Your exclusive monthly e-zine
September 2004 - Christmas Planning
Features
Will yours be an inclusive Christmas?
Top ten party tips
Christmas party? Bring in the experts
All work and no play?
Make it a private affair this Christmas
A party organiser reveals his secrets
Time to order next year's diaries
It's all in your cards
Tasting, tasting 1..2..3
Be sure you stay safe on the way home
In the News
What's in a name?
Be a part of a major secretarial survey!
Medical secretaries under threat?
Bite-sized learning for busy PAs
more stories...
Event Calendar
Fun Quiz
Are you a kill-joy or a party animal?
Do you embarrass yourself annually at the office bash, or will you spend the
evening tucked safely in a corner? As our thoughts turn to Christmas, journalist
Roisin Woolnough invites you to test your party persona...The Archives!
Essential Contacts
Use our Essential Contacts page to get in touch with any product and service providers in this issue.
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Top ten tips for a tip top party!
A great party is one that looks effortless. But as we all know, looking effortless takes effort! We asked top party planners ILLICO Events to share some of their secrets to help make your event a success
- Consider whether you want to buy into a 'ready-made' party or whether you would prefer to build a bespoke party specific to your own event, brand and key messages
- If you have a large party (200 people or more), book early - the earlier the better! Some people re-book prime dates for the following year straight after their Christmas party, and you'll find the most popular dates are already booked in key venues
- If your budget is slightly lower than desired it's worth asking venues to quote for a Monday or Tuesday night. These are quite often reduced because they are less popular than Thursdays or Fridays. Alternatively you could consider attending a shared party
- If you are unsure as to how your event will look, ask to go along to an event at the venue before your party. That way you will have a good feel for how your party will look and work
- Always check with the venue if there will be a Christmas tree and decorations in the room. If they will not commit to decorate the space, confirm that you are able to bring in an external supplier
- When paying out a significant amount of money for a Christmas party it is important to ensure staff will attend the event. A good invitation and a well thought-out pre-teaser strategy are vital to guarantee attendance and boost excitement as the event approaches
- If you are having a seated dinner don't be afraid to ask for a food and wine tasting. This will ensure that you are happy with the standards of your chosen menu
- Ensure that you either arrange a drinks package in advance, or agree a bar bill limit with your venue liaison, to ensure that you can budget effectively and do not end up with an unexpectedly hefty bar bill after the event
- If you require coach transportation to transfer guests to and from your chosen venue it's worth getting on to this right away, as coach companies become extremely busy during the party season
- Plan for taxi marshals. December is an extremely busy time and in the late hours, taxis will be in demand. Booking taxis and employing a taxi marshal will ensure that there are no snags at the end of the evening.
ILLICO Events produce events for groups of 200 or more, tailor-made to their clients' requirements. For more information or to discuss a party or event call IBR on 01483 520 778 for a free consultation.
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