow for deeper connections, but they also tend to have higher engagement rates. After all, who doesn’t love being part of an exclusive club?

2. "Event Planning Is Glamorous"

“Oh, so you’re an event planner? That’s like...choosing napkin colors and flowers, right?”

Bless whoever started this myth, but event planners do so much more than pick pretty things. 

You know, dressing to the nines, sipping champagne, and gracefully orchestrating awe-inspiring events like it’s no big deal.

Except…that’s not how it works. Like, at all.

Sure, there are moments of excitement, like when the stage lights finally come on, and everything goes off without a hitch. But, the glamor is quickly overshadowed by the sheer chaos of making the magic happen.

• Behind the scenes? You’re probably running on caffeine, dealing with last-minute changes, and wrestling with a printer that refuses to cooperate.
• Glamorous tasks? Think hauling heavy crates of swag, unclogging a fog machine, or realizing your carefully curated seating chart has gone rogue.

The truth is being an event professional isn’t all glitz and glam, it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and resilience. And honestly? That’s far more rewarding. Focus on organizing the best possible experience for your attendees, and the glamor will follow.

3. "Traditional Sit-Down Dinners Are Mandatory"

You have to have a sit-down dinner with fancy place settings and a rigid schedule, otherwise, it’s not a proper event.

Guess what? 

Formal dinners aren’t for everyone. Not every event needs white tablecloths, courses served on a timer, and assigned seating that keeps you stuck next to someone who only talks about their fantasy football team.

Ditch the “rules” and do what works for your crowd.

Guests today are all about flexibility. Interactive food stations, tapas-style dining, or even bringing in food trucks can make your event feel fresh and fun while still keeping everyone fed and happy.

The point is to make dining part of the experience, not just a box to check.

4. "Themes Need to Be Obvious"

If you’re having a theme, it needs to scream “I’m a theme!” (Think over-the-top decor, costumes, and matching everything.)

Today’s event themes are much more subtle and intentional—they’re about creating a feeling rather than slapping pineapples on every flat surface and calling it “tropical.”

Focus on cohesive vibes rather than heavy-handed motifs. 

For example, a “Great Gatsby” event could mean moody lighting, jazz music, and champagne towers—not sticking feather boas in every centerpiece. A well-executed theme is one your guests feel without needing a giant neon sign to spell it out.

5. "All Vendors Are the Same"

“Eh, just hire the cheapest one. All DJs/caterers/photographers are basically the same.”

Let’s put this to rest: vendors are not interchangeable. 

The wrong vendor can tank your event faster than you can say “soggy hors d’oeuvres.” That DJ who “totally gets your vibe” but shows up blasting ‘90s boy bands? Or the photographer who somehow misses every candid moment? Yeah, not all vendors are equal.

Stay away from this event planner cliché and take the time to vet your vendors. Ask questions, read reviews, and check their portfolio. It’s not just about staying within budget but also finding people who share your vision and know how to deliver.

6. "Corporate Keynotes Must Always Be Formal"

Corporate keynotes = boring presentations, stiff suits, and awkward small talk.

The days of cookie-cutter corporate keynotes are over. Companies are realizing that creativity and engagement go a lot further than monotone speeches and PowerPoint slides. 

Employees and clients want to be inspired, entertained, and — dare I say it? — actually enjoy themselves.

Shake things up with interactive workshops, team-building activities, or even casual cocktail hours with live entertainment. Think of it less as a “corporate keynote” and more as an opportunity to connect on a human level.

7. "You Have to Please Everyone"

“Let’s make everyone happy!” On the surface, this seems like a great idea. After all, who doesn’t want to please as many people as possible?

But the truth is, events that try to please everyone can end up feeling generic. 

And, let’s face it, no one remembers those. Attendees want something that speaks directly to their needs and interests. What if, instead of spreading your focus too thin, you think about delighting specific groups within your audience? 

Maybe you have a tech event, but you break it down into smaller sessions: one for developers to dive deep into coding, and another for business leaders to discuss high-level strategies. This way, you’re offering something valuable to both groups without trying to force everyone into the same mold.

You don’t need to please everyone—you need to find different ways of engaging people in the way they like.

Personalization is one of the modern event trends that helps attendees feel more valued and engaged.

8. "Guests Just Want to Have Fun"

“As long as you’ve got great music and food, the rest doesn’t matter.” - Another event planner cliché spotted!

Today’s guests care about the entire experience, including the event’s impact on people and the planet. 

People notice when events feel thoughtful vs wasteful. How is the event impacting the local community? Are the flowers locally sourced? Is the catering sustainable? What happens to all the leftover food or decorations?

Sustainability and social responsibility matter now more than ever.

Engage with local communities and make them part of the event. Swap single-use plastics for compostable options and choose vendors who prioritize eco-friendly practices. Consider donating unused food or materials.

Guests appreciate events that feel good and do good, showing that you’re not just about the party, but also about making a positive impact.

9. "The Event Ends When People Leave"

For years, event planning was seen as a one-and-done deal: the event ends, the guests leave, and that’s it. But now? That mindset is long gone.

In today’s connected world, events don’t end when the last person walks out the door, they’re just part of a much bigger picture. Post-event engagement is just as important as the event itself.

How do you keep the momentum going after the event ends?

You could send out a follow-up email thanking attendees, share key takeaways from sessions, or provide access to exclusive content. 

Maybe you create a community online where attendees can keep the conversation going. It’s all about keeping your audience engaged, so they remember the experience long after it’s over.

Building a lasting connection with your audience extends the impact of the event and creates a stronger brand presence.

Let Go of the Myths and Embrace Meaningful Events

Event planning has come a long way. Thanks to shifting trends, smarter tools, and sky-high guest expectations, the industry is more creative and innovative than ever. 

By letting go of these tired clichés, you can create events that feel fresh, personal, and totally in sync with today’s trends. In the end, event planning isn’t just about the logistics or the aesthetics—it’s about the stories we create and the memories we carry forward. 

So, which of these event planner clichés are you still seeing in action? Or better yet, which ones are you guilty of holding onto? Let’s work together to create even better events moving forward.

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