Want to Party? Begin with the End in Mind


by Renee Shupe - Date: 2006-12-03 - Word Count: 528 Share This!

Event Planning, the basic elements demystified

It seems no matter the type of work you do or even the type of life you live there always seems to be a need to understand the basic elements of event planning. Whether it's planning a company Holiday Event, or Staff BBQ, or even your child's birthday party understanding the basic steps to pulling together a smooth running event can make things just a little bit easier. So with that in mind, let's explore some of the basic elements to any event.

Begin with the End in Mind

So you have your event to plan, whether it's for 4 people or 600 people, the initial element in planning an event is the same. Decide how you want to event to roll out. Will it be a casual event or something more formal, yes that dinner party with your neighbours can have a more formal feel if you wish. Some key elements in determine how you want your event, the time, date and place, though obvious things to have arranged if they aren't decided upon then what's the point.

Other things to think about:

Envision how you see the place decorate and if necessary pick your colour and themeDid you want to provide a thank you gift for coming, if so determine it nowWill you be eating appetizers or having a formal sit down dinnerBalloons no balloons?Deciding on how you want to see your event is the fun part, the execution of the event takes more skill.Checklists, Checklists, Checklists

By the way, did I say checklists? Write everything down that needs to be done, make sure that you know who is doing what and provide them with a list of their tasks. Of course if the event is your child's party, it's likely you handling everything even so, write everything down.

Have a cushion

Not for you to sit down on, but a buffer because of delays or simply to give you a break. Sometimes when planning an event it's easy to forget that you need to get ready for the event also. Having at least an additional 30 to 60 minutes planned for nothing helps to provide some additional time should you really need it.

Need items to come from somewhere else? Better to have them delivered the day before or the early morning of the day of the event. It's being shipped, scheduled for their arrival 2 to 3 days before the event. This provides a cushion should there be any delays.

Follow up

What good is a checklist if you don't refer to it. Follow up with everyone to confirm that what you require to done, will be ready when you need it.

The End

Ultimately, the point of pulling an event together is to ensure that your guests have a great time and that they leave with great memories. The idea that you can now relax, now that the event is under way is a falsehood, enjoy yourself, but also keep your guests in the forefront for the event was done with them in mind.

The Final End

Now it's time to call the cleaners and have them take care of the mess and for you too put your feet up and relax!

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Related Tags: events, party, virtual assistant, event planning, special events, virtual assistance

Renee is a Administrative Solutions Expert having worked in both the private and public sector for more than 15 years before venturing out and opening her own business, 3Rs Business Solutions. Named after the 3 Rs in the family; herself, her husband and her step-son; Renee strives to provide insight and administrative solutions to other small businesses and solo professionals. She can be found on the web at http://www.reneeshupe.ca

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