So, you want to throw an event! Maybe it’s for your sorority or a club. Maybe it’s for charity or just for your friends on the weekend. For any reason, planning an event can be super fun and fulfilling to do, especially if you are the type of personality that loves event planning. But, it can get overwhelming if you don’t plan it out correctly or let the stress get the best of you. So, here are my best tips for event planning. and I hope they help you too!
Photo courtesy of James Fitzgerald on Unsplash
Throw an event people want to go to! The biggest thing is thinking to yourself, “would I go to this if the other option was taking a nap or catching up on work?”. So many people have huge busy lives, so it’s super important to consider how appealing the event is. If you want to do a dinosaur themed brunch, awesome, but will your friends come? Think about your target audience, and cater to them and yourself. If you’re doing something with your sorority, think of themes related to your philanthropy or what your sisters want to go to. If you’re working with a fitness company, choose the classes people love. If you’re throwing something for your friends, think about what they like to see.
Think carefully about your target audience and the times that they are free. If you’re throwing an event for students, having it at 11am may not be ideal because most people take early classes. If you are throwing something at your school- choose a weekday when most people are on campus. If you want to host something bigger, do it on a weekend in advance so people have lots of time to commit to it and prepare.
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Give yourself time. You need at least 2-3 weeks in advance to plan a successful event. If you try to throw something together last minute, there is a chance people won’t make it and that can stress you out. Think about a date, then work backwards from it with deadlines. When will you need to book a space? When will you need to buy supplies by? When do you start PR for it? Work this out the SECOND you decide on an event.
Utilise your support system. I am so guilty of trying to do everything on my own, but the more I rely on my team to help me plan events, the better it goes. It really is a testament to your community and the people in it when you plan an event and the people alongside you are nothing but supportive and helpful. Trust them! Thank them!
Set low expectations. This is a little controversial, but truly, having too high hopes for your event will kill it for you. If you set low expectations, they will be exceeded every time- versus if your hopes are too high and no one can live up to them.
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Enjoy your event. I am very guilty of not enjoying myself at events I plan because I am so stressed about everyone else. There comes a time where you have to be a good host, and there comes a time where you really have to let the event work itself out- because if you planned it right- it will. Trust your planning, trust your team, trust your work, and have fun!