The holidays are approaching fast. This means soon we will be hearing Christmas music, seeing houses decorated in lights, and sitting by the cozy fireplace. This time of year also brings the infamous office holiday party. Have you started planning yet? Luckily, we have a guide for you to follow to make this year’s holiday event the best one your company has had yet! If you are on the fence about whether or not you should host a holiday party this year, then it’s time to make the decision to book it now. Hosting a holiday party with City Cruises is a fantastic idea to wow your entire crew with a unique and memorable experience on the water, combining stunning views, exceptional dining options, and top-notch service to create an unforgettable celebration for your team.
The Ultimate Guide to Office Holiday Party Planning
Planning a company holiday party can be overwhelming — especially when you’re working with the schedule of an entire office. Chances are, every employee has several other parties they’ve already committed to — and there are only so many Saturdays during the season. But, before you can plan anything, you have to pick a date. So what are some things to remember when booking a date for your holiday office party? Check out our holiday party planning tips to make the process less stressful.
Plan Early
This one is obvious, but it’s also the most ignored. Why? Because who is thinking of a holiday party in July? Planning at least six months in advance will give you your first choice of dates, select a great venue, find catering, and give your team enough notice.
Are you already scrambling to organize everything at the last minute? We get it. Check out our tips for planning a last minute holiday party.
Don’t Pick a Saturday
Yes, Saturday is an ideal day for most parties. It’s not a weekday and you have all of Sunday to recover. However, when it comes to office parties, we don’t recommend it. As we said, there are only so many Saturdays and most of your employees will have already booked them for parties with friends and family. If you need a venue for the party, Saturday will also be the most expensive.
Instead, we recommend planning something for mid-week to save on money. Most office party planners have one day they prefer: Thursday. No one has to sacrifice one of their precious weekend nights, and, if everyone is dragging the next day, a slow Friday is better than a slow Wednesday. If you do have a mid-week party or are simply feeling generous, offer a catered mini-breakfast — or aspirin — the next day to give everyone a boost. We also recommend starting the party an hour before your office closes to give people more incentive to attend.
If you are really tight on a budget, Monday-Wednesday will be your cheapest options. You can even consider hosting the party in October, November, or January for a possible bargain. Check out our post on planning a holiday office party on a budget.
Offer Options
Have you narrowed down a few dates, but don’t know which one will work? Send out a quick poll to your employees. They’ll appreciate having a say and this increases how many people will end up attending. After all, don’t you want your employees showing up?
City Cruises Testimonials and Reviews
At City Cruises, we are known for our outstanding service and hospitality. Whether you are looking for a sightseeing cruise, a delicious dining cruise, or looking to charter a yacht or boat for a private event like an office holiday party, our experienced staff will help make your plans truly memorable. Don’t take our word for it, listen to our happy customers!
Book Your Office Holiday Venue with City Cruises!
Once you have your date nailed down, the fun really begins! City Cruises is a great venue for your upcoming holiday office party. With 35+ years in the event planning industry and over 50,000 corporate events under our belt, we know a thing or two about how to create an unforgettable, epic experience. Fill out this form, and an event coordinator will contact you to get the planning process started! Check us out in the following locations:
City Cruises Fleet and Venues
When choosing the best date for your holiday party there are some considerations to be made. Selecting the best option for your team and your budget to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all should be top of your list. By choosing a date that avoids the busiest periods, you can secure a prime spot with City Cruises to offer your employees a more relaxed and exclusive celebration. Sail into your best holiday party yet aboard a unique floating venue with City Cruises near you.
Original Post Date: March 5, 2019