If you’re a bit of a bon vivant and have great organisational skills, becoming a party planner provides the perfect career move.
Whether you’re organising ceilidhs or corporate events, your amiability and communication skills will ensure that every guest has a night to remember.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are five tips for a successful party planner startup.
Food
The best way to guests’ hearts is through their stomachs — so you’ll have to consider how to source the tastiest party food available.
If you’re genuinely a good cook, planning a party menu that’s appropriate for each event might be enough.
But if not, establish a relationship with reliable outside caterers — seek online reviews and word of mouth recommendations, then request menu samples before signing any contract.
When guests enjoy satisfying food and drink, they’re more receptive to the rest of the party.
Music
Most parties require some sort of musical accompaniment — whether it’s sedating background music or a full-blown live band.
So it’s wise to connect with good quality live acts, DJs and MCs versatile enough to entertain a diverse clientele.
And if you can provide your own audio system, it’s useful for guest speeches as well as a back-up for any band you hire.
When guests really want to let loose, there’s nothing like music to get them going.
Marquee
When you’re planning a wedding reception, the one thing that can’t be ordered to request is good weather.
But offering guests the option of a marquee reception in the grounds of a traditional venue offers a fabulously flexible option — they can make the most of the sunshine and shelter from the rain if necessary.
The best marquee wedding venues can create the ideal romantic setting and finding the perfect spot for a couple is a lucrative business.
Investing in a selection of marquees suitable for any size of reception means that your firm’s ready to set the scene magnificently.
Heating
Once you’ve invested in the requisite marquees, you’ll definitely need marque heaters to keep guests cosy.
A good portable model can generate enough heat to allow revellers to party in comfort in cold climates and offering this extra means you can offer a full range of services all year round.
No host wants their party guests cowering in a corner with chattering teeth, so offering a reliable heater is a must.
Lights
Ambient lighting sets the party tone perfectly and has a subtle yet powerful effect on mood.
You’ll probably need a range of lights suitable for any event — from discreet fairy lights for a small and serene soiree to dynamic DJ lights for a full-blown disco.
Of course, for health and safety reasons alone, lights are essential for outdoor evening events — so stocking up isn’t optional.
Party planning is an exciting career and it means bearing the responsibility for making customers happy during important events.
But these five tips for a successful party planner startup provide the confidence you need to give it a bash.
Do you work as a party planner? Share your tips for success in the comments section.