How to Host a New Year’s Eve Event to Remember
As we say goodbye to this year, venues across the country are looking to end the year with a bang by hosting a slew of fun New Year’s Eve events. But before you open your venue doors on Dec. 31, read up on these expert event tips to keep in mind. See you in the new year!
Have a theme
Never underestimate how simply adding a theme to an event can transform it. Venues that implement a theme have an instant direction when it comes to things like decor, design, and signature cocktails, plus it gives guests some inspiration for attire.
For Atlanta’s event space Skyline Park, on Ponce City Market’s expansive rooftop, they’ve thrown events like an over-the-top Great Gatsby-themed black-tie New Year’s Eve bash, complete with “two levels of admission (general and VIP), open bars, two DJs, a dance floor, unlimited Champagne, a live jazz band, a delicious chef-prepared spread, entertainment and dancers, and more,” said Mandy Slater of Slater Hospitality, which manages the buzzy rooftop space.
Price according to your crowd
When it comes to admission for your New Year’s Eve event, “Know the crowd you are going after and price it accordingly,” Slater said. “For example, with a $200 and $350 ticket price, we have definitely tailored [our New Year’s Eve events] to a certain guest who wants something swankier and is willing to pay for it.”
Those tailoring to a younger crowd can decrease ticket prices to up the guest count while offering cheaper champagne for toasting along with a cash bar, whereas a higher ticket price suggests a higher quality event.
Offer VIP options
Tiered pricing is an especially popular option for New Year’s Eve events because it allows a wider variety of guests to celebrate together while offering extra perks and amenities for those who want to end the year with a bigger bang.
VIP options could include an open-bar cocktail hour that begins before general admission guests are permitted to enter the soiree, a complimentary bottle of champagne, a reserved table or booth, access to additional food options, or anything in between.
Be prepared
While not the most exciting element of a soiree, ensuring the safety of guests should always be a priority.
“Have plenty of visible security so your guests feel safe and can enjoy themselves knowing someone else will not ruin their evening,” Slater said.
It’s also wise to have a backup plan in case audio-visual equipment decides to go on the fritz or inclement weather affects the venue.
“Our event is outdoors,” she said, “so we have to have a rain and weather backup plan in place.”
Don’t forget the midnight toast!
No New Year’s Eve party is complete without the 10-second countdown before the stroke of midnight. Make sure the DJ or live band is prepared to stop the music so everyone can stop to countdown in unison.
Have plenty of flutes (plastic or glass, depending on your party’s level of swankiness) to fill with passed bottles of champagne about 10 minutes or so beforehand, so everyone can raise a glass and ring in the new year in style. Cheers to that!
Now that you know how to plan an epic NYE bash, why not request a live tour to see if Gather’s the right software to streamline your events business? If you’re already a client, we’d love if you left us a quick review!
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Now that you know how to plan an epic New Year’s Eve bash, use the best event management software to manage all of your events during the holidays and beyond. Schedule a demo at a time and date that works for you to learn more about how Tripleseat can help you build and streamline your events and private dining business.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on the Gather blog and written by Caroline Cox.