MAKE YOUR EVENT AN EXPERIENCE, NOT A SPECTACLE

When planning events I focus on the experience of the guests and what will make them feel welcome and wanted rather than on how to wow them. Think of New Year’s Eve celebrations. What do you remember more vibrantly, the fireworks and the {fill in the blank} dropping, or the people you spent time with and the camaraderie you shared? Don’t get me wrong, there are times and places for spectacles, but I think the most endearing spectacles have a foundation in group experience (ask your local Disneyphile or Transylvanian [IYKYK]).

Whether inviting a handful of friends over for dinner or planning an all day wedding extravaganza (please consider hiring a professional), there are a few of questions to ask yourself that can go a long way towards your success. Answer these and put your focus there!

1. What are your priorities?

2. Do you want to impress your guests or do you want to share the gift of time together?

3. Is this a celebration, general gathering, memorial, etc.?

4. Is it casual, formal, or some mix of the two?

Now for some specific details:

Casual Events

• Have a set start and end time and stick to it

• Hosting at home is a generous and intimate gesture that guests appreciate

• Have some simple tasks that early arrivers can assist with if they wish, it tends to develop a sense commitment in them to the success of the event

• If a large number of guests don’t know each other, have name tags

• If a large number of guests don’t know each other consider periodic ice breakers to help them get to know each other and to “shake up” the room

• Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

  • easier to host than a dinner party

  • great for connection

  • don’t fret over having too little seating, you want people to mingle

  • 15-20 guests is an ideal size for having enough guests to keep the energy up

• Dinner party

  • great for intimacy

  • know guests dietary limitations and consider eating family style

  • if you have more than six guests, conversation will tend to bifurcate

Formal Events

• It is better to keep things simple and very well thought out

  • Have a theme and stay true to it. This does not need to be elaborate or overtly stated, it could simply be a reflection of the occasion.

  • A handful well-designed and located items of decor are often better than a carnival explosion of things (unless you are going for a carnival theme)

  • Food, cocktails, and entertainment should all fit clearly into the theme

• If hosting an event that will be outdoors, PLEASE keep in mind the location and time of year. I have seen too many bridesmaids turning blueish in cold weather, as well as a couple of groomsmen needing to take a seat during sweltering heat.

  • Some vendors will have restrictions on what type of weather they can fulfill their duties in

  • Accommodations can be made, heat lamps spaced out in the cold or canopies strategically hung in the heat are good examples

  • Always have an inclement weather location available

Hopefully this is of some help. Let us know what type of events you have planned.