The small details add up

When creating an event there is always that moment where every single detail seems to be up in the air, half planned but not quite complete. Finding ways to maximize the details can be what makes a good event great and a great event extraordinary.  Now when I mention details, this encompasses a number of different areas.

In communication:

The need to consider details starts with each initial communication to any contact.  How are you presenting the event from the very beginning?  Are you ensuring your vision and purpose is clear?  Doing so can open up opportunities for your suppliers and vendors to make suggestions they feel will compliment this.  The truth of the matter is, you cannot be an expert in every single area of an event, so this feedback from suppliers can draw in ideas that you may not have been  able to generate on your own.

In decoration:

You never know when that one small extra item will be the perfect touch that pushes the event over the edge.  It is always ideal to have people saying things such as "Did you notice the napkin rings that went so perfectly?" or "The picture in the bathroom was a hilarious."  To make a theme or idea clear at an event consider how you can do so in ways that people would not expect.

In wording:

Now I separate this from communication as here I am referring to wording of any written material presented to those attending your event.  From invitations (which is the most obvious and usually taken care of) to signage, entertainment and menus, ensuring the theme or tone of the event is reflected here can make a great difference.

In supplier and venue selection:

When selecting any supplier or vendors for an event, it is important not to only compare your options based on cost.  The time I find most critical to do so is for charity or cause events.  This is because having suppliers and vendors that can align with your cause, I truly feel, drives them to bring even more to the event.  Now of course this needs to be weighed against creating the best return for your charity/cause as well and most  every situation is unique.

*Note, I do not suggest someone loses site of the big picture of an event, or stresses over trying to ensure every single last small detail is capitalized on, but rather to help ensure they simply take moments to delve a little deeper every now and then.

I'm sure I will be back at some point to reassess how I feel about these points as I often find as my experience in events grows so does my perspective on a number of topics.  Please feel free to let me know any thoughts you may have in the comments.  I'm always excited to hear and discuss events with others who have a passion for event planning. :)