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:

• How to talk to your boss about event budgets
• Pro tips for staying in your event budget

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.