Every event planner always wants to produce the most beautiful and memorable event for their clients, whether it’s a business or social event. However, the single limiting factor in this is always going to be the budget, which requires some creativity when it comes to tips for planning an event.
However, successfully executing an event that will leave an impression even if you are on a tight budget isn’t impossible. You just have to make the right decisions and think outside the box.
Here are some useful event planning tips you can use to help you pull off a successful event with a meager budget:
Choose An Affordable Venue
Venues are always the biggest cost for any kind of event. To avoid spending too much on the location, it’s recommended to invest more time on planning the venue as early as possible. You may want to look for new event venues on the market, because since they are still trying to gain traction as an attractive event location they may be offering lower rates. It would also be advisable to book during off-season or weekdays if you can, since this lets you enjoy a better bargain with events spaces.
Opt For Reasonably Priced Food and Beverage Options
Food and drinks can also take up a significant amount of your event budget. Successful planners know that tips for event planning without having to spend too much on food and beverage means getting a little creative. One thing you can do is to source your food from wholesalers or supermarkets instead of expensive groceries. Purchasing in bulk and doing the kitchen work with the help of other people will save a substantial amount of money. Keep in mind that you don’t have to shell out too much to serve good-quality, healthy, and fresh food if you know where to look.
Avoid Printing Material
Cut down on printing costs by opting for all things digital. Gone are the days when event planners had to print everything from invitations to menus; all of these can now be done easily online at a minimal cost – and many website-based services even offer them for free. Take advantage of technology when it comes to managing the documents you need for your event.
Try To Negotiate For A Good Package
Negotiate with suppliers and see what else you can get for free, or at a lower cost, by working out a package. Naturally, suppliers won’t offer to reduce their rates but if you’re upfront about the budget, you can ask if they can throw any freebies in. Not all suppliers will be open to such ideas, but trying will do you no harm. If one supplier can provide you with a package deal for the food and beverage; that’s fantastic; while another can give you a good bargain on equipment rental. If you find one who can give you a good package for all, then even better!
Get Help From Volunteers or Interns
Look for volunteers or interns who would be willing to give you an extra hand on manual tasks for free or at a very low cost. It’s a great way to get the manpower that you need without having to spend too much money. With the right training, volunteers and interns can be an excellent help for your event, and in exchange it will also look good on their portfolio or resume for those aspiring to be event organizers in the future.
We would love to hear your advice and experiences of this in the comments below.