How to plan a corporate party
At Parties To Go, we can put on any kind of event you can dream up – from tasteful wakes to blow-out birthdays and, of course, wedding extravaganzas. But how to plan a corporate party? With ‘professionalism’ the order of the day, it can feel a little tricker to get things right. And that’s where we come in. Here are the ways we help to plan a corporate party.
1. Set the tone
The first step in knowing how to plan a corporate party is to settle on the kind of event you want to host. Corporate dos don’t have to be large affairs – and they aren’t always about retirement! These days, we’re seeing more of these kinds of events:
- Product launches: For companies bringing a new product to market, a launch event can be a great way to generate buzz around what you’re doing and unveil it in a grand way. You might want to incorporate time for speeches and demos, so sit-down food can be a great option.
- Networking events: These can be as formal as you like, from drinks mixers to canapés to big buffets. We can build menus that make people linger for longer, so making connections and meeting others is a breeze.
- Workshops and away days: When you’re focusing on bringing your teams together, the last thing on your mind is the food. That’s where we step in!
If you’re not sure where to begin with how to plan a corporate party, check out our Instagram and Facebook channels.
2. Get some bang for your budget
Now we know what kind of event you’re running, we can discuss costs – one of the most important aspects of your planning. We’ll work with you to make sure you get the best value for money, before diving into the details of where you’re hosting and what’s on the menu.
3. Design around your diners
The corporate crowd can be a diverse mix of people – dietary requirements will be a strong consideration, from meat-free options to special needs like gluten-free or no nuts. We can cater to any allergies or restrictions while still giving your guests a plateful of food they’ll truly savour.
While on the subject of food, have you considered how it will be served? Some events are ideal for mingling with a platter of blinis. Others are more suited to cocktails. And of course, formal dining is always an option too. You might also be more keen to discuss presentations, especially if you’re hosting an event for clients.
To see the full range of Parties To Go menus, take a look at our website (or ask us to design something fresh!). And if you’re wanting something fancy but hassle-free, you could take a look at our bespoke extras, like our mobile chefs and partner food stalls.
3. Actively view your chosen venue(s)
Now that you’ve ticked off budget, menus and theme, it’s time to consider where you want to hold your event.
Our partners page can give you some inspiration here in London and the South East, but you could also consider having your event in your own office building. Or, you might have already got a venue in mind. Whatever the case, we’ll work with you to ensure it comes together perfectly. All we suggest is that you take the time to view any venues for yourself – you get much more of an idea about space, ambience and the surrounding area when you do.
4. Give guests an entertaining time
The last part of your planning is all about entertainment and activities. While some events will feel more formal than others, there’s always an opportunity to fill in gaps of time, like when you’re waiting for people to arrive or you’re moving from food to speeches.
Live music is often an easy win and can set the perfect mood for your corporate event. But there are lots of other ways to entertain your guests, from magic shows and circus acts to photo booths, pop-up casinos and live comedy.
Again, our bespoke extras page could be a useful starting point – think ice sculptures, arcade games, DJ experiences and more.
5. Don’t forget the follow-up
After a corporate event, it can be a nice idea to follow-up with your guests. Pinterest has some lovely ideas for creative ways to get in touch. You can:
- Find out what your employees thought about a company away day
- Connect with people you’ve networked with
- Contact companies who showed an interest in your product at your launch party
- Summarise what happened at the event
- Thank guests for attending
- Gain some insights by including a survey
And with all that, you’ll already be thinking ahead to the next event!
Talk to Parties To Go today
For parties of any size, kind and occasion, speak to Carole. We’ll book you in for a 30-minute consultation to start the inspiration sparking, then build a menu that suits your guests to a ‘T’. Then all that’s left to do is count down the days! Send us an email to find out more.
