Holding an event can be stressful for any sized business. Whether it’s a client thank-you function, the grand opening of a new store or a staff Christmas party, everyone wants to get it right and make the event memorable for the right reasons.
As an event specialist, I see people making some rookie mistakes over and over, but with a little foresight and some planning, you can minimise the risk of things going wrong and ensure you and your guests have a wonderful time.
Here are my top ten do’s and don’ts for a successful event:
- Do have a budget – and stick to it. Make sure you have a little extra to accommodate last minute or unforeseen costs.
- Do think about the attendees and make sure the venue and ambience are suitable for them and the type of event you’re planning.
- Do send out invites in plenty of time and make sure the guest list is exhaustive.
- Do have a running sheet. It’s a critical part of planning that benefits the event host and the guests.
- Don’t pick a time or date that clashes with a holiday or major event. No-one’s coming to your grand opening on the same day as the AFL Grand Final.
- Don’t let your guests get bored or you could be in for an early night. Ensure your entertainment elements hit all five senses and throw in a speech.
- Don’t try and do everything yourself – if you need professional help, get it. If you need help to serve food or drinks, hire some wait staff from a catering company.
- Don’t under-cater, there’s nothing worse than hungry guests or running out of champagne at 8 pm.
- Don’t forget to organise someone to be the official photographer, especially if the event is one that might be considered a business milestone. If your event has some high-profile personalities attending, see if you can get a social pages’ photographer to attend.
- Don’t forget to cater to non-drinkers and guests with special dietary needs.
Tamara Cook, Director, Known Associates Events
