The best tip anyone can take when planning an event is to ask for and accept a helping hand! If you have the budget for it, event planners can plan the whole thing without you lifting a finger. But this is not always the case, and people often find themselves thrown into this role with no prior experience. If you can’t afford an event planner, ask for help from numerous sources and always accept if people want to help you carry the load. Planning an event, whether big or small, can be very stressful. Even if you think you have it under control, there’s probably something you’ve overlooked that someone else might think of.
1. First and foremost, besides asking for help you need to establish a budget for the event before you can start planning. Decide where the money is coming from and how much you have to work with. Once you have established the amount you have to spend, you can effectively research your options. Take some time to think about who the event is catering for. The age of your guests, the reason for the event, and the theme or general feeling you want to portray are all important considerations when deciding on the details.
2. Start planning your event as early as possible. The longer you have to plan, the better your chances of securing the location, entertainers and catering that you want. It also gives you time to double and triple check your budget and checklists to make sure it’s all going to plan.
3. Figuring out logistics is the hardest part of event planning. Don’t rush this step as it’s easy to oversee important details. From the venue and seating arrangements, to who will play music, and what the lighting options are all need to be carefully thought about to ensure your event runs smoothly. Delegate tasks to your helpers so you don’t have so many things to think about.
4. Catering is an integral ingredient for a good event. Delicious food and good drinks can often make or break an event and leave your guests overly impressed or completely disappointed. Make sure you have plenty to go around. There’s nothing worse than going to an event where the food has already run out. If your guests are drinking alcohol make sure there’s plenty of food to nibble on throughout the night.
5. Make your invitations unique! Without something unique to catch the eye of potential guests, your event invitation may find its way to a pile of junk mail. Perhaps a jazzy email invitation or a homemade crafty paper invitation will spark the interest and make them sure to RSVP as soon as possible. Last but not least, and of uttermost importance, double check the guest list to make sure you haven’t forgotten anyone!
