Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled answers to the most common questions about planning and executing successful events. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference or a private celebration, these insights will help you understand our process.

For corporate conferences and large-scale gatherings, we recommend booking 6-12 months ahead. This timeframe allows us to secure preferred venues in central London locations like Shoreditch or Canary Wharf, coordinate with multiple suppliers, and develop a comprehensive strategy.

Smaller events such as team-building activities or private parties can be arranged with 2-3 months notice. However, if you have a specific venue or date in mind, earlier booking increases your chances of availability, especially during peak seasons like summer and December.

Our portfolio spans corporate conferences, product launches, annual general meetings, and team-building workshops. We also handle private celebrations including milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and engagement parties.

Each category requires different expertise. Corporate events demand professional AV equipment, registration systems, and catering that accommodates dietary requirements. Private celebrations focus on personalized touches, entertainment, and creating memorable experiences. Our team has delivered over 200 events across London, from intimate gatherings of 20 guests to conferences hosting 500 attendees.

Yes, venue selection is a core part of our service. We maintain relationships with over 150 venues across London, from historic buildings in Westminster to modern spaces in King's Cross. Our team evaluates each location based on your guest count, budget, accessibility requirements, and event format.

We arrange site visits, negotiate contracts, and handle all venue communications. Whether you need a boardroom for 30 people or a ballroom for 300, we present options that match your vision and practical needs, including parking availability, public transport links, and technical capabilities.

Our standard package covers initial consultation, venue sourcing, supplier coordination, timeline development, budget management, and on-site supervision. This includes liaising with caterers, AV technicians, florists, and entertainment providers.

We also handle invitation design and distribution, guest list management, dietary requirement tracking, and post-event follow-up. Additional services like branding design, custom signage, photography coordination, and transport arrangements can be added based on your needs. Each package is tailored after our first meeting where we assess your specific requirements.

We establish a detailed budget breakdown during our initial planning phase, allocating funds across venue hire, catering, equipment, staffing, and contingency reserves. You receive transparent cost estimates before any commitments are made.

Throughout the planning process, we track expenses against the agreed budget, providing regular updates. Our established supplier relationships often secure better rates than individual bookings. We typically recommend setting aside 10-15% as contingency for unexpected adjustments. All invoices and receipts are documented, and you receive a final financial report after the event concludes.

Absolutely. We collect dietary information during the RSVP process and work closely with caterers to provide suitable options. This includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and allergy-specific menus.

Our catering partners are experienced in preparing diverse menus that don't compromise on quality or presentation. We ensure proper labeling at buffets and communicate special requirements to service staff. For events with complex dietary needs, we can arrange menu tastings beforehand to confirm everything meets your standards and guest expectations.

Our team remains on-site throughout your event to address any issues immediately. We maintain direct contact with all suppliers and have backup plans for common scenarios like equipment failure, supplier delays, or last-minute guest changes.

Before each event, we conduct risk assessments and prepare contingency protocols. Our experience managing over 200 events means we can quickly resolve problems without disrupting your guests' experience. We carry emergency contact lists, spare equipment where practical, and have relationships with backup suppliers who can respond quickly if needed.

We coordinate with a network of entertainers including live bands, DJs, magicians, comedians, and speakers. For corporate events, we can arrange keynote speakers, panel moderators, or team-building facilitators.

Entertainment selection depends on your event format and audience. A product launch might benefit from a live jazz trio during networking, while a team-building day could include interactive workshops or outdoor activities. We handle all booking, contracts, technical requirements, and scheduling to ensure entertainment integrates seamlessly with your event timeline.

We use digital registration systems that streamline the check-in process. Guests can register online beforehand, receiving QR codes or confirmation emails. On the day, our staff operates registration desks with tablets or laptops for quick verification.

For larger conferences, we set up multiple check-in stations to prevent queues. Name badges, welcome packs, and event materials are prepared in advance and organized alphabetically. We also track attendance in real-time, which is particularly useful for corporate events requiring attendance records or continuing professional development certificates.

We arrange professional AV equipment including projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones, lighting, and video conferencing setups. For presentations, we provide lecterns, clickers, and confidence monitors.

Our technical partners conduct site surveys to determine optimal equipment placement and power requirements. We schedule setup time before your event starts and have technicians available during the event for troubleshooting. For hybrid events combining in-person and virtual attendance, we coordinate streaming equipment, camera operators, and platform management to ensure remote participants have a quality experience.

While our primary focus is London and the surrounding areas, we can coordinate events throughout the UK. We've successfully delivered events in Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Brighton.

For locations outside our usual operating area, we conduct thorough research to identify reliable local suppliers and venues. This may involve site visits to ensure everything meets our standards. Travel and accommodation costs for our team would be factored into the quote. Our planning process remains the same regardless of location, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail.

We create detailed timelines that map every element of your event, from supplier arrival times to guest departure. This includes buffer periods for setup, transitions between program segments, and potential delays.

Our on-site coordinators use these timelines to keep everything moving smoothly. We communicate with speakers, entertainers, and catering staff throughout the day using radio headsets or messaging apps. If one element runs over, we have strategies to adjust subsequent timings without compromising the overall experience. Pre-event rehearsals for complex programs help identify potential timing issues before guests arrive.

We begin with your event objectives, preferred date, expected guest count, and budget range. Understanding the purpose helps us recommend appropriate formats, venues, and services.

Additional helpful information includes any venue preferences, must-have elements, brand guidelines for corporate events, and examples of events you've admired. If you have a guest list started, dietary requirements, or accessibility needs, sharing these early helps us plan more effectively. During our initial consultation, we'll ask detailed questions to build a complete picture of your vision and practical requirements.

Yes, we provide flexible service levels. Some clients prefer to handle certain aspects themselves while needing support with specific elements like venue sourcing, supplier coordination, or day-of management.

We can step in at any stage of your planning process. Perhaps you've already booked a venue but need help with catering and entertainment. Or you've organized everything but want professional coordination on the day to ensure smooth execution. We assess what you've already arranged, identify gaps, and provide targeted support where it's most valuable.

Our contracts outline cancellation terms clearly. Generally, deposits are non-refundable, but we work to minimize losses by negotiating with suppliers on your behalf. Many venues and suppliers offer postponement options rather than full cancellation.

If you need to reschedule, we coordinate with all parties to find alternative dates that work for everyone. We've successfully postponed numerous events, particularly during uncertain periods. Event insurance is something we strongly recommend discussing during planning, as it can provide financial protection against unforeseen circumstances requiring cancellation.

Our approach combines detailed planning with flexible execution. We don't use templates or cookie-cutter solutions. Each event receives a customized strategy based on your specific goals, audience, and budget.

We maintain transparent communication throughout the process, providing regular updates and being available to answer questions. Our supplier network has been built over years of collaboration, ensuring reliable service and often better pricing. Most importantly, we remain present throughout your event, not just during planning. This hands-on approach means issues are resolved immediately, and you can focus on enjoying the occasion with your guests.

About Gehili

Creating memorable experiences across London and beyond since our establishment

Gehili event planning team

Our Story

Gehili began in London with a straightforward goal: to handle the logistics and details that turn gatherings into successful occasions. Founded by a team of professionals with backgrounds in hospitality and project management, we recognized a need for reliable coordination services that businesses and individuals could depend on.

Our first office opened on Richmond Road in 2018, serving clients across North London. What started as a small operation focused on corporate functions has grown into a full-service company managing conferences, private celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the capital.

We built our reputation by delivering what we promise. Each project receives dedicated attention from initial planning through final execution. Our team of 12 specialists brings expertise in venue sourcing, catering coordination, technical setup, and on-site management.

350+ Events Delivered
12 Team Members
6 Years Operating
95% Client Retention
Successful event organized by Gehili

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to remove the stress from gathering people together. We handle venue selection, supplier coordination, timeline management, and day-of execution so our clients can focus on their guests and objectives.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our services while maintaining the personalized attention that defines our work. We're investing in sustainable practices, partnering with venues that prioritize environmental responsibility, and developing digital tools that streamline communication with clients.

We see ourselves as problem solvers. Whether coordinating a 50-person board meeting in Canary Wharf or a 300-guest wedding in Richmond, our approach remains consistent: thorough preparation, clear communication, and responsive execution.

Core Values

Reliability

We meet deadlines, stay within budgets, and follow through on commitments. Our contracts specify deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities. Clients receive weekly progress updates during planning phases.

Transparency

All costs are itemized upfront. No hidden fees or surprise charges. We provide detailed breakdowns of vendor quotes and explain where your budget goes. Questions receive honest, direct answers.

Attention to Detail

We use checklists, site visits, and vendor confirmations to catch issues before they become problems. Our team reviews floor plans, tests audio equipment, and confirms dietary requirements for every gathering.

Adaptability

Plans change. We maintain backup options for critical elements like venues and catering. Our staff handles last-minute adjustments without disrupting the schedule or guest experience.