We all know that planning a party of any size can be a huge and time consuming experience, however we persevere through the stress of writing the guest list, and sorting out a seating plan that will please everyone for that exciting feeling when everyone is enjoying themselves and engaging in fun and frolics.
Although the hardest part before the event is the planning, it can be just as hard trying to muster up ways to keep everyone happy and entertained once they’ve arrived. As I’m sure we’ve all been to a party where the DJ has been a complete flop and everyone is sat on the sidelines watching the empty dance floor get bigger and bigger as people retreat from the punishing tunes, which is why I thought I should write down a few tips on what I’ve learnt from the parties I’ve thrown.
Tip number one
The music is crucial to set the tone and engage your guests, as this really does create the atmosphere as soon as your guests arrive. I would suggest that unless it is a themed music era party, the music should be chosen based on your party-goers age and tastes, as you want to have music that everyone knows and can enjoy. Recently, I went to the wedding of two of my close friends and their DJ really had it right, they booked him through The Party Starters and the tone of the evening was set from the very beginning, as the mood was perfect for mingling at the start, and then really kicked in when the food had finished and the beverages were flowing. For me, a sign of a good party is how many people are dancing and smiling, as the fun really starts when the shapes are being thrown on the D-floor.
Tip number two
Another way to make sure everyone is entertained is to include activities for your guests to participate in. If it’s a sunny Sydney evening party and your venue has an outdoor area, why not supply some lawn games for everyone to enjoy? If there are a mixture of people attending your event who may not know each other, this will be a great way to get people mingling. You could even pre-plan the times to allow people to meet people they may not have normally met. Plus, a bit of cheeky competition never hurt anyone.
Tip number three
A fun way to make people smile is to hire a photo booth for the evening, as there is nothing better than everyone donning ridiculous fancy dress and posing for those memorable photos. As the party organiser, it is also very funny to look at the photos and see if you can put them in chronological order, based on how tipsy and cloudy eyed people look throughout the night.
Tip number four
I guess it goes without saying that providing food and drink for your guests also keeps them not only entertained but also content. By providing an array of different tid-bits through the evening and topping up people’s champagne glasses, it allows your guests to deal with the task at hand: having a merry old time. Plus, having to forage for your food when all you want to do is catch up with the latest events of your friends’ lives can be a little annoying. Plus – nobody wants ‘hangry’ (hungry angry) guests.
Tip number five
Creating a hashtag for your event could be a good way to keep your guests entertained and immersed in the party antics. As everyone has a social media presence and as we all love to think of ourselves as a bit of a photographer, what better way to get people posting about your event than having a competition for the best picture of the evening? Plus in the days after the party, your guests can check the hashtag and remember the event with nothing but smiles and laughter.
I hope these tips help you plan your next event. Hopefully I’ll be enjoying, throwing or attending another fun filled party when you’re reading this! Ciao for now, fellow party starters.
