Great events don't just happen by accident

Any event planner knows you want your event to be unforgettable. Great events don't just happen by accident either, it takes careful planning and execution to make sure everything turns out just the way you want it to. But what if you don't have an event plan, and have no idea where to start? Well, fear not because we are here to provide you with a step-by-step hosting guide on how to make the most successful events. This hosting guide is full of all kinds of event planning tips and tricks, so buckle up!

Step 1: Decide Your Event’s Purpose

Before you even go on with setting a budget, choosing a venue, and all that fun stuff, you need to make sure your event has a set purpose. Is your event professional or more laid back? Are you hosting a wedding reception or a fun sip-and-paint workshop? Simply ask yourself, “Why am I planning this event?” Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help you better understand what the appropriate measures are for your event. You want to make sure you understand your event's limits so that you don't set expectations that are way too high.

Step 2: Set a Date and Time

Having a perfectly planned timeline for your event will allow you to stay on top of timing and make sure everything runs smoothly. Make sure that the date works out for any VIPs or speakers so that everyone is on the same page.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Setting a budget is probably the least fun step in the entire event planning process, but it is still a very necessary step. Setting a budget will help everyone involved in the event planning process be able to stay on the same page, which is crucial to hosting a successful event. You must consider the venue's price, food, and entertainment.

A great event planning tip for setting an event budget is to prioritize spending on high-impact items, this could be the venue or food. Just identify the thing that will have the most impact on your event and ensure to budget more money towards it.

Step 4: Start Searching for the Perfect Venue

The venue you chose for your event can end up making or breaking your final product. You want to choose a venue that is the perfect size for what you are hosting. Having too big of a space can seem impersonal, having too small of a space can feel cramped. There is always a perfect medium size that you should look for. Also, consider the location of the venue, amenities, parking options, and the overall vibe the space is giving off.

One helpful event planning tip that can help you decide the venue is to always visit the venue before you host your event. This makes sure that the venue has all the necessary amenities, as it is possible for online photos to be deceitful.

Step 5: Create an Event Agenda

Creating an event timeline will allow you to have a well-structured event that stays on track. Break your event up into key stages for things like food, activities, and speeches. Doing this will help keep things organized and ensure eventgoers do not get bored or running off the timeline.

Step 6: Ensure Proper Staffing and Logistics

Your event could completely fall apart if you ignore the importance of having the right staff. Your event staff will handle serving food and drinks, taking care of technical needs, greeting guests, and much more! It's tough to do everything yourself, and having a helpful staff to support will make sure that every guest feels satisfied.

Step 7: Put Yourself in Your Guest’s Shoes

If you are having a hard time knowing exactly what your guests would like to see, then just imagine your event from their perspective! This can help you decide what things would be unnecessary and what would be a great addition. Planning an event can be a lot of pressure, and no one wants to feel like they failed. So, just take a deep breath and think about what your guests would like to see in an event.

Event planning is not for the weak, it takes a person with a great eye that's great at both paying attention to detail and staying organized. But, hosting successful events doesn't have to be rocket science, by following this simple guide, and making sure to do your research you are sure to have a great event, that is unforgettable. So, hopefully, this hosting guide and event planning tips will prove to be useful on your next event planning journey.

If you are looking for the perfect venue for your event, be sure to check us out at The Alley, so your event can leave a great lasting impression.