The end of the year is right around the corner, and that means it’s almost the holiday season as well. It’s time to start planning the office holiday party.
Before you get started, you might ask yourself, how do you host a good party?
Hosting a good party hinges on good planning. If you try to wing it, you’ll likely run into more trouble than you bargained for on the day of the party. Food might not arrive, or it may be in short supply. Your decorations might feel rushed, or you may not be able to book a venue or the entertainment you were eyeing.
The sooner you can start planning the office holiday party, the more likely it is you’ll host a good party.
The Office Holiday Party Takes Planning
Many people assume they don’t need to spend much time planning the office party. They think they can start planning maybe a week or two beforehand. They set the date and maybe they book the venue in advance, but they leave the other essentials to the last minute.
This often leaves people scrambling to get everything in order. You may not be able to book the entertainment you want, or maybe you can’t find anyone available on your dates.
You might also find yourself scrambling when it comes to catering and food. This is not a situation you want, as food is one of the most important parts of any successful party. People remember if the food was less than stellar.
The Holiday Season Is Busy
Another reason to start planning the office holiday party now is so that you can actually book the people and services you want and need.
You’re not the only one planning a holiday party at this time of year. Your venue might be booked, or your preferred caterer was booked weeks ago. The sooner you start planning, the sooner you can book the services you need. You’ll have a better chance of getting your preferred providers.
Avoid the Last-Minute Scramble
The holiday season is often a demanding one for many people, so why add to the list of last-minute tasks?
The last thing you want to do is scramble to plan the office party. The sooner you begin planning, the sooner the pieces will begin falling in place. There will already be many different tasks you’ll need to take care of on the day of the party. Don’t risk making the list even longer.
Planning early can help you enjoy the party just as much as your co-workers.
Get a Better Deal and Save the Budget
Planning the holiday party now can also mean cost savings for your organization. If you book at the last minute, you may be charged marked-up prices or rush fees. It’s a pretty good way to guarantee you’re going to go over budget.
If you plan early, you may be able to take advantage of discounted prices or deals. At the very least, you shouldn’t see any rush charges mounting on the invoices.
Give Your Attendees Time to Plan
The other reason you should begin planning the office holiday party now is that it will give your guests more time to plan. If you can give them a time, date, and venue, they’ll have a better idea of how feasible it is to go.
They can also begin planning carpooling or routes to the party, as well as rides home afterwards. If you can tell them about games, prizes, and even themes, they can make all the plans they need to have a great time.
If you haven’t started planning your office party just yet, now’s the time to get started.
