Outdoor events are fun. Although it has different challenges compared to an indoor event, outdoor parties have a certain appeal that makes it a huge hit among folks.
One of the first things you need to do is secure a venue that’s the right size for the party you have in mind. Dress it up a bit by adding some more landscape decors, which you can get at a Minnesota garden center or any shop that sells plants and landscaping ornaments. Once you’ve done that, you can now move on to planning your event. We have listed below a few tips and ideas to help you get your outdoor party started right.
10 Things to Do to Have a Great Outdoor Party
1. Get the word out.
Come up with a guest list and send them invitations to let them know about the details of your party. Be sure to include important details like date, time, place, and attire.
2. Make sure there are enough seats.
This is important. You do not want the embarrassment of not having enough seats for your guests. If your party is held in your home and you think your guests will far outnumber your available chairs, reach out to a party specialist and rent out chairs instead.
3. Light it up.
Do not leave your guests in the dark. Make sure your venue is well-lit to avoid any untoward incidents. Plus, having the right lighting helps keep the ambiance attractive and comfortable for your guests.
4. Decorate it right.
Make sure you have the appropriate decorations set-up for the event. It would be embarrassing to have kiddie party decors in an engagement party, right?
5. Solve the mosquito problem.
As beautiful as the great outdoors are, holding parties outside entail small problems called pests and mosquitoes. Minimize pest and mosquito presence by getting rid of stagnant waters because that’s their breeding ground.
Have enough fans spread throughout the venue to help keep mosquitoes away. You can also provide your guests with bug wipes and put them in a basket that’s easily accessible to anyone.
6. Music soothes the savage beast.
Three things about this:
Prepare a playlist that can last at least five hours as most parties and events don’t last longer than that.
Resist the temptation to crank the speakers. Those seated near the speakers won’t enjoy the party if they’re going deaf while your speakers are playing “Macarena” full blast.
Play songs that your crowd is familiar with. You can create a playlist based on the demographical majority attending the party.
7. Keep the kids entertained.
If your event is mostly for grown-ups, it is inevitable for some guests to show up with their kids. Always have a plan to keep your guests’ children entertained and amused while the event is going on.
Prepare a separate area for them where they can play or watch videos while waiting for their parents.
8. Keep it cool.
Consider the weather whenever you hold outdoor parties. Always check your local weather forecast and prepare for it. If your party is held in the summer, make sure you have provisions to keep your guests cool. Handheld fans and ice-cold compresses do the trick.
9. Drinks and beverages.
Station your drinks and beverages away from the entrances so they don’t create a bottleneck. Put them someplace where there is lesser foot traffic to give your guests more space to mingle.
10. The Restroom Dilemma.
One of the main things you need to consider in any outdoor event is access to a clean restroom. If there are no nearby restrooms for your guests to use, a porta-potty rental can help solve the problem. Just make sure it is kept clean for the entire duration of your party.
11. Back-up plans.
It is important to always have contingency plans just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate or some supplier falls short at the last minute. Have a back-up plan. Even your back-up plan should have a back-up plan.
We hope you find this list helpful as you plan your next outdoor bash. While you’re at it, don’t hesitate to ask for help if things get overwhelming.