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Secrets to Throwing a Successful Last-Minute Holiday Party
December 7, 2011 9:04 pm
Thanksgiving has come and gone and December is here. The holidays are in full swing, and for many people that means the corporate holiday party is right around the corner. Event planners and individual party planners alike have spent weeks - if not months - planning that ideal party for their corporate clients.
But what about those that still want to have a holiday bash and have been putting off reserving a space? Or maybe the boss just dropped a last-minute holiday party idea in your lap, or your original venue fell through, and you’re certain it’s too late in the game to make it a successful party. There’s almost always still time to pull it off.
There are a few insider tips that will increase your chances of landing a great party venue, even for a prime date this late in the season, and save some money in the process.
Dedicated event spaces are usually better and can be less expensive.
For many people, their first thought for a holiday party space is a hotel or conference center, but there are absolutely better options. Venues which are designed specifically for special events, can be far more exciting for the guests, much more elegant, and – believe it or not – can be less expensive than conference centers.
You can still get the perfect date, even at the last minute.
This late in the game, your first date choices may be reserved, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In the corporate party world, the two weeks just before the 25th are the busiest for parties. Within those two weeks, Thursdays always go first, followed by Wednesday, Friday and Tuesday, in that order. But if you’re late pulling the trigger, and you still want one of those prime days, you could still be in luck.
To grab one of those coveted days at the eleventh hour, inquire about other time slots on those days. Prime time for holiday parties is usually 6:30 pm-10:30 pm, which still leaves plenty of time for your holiday party to be a holiday luncheon instead, and that will typically save 25-35% over an evening party.
You can save big on catering by “piggy-backing.”
Booking earlier time slots is not only a great way to get the date you want, it’s also a great way to save a significant amount on your food costs - one of the best-kept secrets in the event planning industry.
When you book an earlier time slot and there is an evening event after yours, you’re essentially sharing the day with the other parties scheduled for that day. Talk to the catering director at the venue, and if you’re willing to choose an identical menu, the venue saves money on the food costs and should be willing to pass those savings on to you.
In any case, booking a large holiday event in a rush can be a very difficult and stressful task, but it’s not impossible. The best bet is always going to be finding a true event venue that offers one-stop shopping from planning to catering to entertainment. It’s important to remember that these venues are still out there and available for your holiday party— even if you’re planning at the last minute.
Source: Alli Hertz, director of Special Events at Metronome Hospitality Group
But what about those that still want to have a holiday bash and have been putting off reserving a space? Or maybe the boss just dropped a last-minute holiday party idea in your lap, or your original venue fell through, and you’re certain it’s too late in the game to make it a successful party. There’s almost always still time to pull it off.
There are a few insider tips that will increase your chances of landing a great party venue, even for a prime date this late in the season, and save some money in the process.
Dedicated event spaces are usually better and can be less expensive.
For many people, their first thought for a holiday party space is a hotel or conference center, but there are absolutely better options. Venues which are designed specifically for special events, can be far more exciting for the guests, much more elegant, and – believe it or not – can be less expensive than conference centers.
You can still get the perfect date, even at the last minute.
This late in the game, your first date choices may be reserved, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In the corporate party world, the two weeks just before the 25th are the busiest for parties. Within those two weeks, Thursdays always go first, followed by Wednesday, Friday and Tuesday, in that order. But if you’re late pulling the trigger, and you still want one of those prime days, you could still be in luck.
To grab one of those coveted days at the eleventh hour, inquire about other time slots on those days. Prime time for holiday parties is usually 6:30 pm-10:30 pm, which still leaves plenty of time for your holiday party to be a holiday luncheon instead, and that will typically save 25-35% over an evening party.
You can save big on catering by “piggy-backing.”
Booking earlier time slots is not only a great way to get the date you want, it’s also a great way to save a significant amount on your food costs - one of the best-kept secrets in the event planning industry.
When you book an earlier time slot and there is an evening event after yours, you’re essentially sharing the day with the other parties scheduled for that day. Talk to the catering director at the venue, and if you’re willing to choose an identical menu, the venue saves money on the food costs and should be willing to pass those savings on to you.
In any case, booking a large holiday event in a rush can be a very difficult and stressful task, but it’s not impossible. The best bet is always going to be finding a true event venue that offers one-stop shopping from planning to catering to entertainment. It’s important to remember that these venues are still out there and available for your holiday party— even if you’re planning at the last minute.
Source: Alli Hertz, director of Special Events at Metronome Hospitality Group
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RE/MAX 440, PA
Agents Only