{"id":396,"date":"2018-07-26T16:49:44","date_gmt":"2018-07-26T23:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/?p=396"},"modified":"2024-08-21T10:04:36","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T17:04:36","slug":"event-planning-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/event-planning-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Event Planning Checklist: 14 Things to Take Care of Before the Big Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re planning a company holiday party, a networking cocktail hour, or a wedding, pulling off a successful event is no easy feat. With so many moving parts to consider, executing a function that\u2019s both memorable and (nearly) seamless requires a solid game plan from start to finish. Is it difficult? No doubt. Is it doable? Absolutely. As long as you\u2019ve got the right tools in your arsenal \u2014 including an event planning checklist \u2014 organizing an event that impresses your guests and clients alike won\u2019t seem like an impossible mission. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your timeline<\/a> really depends on the size and details of your event. But the sooner you get started, the less stressful it will be. Organizing a corporate event<\/a> can take anywhere from months to a year, so we highly recommend you start as soon as you\u2019re tasked. As for weddings, Jessica Carrillo of <\/span>Art & Soul Events<\/span><\/a> calls the one-year mark the \u201csweet spot\u201d \u2014  it\u2019s enough time to lock down your favorite venue and vendors, but not too far ahead where trends begin to feel dated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI divide my wedding planning process into manageable phases and we work through each phase every few months,\u201d she says. \u201cWe are able to avoid feeling overwhelmed because we are moving at a manageable pace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a breakdown of everything you\u2019ll need to think about and do ahead of your event.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ultimate Event Planning Checklist<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Narrow down your high-level priorities<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before you even begin to think about your event date, budget, or theme, Jessica suggests first figuring out which event elements you care about most. Consider the goal of your event, the tone you want to set, etc. and jot it down. All of these answers will help you shape the rest. And if you ever lose sight of your initial vision down the road, you can always refer back to this list to help put things back into focus.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Establish the five Ws<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have a general sense of what you want your event to look like, you can begin to form the bare bones:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n