Keeping Your Company's Holiday Party Within the Company Budget
Goldman Sachs just recently announced that it is going to cancel its holiday party for the second year in a row. There reason for cancelling is hilarious. The group seems to feel that their business model is 'too profitable? and they don't want bankers to be seen celebrating while so many people are out of work. The group is prohibiting any private parties within the organization and is prohibiting gatherings of twelve or more.
Kimberly Andrews is a writer for Wholesale Event Solutions, a company offering discount event planning supplies including round tablecloths, chair covers and sashes, floor candelabras and more.
Chances are that your company isn't under the same microscope. With the downturn in the economy, your problem is more likely trying to boost employee moral and at the same time keep you gathering within the budget. So how do you throw something big enough to show your employees how valuable and appreciated they are without going over budget? Nothing says you may be unemployed next year like cancelling the company Christmas party. If your company has had a rough year already, the worse thing you can do is to rub in their faces by cancelling the party. It would be wiser to end the year on a positive note. On the other hand, if you had a good year then you have cause to celebrate. Either way, your employees need to feel like their efforts were appreciated.
5 Money Saving Tips
1. Call a few of your local restaurants and see what they charge to rent a room for your party. Don't be afraid to tell them that the restaurant down the street gave you a better offer. Haggle with them. You are a businessperson after all. Also, it doesn't have to be a fancy restaurant. Any place with a spare room will do.
2. Do the entertainment yourself. Don't hire an expensive DJ when there may be someone with the talent within your company. To tell the truth, many so-called DJs are pretty cheesy. Your employees will have more fun if you get them involved in the festivities anyway. They may have more fun with a karaoke machine than a DJ to tell you the truth.
3. Brainstorm with your employees for party games. Trivia based games (especially ones based on your employees themselves) can be a lot of fun. You can also make it a costume party. Costumes will give your party a more festive look even if you cut a few corners elsewhere.
4. Consider having the party at the office. If you can't find an affordable venue, just use the office. Let the employees completely trash it (within reason of course). Just be humble and do the cleanup yourself. People respect a boss that is willing to serve them.
5. But your party supplies from a wholesaler. You are going to need a lot of supplies if you're throwing a large party so why should you purchase them at retail prices when you can get them at wholesale prices? Also look for deals online. Wholesale companies offer party decorations in bulk at wholesale prices. This is an excellent way to find high quality party supplies at prices that fall within your budget.
