{"id":2282,"date":"2024-11-20T18:00:27","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T18:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/?p=2282"},"modified":"2024-12-18T11:59:49","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T11:59:49","slug":"planning-a-christmas-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/partywizz.com\/blog\/corporate\/planning-a-christmas-party\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning an Office Christmas Party"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you planning an office Christmas party?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a brilliant opportunity to reflect on the year\u2019s highlights, promote the company culture, and unwind after a year of hard work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re aiming for a casual gathering or an elaborate event, getting the details right can make all the difference. To help you get started, we\u2019ve put together some tips to ensure your party is a success and leaves everyone in the Christmas spirit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Hire a Corporate Entertainer<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Make a Headcount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start by doing a quick headcount of your employees to estimate how many people are likely to attend. This estimate will guide many of your decisions, from venue selection to catering. At this stage, you don\u2019t need a final count, just a rough idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will partners or plus-ones be invited? Depending on the size of your company, this might not be feasible. If the main goal of the event is to strengthen relationships among employees, you might decide to keep it staff-only. However, inviting partners will increase the number of attendees and the overall cost, so it\u2019s worth considering your budget carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Confirm the Budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into the planning process, decide on the overall budget for the event. At this stage, an estimate is fine. The easiest approach is to compare it to last year\u2019s budget and adjust it based on the expected size of this year\u2019s party, whether that means increasing or decreasing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have a previous budget to refer to, you\u2019ll need to calculate it from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> When setting your budget, break it down into fixed costs (expenses that remain the same regardless of how many people attend, such as venue hire) and variable costs (expenses that depend on the number of attendees, such as food and drink). This will give you a clearer picture of your spending and help you plan effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Pick a Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choose a date for the Christmas party and start planning as early as possible. Remember, every company in your area will likely be eyeing the same popular dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a good idea to outline a couple of potential dates between late November and mid-December. If you\u2019re not the company manager, make sure to confirm these dates as soon as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The success of your event often depends on when and where it takes place, so it\u2019s worth giving this decision plenty of thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to scheduling, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays tend to be the most popular options. Each comes with its own pros and cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hosting an office party on a Thursday often means more employees will be able to attend. However, the downside is that most people won\u2019t have the next day off, which might make it harder for them to fully enjoy the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday & Saturday<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With the weekend ahead, Fridays and Saturdays are ideal for those who want to relax and celebrate without worrying about work the next day. The drawback is that these dates may conflict with other commitments, leading to fewer acceptances and more last-minute cancellations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Choose a Venue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have a few potential dates, the next step is to contact venues you\u2019re considering for the event to check their availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start as early as possible! There are many businesses competing for the same venues, especially during the festive season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin by making a list of venues that can accommodate the size of your event. Next, narrow it down by location. Location is key because guests are less likely to attend if the venue is difficult to get to or they\u2019re unsure how they\u2019ll get home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of this information, such as capacity and facilities, can be found online. However, details like price and availability will often require you to call the venue directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venues typically charge either per head (common for events involving meals) or a flat fee for the space. Neither option is inherently better; it depends on your preferences and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re booking a hotel as your venue, ask if there is availability for your guests to stay overnight. Don\u2019t forget to inquire whether they can offer a discounted rate for your group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Plan the Food & Drinks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At an office Christmas party, it\u2019s customary to offer at least a few complimentary drinks and some finger food for the guests. The amount you provide will depend entirely on your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 RDNE Stock project from Pexels via Canva.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Drinks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to drinks, the bill can add up fast. So if the budget doesn’t permit free drinks for the whole event,  it\u2019s customary to give a few free drinks to guests. There are a few common ways to approach this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n