Recall your most recent experience attending a party. What aspects of the party appealed to you the most? The choice of music? The food? The company you’re with?
Even if everything seemed smooth and enjoyable for you, there have been a plethora of things taking place behind the scenes to maximise your enjoyment. Everything was meticulously crafted to the last detail.
To enjoy each and every moment of the event that you organised. We will suggest you hire a catering company in London that will fulfil all your needs and make your event memorable.
That said, creating an incredible experience for your guests is a task that takes some careful planning and forethought. If you’re hosting an event, here are seven tips to ensure that everything runs smoothly and becomes a memorable experience for your guests.
1) Make A Statement With Your Venue
Your event’s location should convey the nature of the gathering. If you’re throwing a black-tie gala, then a grand ballroom or stately home would be more appropriate than a local pub.
If you’re holding an office event, be considerate of your employees’ time and energy by choosing a venue that’s close to the office.
The venue should also have the amenities to support your event. If you’re expecting a large turnout, then the venue should be able to accommodate your guests comfortably. Having too few chairs and tables is not a good look and can leave a bad taste in your guests.
There should also be designated areas for different activities. For example, if you’re having a sit-down dinner, there should be a separate area for dancing and mingling. This allows guests to move about and interact with each other as they please.
2) Think About The Program
When party planning, the event’s program should be carefully laid out. The program should be designed to flow smoothly, with a natural progression from one activity to the next.
The program should also be entertaining and engaging, with a mix of activities that appeal to different senses and interests. For example, if you’re having a dinner party, you might want to start with a cocktail hour to get everyone mingling, followed by a sit-down dinner, and then end with some dancing.
If you’re hosting a more formal event, think of the flow of the speakers and the presentations. There should be a logical progression that keeps the guests engaged throughout. Add restroom breaks in between so that the guests can have time to collect themselves too.
3) Set The Mood With Music
The right music can set the tone for the entire event. It can be used to create a relaxed or festive atmosphere, depending on the event’s purpose.
Choose music that is appropriate for the event and the guests. If you’re not sure what to pick, there are plenty of professional DJs and event planners who can help you out.
Alternatively, you can always play a good playlist in the background. Just be sure to pick songs that are enjoyable to all and will encourage conversation among the guests.
4) Invite an Appropriate Selection of Guests
The guest list is one of the most important aspects of any event. Not only will it dictate the overall atmosphere of the gathering, but it will also determine how successful the event is.
Think about who you want to invite and why. Are you trying to invite industry leaders to a networking event? Friends or family? Get-togethers with friends are usually more informal, while business events require a more formal setting.
The number of guests you invite will also play a huge role in the selection process. While you’d ideally want to invite more people, the venue and budget may limit your options. Have a figure in mind so that you don’t have to turn people down.
5) Serve Excellent Food and Drinks
One of the highlights of any great party is the food that gets put on everyone’s dinner plate. As such, it’s important to choose dishes that will tantalise the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
The same goes for drinks. If you’re serving alcohol, be sure to have a selection that will appeal to different palates. And don’t forget about non-alcoholic options for those who aren’t interested in getting drunk.
While a short event with few people can get by with pizza and doughnuts, a large event will need a bit more foresight. Catering services (like the more well known Gathar in Australia) can help you handle the food and drinks for such events, whether it’s for a large banquet or a more intimate gathering.
6) Bring the Right Talent
If you’re hosting a large event, then you’ll need to hire people who specialise in event planning to help you out. The first person you should find is an event organiser as they’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.
You should also look into hiring a catering company, as they’ll be responsible for the food and drinks. If the venue does not provide bartenders, hosts, DJs, or other service personnel, you can hire them.
Finally, hiring photographers and videographers as well as security guards should also be considered. They will be able to document the event and make sure that everyone stays safe.
7) Give Parting Gifts to Your Guests
While not required, giving parting gifts to your guests is always a nice touch. It serves as a tangible item to remember the event by and shows your appreciation for their attendance.
Parting gifts don’t have to be expensive. They can be something as simple as a keychain or a tote bag with the event’s logo. If you’re on a tight budget, you can even DIY the gifts with items you handcrafted yourself.