| 1. Start Planning Early: Planning early can eliminate a lot of issues and stress! Give yourself time to plan, make adjustments, and account for any issues that may come up. 2. Budget + Guest Count First: Planning becomes a lot easier when you know your approximate budget and guest count early on. This will inform a lot of your planning decisions moving forward, so take the time to do this first. 3. Venue Matters: Your venue has to check a lot of boxes! It has to have the guest capacity, location, and capabilities (alcohol allowed, audio visual equipment available, etc.) that you’re seeking for your event. 4. Communicate: Whether you’re working with a venue coordinator, your own outside event planner, or you’re just planning on your own, communication is key. Inform all vendors of major decisions that will affect their setup, timeline, or presentation. 5. Know Your Goal: This is more specific to corporate events, but know what you hope to accomplish with your event. Should your event be more educational in nature? More fun? Team-building? Social? Knowing your goal can ultimately result in a more successful event. 6. Create a Timeline: It doesn’t have to be fancy, but be sure to create a timeline of the event day. To start, this should include when vendors will arrive, when guests will arrive, setup/teardown times, vendor phone numbers and email addresses, and lists of items for the event. 7. Send Invitations On Time: Don’t forget to invite your guests! Corporate event invites can go out 2-3 weeks before the event, social event invites should go out 3-4 weeks before, wedding save the dates should go out 6-8 months before the wedding, and wedding invitations should go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. 8. Remember the Extras: Some venues require security guards, trash removal services, alcohol deposits, security deposits, event insurance, and more. Be sure to account for these items in your budget. 9. Brand Your Event: This is especially relevant for corporate events, but you can truly brand any event for an extra special touch! Add your logo, photo, and/or name to some of your items, such as thank you gifts, napkins, prizes, cups, and more. 10. Remember the Entertainment: Don’t forget the fun! Whether you have a DJ, a band, or another type of performance or speaker, remember that these touches add to the atmosphere and fun factor of your event. |
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