When planning an event, its not always common that security is on your to do list. For the average gathering, especially intimate in nature, security is something that is probably unnecessary. For larger events bringing together a large group of people, it then becomes an obvious need. It all depends on the party, right?
Well not necessarily.
Lets say you’re planning your wedding – was security something you thought you needed? Typically no. However – there are some questions you may want to ask yourself prior to completely writing off the idea of security.
Where is your wedding? How many people are in attendance? Do you expect any volatile situations? (Lets face it, weddings bring together families and sometimes this brings together a history of differences – sometimes having someone thats neutral to step in if needed, is easier than having another member of the family break up a potentially risky situation) Are you expecting a lot of wedding gifts – cash? Is your event being held near public space where members of the public could easily walk in?
You can apply all of those questions really to any gathering and the outcome is based on the answers. Security is hired to protect. To guard. To act as a buffer.
While you might not expect to need someone standing guard asking the public to respect your privacy and your space, maybe its something that is necessary and something that should have a designated guard rather then a delegated guest at your event.
Maybe you’re expecting a larger amount of cash or valuables to be brought or in attendance – especially if your event could be prone to inadvertent public walk ins or wedding crashers, maybe having someone keep a watchful eye on this area is another reason to have security.
While security seems like an obvious choice for shady venues and risky business – There are a lot of other opportunities that are well suited for a security professional that are often not thought of and are hastily covered by other staff members, or even worse – guests that are now trying to enjoy an event, and are now working to fill a void.
Security doesn’t need to be a big, looming, dark individual that looks like they’d rough you up if met at the wrong occasion. Security can be a well dressed, well thought out, well mannered, and thoughtfully appointed person. They can act as a liaison between VIP and the public. They can respectfully protect what may seem like the smallest thing, but make it important. They can safe guard you and your valuables. They can ensure the unwanted stay out, and the wanted feel safe, warm and invited.
While they may not be hired to act as party liaison, sometimes they can even fill that purpose. Security wears many shoes (usually dark, comfortable, and suitable for wearing for long hours standing). In some instances, they are the first face a guest may see. They offer helpful direction and instructions.
They know all of the small and important details. They’re aware of everything because they make it their job to do so. They arrive early for a full briefing so they get to know all the details and ensure they are working beyond their full potential, and beyond your expectations.
At the end of the day you may say that nothing happened and security really wasn’t needed. But did you ever stop to think that maybe nothing happened because you had security? Never run the risk of under valuing yourself, others, or things that matter to you. The worst thing you could say is that had you had security, the outcome would be a lot different and you’d be in a better position or place if something happens. You matter. Your guests matters. Things that matter to you – matter.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.