Anyone who has planned an event knows how overwhelming and stressful it can be to ensure everything runs smoothly. And with the added pressure of meeting a deadline, even the most experienced doers may have trouble keeping their heads in a positive space as they juggle everything from reserving tables to choosing colors. Whether you’re throwing a large party or hosting a smaller get-together, follow these tips and tricks to help your event be a success.
1. Plan Your Day.
Planning and organizing events is the only way to ensure all of your guests will have a great time and experience. Set aside plenty of time to plan your event—at least a month in advance. Make a list of all the things you have to do and prioritize them so that you can start working on the most critical tasks first. For example, if your event includes a meal, you could start working on the food early. Once it’s planned out and you have a schedule of what needs to be done, ensure you spread out your tasks over time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
2. Choose an appropriate date for your event.
As much as we want to host parties all year round, certain times of the year make more sense than others. For example, the summer months are great for outdoor events, as there are more outdoor parties. In the winter months, though, you’ll want to avoid throwing parties in many areas since it can be very cold. Spring and fall are also good times since those seasons lend themselves to outdoor gatherings.
3. Use a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
A checklist is a useful tool to have on hand, so you don’t forget any details. Just ensure it’s not too long and includes the most important things you need to remember. You can also keep these checklists in a binder and print a copy whenever you need to reference them.
4. Prepare a budget.
If you are paying for your event, be sure to calculate the cost of all expenses ahead of time, from venue rental to food and drink. Consider what your guests will be contributing as well, and allow for extra money in case some things cost more than you planned. It’s best to discuss this with anyone who will be attending before the party’s date so they can plan accordingly.
5. Keep travel time in mind.
While people tend to standardize on using buses and trains, it’s important to factor in travel time. For example, if you live in the city, you may have a longer travel time than if you live outside of it. It may be worth it to arrange transportation for your guests so they can meet up and make sure they are on time.
