Budget: a few tips to have the big impact decor on a small budget
I will try not to write a novel here, although it's very tempting. Budget is always a concern, even for so-called "big budget" events - no one wants waste or to go over. Here are a few thoughts:
1. Manage your and your guests' expectations. Remember that your target budget needs to reflect real life. For example, whatever your target event budget is, take about half of that for food and drinks and set your style/formality level from there. So a $30/per person event has a roughly $15/per person meal (including drinks and service!), so keep it casual!
2. Focus your efforts. If there's no budget for an item like decor or party favors, remove it from the program rather than trying to do it halfway. If you design what you do have carefully, attendees often won't notice what you didn't include.
2. Cut your guest list. The number one element that affects the budget is the scale. Each additional guest means an additional chair, spot at a table, place setting, invitation, print suite, meal or food, drinks, and rental items. Also - carefully manage your invitations and RSVPs so you don't purchase for guests who don't show up. You will get fewer guests than you expect more often than not.
3. If you are doing any event functions in-house or DIY in order to save money, start early. There's nothing more morale-killing at an organization than giving a job like registration/nametags, decor, or setup to your employees (or, in the case of a wedding/social event, to your relatives and friends) and leaving things until the last minute. Your hoped-for "big impact" will wither and die as people sense the stress of your DIY staff or volunteers.
4. Choose a venue wisely. For example, if there's no budget for decor, avoid sites with little built-in appeal that cry out for flowers or lighting. And if a speaker is an important component of the event, look for a venue with a great sound system included in the rental (and test it!).
5. Support "lean" events with customer service. If you are having to cut back on food or decor, chances are these are less noticeable if your guests are treated well and with personal service from the time they register to the time the exit the event.
Here are just a few tips that will help immensely in trimming the budget fat.
Have a tip on event budgets you'd like to share? Please leave a comment below!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Meeting Room Layouts
I thought I would take some time to write about meeting room layouts. When planning an event its important to know some basic guidelines of types of setups you can have in a room. It also helps determining if it's the right setup for your type of meeting or event.
Theater StyleSeats or chairs in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker (with no conference table)
Used for
This is the most efficient set-up when the attendees will act as an audience. This set-up is not recommended for food events or if note taking is required.
Set-up hints
This is a very flexible room set-up. Rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point.
Offset each row so that attendees don’t have to look over the person in front of them (this will increase the space required).
If using banquet type chairs, space them 3” to 6” apart as these chairs are normally narrower than most people’s bodies.
If you have the space, allow for 24” between rows to allow attendees easy movement in and out of the row.
Pros
Good for large groups when reading/writing are not required
Cons
Elevation changes needed for large groups
No writing surface
Minimal group interaction
U-Shape
A series of conference tables set in the shape of the letter U, with chairs around the outside.
Used for
This layout style is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups where there is a speaker, audio-visual presentation or other focal point.
Set-up hints
A minimum of 2’ of table space is required per attendee.
Skirt the inside of the “U” if attendees are being seated only on the outside.
Avoid the “U” set-up for groups greater than 25, as the sides of the “U” become too long and may not promote participation from all attendees.
Pros
Good work space
Good interaction between participants
Ideal when audio-visual or speakers are involved
Cons
Not ideal for larger group
Classroom Style
Rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room (and usually a speaker), providing writing space for each person.
Used for
This room set-up is ideal for note taking, meetings requiring multiple handouts or reference materials, or other tools such as laptop computers. This is the most comfortable set-up for long sessions and allows refreshments to be placed within reach of each attendee.
Set-up hints
Tables that extend beyond the stage or podium should be angled toward the speaker.
Allow for approximately 2’ of space per person at each table. (More space may be required depending on the amount of materials).
Minimum space between tables is 3’. Provide 3½’ if space allows, for ease of movement in and out of rows.
Pros
Presenter can see all participants
Accommodates large groups in less space
Cons
Minimal interaction possible
Participants only see each other’s backs
Boardroom Style
A rectangular or oval table set up with chairs around all sides and ends.
Used for
This table layout is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups.
Set-up hints
Many facilities offer rooms with permanent conference tables in a variety of shapes.
If these are not available, standard conference tables can be placed together to form a square, rectangle or hollow square.
Remember, the larger the set-up, the harder it is for attendees to see others at the end opposite them.
Pros
Good work space
Good working atmosphere
Good interaction between participants
Cons
Not ideal for audio-visual presentations
Not ideal for speakers
Not ideal for larger groups
Used for
This is the most efficient set-up when the attendees will act as an audience. This set-up is not recommended for food events or if note taking is required.
Set-up hints
This is a very flexible room set-up. Rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point.
Offset each row so that attendees don’t have to look over the person in front of them (this will increase the space required).
If using banquet type chairs, space them 3” to 6” apart as these chairs are normally narrower than most people’s bodies.
If you have the space, allow for 24” between rows to allow attendees easy movement in and out of the row.
Pros
Good for large groups when reading/writing are not required
Cons
Elevation changes needed for large groups
No writing surface
Minimal group interaction
A series of conference tables set in the shape of the letter U, with chairs around the outside.
Used for
This layout style is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups where there is a speaker, audio-visual presentation or other focal point.
Set-up hints
A minimum of 2’ of table space is required per attendee.
Skirt the inside of the “U” if attendees are being seated only on the outside.
Avoid the “U” set-up for groups greater than 25, as the sides of the “U” become too long and may not promote participation from all attendees.
Pros
Good work space
Good interaction between participants
Ideal when audio-visual or speakers are involved
Cons
Not ideal for larger group
Rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room (and usually a speaker), providing writing space for each person.
Used for
This room set-up is ideal for note taking, meetings requiring multiple handouts or reference materials, or other tools such as laptop computers. This is the most comfortable set-up for long sessions and allows refreshments to be placed within reach of each attendee.
Set-up hints
Tables that extend beyond the stage or podium should be angled toward the speaker.
Allow for approximately 2’ of space per person at each table. (More space may be required depending on the amount of materials).
Minimum space between tables is 3’. Provide 3½’ if space allows, for ease of movement in and out of rows.
Pros
Presenter can see all participants
Accommodates large groups in less space
Cons
Minimal interaction possible
Participants only see each other’s backs
A rectangular or oval table set up with chairs around all sides and ends.
Used for
This table layout is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups.
Set-up hints
Many facilities offer rooms with permanent conference tables in a variety of shapes.
If these are not available, standard conference tables can be placed together to form a square, rectangle or hollow square.
Remember, the larger the set-up, the harder it is for attendees to see others at the end opposite them.
Pros
Good work space
Good working atmosphere
Good interaction between participants
Cons
Not ideal for audio-visual presentations
Not ideal for speakers
Not ideal for larger groups
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Seating Arrangements Tips and Ideas (For Weddings)
One of the first things your guests will be doing when they first enter the reception (aside from getting a cocktail) will be looking for where they are to be seated.
Depending on the scale of your event and the people that are attending (and the drama some may bring) - this could get tricky! Guests generally like pre-arranged seating arrangements for sit-down dinners. It shows you thought about whom they'd be best seated with, and it cuts down on confusion when it's time for the meal to begin.
The first thing you need to do is talk with anyone else who is directly involved with planning. This is where you need to decide if you will be taking the advice of others or determine among yourselves where everyone will sit.
The head table can be just for the honorees. In a wedding setting it can be for the bride and groom only. Or they can invite other heads (such as the maid of honor; best man; or the entire wedding party). Traditionally the bride sits at the groom's right, with the maid of honor on his left and the best man on the bride's right. The rest of the party follows suit in an alternating male/female pattern. However - more and more - we see the groom's party on his side, and the bride's party on her side.
If you are having a small wedding party, you may want to include their spouses or dates at the head table. Or, you may choose to spread your wedding party around at the guest tables, which would also allow them to sit with their partners.
The table of honor - located near the head table - is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception. If there are several people you would like seated at this place of honor, you may have to have two tables - perhaps on for the bride's family and one for the groom's.Divorced parents should be seated at different tables of honor with their partners and close family and friends.
Always seat married couples at the same table. Younger children should be seated with their parents or, if you have a lot of children attending, you might want to have a "kids" table - strategically placed near their parents - with some crayons and paper or other games and toys to keep them buys.
If you have a large group of griends you need to divide, split the group down the middle and fill each tble with other people. That way no one feels completely left out. For single friends, judge which seating situation will make them happiest - a table of unattached counterparts or a few couples mixed into the scene. Never, and we do mean never, seat only one or two singles at a table full of couples, and try to avoid tables of all strangers.
Younger people - or people who love music - should be at tables close to the music makers, while older quests may want a quieter table.
Guests should be informed where they are seated...and this is where my next piece comes in.
I love the original ideas that are coming out. So many to choose from. There is certainly a style for everyone.
Here I have added some of my favorite ideas.
♥ Seriously, how stunning is this?! Details of each persons seat hanging from a cherry blossom tree! Sure, your guests will have to rummage through to find their name but that’s all part of the fun!
♥ Let your guests know where to sit when they pick up their glass for a drink!
♥ For a rustic looking seating chart you can use wood as a major part of the display, we love the use of hearts here too!
♥ Window pains are becoming ever more popular in the wedding world, simply list the names using a white pen for an easy yet quirky seating chart.
♥ Possibly our favorite seating chart ever! We love how personal this is to each of your guests and plus, it must be pretty funny for all of them to gawk over the photos you've chosen! I’m sure Ella on table 5 appreciated that one!
♥ Using the favors as part of the plan works great too! Simply attach their names and table place to whatever your favors may be and you've got some pretty happy guests!
♥ For a romantic touch to the day, displaying the seating chart on a scroll is super cute and clearly looks great outdoors!
♥ Again, for a shabby chic, rustic feel, using a wooden door with keys displayed all over it is very effective!
♥ How about getting creative with some playing cards and a frame?!
Depending on the scale of your event and the people that are attending (and the drama some may bring) - this could get tricky! Guests generally like pre-arranged seating arrangements for sit-down dinners. It shows you thought about whom they'd be best seated with, and it cuts down on confusion when it's time for the meal to begin.
The first thing you need to do is talk with anyone else who is directly involved with planning. This is where you need to decide if you will be taking the advice of others or determine among yourselves where everyone will sit.
The head table can be just for the honorees. In a wedding setting it can be for the bride and groom only. Or they can invite other heads (such as the maid of honor; best man; or the entire wedding party). Traditionally the bride sits at the groom's right, with the maid of honor on his left and the best man on the bride's right. The rest of the party follows suit in an alternating male/female pattern. However - more and more - we see the groom's party on his side, and the bride's party on her side.
If you are having a small wedding party, you may want to include their spouses or dates at the head table. Or, you may choose to spread your wedding party around at the guest tables, which would also allow them to sit with their partners.
The table of honor - located near the head table - is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception. If there are several people you would like seated at this place of honor, you may have to have two tables - perhaps on for the bride's family and one for the groom's.Divorced parents should be seated at different tables of honor with their partners and close family and friends.
Always seat married couples at the same table. Younger children should be seated with their parents or, if you have a lot of children attending, you might want to have a "kids" table - strategically placed near their parents - with some crayons and paper or other games and toys to keep them buys.
If you have a large group of griends you need to divide, split the group down the middle and fill each tble with other people. That way no one feels completely left out. For single friends, judge which seating situation will make them happiest - a table of unattached counterparts or a few couples mixed into the scene. Never, and we do mean never, seat only one or two singles at a table full of couples, and try to avoid tables of all strangers.
Younger people - or people who love music - should be at tables close to the music makers, while older quests may want a quieter table.
Guests should be informed where they are seated...and this is where my next piece comes in.
I love the original ideas that are coming out. So many to choose from. There is certainly a style for everyone.
Here I have added some of my favorite ideas.
♥ Seriously, how stunning is this?! Details of each persons seat hanging from a cherry blossom tree! Sure, your guests will have to rummage through to find their name but that’s all part of the fun!
♥ Names in numbered plant pots! Perfect for a garden themed wedding or for a couple with a love for the outdoors!
♥ For a rustic looking seating chart you can use wood as a major part of the display, we love the use of hearts here too!
♥ Window pains are becoming ever more popular in the wedding world, simply list the names using a white pen for an easy yet quirky seating chart.
♥ Using the favors as part of the plan works great too! Simply attach their names and table place to whatever your favors may be and you've got some pretty happy guests!
♥ For a romantic touch to the day, displaying the seating chart on a scroll is super cute and clearly looks great outdoors!
♥ If you want something with more of a ‘wow’ factor then creating an entire display around the chart is gorgeous. You could even add pictures of the bride and groom! Be sure to tie in other details of the day too like the color scheme or if the day has a theme to it.
♥ If you've gone vintage for the day then typing up the seating chart on a typewriter and leaving it on display looks so classic!
♥ For a DIY seating chart using mini pieces of patterned card embellished with buttons gives a really personal touch to the day!
♥ Here’s another amazing DIY too! Cover old CD’s and use them as the letter markers in a box! This is also super efficient for your guests to easily find their name!
♥ How about getting creative with some playing cards and a frame?!
♥ Alternatively, you could just not have a seating plan at all and let your guests sit wherever they please!
The choice is yours ♥
To view more ideas - see my pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/eeventsbykina/seating/
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Deciding on Wedding Decoration
For some this is easy - almost second nature. For others this is a struggle or a disagreement with the soon to be Mr. Husband. The latest trends are bountiful and can be found everywhere. Usually speaking many will go with a type of wedding they want and decorate within that theme.
Ordinary weddings are not norm. They don't really exist anymore. It's about you (and hubby) - your likes - your personalities. Today, classic look and feels to weddings have gone to the extravagant and exquisite events. A theme will dictate your venue, wedding decorations, centerpieces and sometimes even the attire for the wedding party (and in extreme cases your guests attire too). Wedding themes can only be limited by someone's imagination. Deciding (or agreeing) on the theme is the most trying part for some couples. Deciding on the wedding theme is a fun and exciting part of the planning. A great "out-of-the-box" theme can leave guests with great stories and memories of your special day. But it doesn't imply that one has to spend huge amounts of money in planning a wedding. A simple wedding can be themed, just like an extravagant wedding can be non-themed. It really depends on the couple's expectation for their special day.
The style of your wedding will help you in selecting the right type of theme and decorations. Here are a few examples of wedding styles that are all the rave these days.
Simple Wedding Décor
In keeping things simple and fresh - your venue can have minimum decorations, centerpieces and lights. Subtle colors and flower decoration on main entrance, wedding stage and food stalls would be ideal. A touch of elegance can be done through use of yellow lights. These weddings are typically done for either themed or non-themed weddings.
Traditional Décor
This is for the person who is attached to roots and wishes to have a traditional wedding, then the type of venue will decide the look of the wedding. Weddings can happen in a temple, church or even at the couple's home. But this doesn't mean that the scope of decorations is limited in these cases. The best way to make your venue stand out is to have wonderful flower decorations as there is less scope for use of other decoration pieces. Use of typical bright colors like red, orange, yellow, green and blue will give the desired effect.
Larger than life Décor
Just to put this one in perspective - think of Indian Weddings. This is often the wedding of choice for top shots and celebrities - something you would see in Bollywood movies. Wedding decorations are generally themed on bride's taste and preference. The themes can be something unusual, like having Paris setup in the venue or having the venue decorated with ceiling treatments and overstated colors and textures. These weddings are typically planned and executed by wedding planners as there are so many moving parts and creativity needed to execute this type of theme properly without it looking gaudy.
In present times, people not only prefer the theme weddings – but it is the most popular of weddings.
Ultimately, the theme décor comes down to the following things:
- Budget
- Bride's preference
- Wedding Planners
- Wedding Theme
Wedding décor is an individual choice and should reflect someone's sense of style and taste. Tried and tested is no longer the rage. Experimental is the "in" thing.
So... what are you waiting for! Let's start planning for your wedding.
Ordinary weddings are not norm. They don't really exist anymore. It's about you (and hubby) - your likes - your personalities. Today, classic look and feels to weddings have gone to the extravagant and exquisite events. A theme will dictate your venue, wedding decorations, centerpieces and sometimes even the attire for the wedding party (and in extreme cases your guests attire too). Wedding themes can only be limited by someone's imagination. Deciding (or agreeing) on the theme is the most trying part for some couples. Deciding on the wedding theme is a fun and exciting part of the planning. A great "out-of-the-box" theme can leave guests with great stories and memories of your special day. But it doesn't imply that one has to spend huge amounts of money in planning a wedding. A simple wedding can be themed, just like an extravagant wedding can be non-themed. It really depends on the couple's expectation for their special day.
The style of your wedding will help you in selecting the right type of theme and decorations. Here are a few examples of wedding styles that are all the rave these days.
Simple Wedding Décor
In keeping things simple and fresh - your venue can have minimum decorations, centerpieces and lights. Subtle colors and flower decoration on main entrance, wedding stage and food stalls would be ideal. A touch of elegance can be done through use of yellow lights. These weddings are typically done for either themed or non-themed weddings.
Traditional Décor
This is for the person who is attached to roots and wishes to have a traditional wedding, then the type of venue will decide the look of the wedding. Weddings can happen in a temple, church or even at the couple's home. But this doesn't mean that the scope of decorations is limited in these cases. The best way to make your venue stand out is to have wonderful flower decorations as there is less scope for use of other decoration pieces. Use of typical bright colors like red, orange, yellow, green and blue will give the desired effect.
Larger than life Décor
Just to put this one in perspective - think of Indian Weddings. This is often the wedding of choice for top shots and celebrities - something you would see in Bollywood movies. Wedding decorations are generally themed on bride's taste and preference. The themes can be something unusual, like having Paris setup in the venue or having the venue decorated with ceiling treatments and overstated colors and textures. These weddings are typically planned and executed by wedding planners as there are so many moving parts and creativity needed to execute this type of theme properly without it looking gaudy.
In present times, people not only prefer the theme weddings – but it is the most popular of weddings.
Ultimately, the theme décor comes down to the following things:
- Budget
- Bride's preference
- Wedding Planners
- Wedding Theme
Wedding décor is an individual choice and should reflect someone's sense of style and taste. Tried and tested is no longer the rage. Experimental is the "in" thing.
So... what are you waiting for! Let's start planning for your wedding.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Negotiations
A special quality you want your planner to have.
How important is a good negotiator when it comes to dealing with suppliers? Believe it or not - this part could save you hundreds and thousands of dollars. From the cost of the venue to the bulk rooms you are getting for your out of town guests.
It depends on a couple of factors - but generally speaking many of the prices that are advertised for events - can be reduced.
A stay at the Park Hyatt - can go from $395 down to $195 for a room. In the heart of Toronot. Yes it can be done.
When you are looking at a venue in a hotel - for example - there is some space for negotiations. If you are looking to book a block of 20+ rooms for your family coming in for the event - there are some concessions that can be made.
If you are looking to book for multiple days - more concessions can be made.
If you are also looking at having them cater your event over multiple days - more cost breaks.
All this to say - when you hire an event planner - you are getting more than someone who tells you where you have to be and at what time.
A good event planner has great negotiations skills. They have the knowledge of what they can ask in negotiations and will get some deals for your event (among other traits).
Have you found your negotiator? Find yourself a planner that can be the negotiator. See your savings add up - and be able to spend the savings on other parts of your event.
One important thing to remember - get your negotiator involved from the very beginning. They can help with venue selection/negotiations; help with Food & Beverage; help with almost every detail of your event.
It may be nickles and dimes - but the big picture will definitely show you dollars.
How important is a good negotiator when it comes to dealing with suppliers? Believe it or not - this part could save you hundreds and thousands of dollars. From the cost of the venue to the bulk rooms you are getting for your out of town guests.
It depends on a couple of factors - but generally speaking many of the prices that are advertised for events - can be reduced.
A stay at the Park Hyatt - can go from $395 down to $195 for a room. In the heart of Toronot. Yes it can be done.
When you are looking at a venue in a hotel - for example - there is some space for negotiations. If you are looking to book a block of 20+ rooms for your family coming in for the event - there are some concessions that can be made.
If you are looking to book for multiple days - more concessions can be made.
If you are also looking at having them cater your event over multiple days - more cost breaks.
All this to say - when you hire an event planner - you are getting more than someone who tells you where you have to be and at what time.
A good event planner has great negotiations skills. They have the knowledge of what they can ask in negotiations and will get some deals for your event (among other traits).
Have you found your negotiator? Find yourself a planner that can be the negotiator. See your savings add up - and be able to spend the savings on other parts of your event.
One important thing to remember - get your negotiator involved from the very beginning. They can help with venue selection/negotiations; help with Food & Beverage; help with almost every detail of your event.
It may be nickles and dimes - but the big picture will definitely show you dollars.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Site selection
Some deem this to be the most important part of any event... and rightfully so. Yes that's right - it is a very important part of the event. When looking at the possibilities and the choices - this can be overwhelming. The cost, location and surroundings could also a big factors in what you finally select.
This is where the memories will be made. This is where you are having your event. Whether it be a birthday, wedding or conference - the venue will be your home for that time. If you are having a wedding in a venue - that has a bar with live bands that play very loud music after 9pm - this could ruin your evening. It's important to know what happens at these venues. Also - inform yourself to other events happening during your selected date(s).
But the other part that many do not look at is the staffing that is there. If at any point during your evening you need help or require additional items - how will the staff handle these requests. Are they an attentive bunch? Will they be able to accommodate the requests in a timely fashion? As much as you plan and you think that your plan is bullet proof, there is always something that will squash that notion quickly. How do you proceed? Have questions - and many of them. During your visit of the venue - ask those questions. Pose them as situational questions - like - If we need another mike at the last minute, who would I approach for this? If we needed more food - who would I approach and what could I expect? Those are not necessarily the questions you want to ask - but in some cases these are very important. This is especially true if your venue is supplying you with food (for example). Most venues will have a pre-event meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is when you could ask them the questions that have come up with since your initial meeting. If they don't offer a pre-event meeting - request it! An important piece of a great event is that all are on the same page and have the same expectations.
This is where the memories will be made. This is where you are having your event. Whether it be a birthday, wedding or conference - the venue will be your home for that time. If you are having a wedding in a venue - that has a bar with live bands that play very loud music after 9pm - this could ruin your evening. It's important to know what happens at these venues. Also - inform yourself to other events happening during your selected date(s).
But the other part that many do not look at is the staffing that is there. If at any point during your evening you need help or require additional items - how will the staff handle these requests. Are they an attentive bunch? Will they be able to accommodate the requests in a timely fashion? As much as you plan and you think that your plan is bullet proof, there is always something that will squash that notion quickly. How do you proceed? Have questions - and many of them. During your visit of the venue - ask those questions. Pose them as situational questions - like - If we need another mike at the last minute, who would I approach for this? If we needed more food - who would I approach and what could I expect? Those are not necessarily the questions you want to ask - but in some cases these are very important. This is especially true if your venue is supplying you with food (for example). Most venues will have a pre-event meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is when you could ask them the questions that have come up with since your initial meeting. If they don't offer a pre-event meeting - request it! An important piece of a great event is that all are on the same page and have the same expectations.
Friday, October 18, 2013
And now it's time!
It has been a little while since I last posted. No worries - I'm still here - and alive! It has been busy. In light of some news that my daytime job - our company has been sold - and we are faced with a merger. I have been overly captivated by that - being the President's Executive Assistant. As you can imagine there were many added responsibilities. However - Event Planning is still my main focus. Even more so - as we are looking at possibly not having my day job anymore. We have also recently completed a wonderful conference in Toronto - at the Royal York. My key words here would be: "Be ready for anything!". It was a great turn out! Organization is always key, but an awesome support team is even more important. The Royal York is a beautiful venue and there staff was OK. I have dealt with a much more organized crew for events - however most of them were very pleasant. I spent 5 days there for this conference - and what a great location. My favorite part was the underground city with all the last minute purchases and changes - it was a life saver. Our attendees enjoyed themselves - and what a great turnout. Sponsors were all very happy about being able to participate in this year's event. All in all - a very successful event!
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