Planning a party ? I mentioned in my previous post that I’m in the process of organizing my birthday party … being an events planner I’m already fickle as it is when it comes down to the planning process .. so decided to share a few tips with you all on the process.
It sounds simple – but believe me – it’s effective. The sad part is that most of us ‘know’ this but ‘don’t apply it’ when we have to get around to planning a party.
1. Location & Site Visit. Always go and visit the venue for your party. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 5-star hotel; a banquet hall or your grandmothers country house.
p.s. as an update … I’ve already managed to get more than enough food coming in for my party between 6 friends !
It sounds simple – but believe me – it’s effective. The sad part is that most of us ‘know’ this but ‘don’t apply it’ when we have to get around to planning a party.
1. Location & Site Visit. Always go and visit the venue for your party. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 5-star hotel; a banquet hall or your grandmothers country house.
- The location tends to determine how many people will attend the party. The closer you are to home – the more people are likely to turn up. The further out the party – its a more a selected bunch of mates that will show.
- Sketch out a map if the venue is not well-known. I drew out a map using the paint program and used it for my party last year.
- Download a map from the venue website and send it to your friends. Email it, or put it up on a Facebook invite.
- Take note of full address with landmarks (in case people call for directions)
- For venues that are on the outskirts of the city
- Time the drive so that guests know what to expect.
- Use a sign board or placard if possible. I printed 3 signs on t-stands to help my guests with directions.
- Take pictures of landmarks and post them on your FB invite; e-vite or email to your friends so that they know what landmarks to watch out for.
- E-vites are IN ! There are quite a few websites that one can use to create customized e-vites. And if you are feeling creative – then use Photoshop (even the basic Paint or Powerpoint program for the novices) to create something of your choice. Here’s what I’ve made for my party :)
- SMS. Small or large party – a text message is sufficient for close friends.
- Facebook E-vite. Almost everyone uses FB and with its ‘create an event’ features – organizing a party becomes very simple as you can get quite a good estimate on a head count.
- You can post the landmark photos; maps in the event page
- Guests can post their queries; inform you of what they are bringing etc so makes your life a lot simpler !
- Caterer or No Caterer that is the question. Do you have a budget for food ? That ought to determine what you should do.
- If the party is at home or at a private venue (not a hotel or banquet) then you could make quite a few easy and filling dishes yourself. My aunt hosted an engagement party for her friends’ daughter – here’s what the buffet was like.
- Or just tell everyone that it’s a pot-luck party and to bring a dish along.
- Of course – don’t rely on everyone to do that. Select a handful of close friends who will definitely be there for the party and assign them some dishes to bring.
- My party is a BBQ pool party and my close mates are all helping out. NC is hooking up the humus, frankies, and jello shots J Neh is making brownies, potato salad and bringing along Taboo. I’ve got my mum making Mexican and pasta salads. The last BBQ I went to was a semi-pot luck party. Check out the dishes on the table.
- Easy dishes for DIY parties : potato salad; Caesar salad; mixed fruit salad; pasta salad; spaghetti in tomato, cream or pesto sauce; sour cream dips; pita breads; olive & cheese sticks; corn on the cob; grilled chicken;
- Get your close mates together and figure out what the general group that’s being invited drinks.
- Minimum Quantities for a party of 30-50 pax :
- Vodka x 10-12
- Whiskey x 5
- White Rum x 5
- Dark Rum x 2
- Gin x 1
- Red & White Wine x 12; and
- 3 cases of Beer.
- If you and your friends like to do shots – hook up some Tequila (x 2) or Sambuca (x 2).
- Mixers & Sodas :
- Bartenders. If you have the budget – hire them ! That’s one headache that you can be rid off. They know just how to utilize the booze and can come up with some great cocktails to be served. I’ve got 2 guys booked for my party.
- Most agencies for bartenders also provide glasses, garnishes, and bring along all the shakers etc.
- They can also advise you how many bottles you require depending on the number of guests.
- BYOB. For any private party that you are hosting – there’s no harm in suggesting to your guests to bring a bottle with them.
- Every bottle counts. If you have 5 close friends who you can count on to bring a bottle each – that’s 5 less bottles that you need to stress about organizing.
- The problem with DIY music is that you have to make sure you have a basic sound system with good enough speakers; a good selection of music or if you are an i-pod user, then the i-pod speakers and a place to keep it on charge for the duration of the party.
- I always recommend getting a DJ (I’m an events planner what else can you expect) and once again this year – I’ve booked myself a DJ who’s coming down with his sound and speakers as well as lights for the evening part of the party.
- If you’re having a house party – and have surround sound on your TV – cheat a little - hook up a hard drive with music to the TV and play your tunes from there.
- What if it’s too many people ? It doesn’t matter. Always reciprocate to the people who have invited you. They may or may not turn up but at least you’ve covered yourself.
- Business & Pleasure. Hmmm this one is tricky. It might be slightly awkward inviting work friends / clients and social friends to the same party. It really depends on your relationship with them. General rule of thumb – don’t invite the work mates or clients unless you are already a part of the same general social circle !
- Mix-It-Up. Make sure you’re calling people who know how to have a good time regardless of the situation. The last thing you need is a bunch of people complaining. Call people who can mingle with others even if they don’t know them.
- Guest list. Names of all guests & potential adder-on’s with them.
- Who’s bringing what. Nothing wrong with selecting a handful of close friends and assigning them responsibilities.
- Budget Sheet. Keep track of what you are spending and how much you are spending. Looking at this sheet will help you either cut down on some expenses or spread the load amongst close friends or at least figure out a few deals.
- Who can help. You’d be surprised at the wealth of info & contacts that you have amongst your friends circle. Someone might know a good caterer; or DJ; or an alcohol supplier. Don’t be afraid to ask for contacts. It’s all about saving where you can.
p.s. as an update … I’ve already managed to get more than enough food coming in for my party between 6 friends !
2 comments:
I am going to Link to this!! This is fantastic!!!!
@ Singlutionary .. glad you like it :) hope you use it sometime :P
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