Tips for Planning the Perfect Event

Event Planning Tips
Planning and preparing for a big event can be very stressful, but in the end very rewarding! Featured below are some of the most important tips to follow when planning for your next event.

Double check
One week before your event, recheck on everything from attendees to suppliers. Take note of things that could possibly go wrong — and develop a contingency plan. Also try to profit from the experiences of others!

Early arrival
Arrange for all your vendors to arrive early. That gives you some extra time if changes need to be communicated, and give you time to find an alternative plan if a problem arises. You should also create a hand out with all key points, timings and your contact details so that each vendor knows the exact time they should be there and to do things throughout the event.

Contact People
Make a list of telephone numbers and contact details of all your vendors. This includes everybody you may need to talk to during your event. Think broadly of all possibilities. Also have emergency numbers on your person as well.

Be Prepared
Always have your own ‘survival kit’ ready such as scissors, tape, flashlight, markers, etc. You’ll be amazed how often you’ll need something out of the kit.

Shoes
Be sure to "break in" the shoes you will be wearing on your event day in advance. If your new shoes aren't stretched a little before the big day, your feet may be killing you before you even make it to the reception. Spend several hours wearing your shoes around the house in the weeks before the event, and you'll have no problem kicking up your heels long into the wee hours when the big day arrives.

Reply Cards
Be sure to number your reply cards. Sometimes the occasional reply card is sent back with no names filled in, which in turn can cause a serious problem for you. Here's a little trick which will ensure that you avoid this problem all together - place a small, inconspicuous number on the back of each reply card before enclosing it with the invitation. Use a list to record each guest's name along with the number on the reply card you are enclosing for them, this way - if someone should forget to fill in their name, a quick glance at your list will tell you precisely who the reply belongs to.

Stay Calm
If there is a good atmosphere at the event, smaller mistakes can go unnoticed. Try not to panic, stay cool and think of possible solutions. It’s no help when you try to solve problems while emotionally driven.