It’s a wrap! That big project is done and dusted, you’ve hosted a successful festival, your product launch has gone well, and sales are soaring. Whatever the reason you’re breathing a sigh of relief, the next step is to celebrate. After all, no major project is ever the work of just one person, it’s a team effort. So, whether you’ve finished filming on your latest blockbuster, or you’ve gotten through a stakeholder meeting in one piece, it’s time to show those that work with you that you really appreciate all that they’ve done for you. If you’re looking to host a wrap party, we’re here to tell you how with these simple steps.
Step 1: Get Your Guestlist Together
In order to organise any event, you need to
have a rough idea of how many people you expect to turn up. When it comes to a
wrap party, you really need to invite everyone who has worked on the project,
from the events manager, right down to the new intern. Leave no one out,
because they’ve all contributed. This will show that you really appreciate
every single person on the team, and you’ll end up with a happy workforce that
feels validated. With this in mind, estimate your guestlist. You might end up
with more people than you think once you’ve added everyone up! Of course, not
everyone will be able to make the party, but you still need to ask. Are you
also inviting people’s partners along or is this to be an employee only event?
Once you have some numbers, you’ll be able to start planning in earnest.
Step 2: Sort Out Your Budget
Once you have your guestlist together, you’ll
then need to figure out how much money you have to spend on this party. Keep in
mind how many people there are – particularly if you are hoping to serve a meal
to them. Without a set budget, you might find yourself falling short on some of
the important things, and so your party of celebration can end up being
something of a disaster. If you don’t have the money for a sit-down meal, then
don’t worry. Something simple like a buffet or even pizza will do just as well.
The main thing is knowing exactly how much you have to spend and getting rough
estimates on what everything will cost before putting and deposits down.
Step 3: Find a Venue
There’s no party without a place to hold
it, which is why finding the perfect venue should be the first item that you
look for when organising a wrap party. Not only does in need to fit everyone,
you’ll also need to consider at this stage what type of catering you are looking
for. Many venues will provide their own in house, but if you aren’t going for a
meal, then this gives you even more options to choose from. Think about the
people that you are inviting and the type of party that you envisage having. Is
it going to be something casual, or do you expect everyone to be up on the
dancefloor partying the night away? Being able to judge your employees’ expectations
will help you to find the venue that suits their style. With so many different
wrap party venues for hire in London, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Step 4: Make Sure Everyone Knows
There’s no point in telling your employees
the week before about the party. Chances are that they’ll already have plans,
and you’ll have an empty venue. Even before the project is finished, you should
have the date of the party set and a deposit down on the venue. Knowing that
they have a reward coming up will encourage everyone to work that little bit harder
in order to get there within the deadline. Make sure as well that everyone understands
just how important this party is. After all, it’s a chance for everyone to give
themselves a pat on the back and say well done, you’ve done a good job. Ensure
that email reminders go out at certain times and that staff RSVP their attendance,
so you are able to get a final headcount. Emphasise that it’s a chance to relax
as well, not a meeting in disguise.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Achievement
The whole point of a wrap party is to
celebrate reaching a milestone. Maybe it’s just getting through another year of
business, but whatever the reason, now is the time to single people out and
recognise their contributions. You can have a miniature awards ceremony and
present all the good things you’ve achieved and those who have helped you to do
so. It’s also a chance to look forward to the next big project and what that
will bring to the group surrounding you. Don’t be shy about giving out prizes
and rewarding your employees with gifts or an extra day off in recognition of
all their hard work. Just remember, don’t let your presentations go on for too
long. While everyone will find it entertaining at the beginning, they’ll want
to be able to relax, and they’ll only really be able to do that when there’s no
one trying to give a speech.
A wrap party is the chance for everyone to
let off a little steam after working hard for months on end. Organising it
might be your job but remember to enjoy yourself when you’re there. While the
night might be about employee recognition, there’s no reason why you can’t
enjoy yourself at the same time. It is a party after all! So, get those dancing
shoes on, dress up in your finest, and have a little fun with your work
colleagues before you all get started on the next big project on the horizon.
