Event Planning Made Easy

The process of planning an event can be a daunting task. Here are the top ten tips for creating a successful event. Whether you are planning a small, intimate affair at home or a large-scale event, all of these tips apply.

1. Surprise elements can punctuate your message. We once arranged for a ballet performance as part of a groundbreaking event at a women’s hospital.

2. A project timeline, just like a budget, is a work in progress. It will change and get longer. Think of it as your benchmark of sanity.

3. Be organized. Keep all of your information together and in a binder with plenty of relevant page separators, a contact sheet and plastic business card holders.

4. Create a design “thread” that will tie your event together from beginning to end. It can be a color, atmosphere, a worthy cause, a flower, a theme. Be subtle with themes: Let the “look” do the talking.

5. There’s one hard and fast rule about linens - a tablecloth must always reach the floor.

6. Lighting is décor. Use pin-spot lighting to cast a glow on centerpieces.

7. Don’t overestimate the importance of experienced waitstaff. You should have one bartender for every 75 guests and two waiters per table for a sit-down dinner.

8. Provide a blend of entertainment (incidental, live and interactive), and create an event timeline that builds excitement to a fantastic crescendo, such as a fireworks display.

9. When sourcing talent, don’t rely on word-of-mouth advertising. Get their DVDs or check them out online. But the best idea is to see them perform in person.

10. Don’t forget to say thank you. Producing an event is not a one-person show, and the people who helped you pull it off should receive plenty of praise.

Remember the most important rule for planning an event is to have fun with it!

Paulette Wolf

Paulette Wolf Events & Entertainment, Inc. (PWEE) is a cutting edge national firm renowned for its unique combination of creative design, event management and entertainment production. For over 35 years, PWEE has assisted corporations and individuals in reaching their objectives through extraordinary and complex events. The agency’s client list includes The Walt Disney Company, Edelman Worldwide, The Oprah Show, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Harrah’s Entertainment Group, Major League Baseball and The Federal Reserve.

Article by: Paulette Wolf | Visit Author's Website |