Hosting a company summer party is a great way to keep your employees happy and motivated. Such an event can break up the year and give people something to look forward to – and talk about afterwards!
Many companies will be throwing a summer party, and just like Christmas, there will be popular dates. So make sure to book your preferred date as soon as possible, or you might miss out!
Here are our tips to help you get your party started! ….the only thing we can’t organise is the good ol’ British weather!
Date
First thing you need to do is decide on the date. It is a good idea to be flexible in case your chosen date(s) are not available. For example, weekends and afternoons are not so popular because people won’t want to give up their free time, so consider holding a weekday afternoon or late afternoon/early evening party instead.
- It’s best to avoid school summer holidays as this will make it trickier for your guests to organise childcare and they may have holidays booked.
- Where you can try and check if there are any large events taking place in the location you are looking to book your party which may affect your numbers.
- Shortlist a couple of dates and ask around the best date for everyone – you will of course not please everybody so will have to go with the majority.
- Venue hire costs will vary depending on the day of the week too, so it’s worth considering a few options.
Style of Event
After you have decided to organise a party, it is important to consider the type of party you want to throw. Would you like to organize an informal afternoon event with the team or a more formal one with clients and stakeholders? Would you prefer a rooftop party or a garden party with a dress code?
Are you interested in giving a theme to your event? Summer parties are a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the sunny weather and create a fun atmosphere. You can choose from a range of themes such as Garden Party, Mardi Gras, Sports Day, Beach Party, etc. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone may be comfortable with dressing up in a costume, so it’s best not to make it compulsory.
To really make the theme stand out, continue it throughout your event by selecting appropriate food and drinks, decorations, entertainment, branding, and music.
Don’t have the time to plan and execute everything on your own? Some venues offer themed summer spaces and package deals that can save you both time and money.
Find a venue
Look no further! Our venue finding service is completely free and can help you find your venue for your Summer Party.
To make the search easier, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of the type of venue you want. Decide whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor venue, or a mix of both. You should also consider a contingency plan for inclement weather and the need for shade from the sun.
As we have already highlighted, some venues theme their summer spaces and offer packages which can be very cost effective.
Budget
Planning an event can be exciting, but finding the perfect venue within your budget can be challenging. That’s why we are here to help. By understanding your budget, we can find venues that are perfect for you.
Our experienced team will take your brief and create a bespoke proposal that outlines all the costs involved.
Here’s a helpful tip: Thursdays and Wednesdays are becoming increasingly popular days for hosting events. If your budget is tight, why not consider holding your event on a Monday or Tuesday
Location, Location, Location
Hosting a successful party requires a lot of planning, and one of the most crucial factors to consider is the venue location.
Would you like your party to be held within walking distance of the office, or would you be willing to travel a bit further for the perfect venue? Also, it’s essential to think about how your guests will get home once the party is over.
A venue that’s located near public transportation would make it simpler for everyone to return home safely. In contrast, a venue with limited transportation options could potentially discourage some guests from attending.
So, while selecting a venue for your party, keep these aspects in mind to ensure that all of your guests have a wonderful time.
Food and Drink
When planning a summer party, it is important to consider your group size, company culture, budget, and theme while selecting a suitable food and drink menu. You can choose from a wide variety of options such as BBQ, bowl food, canapes, pizza, sharing boards, and food stalls, to name a few. It is crucial to keep in mind the guests with special dietary requirements and ensure that there are alternatives available to avoid anyone going hungry.
In addition, drinks play a vital role in summer party celebrations. You can create a Summer Cocktail for the arrival drink to add a special touch to the event. Some venues offer unlimited beer, wine, and soft drink packages that can cover everyone’s tastes and help with your budget planning.
Entertainment
There is a huge choice of corporate entertainment options to choose from for summer parties; from a live band to a DJ, magicians, games or just background music.
Activity
Why not organise an activity alongside your party or event?
Summer activities in the open air can offer some great choices whether it is alongside your summer meeting or as part of your party or celebration
Choose from genteel garden games to inflatable games like ‘It’s a Knockout’ or relive your youth with a School Sports Day activity.