Event Planning Advice GUIDE

Whether your job is to plan a corporate event for 1,000 or organise a family reunion for 20, your question is the same: ‘how do I start planning an event?’ Being in the events industry for over fifteen years, we have seen our fair share of party planning faux pas. Because of that we have gathered a rich collection of event planning advice. So whether you are a first-time event planner or fully initiated: here is your expert's guide to the six most important questions to ask when you plan your event.

Event planning advice for organisers.

Who is the Event For?

All good decisions grow from this first essential lesson.. Know your audience. Once you understand your audience, you will know who you need to cater for and what they are interested in. It will be easier to decide if you are going to have a theme, and if so, which one. You will know what things your budget should go towards. Catering quandries? Entertainment enjoyment? Venue vibe?… All the answers become easier when you know your audience.

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Tip 2 Guide for Event Planning.

What is your budget?

Get clear on your budget early. Then stick with it. Plain and simple. From party favours, to the drinks allowance, to the entertainment: it is so easy for costs to add up.

If you start with a clear budget then break it down, you will know all about how much is left in each category for various elements. You will also know if anything needs to be cut from the wish list so you can concentrate on doing things properly for what there IS budget for. This event planning budget tool can help.

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Tip 3 Party Planner Guide When to Plan

When will you start planning?

If you are a procrastinator, this piece of event planning advice is for you! To give your guests an event they will say was worth attending, you must allow good time to plan all the details. Large events or ‘monumental’ ones in terms of importance (regardless of size) can take four to six months of preparation.  Smaller gatherings can take a month.  You also should research and book entertainment well in advance as good entertainers get booked up.

BACK UPS
A rule wise magicians follow is to brainstorm the top five or ten worst things that could happen during the performance and have a contingency plan for them. This is also a good technique for event planners to put to work for them. So when things do not follow Plan A, Plan B is ready in the wings. When you understand this technique, it will save you embarrassment on the big day.

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Tip 4 Event Planner Advice is where to do it.

Where will the event be?

Sometimes event organisers overlook the impact the venue plays on their peace of mind and their event’s success. You must know all about your venue and how it impacts everything else you are planning. For example, will your entertainment be allowed enough time in the venue to set up before guests arrive? Have you met the manager who will be there on the night? Is the events manager you are working with going to be there in four months when you have the event? Are you booking a big enough room for your number of guests and the area needed for your show?

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Tip 5 for event planning is to know why.

Why are you having the event?

The reason for having the event will help you decide answers to many of the other questions on this page. The answer to this question will warn you what to avoid and inspire you with ideas for what to include.

CONTEXT

Is everyone rolling up on a weekend relaxed and ready for your drinks reception? Or are they joining a dinner after a quick change of clothes following a heavy day of seminars? Is there a dry speech to be worked in at some point? Knowing the context of your event will help you make informed choices about entertainment and all other details. Only an experienced entertainer will be able to hear your unique context and know what to recommend as the best format and approach.

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How much detail is in the contracts is event planning advice 6.

How much detail is in the contract?

It may seem obvious for some, but it is an often overlooked piece of advice. From your venue agreements, to catering, to the entertainment contract, always make sure you are happy with the fine details in your contract. Knowing the small details help you with your contingency planning, cancellation and payment terms. Here are some important clauses to cover when you draft your event contracts.

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