Event planning is much easier when you have a few tips to get you going. Here, a list of tips gathered in answer to some of our most common event problems, from years of experience planning events big and small. Can't find a tip that solves your specific event planning problem? No problem: just call us on (250) 861-1575 in Kelowna or (250) 541-0945 in Vernon.
- Always round up your estimates, don't round down.
- Generally, you can expect about 75% of invited guests to attend your event.
- Order chairs and place settings for the full number of invited guests to ensure availability, then pare the number down one month prior to the event.
- When serving appetizers, plan for 5 “hor d'oeuvres” per person per hour for the first 2 hours and 3 per person per hour for each additional hour.
- When ordering smallware’s remember: generally, 2 to 3 glasses per person for dinner or cocktail events. 1.25 plates for buffet.
- Stock up on plenty of ice. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 lb. of ice per person.
- For a basic bar you'll want to stock up on vodka, rum, whiskey, wines and beer. For a more complete bar you can add gin, tequila, bourbon, vermouth and brandy.
- When serving punch figure 10 people to the gallon. This will allow for 3 - 4 oz. servings per guest.
- When serving cocktails or beer figure that your guests will consume 2 drinks per person per hour in the first 2 hours and 1 drink per hour after that.
- For a 2-hour party where you are only serving wine or champagne, you will need to have 1 bottle for every 2 guests.
- Always mow and water your lawn the day before tent, port-a-floor and or dance floor installation.
- When ordering dance floor, keep in mind that you need approximately 2 to 3 feet per person.
- Wine glass - Serving Glass size - The size of a glass is important, affecting the quality and intensity of the aromas. The breathing space should be chosen according to the personality of the wine, spirit or beverage.
- Red wine - pour 4 to 5 oz. in a large glass: White wine - pour 3 oz. in a medium glass: Spirits - 1 oz. in smaller glass.
- If you are using a washroom trailer plan on your guest using the trailer an average of 3 times in a 6-hour event.