How to Host an Enjoyable Event

There are multiple elements that go into planning an event. However, the most crucial pieces are those that help guests feel comfortable. There are three ways to do this successfully: maintain a theme, choose the right venue, and give back to your guests.

Maintain a Theme
When I say "theme," I'm not talking about the way your high school prom was decorated as a "Hawaiian Luau" or "Masquerade Ball." Color palettes, patterns, and degrees of formality are great ways to invoke similarity throughout your event. Everything from invitations and decor down to the napkins should match. The goal is to maximize the guest's familiarity and minimize their uncertainty with your event. The Knot, the largest online wedding tool in the country, said invitations should be considered an "all-in-one" and provide guests with pertinent information like date and time, location, and dress code. Invitations are the first impression of your event and all following materials must fall into the same theme.

Choose the Right Venue
Different kinds of events require different types of venues. For example, business events and celebratory events should be held in venues that invoke different feelings. Don't pick the romantic lodge in the mountains to celebrate your company's fifth anniversary, go for the local convention center or reception hall. If the event is casual it could even be held at the company headquarters. Celebrations and weddings should be held at a space that is more decorated and has room for guests to move around. Resorts and hotels usually have a reception space with a room set aside for dancing. No matter what you're celebrating, make sure the venue has adequate supplies to handle the needs of your event. Before touring a venue, make a list of event necessities and pack samples of your event theme. Pick the venue that best merges these two aspects of your event.

Give Back to Your Guests
It is important to remember that your guests came to the event to support you. Improve their experience by doing something for them in return. This could be as simple as providing free dinner and drinks at the event. Preston Bailey, popular event designer in New York, says that buffet-style dinners are great ways to cut costs and help guests mingle. Take-home favors are another way to show guests your appreciation. Desserts in stylish takeout boxes are something guests can enjoy after they leave. If your event has a keynote speaker, see if they have a book that you can offer guests as a gift. Whatever you decide, it is important that guests walk away with a tangible memory of the great time they had at your celebration.

While successful events are attributed to a number of elements, the most important is how guests remember it. Keep guests in mind throughout the planning process and you can guarantee a large turnout at all of your events.

Coming soon: Event Promotion 101: Building Buzz in your Community