A new year calls for a lot of new opportunities–like planning your first event! Whether you’re organizing one for personal reasons or planning to branch out and do it professionally, you’re in for quite a journey. You probably already spend a lot of time planning in your daily life (and who doesn’t!), but organizing a big event means putting your skills and abilities to the test for your guests to see and judge.
Don’t be discouraged! We asked our best event planners for their top tips on how to organize an unforgettable party that goes off without a hitch, and here’s what they have to say:
There’s no such thing as planning too far ahead.
When you plan in advance, you’re in for more savings and less challenges. Venues are more likely to be available for a lower price. Event professionals such as caterers and photographers will be more flexible on the details of your event. One underrated benefit is that with fewer obstacles to overcome, you’ll be saving yourself from a lot of last-minute stress and panicking!
Draw up a budget and stick to it as best you can.
Most people don’t know how easy it is to go over your budget when planning an event. The little things add up fast and often leave you with a bit of a shock when you go over the bills.
One tried and tested way you can stick to your budget is by getting quotes from as many event professionals as you can. This process used to take up a lot of time and effort, but EventKickstart has changed the game. You can now get free quotes from professional and available event vendors near you in just a few clicks!
Choose a convenient venue.
So you’ve found the perfect venue for your party — but is it close to public transportation or where most of your guests are? Travel issues often lead to no-shows, and that’s one sure way to dampen the mood.
Decide on an appropriate drink menu.
You don’t necessarily need a theme to have a successful party, but it’s best to have a clear idea of the kind of event you’re throwing and whether you need mixers or fine wines, beers or cocktails. The right amount of drinks is very important too, so consider the type of guests and what they might be expecting.
The small details count.
If your budget allows for this, consider jazzing up the venue with the right decorations, lighting, flowers and other finishing touches. Visualize how the location will look at the time of the event. Be careful with going overboard (and over your budget!) because it definitely doesn’t take a lot to turn a location into the perfect event venue! These small details can make your first event just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.
