Event Planning Tips
Planning a celebratory or corporate event can be stressful—regardless of the size. To help ensure your event goes off without a hitch, consider the following tips, compiled by the experienced event professional at DFW Celebrations Banquet Hall.
1. Don’t procrastinate
The sooner you start fleshing out your wish list for a venue, caterer, and other event services, the less stressful the event planning process will become. Our event pros recommend planning a year or more prior to grand events like weddings, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteens—especially since most event venues need to be reserved far in advance.
2. Create a budget spreadsheet
Whether you use an event planning app or an Excel spreadsheet, putting your budget in writing and tracking every expense and payment is a must. Expenses you’ll want to track for the venue may include:
- Banquet hall rental (depending on the package, may include some items below)
- Catering (food and drink)
- Décor (graphics, tablescapes, special linens, etc.)
- Custom centerpieces designed to complement the theme of your unique event
- Photographer and videographer
- Security
- Florist
- Bartenders and servers
- Valet parking and/or transportation to and from the venue
- Entertainment
- Sound and lighting
3. Seek expert advice
If you’re planning a large event—especially if you’ve never planned one before—hiring an event professional, such as the ones provided by DFW Celebrations, or a wedding planner can help simplify the planning process and minimize stress.
4. Research vendor options
You shouldn’t hire the first caterer or book the first venue you see online. Compare offerings from a few different service providers to help ensure you get all of the options and amenities you desire. Be sure to check references and online reviews before signing vendor contracts. Remember, we are available to assist you in vendor selection.
5. Review contracts closely
If you need to cancel, when is it too late to get your deposit back? Are there any fees for services you assumed would be covered that are not? What damages could you be liable for? These are but a few of the details you’ll want to consider before signing on the dotted line.