Expert Advice: Planning an Office Party Checklist

BASIC QUESTIONS

• Formal event or casual?
• Focus on business issues or just a party?
• Available budget? Will employees contribute?
• Sit-down dinner? Buffet? Finger food? Special dietary requirements?
• Live entertainment or recorded music?
• Do-it-yourself affair or hire professionals?

CHECKLIST

• choose a venue
• pay attention to parking, disabled access, amenities, etc.
• create and send invitations
• select decorations (banners, flowers, centerpieces, balloons, etc.)
• purchase or request donations for raffle prizes
• plan schedule for the evening (time for speeches, presentations, etc.)
• prepare menu and grocery list
• choose and hire caterer and serving help
• hire entertainers -- or arrange a sound system and select recorded music

DO-IT-YOURSELF

• recruit some volunteers
• assign jobs to help with planning, set up, serving, and clean up
• purchase or make decorations and decorate the room
• purchase or rent dishes, glassware, and silverware
• purchase or rent table cloths, napkins, and serving pieces
• purchase or rent decorations, centerpieces, candles, etc.
• shop for groceries and prepare food

TIPS FOR HEADING OFF PROBLEMS

• include every piece of pertinent info on the invitation or a separate insert
• include directions, dress requirements, schedule for the evening, etc.
• have guests RSVP a week before the event
• so you have time to plan for adequate seating and food
• let the facility know ASAP of any special needs you might have
• AV equipment, chairs and tables, space for entertainers, etc.
• put up directional signs pointing guests toward the right room
• put up signs to the restrooms if they are not in the immediate area
• confirm arrangements with hired service providers a few days ahead
• caterers, bartenders, musicians, valet parking, wait staff, etc.

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Office Party Planning is a free aggregate of news and articles on planning office and company events. It is curated Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts a Chicago Magician who performs for corporate and company events.