How to Plan a Corporate Holiday Party
ARE YOU ENVISIONING A COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY THAT DOESN’T FIT THE MOLD?
DOES THE JOB OF PLANNING IT SEEMS DAUNTING AND OVERWHELMING?
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
We’ve collected the top things to consider when planning any corporate holiday party.
photography: Ambedo Agency
We get it. We’ve been there! Being tasked to plan your corporate party can be overwhelming and can come with some big expectations.
And often the party planning falls on the shoulders of someone who needs to do it while doing their other full time job! Sound familiar?
Whether your company party or corporate event is small and intimate, or large and elaborate – there are a few things to consider while still in the planning phase. We’ve gathered our list of the “Top Six” areas you need to consider to pull off the event of the season.
1. EVENT STYLE, are you thinking of festive standing cocktails, a lively brunch, an intricate multi-course sit down dinner? Knowing this detail can help with all other aspects of planning the perfect corporate holiday party.
2. VENUE is usually one of the first choices you need to make. Assessing the guestlist and the amount of space needed will help you choose the perfect venue. We always suggest taking a tour of a variety of potential choices, since they likely look much different in person!
3. FOOD AND BEVERAGE, what everyone really came for! Understanding how your catering elements play into your theme, as well as when, where and how to present food service can be a big deal. We suggest having multiple options for those with any allergies or restrictions – given even the pickiest eater something to munch on.
4. DECOR can really enhance any style or vibe, making even an empty board room feel warm and inviting. Consciously choosing elements that flow and create an interactive experience for your guests will elevate any space.
5. ENTERTAINMENT is the cornerstone of a great party – whether you’re choosing a band, DJ or something a little more low key, live entertainment will bring life to your event. We love when the music, decor and catering effortlessly flow into your theme – making the evening seem intentional and fun!
6. BUDGET, do you have one? Knowing where to place a majority of your budget can make an impressive difference. There are definitely some elements where savings is important, and others that will make a world of difference. We suggest investing in a great venue and delicious food.
Is a D.I.Y. or a Turn Key experience what is right for you?
Next you need to think realistically about the time you have available to plan your seasonal celebration. Does getting involved with every aspect excite you? Can you hardly wait to choose the theme, decorate the hall and taste-test the food? Do you love spreadsheets and colour-coded tasks? If so, a D.I.Y. holiday party is right up your alley!
However, if these details seem daunting, or you just don’t have the time to interview caterers, book entertainment and secure incredible decor – maybe a D.I.Y. event isn’t for you and you would prefer to leave the party planning to the experts.
We love parties! And we are here to support you as much as you need. If you just want a perfectly decorated space but you want to take care of the details, we’ve got you covered (and we can host you in one of our venues or yours)! Or, if time is of the essence and you would like us to take care of all the details, we suggest opting for one of our Turn Key experiences.
Opting for a Turn Key experience
At The Commons, we specialize in creating all-inclusive, Turn Key holiday party experiences.
From décor to menus to entertainment, the process is made simple and easy for you. You simply pick an event package that suits your needs, choose from a variety of add-ons to fully customize your event and we’ll do the planning and coordination.
For the 2020 holiday season, we offer three different holiday themes you can choose from. Winter wonderland highlighted by the aurora borealis? Elegant art deco experience? Slope-side celebration in an Après Ski lodge? Choose the theme that works best for you and your guests.
AND THE BEST PART?
We take care of all the details so you and your guests can just sit back and enjoy.
The Booking Process
The booking process differs slightly depending on whether you are choosing to host a do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) event or a Turn Key experience.
D.I.Y. events involve a lot of planning, coordination and execution on your end – from choosing the venue, deciding on a theme, meeting and coordinating with vendors, selecting food and beverage options, bringing in furniture and décor, organizing event insurance and liquor licensing as well as set up and take down of the event.
For Turn Key events at The Commons, the process involves three simple steps:
CHOOSE YOUR THEME AND PACKAGE
What winter themed experience do you choose to celebrate the season among friends and colleagues? What is your party style? Our venues offer different options for cocktail, buffet, plated dinner or brunch events.
BOOK YOUR DATE
Our themes extend beyond the holidays, making a date in November, December or even January the perfect time to host your winter celebration. Once your date is secured, our events team starts planning and coordinating your unique holiday experience, with regular meetings to ensure the event is what you envision it to be.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR EVENT
During this part of the planning process, you and the events team work with your caterers to tailor the menu and bar to your specifications. Our venues also offer add-on experiences provided by our local talented partners that you can choose from to fully customize your event such as ice sculptures, photobooths, entertainment, custom branding, menu substitutions and alternative décor options so you can create an individually tailored experience for you and your guests.
And then – just sit back and enjoy your holiday event!
