Planning an event can be an extremely exhausting task even for people who have handled parties multiple times. Even the most experienced party planner may anticipate an obstacle along the way, simply because this is the nature of the job.
While the advances of technology make it possible for you to conveniently collaborate with event experts and order a personalized event package through online event booking, you may still meet with inevitable hurdles before the event takes place. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk and obstacles with the right knowledge. Here are five expert tips to increase the success rate of your event.
Tip #1: Maintain excellent communication with all involved parties
Event organizers need to know the exact roles of vendors, venues, and decision-makers to ensure everyone is on the same page. Hence, excellent communication amongst all involved parties is necessary. A clear understanding of each person’s obligations through appropriate communication allows event preparation to run smoothly without conflicts.
Tip #2: Get to know your audience
Demandbase’s marketing manager, Stephanie Thomas, points out the essential role of venue in reflecting the titles of people attending the event. So depending on the type of audience, the site selected may be exquisite or straightforward.
For instance, if the organizers want to attract people of senior-level titles, they should choose a setting that would grab their attention. Since these people are frequent guests of 5-star places, the organizers may need to consider picking a high-class venue with sophisticated ambiance when planning the event to cater to the needs of the former.
Tip #3: Remember to stick to your budget
The event budget is the driving force of an event. It influences the decision-making throughout the event preparation, dictating what can or cannot be done in the party.
Organizers need to wisely allocate the budget for each crucial element of the event, such as venue, catering, transportation, audiovisuals, entertainment, and accommodation. They should also set aside some budget for other miscellaneous charges that may arise down the line.
Meanwhile, organizers who wish to order an event package through an online event booking platform need to watch out for the total service fees and any additional fees the event expert may charge.
Tip #4: Prepare several drafts of your event timeline
Organizers should consider drafting a timeline according to the preferred flow of events of their clients, as this would allow seamless communication between them and the core vendors. For instance, organizers can take the first draft and establish the timeline with their caterer for food and beverage services.
Once the initial details are verified, they can send the second draft to their photographer and repeat the procedure while adjusting any necessary information along the way. These timelines tend to have a smooth flow since everyone has the opportunity to troubleshoot and give their two cents, preventing any issues from coming up down the line.
Tip #5: Do not send out invites too late
While organizers have full control over the venues and other core elements of the party, the guests’ availability is out of their control. So they need to send out invites with sufficient event details as early as they can to encourage the guests’ attendance. They should also opt for RSVP confirmation to get an idea of the numbers of attendees.
Planning an event can be stressful with unexpected hurdles. But you can increase the chances of your event’s success and make the entire ordeal easier by having clear communication with involved parties, knowing your audience, sticking to your budget, drafting an event timeline, and sending the invites early.