So, you’re in charge of planning a big event. Great! But where do you start? Whether you’re throwing a social event like a formal or a philanthropy event, you should establish a game plan. Keeping your head on straight will prevent you from losing track of plans and forgetting essential elements.
Event planning is both exciting and hectic, but you can make it manageable by following a few useful tips.
1. Avoid Procrastination and Set a Date
Your event date is the most crucial element besides the venue. You may be stalling on where to begin, but don’t procrastinate on this. If you wait too long, you may come up against other events that can decrease your attendance or chance of getting the venue you want.
If the event is smaller, decide on a date you and your attendees can agree on. Some may not be able to attend, but get as many people involved as possible. Avoid busy times such as the holiday season unless you’re event is tailored to that season! One quick and convenient way to get everyone’s opinions is to hold a digital poll.
Estimate the guest number so you’ll know how much food to order. Plus, you may need a bigger venue than anticipated if a lot of people plan on coming.
2. Pick a Fitting Venue
Maybe you feel like your home is the perfect place for throwing events. Or perhaps you want to spice things up with a change of scenery. Secure the venue far in advance of your date. The worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute and have no options left for adequate locations.
If you’re struggling with finding suitable places, ask your friends for suggestions. They’re sure to know some of the best spots for hosting a gathering.
3. Choose Appropriate Food and Drinks
Before you go wild with buying your favorite foods or hiring caterers, consider everyone’s preferences and allergies. Some may be allergic to nuts while others may stick to a vegan diet.
Accommodate these differences with plenty of meal variety. Decide what kind of catering would fit best — are you having a formal dinner or do you need casual foods like pizza? Buffets offer numerous options while accounting for dietary restrictions, and guests can fill up as much as they please. You can also set up an open bar for drinks, especially if your caterer offers it with their event package.
4. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!
Create an enjoyable atmosphere with unique decorations. If you pick a specific theme for your event, dress up the venue with props to match. Use seashells and sand for an ocean-themed event or invest in a red carpet and some director’s chairs for a night of Hollywood Magic.
Depending on where you decide to hold the get-together, you may not need many props. An outside spot near a lake or park provides great natural scenery and saves you some of the money you’d typically spend buying decorative goods. For extra fun, you can rent a photo booth so everyone can keep tangible memories!
5. Don’t Forget the Music
Depending on the type of event you’re planning, you may want to kick up the festivities with a cover band or a DJ. You don’t want an awkward gathering where everyone’s standing on the wall, so raise the energy by bringing in some music. Of course, you should aim for music you know most people will like. An event with bad tunes is right up there with no music at all. Play music that you know will get people dancing!
Quick after-party tip: Save yourself the hassle of sweeping up debris by laying down industrial mats at the venue entrance. These can trap up to 80% of dirt, ensuring everyone has relatively clean shoes before even setting foot on the dancefloor.
6. End with Goodies
The event is over and you had a spectacular time. Now what?
Consider handing out gift bags for guests to take home as reminders of the night. These can contain anything you can think of, so don’t hesitate to come up with creative ideas. Some cool examples include shot glasses, temporary tattoos or custom-made t-shirts.
Enjoy Stress-Free Event Planning
Maintain your sanity and keep your confidence on lock with these six tips for hosting a event. After an unforgettable event, your friends will beg you to lend your organizational skills and brilliance to all their future activities!
- What Is Glamping and Why Is It So Trendy? - September 25, 2020
- 6 Smart Ways to Make Exercising at Home Fun - May 11, 2020
- 7 Tips for a Better Immune System - April 12, 2020
