If you're not using an event planner, here are a few tips to help you make YOUR event the BEST event you've ever attended!
HAVE FUN!
First and foremost, don't stress. After all, this IS a party you're planning. Sure, there's alot more to it than meets the eye. But try to have fun and if you begin to stress, ask for help. It's a party! Enjoy every minute of it!
Be Flexible with your date.
The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to get everything and everybody you want! If flexibilty is not an option, plan early. You have alot of "competition" out there. Don't assume that because your event is a year away that you have time. Once you are within a calendar year of your planned event date, you're running late!
Book these first!
Once they're booked, they're booked. They are as individual as you are and cannot be cloned. If you like them, get them!
Your officiant (if a wedding) - This will either be in a house of worship or outside of one.
Your caterer - This will either be "in house" as the same location as your event or one that travels off premises to your chosen location.
Your entertainment - DJ, Band, Clown, Dancers, etc.
Photographer/Videographer - An event as special as this needs a pro.
Don't leave the room!!!
This, in our opinion, is THE NUMBER ONE key to the most successful party ever! If you are the host or the guest of honor, stay in the room. Sometimes it's difficult. Maybe you smoke. Maybe you're at the bar with some friends and the bar is not in the same room. Maybe you have to use the restroom. Maybe your photographer wants that sunset shot. These are all legitimate reasons to leave the room. But when you do so, you leave the majority of your guests without you. YOU are the reason they are there. Not the entertainment. Not the food. YOU. Many times, your guests have traveled long distances to be with you or brought gifts for you. You don't need to be a big dancer or a party animal, but just by your presence, the entire excitement level rises. It's a fact!
TURN OFF THE TV
Many facilities have a TV within sight of your guests. If you have control over it's use, ask that it be shut off, unless it's part of your event. Sporting events can draw guests away from your event and usually do. In October, you have baseball playoffs. From September through January, you have football on Sundays. And if a local team is playing, it becomes even more of a challenge. In today's age of electronics, scores and such can be checked through cell phones. But at least, your guests are in the room when they check. If you want to keep the attention on you and your event, turn off the TV.
NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENTS Here are some convenient links:
Remember, this is what we do. Over the years your vendor has done hundreds of events just like yours. We have! And we've seen everyone's successes and failures. We've seen great ideas and bad. We want your event to be just as great as you do, if not better! Ask us for advice. We love to give it! Have an idea for your event? Maybe we've seen something similar before and can tell you how it worked out. Let us help you.
