It’s that time of year again – time to start planning your year-end function to make sure that your company celebrates the successes of 2016 in style! Take advantage of Prince’s Grant stunning venues and professional team and follow Function Coordinator Jacolette Mostert’s expert advice to make sure that your year-end event will not soon be forgotten!
Prince’s Grant offers numerous year-end function and teambuilding packages. For daytime functions for groups of up to 40 people, you have the option of holding a team building followed by a delicious lunch at any one of their indoor and outdoor venues. Evening events for up to 80 guests can be done in the form of a gala dinner and dance option.
“Planning your year-end function can be a stressful task but if you plan in advance and work with a venue that offers a professional team to assist you, not only will your event planning go off without a hitch but the event will be a fun one that helps your staff close off the year in a memorable way,” says Prince’s Grant Function Coordinator, Jacolette Mostert. To help you along the way, she gives some expert advice on planning the perfect year end celebration.
- Plan Ahead
“Always start with an action plan that clearly indicates your goal for the event and outline different responsibilities for everyone who will be involved in the planning,” says Mostert. Attention to detail is key when planning any event. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, Mostert suggests making a list of everything you will need to do to execute the event and put a timeframe on it. She advises looking at what the theme of the function will be and what the full event will include – for example, a teambuilding, formal gala dinner or both. “Just make sure it is something that hasn’t been done before. Keep it fresh and exciting!”
- Compare Venues
“Identify a venue that will work with the theme you have decided on and book it as soon as possible,” Mostert advises. She says that you should make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. Compare the offering of each venue to make sure that they can meet your requirements and weigh this against their pricing so that you can make an informed decision.
- Stick to a Budget
Mostert says that working according to the budget available is crucial. “Calculate the budget you have been given for the event, be realistic and stick to it,” she says. “While you want to put on the best event possible, there is a lot to consider so be careful to allocate budget correctly. For instance, having an out of this world theme with over the top décor won’t make much difference if the food is not great.”
- Tailor Your Menu
“With regards to food, please keep your guests dietary requirements in mind when choosing a menu,” warns Mostert. Make sure that you check the dietary requirements of everyone who will be attending to avoid risking anyone being unhappy on the day. That being said, stick to an overall menu that incorporates cuisine you know will be well received by everyone. Prince’s Grant offers a variety of dining options from small set menus or buffet menus to brunch buffets, braais or even sophisticated cocktails. “We are very flexible and like to think about new and innovative ideas to add that something special to an event,” says Mostert.
- Organise Transport
One of the most overlooked aspects of planning year end events is transport. Mostert says you must ensure that transport is available to guests attending the function. Keep in mind that people will most likely be drinking alcohol at the event and so as the host it is your responsibility to offer an alternative means of transport.
- Aim for Interaction
“End year functions are one of the best occasions to get teams to bond and for staff from various departments to get know one another better,” says Mostert. “There are numerous activities you can plan.” She says that Prince’s Grant offers various venues for teambuilding including their private beach or swimming pool with the conference room as a backup plan. Whatever activities you have planned, Prince’s Grant has a venue to match.
- It’s the Little Things that Count
“Pay close attention to those finer details,” she says. “Like with spelling of guest names – this can go a long way to adding a personalized touch to the event.” At Prince’s Grant there are numerous options for making your event extra special. “We do allow for live entertainment, like a special guest speaker or a band or if you have a special theme, we can help to arrange the décor, food and music according to the theme – like a seafood menu and nautical décor for a Titanic themed event.”
To enquire, call +27 32 482 0005 or email functions@pglodge.co.za. For more information, visitwww.princesgrant.co.za or Like the Prince’s Grant Coastal Estate Facebook Page.
