If you’re looking for information on how to plan a big event, you’ve come to the right place. It can be super stressful to plan a big, extravagant event, but it can also be a lot of fun if you have the right tools are your disposal.
All planning begins with a big idea and the right information. That’s where this article comes into play. Here are some tips on how to plan a big event.
Goal Setting
To find directions, you must first know where you are going. Before you start planning any details, get clear about your goals for the event. Identify your number one goal for the event and go for there.
Answer these questions to help you get clear about your main goal for the event:
– What’s the ideal outcome?
– Do you want to raise money? For what cause?
– What do you hope people say about the event after it is over?
– What’s your main motivation for wanting to plan this event?
– Who is your main audience?
Pick the Big Items First
Just like with the goals, start big and then move to the details. Certain factors in the event will affect everything else you plan, so be certain to solidify those points first. Examples of big items to start with are:
– Location
– Venue
– Date
– Attendees/Invitees
– Food and Drink
– Furniture Rental
– Entertainment
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Set a Timeline
Timing, as they say, is everything. Once you have the big items nailed down — like a venue and a date — start figuring out a timeline for getting everything done. Set deadlines for the event to have certain things done.
Pick a florist at least two weeks in advance, for example. Send checks to the cater three days in advance, etc. If you are working with other planners or a committee, set deadlines for them as well.
Once the planning schedule is set, determine a schedule for the day(s) of the event. Every activity you want to happen should be included in the schedule, even if it’s flexible or fluid. This will ensure nothing is missed and nothing is overlapping when it shouldn’t.
Build a Written List of Directions
While some members of the planning or event team may poke fun at a detailed list of event items, this is the kind of document that keeps everybody on task. Instead of having everyone asking you, “What do I do next?”, they can just refer to the specific directions you have already given them.
This takes some more prep time in the beginning, but on the day of the event you will be so glad you took the time to type everything out in step-by-step directions.
Enjoy Yourself
Don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Event planning can be a fun activity if you have the right attitude. Keep your main goals in mind, don’t stress too much about the details, and you will pull off an event to remember.
On the day of the event, just trust yourself that you planned properly. Any unexpectedly things will just be a great story to tell later.
