5 STEPS TO A FASTER RESPONSE

This will ensure that you have the place where you are hosting your event, and will be able to create your save the dates, flyers, banners, posters and invitations on time. Many times if you are booking early, you may be able to collect on early booking incentives at your venue.

2. INFORM YOUR GUESTS EARLY Depending on the type event, time lines may vary. Here are some guidelines on when to send out your 'Save the Date' or invitations. WEDDING : Save the Date 6-8 Months & Invitations 6-8 Weeks ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS: 6-8 Weeks MITZVAHS AND QUINCENEARAS: Save the Date 6-8 Months & Invitations 6-8 Weeks (Remember to coordinate with Temple for Mitzvahs) FUNDRAISERS AND GOLF TOURNAMENTS: Sponsors Packets up to a year before event. Banners 3 months before. Posters and Flyers 3 Months. CORPORATE MEETINGS: 1-2 months for Basic Seminars. 4-6 Months for larger yearly meetings, especially if they are a destination meeting. *Hint: When creating flyers or invitations, make them eye catching and interesting to read. The more exciting the event sounds, the more likely they will respond...and invite other friends to come with them.

3. BENEFITS FOR EARLY RESPONSES -Cut off date: If they respond by the first cut off date, throw in a drink ticket, a raffle ticket for prizes or VIP Section. Everyone loves to feel special. -Group RSVP's: Have a special for those that book in a foursome of golf, or RSVP for a table together.

4. MAKE IT EASY TO RESPOND These days, it is all about convenience! Take some time to create different ways that your guests can respond. Here are some great ideas! -Phone Number (old fashioned phone call) -Email -Mail (yes, people still do use this one & don't forget the return postage envelope with stamp) -Link (there are sites such as FACEBOOK and EVENTBRITE where you can create an event will all of the information and your guests can 'Attend' through their site. If you are charging, you can create different types of tickets for them to choose from and they can pay with their credit card online.) *Remember on your invite to let them know what information they need to leave upon responding. (Ex. Meal Choice, Number of Guests, Best Number or Email to be Reached, Adults/Children and any Special Requests)

5. Lastly and VERY Important...REMINDERS! Don't let all of your hard work go to waste. We all need reminders. You should actually set yourself reminders of when you will be sending out your reminders! (not kidding...lol) When planning an event, working and living our busy lives, we do tend to forget things. This is the reason for this article. *Needed: Email Addresses! These websites make it easy to send reminders out IF you have email addresses. If you cannot get their email address. A simple phone call or group message will work as well.

HERE ARE A FEW LINKS TO HELP!

To Create a Link for People to Respond:

FACEBOOK

Create an event on your Facebook Page for your 'friends' to respond too.

Event Brite

You can create an event. Whether they are complilmentary tickets or priced tickets, you can create all different choices to respond too. (You can also create a different ticket for each meal choice)

Evite

Create your event, design a custom background.

QR Codes

Create QR Code which your guests can scan with their phone and it will direct them to the link of your choice.

YOU WILL NEED A GOOD SOLID COUNT!!!

-Your venue will need a final guest count. -This count will be your guarantee and you will be required to pay for this many guests. -If you have a lot less people attend, you will have a bunch of wasted food. If you have a lot more people show, you may not have enough food. Most venues usually account for 5% over the count that you guarantee for last minute attendees. -You may need extra tables and centerpieces.