Plan to Party in London
Not the greatest job in the world, is it – when you get designated the office party planner? Office parties – whether Christmas or otherwise – often seem to bring out the worst in everyone, even long before the event has started.
Perhaps that’s because office parties have so much expectation attached to them – but people know, from bitter experience, that their cherished dreams often end up in horrific hangover embarrassment.
As a party planner, there’s not a lot you can do about that, but if you’ve been landed with the task of coming up with London-based office party ideas the good news is that there’s plenty of help out there to call on.
London has more than its fair share of great party venues, from underground dungeons to medieval castles, classic banqueting halls, themed bars, pubs and clubs of all kinds – and even the ubiquitous riverboat cruise. Whatever floats your boat, finding a unique location can be a great place to start, when you are trying to put together a party to remember. London has lots of intriguing options to consider.
More more more
Yet a great venue is never sufficient to guarantee a great party on its own. Food, drink, entertainment and attitude all have a key role to play too. Before making any definite decisions on this front, stop and have a think about what you want from the party you are planning:
- Is it a key milestone in the history of the company – like a 20th anniversary party for instance? If you’ve got distinguished guests coming along, and a budget to match, it could be worth taking advantage of a full party package, from a prestige venue like The Hurlingham Club.
- Is it a regular annual event – like a summer party for instance? You might want to try sprucing up a tired event by holding it in an unusual spot – like Frank’s cafe – the summer pop-up bar on the roof of a car park.
- Does your party have another purpose – like team building, or rewarding sales performance? You’ll find lots of companies and venues that cater to such events more specifically.
Dance hall days
Along with the venue, the choice of entertainment can make or break a party too. Do you want a sedate affair where people sit about chatting – or do you want everyone up on the dance floor? Many companies will find they have one or more budding DJS on the staff, who’ll happily load up an evening of tracks for you to play – but have a listen first, to make sure their own personal tastes are not dominating. Aim for a mix of crowd-pleasers and classics, and make sure the atmosphere builds during the evening.
If you want a truly musical evening – where people can also dance to their favourites, hiring a live band provides a great party centrepiece. Bands come in all shapes and sizes, but for party purposes, a cover band is often a good idea. Nobody wants to hear their favourites mangled, so it’s worth finding a professional outfit like the pitch-perfect Vintage Vandals.
Other party entertainment options include close-up table magicians after-dinner speakers or even mind-reading. For a fun and memorable addition, consider hiring a London party photo booth supplier to capture candid moments and keep guests entertained throughout the night.
Drink to this
Sounds like your party is coming along nicely, now you’ve got the venue and the entertainment sorted. If you haven’t chosen in-house catering or bar options, how much booze should you provide to make things go with a swing? Obviously it’ll depend on your company. Just remember, as a party organiser it’s probably best not to overdo it yourself in case anything comes up during the event itself. Enjoy!
What’s your top party planning tip?
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I love the randomness of London!
great advice, its been a long time since I was last in london
I have never been to a party that had a DJ. I have to say the idea sounds great as well as the band. I have been to a party where a guitarist (really good one) was hired but have to say it simply didn’t work. Very hard to dance to it :).
I’ve been to some very dull parties in beautiful places. Entertainment is definitely more important than anything else.
I’ve been to London once but never partied there, sounds like so much fun x
Someone needs to take me to London so I can plan a party there! Its a beautiful city and I just know a party with friends would be perfect there!
Interesting– we always think of British people as being so “buttoned-up”, but obviously that is not the case! Here in the United States, most work parties are alcohol-free, because everyone is afraid of being sued.
With so many great venues in London for parties I am sure every party ends up going well with your great tips
Work parties should be about team work and colleagues. Time to smile partiers!
Oh, I dream of visiting London. I would love to have a party there.
I would love to visit London someday and yeah party too. I have been to Heathrow several times but never stepped out of the airport.
I would love to party in London one day! Or even just visit and not party, although it sounds like a great place for a fun bash!
Office parties are always such a drag. I’d much rather be home than at an office party–of course it’s ok if it’s on the clock!
My son wants to go to London. Maybe some day we will getthere!
Never been to London, but have always wanted to go. It’d be a lot of fun
My coworkers are from London and I hear about the mad parties they had there all the time. It sounds like an amazing place to party and the office culture is so less strict than here!
I would love to get back to London some day soon. I loved it there
I was laughing at the beginning of the post. I’ve seen super happy party planners at work, and not-so-happy suckered into it party planners. It’s really more fun when the person doing it, loves what they’re doing (I knew a lady like that and her work parties were awesome). 🙂
Sounds like you have a good handle on the types of parties people like to attend. If I’m ever in London feel free to send a party invite my way 😉
London is on my bucket list. I want to visit London hospital.
I imagine a party in London would be fabulous. It sounds like a service to help you plan the party is the best way to go and would make sure the party runs smoothly. Something to look into for sure.
I think, finding a spot for the office party or a seasonal get-together with friends or family can often be a headache. If you have a group of fewer than 10 people, you can prefer shepherd’s hut in the courtyard of the new Pips dish in Covent Garden or the most innovative club ‘Disappearing Dining Club’ could be the best venue for the party.
I have never been to an office party. I do not drink and am from past experience terrified to be around people who do. If there is ever one where alcohol is not allowed I would not mind attending though and that would also eliminate all the embarrassing things people do as well as the hang overs.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a office party that didn’t end up pretty weirdly lol I’d hate to have to plan an office party!
I have never been but my Aunt lived there for 7 years and she moved before I got a chance to visit. Sounds like a great way to party!
I’m horrible at party planning, especially with the fact that I don’t go to parties. 😀
My brother is there right now and my mom leaves in a few weeks to visit him. I sadly, will be staying here. One day when my son is older I would love to take him! 🙂
I’ve always been a fan of hiring a DJ instead of having a live band at a party. As I’m getting older, I love the idea of a live band more and more.
I’d love to attend a party in London! Man, I’ve always wanted to visit my Grandma’s Homeland! Planning parties isn’t my “strong suite” but these are great tips to help me be a little better at it.
I hate planning parties. In fact, I hate parties altogether. Humbug. 😉
I have never been to London but it’s on my bucket list of places to visit.
I have been to London in years. I would so love to take my kids there.
London is a great place to visit and to hold events in, I recommend for anyone to go there and check it out if they can.
Great tips! I have never been to London but it sounds like a great place to hold an event.
Great tips! I have never been to London but it sounds like a great place to hold an event.
I went to London the summer between my Junior and Senior years of high school, and I sure would love to go back and take in a party!
I’m really not a party animal but it’s good to have some ideas if I ever need to plan one.
These are all good ideas. I love the balloons. Stars are one of my favorite shapes/designs.
Sounds like London will be one heck of a fun place to spend some time. Lots of entertainment possibilities for parties.
I have never been to London, but would love to get over there one of these days!