It may seem a bit too early to be thinking of your office Christmas party as we haven’t even seen out Halloween yet. However, when it comes to planning a great party, it’s never too early to start.
If you are in charge of organising the company’s Christmas bash this year, keep these four factors in mind while planning.
Get a head start
We strongly advocate that you begin planning as soon as possible, which means now. Early planning is the best way to ensure that no detail is overlooked, no matter how big or small you party will be. Plus, you may find better deals on decorations, venues, food and drinks if you plan the party early. Calling a caterer the month before the party may result in you either having to pay twice the price for the food, or not having food at all because all the caterers are booked.
Know your budget
If you don’t know how much you can spend, you could easily end up spending too much. Know exactly what your budget is, and try to stay under it. Remember that if you spend less in some areas you will have more money to spend in others.
Give back if possible
We all know it feels good to give, and what better time than at the office holiday party? If you were able to save on decorations, then use the extra money in the budget to buy something for the guests of the party. While a Christmas party is a nice chance to relax and connect with your co-workers, everyone enjoys receiving a gift or a bonus. So use that extra money to give each person who attends a small token of appreciation.
Consider office traditions
If this is the first year you have been in charge of planning the Christmas party, do not undo the traditions from the last fifty years. Traditions make people feel good and give them a sense of security at knowing what will happen. Breaking traditions is never a good idea unless you have the backing of everyone concerned.
Planning any event requires a serious commitment. Make a checklist for the party and start planning immediately. You will be revising and adding to your list, but at the same time you can begin checking things off the list if you start your planning now.
Hi Peter, some very nice tips here in your article for planning what is probably the most important and stressful company event of the year! Here are a few more pointers and time/money saving tips that may be of interest for further reading – http://www.fradleycroft-events.co.uk/blog/event-planning/planning-office-christmas-party-help/