Event Planning 101

While The Mackey House reputation for being the place for weddings continues to grow, we also work with a myriad of clients to create other memorable events as well.

Regardless of the type of event you’re hosting – office party, milestone anniversary, birthdays, class reunions, family gatherings, christenings, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc. – The Mackey House team will create an atmosphere perfect for pictures.

Event planning, much like wedding planning, takes dedication, skill, organization, and an overall understanding of deadlines.  When it comes to sending
invitations, contacting caterers, solidifying table counts, booking musical talent, hiring guest speakers, etc., our event specialists make lists and timelines that would make the most anal-retentive people blush.

Some timelines to keep in mind:

1)     Invitations:  Even if it’s a work function, it’s nice to send paper invitations to formal events, if it’s less formal, like a motivational speaker or family gathering; you at least want to send e-vites to your guests.  Letting people know you specifically request their presence at an event makes them feel special and excited to be a part of the event.

Timeline: Depending on the formality of the event, 3-6 months in advance.  For larger events with lots of out of town people, you may want to give as much as 6-8 months for travel arrangements to be made.

2)   Food:  For most events, you’re going to want to offer food and beverages of some type. Whether its formal sit-down dinner or hors d’oeuvres set aside for
mingling, you want to have a plan for how to feed your guests/participants.

Timeline: You’ll want to sit down with a caterer almost as soon as you decide to have the event which will help in developing the budget.  Typically you’ll confirm the head count 2-4 weeks in advance.

3)   Entertainment: All events need something in the background, particularly to spark conversation and allow distractions.

Timeline:  Again, depending on the event – if you’re hosting a lunch and learn for business associates, you’ll want to book your speaker prior to making other event plans; however, if you need a solo violinist for background music for your milestone anniversary, 4-6 months in advance should be plenty.

4)  Photography:  For most events, you’re going to want great pictures for memories, for business show pieces, for social media updates, etc.  Typically someone will offer to take pictures, but you want that individual to be a part of the event rather than focusing their time on “working” for the best pictures.

Timeline:  Great photographers book up early.  Typically it’s good to get in touch with one 3-5 months prior to the event, but the sooner the better.

Whatever your event, let the Event Planners at The Mackey House work with you to ensure its success.  We’ll help you create the timeline, make reservations, and reserve the talent you need for your day to be everything you imagined.

The Mackey House is one of the premier Savannah wedding venues, located just minutes from Downtown. For more information, please visit our Savannah wedding page, as well as join our conversation on Facebook and Twitter