Over the years, you may be tasked with planning several major events. These may range from weddings and anniversary parties to corporate galas and more. When preparing these events, you understandably may focus on food and entertaining as well as a venue selection as top priorities. You then must fill in your plans by covering all of the bases with smaller yet critical details. These are some of the details that are easy to overlook when planning a big event.
A Food Prep Area
Some venues have a dedicated food prep area behind the scenes, and some venues even serve their own food. This takes the hassle of planning for on-site food prep out of the equation. However, even if you are catering food at a venue, the catering team may need space behind the scenes to tackle last-minute tasks. This important factor may be easier to overlook when you are planning an outdoor event, such as under a large tent canopy.
Utilities Connections
You may also need to plan for electricity and water connections in specific situations. For example, if you are hosting an event at a distant, removed or outdoor location, you may need to turn on utilities for a few specific days. Perhaps you need to run electricity and water to an outdoor venue. Without access to utilities, your party may be without lighting, music and other essentials that you are planning for.
Restrooms
Regardless of where you host your venue, you need to ensure that your guests will have access to restrooms. This should include toilets as well as sinks to wash their hands. Do not assume that the venue will have restrooms open to your guests. Instead, ensure that this is provided, and consider adding it to your contract if it is not already included. If you are planning an outdoor event, portable restrooms may be essential. The units should be placed away from the party area in a discreet location.
Trash Removal
Your catering team, bartending staff and guests can create a considerable amount of trash over the course of a few hours. Before your event, consider who will replace trash bags at the event and where the filled bags will go. Then, plan ahead for waste removal. For a very large affair, you may need to make special arrangements with the local waste removal company to have the trash hauled away.
As early in your party planning process as possible, make a list of every last detail that you can think of for your event. Consider envisioning yourself at the event, if needed, so that you do not overlook any details. If you need further assistance, consider hiring a party planner who has experience with the type of event that you are planning.
Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds