Event Connection 360° Articles - Orange County - Ten Tips To Save Money on Your Event

Ten Tips To Save Money on Your Event

No manager wants to cut annual celebrations and teambuilding outings their company has come to love or needs to remain strongly bonded, but budget reductions are a reality for everyone this year. Armed with a few insider tips,
company event planners can throw a great event and come in under budget – making employees and bosses happy. Here are a few tips from Hornblower Cruises & Events – learned over 29 years of event planning.

1. Negotiate the Bar – This is where venues and caterers make the most money, so ask them to comp something for you – maybe a greeting beverage or no bar set-up fee if you're doing it no-host.

2. Think about Free Entertainment – See if an employee's band wants to play a few tunes for the party, or create a playlist of employee's favorite music on your iPod and plug it into the venue's sound system. Some venues, like Hornblower Cruises & Events in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, offer Sirius Satellite Radio.

3. Ask about Special Seasonal Packages – All venues have special packages that include the space, food and beverages. While you may want to customize your event, often these packages have been slightly discounted and are the best deal. Plan ahead. If you know you are having a holiday party in December, you may be able to lock in last year’s rates by booking in the first quarter for the holidays. Early birds do get the worm!

4. Ask the Venue to Donate a Raffle or Door Prize – Most venues will gladly give away a few free meals to your party attendees. It means repeat business!

5. Look at Off-Peak Times – Lunch, afternoon or mid-week events are usually less expensive. Ask what times offer the deepest discount. Some venues also deeply discount in certain shoulder months.

6. Ask about All Possibilities – Hornblower Cruises & Events offers consistently scheduled cruises open to the public, holiday-themed lunch and dinner cruises. These are a perfect low-cost way for a small office or group to celebrate any time during the year.

7. Select a Venue with an Engaging View; Let that be Your Décor – Waterfront bars, charter yachts or penthouse restaurants all use the view in lieu of expensive flowers or other decorations.

8. Choose Plated Meals Rather than Open Buffets – Plated meals are typically less expensive per person, and it cuts down on waste, lowering your event's carbon footprint.

9. Limit the Party to Employees Only – While it's always fun to invite spouses and guests, it can increase your costs by 40-50%.

10. Find a Venue with Strong Ties in the Hospitality Industry – Well-connected venues can partner with other companies to provide special discounts. In addition, well-connected companies are more aware of industry trends and will make sure your employees are getting the most for your money.

Hornblower Cruises & Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for 29 years. Hornblower has a total of 35 vessels in use in ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Long Beach,
Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego.

Related Searches
- Orange County Event, Meeting & Party Locations
- Teambuilding, Activities and Entertainment in Orange County

Hornblower Cruises & Events
2431 West Coast Highway, #101
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 646-0155

« back to all articles