11 Helpful Tips for Throwing an Event

Throwing an event is exciting. It can be really rewarding to see something you’ve planned go well. We’ve put together a guide with handy tips on throwing an event.

Goal

The first step to a successful event is to decide on a goal. Whether it’s a cooperate event for brand awareness to an anniversary party, decide what you’d like out of it. This could be a particular achievement or simply for the guests to enjoy themselves. Whatever it may be, set a goal and you then have something to work towards.

Audience

Who will be attending? Who do you need to impress? What can you do to ensure the guests enjoy themselves? Consider each guest that’s coming. Obviously, if it’s a smaller list it will be easier than a huge party. Its good to ensure there’s something everyone can enjoy. For example, if there are any children attending, a kid’s corner with little games and colouring pencils is a nice idea.

Budget

Draw up a budget for how much you’d like to spend. A spreadsheet is a great way to record spending and see where the money went. If you are planning in a team, make sure everyone has access to the document, so spending is carefully tracked. Agree with your team before making a big purchase such as venue hire.

Team

Having a good team behind you is always useful when throwing an event. Even if it’s a small one such as a garden party, have a couple of you get together to discuss and make plans. Doing things by yourself can be daunting and its always good to have someone to bounce ideas off.

Venue

An event is only as good as the venue you host it at. If you’re hiring somewhere out, make sure they’ve got the appropriate amenities such as catering if needed. If you have space, having your event at home can save money which can then be spent on other elements of the event.

Be different

The best way to catch people’s attention is to be different. Do something creative for your event and get everyone talking. The internet is your friend with this one so if you are struggling to come up with ideas, have a look around.

Negotiating

If you’re hiring caterers or a venue, always try and negotiate the price. They may not budge but its always worth a try. If you have any particular skills, offer them in exchange for a discount. For example, a personal training session exchanged for a discount on a cake.

Backup plan

Always have a backup plan. Obviously, things go wrong and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Having a backup plan, even if loose, will keep your mind at ease and allow you to enjoy your event.

Stay calm

It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of an event. But try to relax and enjoy yourself. If everyone goes smoothly, you can give yourself a pat on the back. If something goes wrong, it’s out of your control. Keep things in perspective and you can’t go wrong.

Follow up

After an event, always have a follow up with guests. Consider whether it was a success, whether people enjoyed themselves and what you might change in the future. Let your guests know your thoughts and invite them to share theirs.

If you’re looking for flexible event spaces, look no further than Kents Hill Park. We are located in Milton Keynes, with excellent transport links to the rest of the country, to make it easy for your guests to attend. We have a range of accommodation options so don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.

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