What your Enneagram means for events.
If you’ve studied personality tests or heard your friends discussing what “number” they are—you might be familiar with the Enneagram. But did you know your Enneagram number can actually affect your events? We do—and there are reasons we take personality into consideration when planning your perfect day. Whether it’s your wedding, your conference, or your birthday party—your Enneagram can make a big difference in the way we plan and what details we attend to.
I first learned about the Enneagram by joining a Book Club Connect Group reading The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron and The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. Heuertz. I was intrigued by the 9 different personality types and started listening to podcasts like Enneagram and Coffee and Say Enneathing. Though I am no expert on the subject—the knowledge I’ve gained has given me and my team great insight into specific personality patterns and common likes/dislikes for my brides and clients.
See if you agree by reading about your Enneagram number and how it correlates to events below!
1 – The Perfectionist: Hello! This is me to the core! Ones are principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic. When it comes to events, overall, Ones care about the details. We greatly dislike poor flow of service and will notice immediately if something is out of balance or not right. We will focus on everything from the invitation, the place settings, down to the ambiance—it’s details, details, details! For One weddings—think classic, white, and traditional. Ones care about the venue, about people having a good time, and as brides, Ones really care about the dress! But most of all, Ones care about everything being perfect.
2 – The Helper: Type Twos are compassionate, generous, people-pleasing, and empathetic. If you attend a Two’s event, you’re going to have a good time because they’re going to think about putting you, their guest, first. Because type Twos tend to put the needs of others before themselves, this is where an event planner needs to remind them that it is their special day. I am very intent on discovering the bride’s true desires and needs for her wedding if she falls into this category. I will ask questions about their desires and find ways to incorporate them because it will be a Two’s natural inclination to bend to the needs of others. For events, Type Twos will ensure their guests have a good time and are not lacking anything—focusing on party favors, comfort, and care in every detail.
3 — The Achiever: Type Threes are adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious. It may take Threes a little longer to make decisions regarding the event, simply because they strive to achieve the best in every area. Their events will be elegant, special, and never ever tacky. There may even be a sense of competitive drive behind the event because they want the best and will work to get it. They will get the best band, the best speaker, the best flowers, the best dress. As an event planner, I will often give this type the assurance that decisions have been well thought out because when it becomes a competition, events can become overwhelming—and then there will be tears. Lots of tears. And we try to avoid tears by taking care of every detail—in the best way possible—so every Three can feel as though every event is a complete win.
4 — The Individualist: Fours are expressive, dramatic, temperamental, and creative. When it comes to events, Fours only care about it being unique. They want to stand out from the mundane and need the event to speak to who they are as an individual. A trend I’m seeing currently with Fours now is Bojo Vibes—crafted and detailed. They do not want their wedding to be compared to others so avoid statements such as, “Another bride I know did a similar thing...” Instead, incorporate pieces, decor, menu items, and activities that are one of a kind and unique to them. Because of this one-of-a-kind personality, Type Four weddings and conferences can be spectacular events!
5 — The Investigator: Type Fives are innovative, perceptive, curious, and insightful. Because Type Fives are innovative and perceptive thinkers, they aren’t afraid to think outside the box—especially when it comes to events. They are visionary pioneers, able to see the world in an entirely new way and they bring this gift to everything that matters most to them. They don’t enjoy crowded spaces so you can expect for their events to feel calm. As for decor, a Type Five may decide on a pop of color, but it will never be overwhelming. They will always think through the details of an event carefully—putting their attention where it is needed most and not waste any unnecessary energy or effort on details that don’t matter!
6 — The Loyalist: The Type Six is engaging, responsible, reliable, and trustworthy. Because type Sixes often struggle with anxiety, they can feel overwhelmed by the details and the "to-do” lists that come with events. (That’s where we come in handy!) We take all the event-anxiety away for Sixes by taking care of every detail so everything runs smoothly and stress-free. Sixes also want to know about every detail—so it’s good to have open communication with them so they know everything is covered. Having a good event planner gives Sixes the peace of mind they need to enjoy their event and gives them time to do what they care about most: socializing with their friends and family!
7 — The Enthusiast: Sevens are spontaneous, versatile, extroverted, and optimistic—and when it comes to their events they are no different! Type Sevens care that everyone is having a good time. They want great food, dancing, and of course—a great open bar. You’ll see lots of vibrant colors and extravagant decor. They are the ultimate “party people” and want lots of life, fun, and excitement in their events.
8 — The Challenger: Type eights are strong, self-confident, decisive, and unafraid of being confrontational. This is a great type to work with when you’re an event planner because you don’t have to guess about what they want. Eights will allocate their budget with what they personally want most and don’t have an issue with making decisions. They’ll often say, “Show me what I need to sign and tell me what I need to do,” and then, it’s done. They have an “If I didn’t trust you I wouldn’t have hired you” attitude and that makes our job really easy!
9 – The Helper: Nines are receptive, reassuring, agreeable, and accepting. They want everyone’s opinions to be heard and like the type Twos, can often forget that it is their wedding or event. As an event planner, it is your job to keep the Nine at the center of your planning to ensure they are getting their true needs met. At these events, you may see lots of dainty little flowers in light colors. You can help this type make decisions and assure them that what they truly desire is a great choice!
Let us know what your Enneagram number is and what your favorite (and least favorite) part of events are! We can’t wait to work with you and give you the event of your dreams!
- PTE