Want to plan a great event?
Ready to start organising your event… but not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to help:
1. Pick a date. Let everyone know well in advance. Send emails or SMS messages with a ‘save the date’ message.
2. Choose a location. Will the event be at your home, a park, your place of work, or somewhere in the community? Make sure you have a wet-weather plan in place if your event will be outside. If at work, or an educational institution, check with management that you can secure facilities for that time and date. Make sure you book any public spaces before sending invites!
3. Write a guest list. Make sure you have the contact details of everyone you want to invite. If at work, you might want to use group mailing lists. Don’t forget that you can also invite people via Facebook.
4. Set a theme. If your event will have something unique about it, give it some thought right from the beginning. Will guests be required to dress up? Or bring themed food? Will you need to invest in some decorations?
5. Set up your online fundraising page. Customise the page to suit your event. Include all the details - like start time, location and more. You can use it from your mobile or desktop and it’s the most valuable tool to ensure your event kicks off to a good start. Use it to promote all the details of your event and keep everyone updated. It can even send nicely styled email invites out on your behalf!
6. Send free e-invites via your online fundraising page. If you have email addresses for your guests, you can invite them online, using our handy and free tools.
7. Seek sponsors. Talk to friends and approach local businesses - both on and offline. See if you can secure donations (either money, or goods, or vouchers). Remind donors that all contributions are tax-deductible and that donations can be made easily online. You can also offer incentives for sponsorship - such as use of their logo on all your event promotions, and a mention in any press coverage.
8. Publicise your event. Don’t be afraid to approach local media - such as newspapers or radio - and promote your event on Facebook.