Planning an event can be a stressful time. The more preparation you do prior to the party, the better a time everyone will have on the day. Therefore, whether it’s a wedding reception, landmark anniversary or a birthday surprise, it will be sure to run smoothly.
Decide on Your Theme
You know the reason for the party but there are many options in terms of theme and entertainment. Is it going to be fancy-dress, black tie or are you choosing to hold a much more informal event? Once that decision has been made the entertainment, food and venue will be easier to select. If you have chosen a specific theme, one which will involve a great deal of decoration, you may want to keep this in mind when you choose your venue.
Choose Your Venue
There are many venue options to choose from. You could choose to have a marquis in your garden, book the village hall or hire out a local hotel or nearby stately home. The decision will be driven in part by your budget and by who will attend. If it’s a Sweet 16 party, you will have to cater for a group of very excited teenagers. For Grandad’s 80th birthday, guests may prefer somewhere more traditional. The key is to make a decision as early as possible as venues, entertainment and caterers can get booked up very quickly.
Food and Drink Choices
Again the type of event will influence your food and drink choices. For informal events, guests love the uniqueness of a karaoke booth or candy floss machine. If it’s a wedding reception, you may want to opt for a buffet or full dining experience. Particularly for larger scale events the food will take up a great deal of your budget so shop around for the best deals and ask for samples. Wedding cake designers and wedding breakfast caterers are usually happy to walk you through a tasting menu.
Entertainment Matters
Parties will often be remembered for the entertainment that was on offer so make this a priority decision. Selfie booths and video booths are hugely popular, not just for the entertainment on the night but for the memories they create for the future. Live bands, magicians, stand-up comedians or casino tables are all great choices depending on the theme of the evening.
If you are holding a party for a child then get their input on what they would like to include entertainment-wise. Sometimes it’s not possible for them to make the final decision, especially if cost is a factor, but it is nice for them if they can at least say they had some involvement.
Send Out the Invitations
The earlier you can get invitations out to guests the more chance of people being able to make the date. Don’t forget to give a deadline for everyone to R.S.V.P. by, so you can confirm the numbers. One big plus today is that people can share the events of the evening as they happen on social media. This helps to keep even those friends or family members who couldn’t make the event involved and provides lasting memories for those you came along.
Planning a party is not always easy but you want to be able to enjoy the night just as much as your guests. Therefore, if everything is sorted out prior to the day, you can then focus on having a good time. Use your checklist up to the time the first guest arrives and then enjoy a cocktail before you party the night away.
If you want to know more about corporate entertainment ideas, then please contact The Pod Group at 0208 449 0099 or email us at info@thepodgroup.com
