5 Steps to Plan This Year’s Corporate Christmas Party

It’s time to deck the halls and dust off the sleigh because Christmas will be here before you know it. It takes longer than many companies expect to plan a great end of year party. We’re getting a head start in 2021 with 5-steps to plan your corporate Christmas party. Follow along and by the end of this blog - you’ll be more than halfway there.

Step 1: Start Now

You might think it’s too soon for an end of year party to-do list. We’re here to tell you; it’s not. Many popular venues are booked up months before the Christmas season even begins. Getting a head start, say 3-4 months, means you have all the options at your disposal.

If you’re working with an event planner, like VenueNow, then you’ll need an event brief. Check out our blog on how to write the perfect event brief.

With a little help and a lot of time up your sleeve, Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Step 2: Lock in the essentials

From the drinks list to the decor; there are lots of little decisions you’ll have to make along the way. But for now, you can focus on the top 3 essentials: budget, guests and date.

1. Event Budget

Your event budget will determine a lot of factors, so sorting it early is best. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on the full event - and then see how much you can get approved. 

Read these blogs for more budget tips:

2. Guests

How many people are you expecting to host? Make sure you account for anyone who will be away on leave, and decide whether you’ll have plus 1’s. Once your guest count is in order, you can add any special requirements to the guest list. This might include dietary needs, audio-visual requirements or special venue access.  

3. Preferred Date(s)

To maximise the chances that your favourite venues will be available, choose more than one potential party date. You might also be able to swing a discount for a less popular day or time.

 

Step 3: Narrow down those venues

By now, you should have a few top venue choices that meet your budget and availability criteria. How can you narrow down from Top Ten to The One? With your event style.

Ask yourself questions like:

  • Is it going to be a daytime or nighttime event?
  • Will you opt for a cocktail, banquet or buffet menu?
  • Do you want an indoor or outdoor space? (or both)
  • Are there any must-have amenities? Think dance floors, natural lighting, WiFi or wheelchair access.

If this is too much, let us do the heavy lifting. We’ve been planning events for a long time and know how to narrow down the choices with ease.

Ask us for help

VenueNow's expert events team can source the best venues for you and narrow down the choices - completely free. Send us your brief to start.

Step 4: Pick the theme

Love them or hate them, themes make events easier to plan. They give you an anchor to come back to when you’re struggling with a decision. Simply ask yourself; what is most on theme?

Check out our blog for 10 great office Christmas party themes

Your theme can also guide you when selecting activities or entertainment for the event. 

Our event planning experts love working with themes. Add in your theme to the event brief and we’ll find you the perfect venue.

 

Step 5: Book that venue

Everything is falling into place; but it’s not a done deal just yet. The final step is securing your venue. With that locked in - you can put the party planning aside for a few weeks.

VenueNow makes finding and booking your perfect venue a breeze. You can use the venue finder to search and enquire, or keep it simple by submitting an event brief

Here’s our blog on writing a great event brief again to help you out.

 

Why book with VenueNow?

  • It’s 100% free
  • Our team saves you time by sourcing venues and gathering quotes
  • We can help you save up to 35% off your events budget
  • We keep up to date on event restrictions and cancellation policies
  • We have over 50 years' combined experience in events and hospitality

Plan your Christmas party

VenueNow can get your party planning started on the right foot. Submit a brief and we'll build a shortlist of great venues, plus get you event quotes.

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