There really is no reason to stress over the task at hand. Planning an event can seem like quite a lot of pressure to some people, but – if you put together a checklist and then take action – you will soon find yourself way ahead of schedule. Most events require three basic components:
- Location – To take a whole load off of your shoulders, consider having your event in a banquet hall that caters as well. Research your venue location thoroughly, and beware of added services they offer as some banquet halls feel they can provide everything for your event while still staying focused on their #1 job – keeping you and your guests happy. Some halls offer everything from floral shops to live bands to formal wear rentals to disc jockeys and beyond. It is possible for them to pull it all off; under one roof – if staffed well and run by professionals. I would look in to their testimonials.
- Food – Just as important as the location of your event. Every one of your guests will talk about the food – how good it was, how dry it was, etc. Especially when you are being catered to. You will see even the most horrible cooks, and people that only know how to use a microwave turn in to the pickiest food-critic on the face of the planet when they are being catered to and waited on.
- Entertainment – Equally as important as the above two components to your event. Your selection is crucial to your event’s success. Take your time when selecting who will be entertaining your guests. You can find entertainers in a variety of places including bridal shows, the yellow pages, local newspaper classifieds, and of course – the latest fad, Google it. Remember your brothers wedding? What was the entertainment like? If it was GREAT, than get the contact information from your brother for the entertainer he used. Word of mouth is the #1 way to hire entertainment, hands down. I always say “Entertainment can make or break any event.”
Another thing to keep in mind in reference to using in-house disc jockeys provided by the banquet hall; they should be researched as well, remember that the D.J. the hall provides is getting paid by the hall, and not directly by you. The added charge the hall will tack on top for the DJ service is a fraction of what the DJ will actually see – therefore, they might not exactly have your best interests at heart. Ask questions like “Can I meet with the DJ prior to my event”?
Never assume the company you are hiring has the same ideas you do. Make sure that you are both on the same wavelength to avoid any confusion on the day of your event. Tell them what you want, and put it on paper. Have everything outlined in the contract before signing it. If the service provider does not offer a contract, find one that does. Good luck.
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