Posted on 26/03/2012 in Function planning
If you are asked to organise your companies gathering, it is vital that you understand the basics on how to prepare for one. Yes, it can be easy to organsie – if you have a detailed action plan and implement it correctly. Without an action plan, you might end up with a 'flop', which is something that your bosses and you do not want. So when your organising a corporate event and want everything to flow, here are some steps you should consider:
Plan with a theme in mind
Come up with a theme that would be appropriate for the guests who will be attending, as well as the type of event to be held. Whether you are doing company picnics or cocktail parties, having a theme will serve as your starting point for all other decisions such as décor, music, or food. Function themes can be found online, if you are hard-pressed with creating one or unsure what theme you can have for the event.
Set your event budget
Setting up a rough spending limit can help you determine how much you should disburse for invitations, entertainment, venue rental, and other logistics to bring the function into fruition. Plus as a bonus, your employers will most likely appreciate the fact that you are enterprising enough to plan out what the companies money is going to be spent on.
Consult the professionals
It would be advised to actually meet up with your service providers so that you will have an idea on what resources they have in store for you and can provide advice on hosting your event. Location and food, in particular, are some of the most important aspects that you should personally check on to see if they are adequate for the occasion you are holding. Function venues usually have in house function managers that can help you, so set up an appointment and get access to their knowledge and advice.
These are but the basics when it comes to planning a corporate event. You will, of course, need as much assistance as you can when planning and executing this type of function, so try to select some reliable colleagues to help you out.
Posted on 09/02/2012 in Function planning
When planning a party for any size or occasion, good planning is always the key. Whether you want to have a large birthday party or a quite engagement party, ensuring you have the right amount of guests is sometimes the trickiest part in organising the event. To ensure your party will be a success and memorable, make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare and allow your guests time to save the date. Make sure you have plenty of time to organise the perfect venue as most book out around key events.
Before picking a venue we recommend you have a idea of the type of venue, capacity and catering you're after. It also helps to have an idea of your budget for the party and how many guests will be invited. Picking a good venue will influence the amount of guests that you will be able to have what you can do with your budget and also what you can serve or cannot serve. There are numerous options available for you to choose from, such as your own home, bars, halls or restaurants.
Once you lock in a date and the venue it is time to send out the invitations, we would recommend sending hand written invitations and make sure you give clear instructions for RSVP. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end and let your guests know what kind of attire is appropriate. Finalise your guest list by following up on guests who do not RSVP.
The next step is to finalise the supplies for the party including organising food, drinks (remember to include no alcoholic drinks and water), and other hired help that may be required such as a security guard if you’re planning an 18th or 21st. Regardless of the type of function you can have music and dancing, it is advisable to discuss this with the venue as to what options are available. If you are having the party at home we recommend informing your neighbours and the local police.
What to do on your party day.
Once you have access to the venue its time to decorate and set the mood/tone of your party. Test the volume of your music, lighting, layouts, decoration and attire. Make sure you have a plans in place to address rules and guest safety and this is understood by the venue and anyone helping out with the party.
All that you have left to do then is wait for your guests to start arriving, have a good time and enjoy it. I f you have any questions about hosting a party speak to your function manager at the venue or consider hiring a function / event planner.
