You have just received a call from one of your clients, friend or family members about a dinner party they want to have as soon as possible, and you being an event planner have been chosen to plan the dinner. Don’t panic! Although the news came too late, you can use this opportunity to prove your capabilities and at the same time make a good impression on the guests and your customer. This is a challenge that you will figure out in no time with these guiding principles.
#1. Draw up a plan
The minute you decide to take up this challenge, you need to start getting things in order as you know time is not on your side. Start planning on what you need to do and essential things you need to get, by setting your priorities right. Create a list of things you need to buy and do, a checklist to keep you updated on how far you have gone with your plan, as well as a reminder of things you need to check up on and keep track of.
#2. Dish options
Your work is to plan and organise things. You have to level down your options to decide on hiring a cater to prepare the food, or most probably your friend or the dinner host will rather choose to prepare the food themselves. Help choose the dish that will be most edible for the dinner; buy all the needed ingredients to prepare it.
#3. Getting the venue
There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing a venue at the very last minute- either you will be charged extra for hiring or have to clear up the place if the scheduled date is too near. Consider various options based on fees and cost of the place and go in for one that is affordable and comfortable.
#4. Don’t overdo the decoration
For a last minute dinner like this, the décor needs to be kept simple and laid back. Make it presentable and conducive enough for those that will be attending. Don’t try to put more attention on decoration and forget to attend to other pending things. Keep the decoration simple, yet classy and presentable.
#5. Presentation matters
The presentation of every little detail matters at the dinner. Just because it’s last minute does not mean it should turn out anyhow. Make a good impression by presenting everything professionally and neat, from the food to the layout.
#6. Have a back-up plan
You are never guaranteed that things won’t go wrong. They will, most especially for an event that has been planned in the last minutes. Some occurrences are just inevitable, but you can cut down on the errors or problems that are likely to occur. Have a back-up plan to counter some issues that may arise.
#7. Be willing to accept a hand
If you want to put the load on yourself, the burden will be too hard for you to bear. Don’t refuse to accept a helping a hand; it does not mean you are too lazy or incapable of doing things by yourself. Two heads are always better than one after all. The more help you have, the faster things will happen and move along quicker.
#8. Keep the vital details in mind
Apart from the venue and food, other things that will help make the event a success also matters- music, beverages, lighting and sitting arrangements. They make up the whole package of a successful event. Make sure all of these things are provided and available before the day. Make use of the opportunity you are given and do your best to pull this off.
Believe in yourself and be confident about what you can do. Think before taking any actions.