Christmas Champagne Cocktail Recipes
Make your Summer parties a Success
If you’ve learnt one thing about summer parties, what is it?
You have to be very wary of the look and feel of the Party. The client’s expectations and taste will often differ from yours. You will need to generate numerous visuals so that the party’s look is right for the client and is achievable within the budget.
What are the key things organisers need to consider when booking a summer party?
There are numerous considerations but importantly it is not always easy to recognise our summer season here in the UK! You must have contingencies in place that allow for natural elements which you cannot control. Another key consideration is that guests will normally arrive in daylight and will depart when it is dark. Bearing this in mind it is imperative that you utilise a structure that not only looks fantastic during the day but also when lit at night time.
What are most challenging factors in creating summer parties?
Utilising the right structure, making sure it is secure, considering inclement weather & having contingencies in place, housing the caterers, creating the right look, keeping the event green within the budget, the list is endless…
How will the credit crunch change summer parties?
As with all events at the moment there may be scrutiny over the clients spend. It is tough to justify exuberant spend in time when large corporations are making staff redundant. We feel that corporate summer parties may take on a more Traditional look and feel and in some cases sparkling wine may be served instead of champagne, BBQ’s may replace 3 & 4 course meals etc.
How do summer events justify their slice of the event marketing budget?
Much in the same way that other events justify spend but a slightly looser scale – analysing the objectives and hence investigating the return on investment and attendee’s feedback.
What advice would you offer to clients working to a tight budget? E
stablished and reputed event organisers who own a lot of infrastructure, furniture & technical production equipment will be able to offer greater discount and add value to the event. Organisers are often contacted by suppliers looking for business (especially in the current climate) so there will always be an opportunity to negotiate better deals. Generate at least 3 quotes. Ask the client if you can source and book the venue so that the commission offered by the successful venue can be added to the budget. Try to think out of the box, there are often numerous solutions. As we all know creativity costs nothing and often acts as a catalyst for better solutions that are more cost effective
How important is it to measure the effectiveness of a summer party?
It is important to measure the effectiveness of all events depending on why the event is taking place. The ‘why’ factor will often dictate whether measuring & analysing is appropriate or not.
In your opinion, is there room for both a summer and Christmas party in the current economic climate? If not why?
As event organisers we would be foolish to suggest that one should replace the other even if historically we have tended to organise more summer parties than Christmas parties. Possibly a bit more positive spin by the media may encourage more spend and an early exit out of this current economic climate. More events please!
What themes and trends are proving most popular for summer parties in 2009?
Excluding private clients, where a competitive edge still exists (to host a better party than their friends had) corporate clients are shifting back to a more traditional look and feel.
What is the best summer party you have seen that was not your own?
The Berkeley Square End of Summer Ball
If you had an unlimited budget, what would you include in your dream summer party?
Faithless playing on a elevated stage on Ipanema Beach in Rio with the Rolling Stones behind the bar mixing cocktails, Michael Jackson providing Magic Tricks and everyone dressed in white. All guests seating would be on pontoons out in the sea & the carbon footprint of the event would be fully offset.
Top five venues for summer parties
Fulham Palace Walled Garden, The Groves “Beach”, The Gardens of Audley End House, The Hurlingham Club & Kensington Palace Gardens.
Top five suppliers for summer parties
Amazing Tents, Blistering BBQ’s, In-water Pea Green & Stage Electrics.
Best clients for summer parties
Confidential corporate clients & numerous private clients!
Recipe for a successful event:
Ensure that all elements refer back to the client’s expectations, personality or culture (for corporate clients) and budget.
Please give your five key ingredients and suggest a step-by-step method for producing a successful summer event (no more than 100 words in bullet points).
Five key ingredients
- Good on-site Manager
- Due Diligence, health & safety , contingency management and risk assessment
- Flexible suppliers who will adapt to changing brief and format
- Inspirational environment – walled garden, beach or heritage site
- Colour – outdoor events are often held during the day hence lighting is not as affective as with indoor events to create the right atmosphere. You must employ good use of materials & fabric
Step-by-step method
About the Author
Jim Strange
How to Host A Stress-Free Dinner Party with Event Planner Marcy Blum
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