Running a Great Event

Many of you, I am sure, are unaware that I was an events organiser for quite a few years. I have since branched off and moved into a different industry but it is truly remarkable how many people out there think they can run an event and simply can not. While I can't say that my way of organising events is the only way, I can say that there are a few simple rules that should be followed to ensure a great event. With my pending nuptials, I can honestly say that I am truly glad to have the background I have to ensure that my wedding day is the happy occasion it is meant to be.

Rule 1 - Budget

While having a budget is a must, many people do not include all the elements of their event in their budget and others simply do not have a budget. If you are planning on making a living from your events abilities, ensure that your budgeting is great. Whether you are planning an event for yourself or for a client, a good budget will help avoid any nasty surprises after the event. Each event is different so I would suggest that while you are getting the hang of budgeting, run through the event from start to finish. Consider what you would like to give your guests on arrival and not the gifts but what about tables to display those gifts. Consider your catering, not just for the main meal but before it. Things like welcome drinks etc.

Rule 2 - Surround yourself with great suppliers

You are only as good as your weakest supplier. Remember the time your new furniture arrived late? Who were you angry with? The delivery company or the company you ordered that furniture from? If you were mi, probably both, but at the end of the day, you probably didn't order anything from that furniture store again. On the other hand, the company that ensured your items arrived on time and in good condition, left you with a smile on your face and you probably still have a great relationship with them. Now remember, you will not be doing everything in-house so once you have have found that great delivery guy or the fantastic florist, look after them. They will always do a good job for you, and your clients, if you provide them with the right information and pay them on time. always give them a proper brief of what is required from them to avoid any confusion down the line

Rule 3 - Plan and Prepare

You can never be too prepared. 90% of your work is done before the day. Once you have gone over the entire and you think you have everything ready, do it again. There is bound to be something you have missed or something you can add to the event to ensure it runs smoothly. In the planning phase, speak to your team and/or your suppliers to double and triple-check that you haven't missed anything.

Rule 4 - Work Hard

While I know this doesn't really apply if you are doing your own event because it is a given that you put in as much effort as you can into the event. If, however, events are or will be your vocation, ensure you get your attitude to hard work right. There will be times when you will have to carry heavy boxes of brochures up three flights of stairs. I have personally given myself more than one carpet burn going around on my hands and knees putting chair covers on 100 chairs. It's the name of the game and the effort you put in will show.

Rule 5 - Attention to Detail

While I am sure you are all rolling your eyes at this one but I can not stress the importance of paying attention to the little details of your event. The details are what make the difference between any old event and a fantastic one. Something to look at would be, are all the items in your gift pack packed in a uniform way? It may sound silly but if someone can open one gift pack and it looks identical to the next and so on, this will impress them. I know I have been so specific about things that I have gone around to each of my tables ensuring the knife blades in the place setting are all facing the same way. Pedantic, I know.

Well, those are my 5 Golden Rules of Events. I am glad I could impart some wisdom on this lovely day and I hope it helps all you rocking event managers out there!