Tips in Planning Family Events while Keeping your Sanity
We are not professional planners but we usually end up planning family celebrations and milestones. From wedding anniversary to family reunions, all are equally special and undeniably tiring. But at the end of the day, these events make us happier. Here are the secrets in planning these wonderful occasions:
1. Know what you want. Ask yourself, your spouse or any member of the family involved in planning the event on the size, type and theme or even motif. Be definite. Do you want an intimate and small affair with the closest family members attending? How small is 'small'? For Filipino weddings, small maybe around 75 to 100 persons. Do you have the same definition of 'small'? Does a simple family reunion mean doing your own grilling at your own backyard or having a catering service at a secluded beach?
2. Set your budget. Be realistic. Research and ask for possible suppliers for a more accurate estimate. Add at least 10% of the total budget for contingency. Create a budget schedule (as I call it). A budget schedule shows when payments will be made. We usually create a budget schedule broken down by month because it is easier for us to monitor payments and the incoming financing (salary from the next pay day). To do this, ask suppliers for their payment terms. The key is to ensure that cash is saved/ ready before the the due date.
3. Level your expectations. Make sure all involved parties know what they should expect. If you are planning a huge family reunion but low in budget, tell the family members (truthfully) what they should expect. If family members need to contribute for food or bring one, ask them. If family members need to do a certain task during the event, tell them and ask for suggestions. For suppliers, it is better to have a written contract. Look at the fine prints. Let them know your budget and what you want. You should also ask them about their expertise and ideas if they fit into your plans. Remember to look for a supplier you are comfortable with and ensure that it is within your budget!
Got any suggestions? Feel free to comment!
1. Know what you want. Ask yourself, your spouse or any member of the family involved in planning the event on the size, type and theme or even motif. Be definite. Do you want an intimate and small affair with the closest family members attending? How small is 'small'? For Filipino weddings, small maybe around 75 to 100 persons. Do you have the same definition of 'small'? Does a simple family reunion mean doing your own grilling at your own backyard or having a catering service at a secluded beach?
2. Set your budget. Be realistic. Research and ask for possible suppliers for a more accurate estimate. Add at least 10% of the total budget for contingency. Create a budget schedule (as I call it). A budget schedule shows when payments will be made. We usually create a budget schedule broken down by month because it is easier for us to monitor payments and the incoming financing (salary from the next pay day). To do this, ask suppliers for their payment terms. The key is to ensure that cash is saved/ ready before the the due date.
3. Level your expectations. Make sure all involved parties know what they should expect. If you are planning a huge family reunion but low in budget, tell the family members (truthfully) what they should expect. If family members need to contribute for food or bring one, ask them. If family members need to do a certain task during the event, tell them and ask for suggestions. For suppliers, it is better to have a written contract. Look at the fine prints. Let them know your budget and what you want. You should also ask them about their expertise and ideas if they fit into your plans. Remember to look for a supplier you are comfortable with and ensure that it is within your budget!
Got any suggestions? Feel free to comment!
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