Where to start?
You have a wonderful opportunity to impress friends, family or colleagues by throwing a party. But there is much to think about in advance for it to run smoothly…
Budget is probably the biggest factor to decide upon and control, but don’t think that by spending a great deal of money, your party will be better. Choosing a style or theme for your function can help you focus on things you specifically want. This can help curb unnecessary purchases.
Colour based themes are very simple. Your invitation can state that a specific colour will need to be worn for entry. Balloons and napkins can easily compliment your chosen colour.
Cocktail parties are back with a vengeance, but why stop with just cocktails? Counter top bars to serve from provide the central point and bar tables and lounge settings add the style and create an ambience that will make your guests feel they are in the best lounge bar in town.
Consistent looking chairs, crockery and glassware are also a nice touch that won’t cost the earth.
Click here for more budget tips.
Another important factor to consider is the date of your function. Clashes with major events can put a dampener on proceedings. Conceding that you may need to announce regular updates of football scores may help the ‘guys’ relax and stay in party mode.
November and March are the busiest event months of the year and therefore the hire industry sells out quickly. The Clipsal 500 race is a pivotal event that coordinators of other events wait for to be announced before they dare announce their own function’s date.
Click here for important dates like public holidays, school terms or events that may affect your party.
Can you contain your popularity? You know you have a close circle of 200 friends but would you shout them all dinner and drinks on one night? This can easily become the hardest task of throwing a party, culling down the number of guests. Matching the style of party to the size of party helps a little. A cocktail party is usually intimate – between 30 to 50 people are easy to handle at home. You can easily rotate finger food with a pie warmer in the kitchen.
If you cannot contain numbers, a Hollywood style party feels right with greater numbers. This style may require a mobile coolroom, bain maries or even a caterer and waiters.
If nan and pop wont be too offended, they may like to offer their services and babysit all the grandkids that night, or, on the other hand you can invite the young un’s to be hired help. They attend, make some money and you don’t need to pay professionals. Everybody’s happy!
You could even break your party into two. Meet the relatives at the pub for dinner and party hard with friends the next night.
Do you want total control? If you hire a venue, you're at the mercy of the owner or manager in charge. In most cases your party must finish by a specific time and you must be cleaned up and out of there early the next morning before Kindergym or aerobics starts. There are benefits of course (Does your house have 60 car park spaces?), large area, professional kitchen and dual toilets to name but a few.
Throwing a picnic in the park for your 40th will certainly curtail time and therefore money spent.
Functions at home equate to a lot of preparation. You can minimize this by coordinating the mower man and window cleaner, and you can even hire somebody to come out and clean your oven before your party. There is a great deal of satisfaction achieved by being brave enough to host your party at home. A finely orchestrated party will be talked about for years. If you don’t think you have enough room, then a marquee is the way to go.
A freestanding marquee on the lawn or butted up to the pergola can add another dimension to the night. Use it as the primary area, extend the verandah or use it as a dance area or bar area.
The atmosphere of a marquee alone is fantastic, but they also keep the rain off, wind out and sun off your guests. This means that your party is not controlled by the season or weather. Taking a worst case scenario step will alleviate any worry about weather in the weeks leading up to your show.
Is your glass half full or half empty? Will you plan for worst case scenario? Or do you hope for the best? some people order a marquee 6 months ahead and expect the weather may be dodgy. They order heaters in advance. By having all bases covered they are ensuring that they have full control of their party.
Others may plan a party for 100 guests and expect perfect weather. This doesn’t necessarily mean that this type of person is not as prepared, but hints of doubt may start to creep in getting closer to the party. We, on many occasions, have a future bride telling us when they order a red carpet, that in 4 months on their wedding day it will be a balmy 27 degrees and not a hint of wind!
More to come…