Location!!! Location!!! Location!!!

When planning an event one of the first things that probably comes to your mind is where should I host this party, right? Well if you are like most people you probably have a choice; host the event in my home or find an appropriate location for the event. Well here are a few tips that might make the choice easier for you.




1) If you choose to host the event in your home, the main things you want to keep in mind are:

• The number of guests you are going to invite. You want to make sure that there is enough room in your home for everyone to mingle and enjoy the evening. You also want to keep in mind the type of party you are having when you consider the number of guests. If you are having an intimate dinner party, or a party where there are activities for your guests, you may want to keep the number relatively small so that everyone enjoys themselves. However, if you are having a theme party , or celebrating a specific occasion, you may want to invite more people from different areas of your life so that everyone can share in the good times and get to know one another.

• Another key thing to consider is the overall budget for your soiree. Make sure to keep yourself on track financially so that you really do enjoy the planning and the event itself.

• If you are hosting a more casual event, and your guests offer to bring something, be specific. Let them know one or two different items that would be helpful in the execution of the party. However, don't expect everyone to bring something, remember you are the hostess.

• In addition, you will want to consider the time of year and if your home isn't extremely large and its cold outside....your guests will all be inside throughout the event. If it is hot outside and you are going to use your backyard as part of your entertaining space, you may want to bring in fans or misters. So, you will want to make sure that everyone will be comfortable as you entertain them.

• Remember entertaining at home can save you money over finding an external venue and it gives you the opportunity to open you home to those closest to you.

• When having a party at your home it doesn't have to be formal or casual, you have the flexibility to set the mood and decor to fit the event. So, plan accordingly.

2) If you choose to find an external venue:

• The first thing you will want to do is set your budget and your guest list so that you will have a ballpark of how large the space needs to be and how much it can cost you.

• Having an event at a location outside of your home can offer some flexibility that you won't get from entertaining at home. You have the ability to make the space your own with your own decorations and the overall set up of the space.

• Once you have determined the budget, guest list, and decor or theme of the party, you will want to call several venues and get quotes for the event you are trying to host. Remember, you will want to do this several weeks in advance to ensure you and the location have the proper time to prepare.

• Take good notes when calling various venues and ask several questions. Keep in mind you will want to know their policies on catering, beverages, decorations and entertainment. They may have packages that include all or some of these things.

• However, if you know a good caterer, bar tending service, or entertainment group that you want to use, you will want to find a location that will accommodate your plans.

• While planning an event outside of your home may be a little more expensive, it may be the best bet when hosting a large event or corporate gathering.

Once you have taken all of these items into account, you will probably have a good idea of where the best place to hold the party will be. However, if you are still wondering if your home would be suitable, ask a friend you are going to invite to the party, who knows they may just have a good idea you haven't thought of yet.