The Best Time to get a Deal on a Party

The information about the best time to get a deal on a party doesn't appear to be known by the average consumer.

And I feel sort of bad about it, too. Because I think about many of the people out there who pride themselves in getting a good deal. But the fact of the truth is that they're missing a really good money-saving opportunity.

This seems rather odd.

Party consumers are missing out on a lot of great deals, like clockwork, year in and year out, year-after-year.

It's just is so plain to see. So what's the problem? Why don't party consumers know this? Is it because of bad marketing or no marketing effort being put into "getting the timely deal" at all?

And I just about know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Okay, Little Miss Smarty-pants, what do you know that I don't know?"

Well, here's the thing... As a caterer and event planner, I know what every other party professional knows. Because I've had some of the same complaints myself at the beginning of every year.

But as a consumer, let's just say that this could be you... Strapped for cash, wanting to make your little girl's upcoming, celebrity-style, dream wedding come true. But in a bad, money-costing situation, with no ability to do anything but ride this thing out. So you're stuck trying to figure out how you're going to pull off giving your daughter the wedding of her dreams.

Now if that's not a bad reality, I don't know what is! But now, just being in on the secret of how to get a great party deal is always good to know. Read on...

So let's suppose that you've decided to have a less pressure-some post New Year's Eve gathering, turned wedding reception. That's doing things kind of different! Your friends and family will stop by your party the second Saturday in January, which is your new New Year's party tradition. The only thing is, they don't know that your daughter is getting married.

How Hollywood/Britney Spears to not tell anybody until the last minute, wouldn't you say?

You were originally slated to host a small soiree for 15 people. But now it's blossomed into a wedding reception party for 140. Don't worry if you're out of your comfort zone. Just take a deep breath and get ready to go for the ride!

And know that there's plenty of helpful information for you here at Cater-Hater.

So after re-vamping your menu to accommodate the larger guest list, you're down to the wire - planning the last of the wedding details. And now you realize that you don't have enough seating. Nor do you have enough (matching) china for your place settings.

Deciding weeks ago to go with something understated and elegant, you'd planned to use your good china, silver and stemware that you've had out of storage since Thanksgiving, anyway. Disposable plates, forks, knives and spoons are simply not an option.

Things have to to look nice.

So you're thinking, it would be just too, too gauche and really tacky to incorporate your everyday dishware with your bone china for what is now a last minute (so to speak), surprise (for the guests) wedding reception.

Your daughter will kill you! Mix-matching dishware is of the question. And who has time to take on the responsibility of borrowing anything from anyone that you know, in the first place.

What was fun in the beginning, is becoming not so much fun anymore.

Don't sweat it. If you think you'll feel too frazzled and anxious on the day of the wedding, I suggest that you stop right now, pick up the phone, and call a professional party expert for help.

While you're dialing... Did you know that January is pretty much party booking open season?

That's right. January is the best month of the year to negotiate (and get) a really great catered party deal!

You see, January - for many party professionals - is the worst month of the year. Some even call it, "the slow month from hell". It's no secret, I tell you. Everyone knows that for most caterers and event planners, the bulk of their annual revenue is made at the end of the year.

Because consumers have spent big from November to New Year's, the beginning of the year is pretty quiet for most party professionals. In January, consumers have it made! Party business owners would love to have more business in January - instead of staring at the phone.

So remember, January is the best time ever to negotiate and get a good deal!

Wise party hosts understand the important savings they can get when they host their party in January. Besides, it's the best time to host a party if you want a great guest turn-out. Why? Because you don't have to compete with other party hosts for the best party date and guest attendance.

Trust me. All of the smartest party hosts know this.

The smart host knows that you can get just about anything at a negotiated price in January. You have to look at it this way - from party planners to private chefs, to caterers and bartenders, to florist and rental companies - in January the party business is slow.

So as controversial as this may sound, especially coming from someone who actually works in the wonderful world of parties, I'm telling you right now that January is your month of party price luck and good favor. Because it's really a win/win situation, that is, if you're looking at it from a money making/money saving standpoint.

Most party professionals would love to have a strong "Month of January" clientele base, as dependable as Big Ben.

So whether you hire a wait staff to help you serve and clean up after your party, or you decide to hire a wedding planner to help you find a caterer (with a staff), or party planner (with access to a staff) - here are some things that, under the constraints of your crunch time circumstances, you should know:

Especially if you've never hired professional party people in your life!

Reconfirm the following details, after you've negotiated yourself a good deal!

Reconfirm the date and time of your party, and what the staff will wear, when they should arrive, and their exact responsibilities, if you've booked any (staff).

Cater-Hater Tip: I strongly suggest you consider hiring professional help. We pros make a world of difference! Think about it. Would you rather have your car serviced by a professional mechanic or would you rather go through the trouble of getting the parts and fixing it yourself? You knew where that question was going as soon as you started to read it. But really, who wants to clean up everything after having a party? It's January, remember? Get that deal!

For your elegant and formal dinner party for 140 guests (that would likely cost you much more money during peak holiday party season), order 6 staff members for a 5 hour event and you will be very well taken care of. And that's the point, right?

Rent what you need - Remember, it's Green!

"How do I kill two three party rental birds with one stone?", you ask.

1. Keep design/decor continuity - rent china, stemware, flatware and furniture.
   
2. Don't risk inconveniencing anyone that you know, by borrowing anything.
   
3. Rent sustainable dinnerware instead of buying disposables, make your event eco-friendly.

From the sound of things, because your guest list increased, you won't have enough party necessities, right? So to keep your guests comfortable and to have stylish party decor continuity, rent tables and chairs (and anything else that you think that you'll need) for your wedding reception for 140.

Rental companies provide just about everything but food, so ask a neighbor, co-worker, friend or family member if they are able to give you a rental company recommendation. If that doesn't work, Google "X-Y-Z party rental company in Your Town, U.S.A." or look in the yellow pages of the phone book. The phone book? Don't even say it. I know.

If you have to move out any furniture, be sure to make a special note the day it should be picked up; preferably not the same day as the party.

Basic party rental items and guide

• Tables
  
• Chairs
  
• Coatracks and hangers
  
• Umbrella stands
  
• Glassware
  
• China
  
• Tablecloths
  
• Napkins
  
• Serving trays
  
• Serving platters
  
• Coffee urns
  
• Various sizes of chafing/heating dishes

Glassware, china, and flatware

Check to make certain that you'll have enough serving pieces and platters, china place settings, and demitasse cups and saucers on hand.

Go over whether you have enough flatware and serving utensils for every course that you're serving and glasses for cocktails, dinner, and after dinner liqueurs.

Cater-Hater Tip: "Flatware" is an all-inclusive term that refers to stainless steel, sterling silver, silver or gold-plated (or vermeil), or any type of faux bone-handled steak knife, etc.. Silver plated or gold plated (vermeil) are typically rented for formal dinners, or high-end baby and bridal showers.

Linens

Count the number of dinner napkins and table cloths to make sure your order is complete. Be sure to order an extra or two, just in case. Next, carefully inspect the fabric of your rented linens for small tears and spots. Make sure you order separate table cloth liners to protect the tables in your home.

Cater-Hater Tip: Standard cloth dinner napkins measure anywhere from 22" to 32" squares.

Linen Size per Table for a Floor Length Fit

(Printable Copy)

Linen Size Chart
==========================================
==========================================
6' x 30" Rectangular table
Seats 6 - 8
90" x 132 " Linen to go to floor
==========================================
8' x 30" Rectangular table
Seats 8 - 10
90" x 156" Linen to go to floor
==========================================
30" Round table
Seats 2
90" Round linen to go to floor
==========================================
36" Round table
Seats 4
90" Round linen for a 27" drop
==========================================
48" Round table
Seats 6 - 8
90' Round linen for a 21" drop
108" Round linen for a 24" drop
120" Round linen to go to floor
==========================================
60" Round table
Seats 8 - 10
90" Round linen for a 15" drop
108" Round linen for a 24" drop
120" Round linen to go to floor
===========================================
72" Round table
Seats 10 -12
90" Round linen to get a 9" drop
108" Round for a 18" drop
120" Round for a 24" drop
132" Round to go to floor
===========================================
48" x 48" Square table
Seats 8
120" Round linen to go to floor
===========================================
60" x 60" Square table
Seats 10
132" Round linen to go to floor
===========================================
72" x 72" Square table
Seats 12
132" Round linen to go to floor
===========================================
36" Round 42" Tall table
Seats
120" Round linen to go to floor
===========================================
All high-top tables are 42" in height. All other tables are 30" in height.

Overlay Size Chart
===========================================
===========================================
30" and 36" Round tables of any height need:
54" Square overlay
===========================================
30", 36" High-top Tables & 48" Round Tables need:
72" Square overlays
===========================================
60", 72" Round tables need:
90" Square overlays
===========================================
60", 72" Round tables need:
90" Round overlays
===========================================
All high-top tables are 42" in height. All other tables are 30" in height.

Skirting (Around entire table) Size Chart
===========================================
===========================================
66", 72" Square tables need:
Two 13' Table skirt
===========================================
8' x 30", 6' x 30", 8" x 18", and Large Serpentine tables need:
One 13' and one 8' Table skirt
===========================================
60' Round and 6' x 18", 48" Square tables need:
Two 8' Table skirts
============================================
36", 48" Round & 36" Square tables need:
One 13' Table skirt
=============================================
30" Round table needs:
One 8' Table skirt
=============================================
All high-top tables are 42" in height. All other tables are 30" in height.



Did you know there's a best time to buy everything? Well, there is! And now you know the secret about the best time to get a good party deal. Because it's true - January is the best time to book a party!

Knowing this is as important as realizing why education is important in general. Because this information is helping you with your financial education.

So save yourself a substantial amount of money and remember, when you book your corporate Christmas holiday party this year, don't have in December, have it in January and save money!

Here's something else to help you out... Remember to print a copy of the Linen Size Chart. Just click on the link!


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