Event planning is one of the most prosperous industries in the world. Whether you want to throw an elegant party or host a wedding that your friends and family will never forget, you’ll need to make sure that you’re prepared to manage a large event. For the sake of clarity, we consider a large event to be an organized gathering with at least 100 guests. However, we will make sure you’re prepared for events in excess of 1,000 guests if necessary!
In this article, we will provide a few tips to get you ready for larger events. While some of these tips can be avoided or skipped if you hire the right event planner, you should still keep them in mind. So, without further ado, let’s look at a few different ways to prepare and manage large events!
Create Your Budget
Without setting a budget, no one can get a large event off the ground. Even if you think you might need to go over your budget, you still need to have a general number in mind. So, start crunching the numbers to see how much your wallet can handle. From there, you can see how you will spend your funds. Some of the most common expenses for large events include:
- Food
- Alcohol
- Waitstaff
- Location
- Decorations
- Live entertainment
Consider Hiring an Event Planner
In all honesty, one of the best ways to avoid headaches is to hire an event planner or event management company. That said, not all event planners are created equal. Some will charge you a fortune and deliver mediocre results, while others will charge next to nothing and create the event of a lifetime. So, if you choose this route, be sure to do your research. Look for reviews from past clients and talk with the event planner beforehand to see if they would be a good fit for your needs.
Find the Right Setting
Whether or not you use an event planner, you’ll need to be involved in the search for the right event location. The location will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, the type of event, the atmosphere you want to create, and the number of guests you want to invite. You’ll also want to find a location that is within a reasonable distance for all of your guests. In any case, finding the right setting is perhaps the most important element of preparing for large events.
Create the Right Atmosphere
Creating an atmosphere requires vision and, to one degree or another, some artistic talent. This is why many people hire event planners or even interior designers to create a dazzling atmosphere. However, you can still do things on your own without breaking the bank. For example, you can rent metal barricades or plastic barriers to give your event the feeling of a “red carpet” award ceremony, or long wooden tables to create a kingly banquet hall. Whatever your end goal, just remember to make your event memorable!
