Anyone can throw a party, but planning an event takes some serious effort. Some might argue that planning a perfect event is a skill. It requires thoughtfulness, foresight, and organization. Searching for an event space, sending out invites, and selecting caterers; all of these demand constant attention.
Fortunately, there is a way to de-stress the entire experience. Pre-planning goes a long way. In fact, 48% of professionals start planning their events anywhere from six to 12 months in advance, according to event industry statistics. While this won’t solve all your problems, it can help make your big day go a little more smoothly. With this in mind, below are five pre-planning tips that can transform any event into a success.
Consider why you’re throwing this event. Think about an event’s purpose before plunging into any logistics. Once you’ve determined your goals, you can begin building an event that will enable you to achieve them. Consider dates, attendees, and location. These will influence the type, size, and overall structure of your event.
Turning your dreams into reality may not be cheap. But someone will be footing the bill. Creating a working budget is a key step. Although it shouldn’t be set in stone, an accurate, initial budget will guide how you allocate funds and also help you eliminate any unexpected surprises.
Planning an event isn’t a solo act. Recruit a competent team and establish a chain of command, with everyone reporting to you or a project manager. Assign and delegate tasks based on each individual’s strengths. Not only does this relieve some of the pressure on you, but it will also make your event go more smoothly.
Choosing an event space and date are major factors. Start researching soon, since these will shape your whole plan going forward. It may be a struggle to book events for certain venues, so be flexible. Don’t neglect to consider seasonal elements that impact availability and costs. Some venues may be more expensive during peak seasons, such as mid-summer.
There’s still a lot to do between now and the big day. But, by committing to pre-planning, you can check a few items off your to-do list. Remember to enjoy yourself at the event, as you’ve worked so hard to bring it to life!
