4 Small Tips That Will Make A Big Impact At Your Next Event

If you’ve ever planned a party or event, you know how stressful it can be. Of course, there are big details to consider, such as catering, venue options, and logistics, but one of the biggest worries of party planning is ensuring everyone has a good time.

While the big details are essential for success, the small details are what will set your celebration apart and keep guests entertained for hours. Below, we’ve compiled four small party-planning details that will really make an impact!

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It is generally a rule of thumb that the more cohesive and consistent your party theme is, the more fun your guests will have getting immersed in it. From the menu items to the decor and even the music, your theme should be well defined from the beginning of your event to the very end.

Choosing a theme will be dependent on the type of party you’re throwing and why you are throwing it for. For example, if you are planning a wedding, you may want the theme to be more subtle (think vintage, retro, whimsical, modern, industrial, etc.). This may also be heavily influenced by your venue. However, if you’re throwing an event like a birthday or graduation party, you can get as imaginative and creative as you’d like! Settling on a theme is a wise first step in the planning process as you will base the remainder of the details on it.

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There’s nothing that will bring down the mood of a party quicker than something going awry without a concrete backup plan. That’s why it’s so important to spend some time running through different possible scenarios while making a mental note of what you would do in the event that it actually happens. The two areas you will want to be prepared for include backup plans for inclement weather and beverage restocks.

If clouds and spotty showers appear in the forecast a few days before your outdoor event, consider renting an enclosed tent with walls to block out rain and wind. It may also be a good idea to purchase umbrellas in bulk so guests can take cover while walking outside if rain does come through. In some cases, however, you may want to have a rain date scheduled just in case or a backup indoor venue on call that will accommodate you at the last minute.

Additionally, if you are not getting alcohol through a caterer, it is a good idea to have a game plan in the event you start to run out before the event is over. As a guest, it can be a real downer when a popular drink is gone well before the end of the event. Instead of making guests choose something else, download a delivery service app to get you out of this pinch. This way, you can have alcohol dropped off to the event location and have your guests favorites restocked rather than running out before the party is over.

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Keep guests entertained by providing them with games and other features they can interact with. Adding a highlight to your event will help prevent any boredom or lulls that might occur. From festive backdrops with fun props to live music, games, and contests– there are plenty of creative options that will make your party memorable!

When deciding on an interactive highlight, take your guests into consideration. Are the majority of your guests younger or older? Are they predominantly female or male? The answers to these questions, along with your event’s theme, may help to determine your guest’s interests. Get started with some ideas from the list below:

• Backdrop with props
• Photobooth with printer
• Live music
• DJ
• Lawn games
• Contests with prizes
• Bounce house
• Party rentals
• Face painter
• Snack bar
• Food truck
• Board Game stations
• Outdoor movie
• Karaoke
• Crafting stations
• Popcorn machine
• Trivia

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Including detailed signage around your event may seem like a small aspect, but it truly can make a big impact! Even when it seems obvious, adding signs may help your guests spend less time “figuring things out” and more time enjoying themselves. Start by creating little signs to put next to each food and beverage offering so that guests know what they are consuming. Don’t forget to label any allergens!

Next, add signs that will easily lead guests to the bathrooms and other important areas, especially if the venue is large. Finally, provide flyers, print outs, or brochures that go into detail about the event, including the event schedule and a creative event hashtag!

Though it is easy to put all of your energy towards big picture ideas, it is often the small touches that can really create the “wow factor” you’re looking for. Coupled with thorough planning for the “what if” scenarios, putting extra effort in the right places will surely set your event up for success!