THE SCOOP WITH SKIPPER
Planning a function or party in Darwin? The Skipper has spent the last 20 years designing, setting up and planning over 6,000 events across the world. Planning for a function depends on a lot especially when you are in Darwin. However, if you follow these steps your next event will run smoothly and will be a night to remember for all the right reasons.
What is the purpose? – The first thing and last thing to think about
Everything depends on this. Are you planning a Hens or Bucks night? A corporate dinner? A wedding reception? Your 18th birthday party? Is the purpose to inform? To celebrate? It’s the purpose that dictates the music, the food, and the location.
Once you have decided on the purpose, then all you have to do is answer these questions and you are on your way to a successful event.
The Skippers Ultimate Event Questionnaire
- Do we need an indoor or outdoor venue?
- What audience capacity does the event require?
- How long do we need the venue for, including set-up and takedown?
- How many guests are likely to be attending?
- How long will your event’s RSVP period be?
- This is one that is always forgotten – are there any other events or functions that will be on, or around the day of your event that may cause conflict with your intended guest list?
- What is your budget?
- What food/drinks are appropriate? This goes back to purpose and knowing your guests.
- Knowing your guests’ taste is very important, such as if anyone has any allergies and intolerances. For example, you’ve decided on a BBQ menu, with pig on the spit and then you find out on the day that nearly half your guests are vegetarian or vegan. Considering the logistics of the event location is also important. For example, you chose a venue that has a large staircase on entry, however some of your attendees are elderly and require disabled access.
- Where will it be? Location, location, location. This is critical. You need to consider that the location of your event will satisfy your number of guests and your budget. First step is to find a venue suitable for the event type. You need to keep in mind that some venues will not hold certain event, such as 18th & 21st birthday parties, or buck’s and hen’s nights because of past bad experiences or noise restrictions in their venue (however, The Skipper loves them).
- Does the venue provide everything you will need, such as tables, chairs, decorations? Make sure you organize these things in advance to avoid hidden costs.
- How are you going to seat your guests? Do some guests not get along? Do you want one long table or many singular tables? What will be the room layout?
- Are kids allowed? Consider the impact they will have and whether they will detract or enhance the purpose of the event.
- What style of beverages will suit the occasion? Wine? Beer? Cocktails?
- Do you require any entertainment, such as a band? Will you need an MC?
- Do I need to get an event planner?
- Are you inviting the Skipper? If not, why?
Going back to the beginning
Once you have considered all of the above, go back to the first you asked – does this achieve the purpose of the event?
Organising a function or an event can be an enjoyable process, and seeing the smiles on people’s faces, connecting, and having fun on an occasion that you have organised can be a very rewarding experience.
The other tip The Skipper suggests is to take your time. Successful events can take up to six weeks to organise. Not everyone will get back to you on time, not every price will be fair meaning you will need to get other quotes. If you give yourself the time to get what you want, you will have a fantastic event.
Here at Admiralty House, we have a dedicated Functions and Events Manager that can assist you with any event, from a hens night to a swanky corporate function.
At Admiralty House – we work with each event like it’s a person. Our motto is “any event, any time, with any budget”. After all, it comes with the Territory!
