Do’s and Don’ts of Event Planning: Phoenix Trends

Phoenix Do’s & Don’ts Of Event Planning

When hosting a corporate catering, you need to take many things into consideration. You’ll not only be focused on the reason behind the event but that everyone is having a great time. It doesn’t matter if your event is large or small, these tips will help you plan your party like a pro.

Decide the When and Why

According to an article by famed etiquette author Emily Post, when planning a party a good host considers the reason for the celebration, the size of the event, the venue, the budget, the time of year and more before they move on to the fun things like decor and food. Why? Because once you plan out these factors you can really be focused on the creative side of the event planning. There is so much that goes into planning a big event and it’s important to be organized.

The date of the party is usually the first decision made. This will also help you decide where you will host the event. In Phoenix, you’re not going to host an outdoor event in August more than likely. So figuring out the date is the first step you’ll need to make.

Location, Location! Figuring Out Where to Celebrate

It’s important to decide on the location of the party next because of the setup, prep time, flow, decor and more can be dependent on the space. If you have your heart set on large balloon arches, then you’ll need to find a space with high ceilings. Find your Phoenix event venues first and keep in mind the needs of your “must-haves” when you do. If you are having a themed party, this should also be taken into consideration.

Selecting a Theme and Decorating

Event planners will often recommend creating a vision for your decor after selecting the venue. This is because you may be able to use the resources provided by the location or work with their recommended vendors to get the look you want. If it’s a theme party, you’ll want to keep in mind the motif when selecting a venue.

Inspiration can be found anywhere. You can get inspiration from television, the news, in fashion magazines and on sites like Pinterest. Always make sure you focus on what makes sense for the occasion. Ask yourself about the person or people the party is for. What are they interested in? What would be fun for them?

Sometimes hosting your event at an amazing location like the botanical gardens, local zoo or even a library is all the decor you need to set the mood. So if you have a theme of travel, see if you can host your event in the African Savannah room of a local museum or if it’s an awards event for Child Care providers, see if the local children’s museum will host you.

Menu

When designing a menu you should first consider the honoree or attendees of the party. Nothing is worse than hosting a party and serving a meal that is lackluster. You also should take into consideration the demographics of the party guests. Older guests may prefer more traditional foods, while younger guests respond to interactive food stations that involve more decision-making, such as choosing their own toppings.

Entertainment

Any entertainment you choose should be appropriate to the occasion and the environment.
Once you know the reason and the theme of the party, you’ll want entertainment that will enhance the party making it enjoyable and not compete with it.

Other Amenities

You may also want to look at amenities that include valet parking, special lighting and more. If guests are traveling from far away, make sure you know if there are multiple types of hotels available to give guests many options.

Some of the latest trends in extras and amenities are interactive photo booths that allows guests to instantly post images on Twitter and Instagram, caricature artists and even services like manicures for you to enjoy while you sip that martini!

For outdoor parties, you may want to rent portable misters or fans and a tent in case of rain or intense heat. Rental companies also offer tables, chairs, linens, tableware, glassware, serving items and more.

In the end, remember that most people remember good food, good drinks and good entertainment, so plan accordingly.