Looking to host a cocktail party soon? You are probably asking yourself, 'How do I plan a cocktail party?' What do I need to do before the guests ever arrive? Here are 3 tips on how to plan a cocktail party.
#1: When you plan a cocktail party, get organized!
As with any party, the more organized you can be in the planning, the better the event will turn out. You will want to get organized with all the details. Here are some important things to remember.
Set a budget.
One of your most important decisions will be setting a budget at the beginning of your planning. When you plan a cocktail party, many things will need to be purchased, so make sure to set a budget and stick to it! You don't want to go home after the event with a bunch of bills.
Choose the date.
The earlier you can plan ahead the better for your event. When choosing a date, you will need to decide if this is a hard and set date or if there are a couple different dates to choose from. The more flexible you can be with your date the more options you might be able to choose from when selecting a venue. However, even last-minute cocktail parties can be put together and still turn out great!
Select a venue.
When you plan a cocktail party, the location will be one of the most important decisions. The venue will be one of your largest budget items as well so you will want to make sure to ask many questions to make sure you are getting what you need for your event. Make sure there is enough space for your guests. Make sure there is a place for your bartenders. Here are some good questions to ask.
- Is there parking available?
- What is the cost with all fees?
- What time can we set up?
- Where can we serve food and drinks?
#2: When you plan a cocktail party, be prepared.
As you get closer to your party, you will want to make sure that you are prepared. Everything that can be done before the day of the event should be done in advance. This will help your event run smoothly. Make sure you have enough furniture for your event and tables for your guests to enjoy.
There are many different types of cocktails parties. Your party could be for a wedding reception or it could be a corporate event that you are planning. Your event may be for a birthday party or it could be a holiday party in a venue in Los Angeles. Make sure to decide what it is going to look like so you can properly prepare.
Hire the necessary vendors ahead of time. You will need a caterer to bring in snacks. You will still need to hire servers for your cocktail party if you provide your own food. You will also need to hire a bartending company to provide the cocktails. The earlier you can book these vendors, the better. Leading up to the event, make sure to confirm with each vendor to confirm their arrival time at the venue. Make sure someone will be at the venue when each vendor arrives.
Here are some questions to guide your planning:
- What vendors do I need to hire?
- How many people are attending?
- How many drinks will each guest need to have?
- Where will I instruct my guests to park?
- How long will the party last?
- When will the party begin?
#3: When you plan a cocktail party, have fun.
At the end of the day, you are supposed to have fun at most cocktail parties! Plan in such a way that you are able to relax and have a good time! Once everything is set and ready to go, don't forget to have fun! Sit back and watch your work unfold. Take some time to dance with friends or enjoy a drink with your coworkers. Plan ahead so you can take the time to enjoy all the work of planning a cocktail party.
We hope this article helps you plan your next cocktail party. Here is another great article for you to check out to give you some more good ideas. What are some other things you need to remember when you plan a cocktail party?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a cocktail party?
A: A cocktail party is typically an event where cocktails are served. Most cocktail parties also include horderves or snacks for their guests while celebrating a birthday, holiday, or corporate event.
Q: What do you wear to a cocktail party?
A: The appropriate attire for a cocktail party should be included in the invitation; however, most cocktail parties lean towards more formal attire.
Q: What is a good location for a cocktail party?
A: When you plan a cocktail party, the location is very important. You will want a spot with plenty of room for your guests to mingle, dance, and hang out while enjoying a cocktail. This could be a live music venue in Los Angeles or a birthday venue in Los Angeles as well.