Hope you all enjoy this one!
- Think like a guest- get in the mentality. When you’re designing, or working with a planner, imagine the pain points that you felt during a recent wedding- or even better, ANY EVENT
- Guest always appreciate food and drink! Arrival drinks, appetizers, and anything that encourages people to not complain about being thirsty or hungry always goes over well! Alcohol is an almost guaranteed way to ensure guests will be exciting
- Decorations are awesome- HEIGHT is a huge element of making an event really spectacular. Aim to stretch your decorations to have both low and high height using things like candelabras or tall glass centerpieces. We offer both at the venue and it allows the space to be broken up and more dramatic
- Uplighting will always completely transform even the dullest of spaces. If you can afford it- it’s worth it!
- Plated meals are a step above buffet when it comes to luxury if you’re really looking to WOW guests. The cost will sky rocket, but people will take note. There is nothing wrong at all with a buffet.
- Welcome gifts are also an awesome way to impress guests- bug spray, sunscreen, a small token of appreciation are all really cool ways to impress guests. Having someone available to pass these out is truly what’s amazing
- Have someone greet your guests as they arrive (I skipped this one in the Podcast)- this one is really cool. The first thing people think when they get to a venue is “Where do we go? What do we do?” Ask about having someone greet guests warmly and help direct them as they arrive
- Open bar is king if you’re really wanting to impress. If you do all of the other things I mentioned, this one will trump them all. It’s almost a guarantee to keep guests at the event much longer, and they will absolutely notice. If you can’t do an open bar, think about a healthy budget. Its better to cut guests, than to disappoint the masses
- Get a shuttle- whether you’re 2 minutes from the hotel, or an hour- get a shuttle. People will stay longer, dance longer, and will never forget the extra value you provided. Nobody wants to drink and drive. So if they drive, they might not ever drink. Location is key to the level of importance of this one
- Music- if you can do a band- GO FOR IT. It’s the ultimate luxury for a wedding. If not, a great DJ is a must. I always say— a bad DJ will wreck everything. Do not book a DJ that isn’t proven to be great.
Shoot us an email if you’re interest in having an event at Harpors!
Shay Dulle
info@harpors.com