| How to Plan the Ideal Event | | | | Finding a venue and deciding on the party theme |
| Planning an event is easy if you have the right tools | | | | have a symbiotic relationship i.e. one relies on the |
| to hand. Unfortunately some people are unable to | | | | other. Book your venue well ahead of the event |
| enjoy their special occasion because they expend so | | | | date, so you get what you want and not just what |
| much energy planning the event within a tight | | | | is on offer. Decide on the location of your event i.e. |
| schedule. Any event, whether it is a wedding, | | | | garden party with marquee, banquet hall, house |
| birthday, dinner party or corporate event can be a | | | | party, hotel, pub, recreation hall etc. |
| smashing success if due diligence is taken from the | | | | Search online for available venues or use your local |
| onset. The main tools you need for your event are a | | | | directory, be willing to look further afield for the right |
| note pad, a pen, a calendar and if you can afford one | | | | location. Call up the venues to book viewing |
| an event organiser. | | | | appointments early. Find out what else is part of the |
| Set the Date | | | | package; does the service include the use of the bar, |
| Well finally you are getting married, moving home, | | | | kitchen, changing rooms, car park and other facilities? |
| turning 40, 60, 18 or you just want to celebrate an | | | | Make sure you are clear about the contract before |
| achievement. With the constant change in seasons, | | | | you commit to hiring a venue. Have a choice of dates |
| there is no longer an appropriate month for any | | | | to hand, just in case your preferred date is not |
| event. People get married in January and hold | | | | available. Always get a second opinion on the venue |
| barbecues in October, as long as guests are | | | | and read reviews of their services. |
| comfortable and you have the ideal venue. | | | | Choosing Contractors |
| Every Party needs People | | | | You can hire your own contractors or employ an |
| Once you decide on having a party for whatever | | | | event organiser to do it for you. If you are planning |
| reason, the next task is to decide on who you want | | | | the event yourself, you should take into |
| to invite to the party. Get a pen and paper or open | | | | consideration your daily schedule. Will you be able to |
| an excel spreadsheet if you have access to a | | | | attend appointments, viewings, tasting, sampling and |
| computer. You can divide your guests into various | | | | approving all the things that pertain to the event? |
| categories such as family, must invite, close friends, | | | | Events flop when the coordinator juggles too many |
| work colleagues, old friends, new friends, fun people, | | | | balls; do not let this happen to you. Hiring an event |
| obligatory guests etc. Listing your guests this way will | | | | organiser might seem like an indulgent option but the |
| almost ensure you do not leave the important people | | | | good thing is you can select some parts of their |
| out and you get a good mix of guests. Once you | | | | services and take on some of the planning yourself. |
| have compiled your list, then you can whittle it down | | | | Event organisers are known to organise almost |
| to an acceptable number. Always remember to leave | | | | everything including what to wear, speeches, |
| room for the last minute "I must attend" guests and | | | | catering, and the strangest of requests. If you are |
| place on stand-by those who can fill in for last minute | | | | hiring an event management company, be clear about |
| cancellations. | | | | the services you want them to provide. Make sure |
| Party Theme | | | | the contract is in writing and agree a fee prior to |
| The number of guests and the venue will determine | | | | signing a contract. |
| to a large extent the theme of your party. If you | | | | Once you have taken these essential steps then you |
| have always wanted a James Bond themed wedding | | | | can start writing out your invites, making phone calls |
| or a carnival birthday party, you need to consider | | | | and choosing your outfit. Make sure you stay on top |
| your options. Will your granny or older relatives be | | | | of your schedule including those important |
| willing to participate in a high-energy event or can | | | | appointments. Pay deposits on time so you do not |
| your living room host a carnival theme? | | | | end up with a cancelled service. Above all, be |
| Find a Suitable Venue | | | | determined to have fun on that special day. |