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Birthdays, weddings, christenings, engagements, reunions… you name it,
parties are a great way to celebrate a special occasion. But if you want
your celebration to go without a hitch, you have to pay attention to the
details. Everyone has been to a wedding or party where the music has not
been up to scratch. Too loud, too modern, not enough for the youngsters and
worst of all, no-one dancing!! At Nightlife Entertainment, your wedding or
celebration is as important to us as it is to you. We know how important it
is for your evening to run smoothly and your guests to feel relaxed and
enjoy themselves. We will help you plan and personalise your celebration as
well as help with your selection of music. Feel free to contact us as many
times as you like. Nightlife Entertainment are highly experienced in helping
you plan that perfect party your guests will never forget.
Here’s an overview of all the
things to consider when putting together the perfect party.
the date
Before you set a date, check with the ten most important people that they
will be able to attend. There’s little point celebrating grandma’s 60th if
her one and only son can’t make that date.
Also, if possible, avoid obvious busy times like Bank holidays or high
summer, when many people expect to go away; dates such as Half Term or big
sporting events, times when other gatherings may be happening and weekdays,
if most of your guests work long hours.
numbers
Work out the number of people you wish to invite and can realistically
afford to cater for. As a rough guide, for every 50 people, expect about
five not to attend.
venue
Large events need large venues and many of these get booked up fast. So one
of your first jobs should be to find somewhere for the celebration that can
cater for the numbers on the date you require. When you book your venue make
sure there is enough room for dancing, music levels wont be a problem and
ask what time the music has to finish.
If you’re intending to hold the party at home, remember it’s not just a
matter of enough space – you’ll also need extra plates, cutlery, glasses and
so on. Beg, steal and borrow from neighbours or the caterer. Your local
off-licence may be able to loan cases of glasses, and check out your hire
options online – see Sainsbury’s website, for example.
theme
If the party is to be a surprise or a special theme, make that clear right
from the start – there’s nothing worse than turning up to a party to find
it’s fancy dress and you weren’t told, and you don’t want anyone blurting
out the secret.
Theme parties can work well (anything from toga or pyjama parties to murder
mysteries and 70s nights), but bear in mind your guests’ likely response to
such invites. For example, an older relative may be less than keen to dress
up as a St Trinian’s schoolgirl.
Pick a great theme and it can really make a party - as well as providing you
with a great collection of photos.
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invites
Formal invites are de rigour for formal events such as weddings and
christenings. But even if the event and consequently your invitations are
less formal, they should always include the following key information: date,
time, venue, suitable dress, theme (if applicable), and whether anything is
required (e.g. please bring a bottle).
Also, make it clear to your invitees whether you are expecting replies. A
simple ‘RSVP’ will usually suffice, and even for a relatively informal
occasion, responses can give you a rough idea of numbers to help you plan.
For formal invites, remember to allow time for the printers to do their job.
food
Professional caterers normally require a fair amount of notice, so start
ringing up as soon as you know a date. Choose foods that most people can
eat, and don’t forget to allow for vegetarians. It’s best to set up a
meeting with the caterer so you can discuss exactly what you want and
perhaps view some previous menus. Doing your own catering is a great way to
reduce costs with many High St supermarkets doing pre-prepared party
goodies. Make sure you build this into your time schedule though.
drinks
You need to think about drinks when you are selecting a hall. Many halls
allow you to supply your own drink, but those with a bar wont. It has always
been popular to pop over to France for cheap drink and you can make huge
savings. It’s worth asking about charges for wine and other drinks early on
in your negotiations with the venue.
entertainment
Booking a Tarzan-o-gram for your friend’s hen party probably won’t require
more than a few weeks’ notice. But if you’re planning a big party with a big
band, chances are, they’ll need a good six months’ notice. Good Discos are
booked up well in advance so it's wise to start looking for your DJ as soon
as you have chosen your venue. A good disco, could require twelve months,
notice – longer for really popular dates such as Christmas, New Year and
weddings in high summer.
parking
Large venues normally have ample parking for guests, but if you’re planning
a ‘bit of a do’ at home, think about where your guests might park. Is there
space in your driveway? If not, are there free parking areas nearby?
It’s always a good idea to forewarn - or, better still - invite your
neighbours too. This can help avoid a potentially unpleasant situation with
cars blocked in and complaints made to the police.
and finally...
Don’t forget some of your guests may need special attention. Grandad will
need to park near the house following his knee replacement; Auntie Jo will
need to be kept away from the punch; and your awkward neighbours will need
to be steered clear of the friends they fell out with last Christmas! Keep a
note of these extra variables and plan accordingly.
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