Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your First Event
While giving a new event planner a chance at proving themselves by giving them the contract for a huge event is a nice thing to do, it might not be the best decision. For large events, hiring event production companies is advised, as they are extremely experienced and established. However, should hiring a new event planner be preferred, ensure that they know not to make the following 6 mistakes.
Making Poor Venue Choice
One of the most important aspects of a successful event is picking the best possible venue. However, first-time event planners sometimes forget how crucial their venue choices are and end up making the biggest mistake of all; picking the wrong venue. In order to keep guests happy, event planners need to take accessibility and parking into consideration, since no one wants to waste their time finding parking, choosing a venue that accommodates a driver's needs is recommended. While a more fancy looking venue might seem like the right choice, it is better to choose a mediocre venue that offers all desired amenities and fix it up, than to do the opposite.
Not Promoting the Event
In order for an event to receive heat and media attention, it needs to be promoted by the event planner weeks or even months before its hosting date. Doing so is crucial as not giving enough time for word of mouth and advertisements to take effect can result in a small turnout for a big event. Not promoting one’s event ahead of time is one of the biggest mistakes made by first-time event planners.
Taking on Too Much Responsibility
Planning one’s first ever event can be very nerve racking and result in an event planner wanting to do everything on their own. However, taking on too much responsibility can end up backfiring, as the more someone has on their plate, the less likely they are to finish it.
Not Being Prepared for a Big Turnout
When planning an event, it is a mistake to think that only a small percentage of the guest list is going to arrive. While having a full house might be far fetched for one’s first ever event, being prepared for the best possible scenario isn’t. Not being prepared for a big turnout can result in understaffing, slow service, and angry guests.
Scheduling Mistakes
When planning a large event that is going to have live speakers and performers, the party planner’s schedule is going to be the most important thing of all. Making a mistake on the event’s schedule and not realizing it until it is printed and being read by guests is a huge yet common mistake.
Failing to Rent Needed Equipment
Putting off equipment rentals until the last second is ill advised, as failing to rent the equipment needed is going to set an event back.