Even experienced planners make mistakes. Here are the ten most common issues we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating Guest Count

Always plan for 10–15% more people than expected.

2. Choosing Too Small a Tent

Crowded tents ruin the experience. Size up.

3. Forgetting About Weather

Iowa weather changes fast. Sidewalls and weights matter.

4. Not Ordering Enough Tables

Food tables, gift tables, drink stations — they add up.

5. Skipping Linens

Bare tables make events look unfinished.

6. Poor Lighting

String lights and uplighting transform evening events.

7. No Plan for Trash

Large events need multiple receptacles.

8. Not Planning Guest Flow

Avoid bottlenecks at food and drink stations.

9. Forgetting Power Needs

Concessions, DJs, lighting — all need reliable power.

10. Booking Too Late

Peak season fills up fast. Reserve early.