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Essential Insights Event Organizers Want You Aware Of

Avoid These Social Blunders: 6 Prevalent Protocol Errors

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3 min read

Essential Insights Event Organizers Want You Aware Of

Navigating events can be tough, with a plethora of best practices to keep tabs on. Even seemingly minor slipped-ups can cause significant domino effects. Two top-notch southern event planners share their must-know secrets toThrowing a bash that nails it every time.

Meet the Masters

  • Cassie LaMere, founder and creative goddess of Cassie LaMere Events in Austin, Texas
  • Dori Waller, founder of The Social Office in Nashville, Tennessee

Seating is crucial

Moving your place card may seem like no big whoop, but it actually can be. LaMere explains that "when attendees rearrange seats, this seriously impacts the flow of the event, putting extra strain on the team to locate guests and confirm they get their requested meal." It's especially important for those with dietary restrictions. Moreover, "a lot of thought has gone into thoughtfully designing the seating arrangement to ensure comfort and effortless conversation." So, trust the planner and remember that your seat change affects others.

Chargers ain't for chowing

"Oftentimes, we set a fully adorned table with a charger plate, but it's only decorative and not for serving food," reveals Waller. You might feel like taking that giant plate to the buffet, but avoid the urge to do so.

They want you to have a ball

Organizing an event can take months - sometimes even years. LaMere underlines, "It's our job to make things appear effortless, but behind the scenes, there's intricately designed and meticulously orchestrated chaos to create a carefree experience for guests." Planners and vendors go all out to provide an unforgettable experience, so sit back and soak it up.

Essential Insights Party Organizers Want You Aware Of:

Invite limits are real

When you receive an invite, it's crucial to pay attention to the envelope address. "It's amazing how often we send an invitation to a single person who then adds an unintended guest or additional family member," Waller points out. This decision is usually based on venue constraints, so keep it classy and run your guest list by the host.

Deadlines matter

RSVP deadlines aren't suggestions; they're important. When you don't respond, planners can't confirm catering, arrange seating, or ensure there's enough liquor and loot for everyone. As LaMere puts it, "We don't want to run out of food or drinks or waste resources because people don't reply by the deadline."

Event Etiquette Clarified

Events have timelines, protocols, and expectations. Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure the best possible experience for yourself and the hosts.

  1. Follow the details:
  2. If a dress code is specified, stick to it.
  3. Observe invitation instructions regarding guest limits.
  4. Mind your manners:
  5. Keep your alcohol intake in check, especially in professional settings.
  6. Make an effort to mingle with other guests.
  7. Arrive and depart on time:
  8. Punctuality shows respect to the host and schedule.
  9. Gift norms:
  10. If gifts are allowed, consider something thoughtful.
  11. If gift guidelines aren't specified, politely inquire.

By following these guidelines, you'll help the event unfold like a well-choregraphed dance, benefiting everyone involved. Cheers!

  1. Holidays occasions and weddings can benefit from the etiquette and manners recommended by southern living experts, as demonstrated by Cassie LaMere from Cassie LaMere Events in Austin, Texas, and Dori Waller from The Social Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
  2. Seating arrangements at events, particularly those with dietary restrictions, should be respected to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth flow for all guests, according to tips from these event planning masters.
  3. When invited to an event with a specific seating arrangement or decorative charger plates, remember that they are not meant for eating and that the hosts have put thought and effort into creating a wonderful entertaining experience, as revealed by Waller and LaMere.
  4. During an event, it is important to adhere to guest limits as indicated on the invitation and Communicate with the host if you wish to bring additional family members or guests, as this can impact the venue and overall planning, as clarified by Waller.
  5. RSVP deadlines are essential to the success of events, as not responding on time can lead to shortages of food, drinks, and resources, and potential overspending, as emphasized by LaMere.

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