Cutting Corporate Event Costs with Event Planner Tammie Hawkins

Corporate events require strict budgeting, according to event planner Tammie Hawkins. It can be difficult to organize an event that is fun and memorable for the employees and staff, without breaking the bank for those in charge. There are, however, a few very simple ways to control the costs of a corporate event, without disappointing the attendants. The food and beverage output is one of the primary ways an event can blow its budget out of the water. So how do you have an office party with great food without overspending?

The easiest way to do this is to change the time of the event. Corporate events serving food are always more expensive if hosted during the dinner hours. Instead, have a lunch or breakfast time party. The attendants will still have plenty to eat, but the overall menu cost will be far less. Another smart option is to eliminate alcohol. While some employees may feel a few drinks are necessary to survive a corporate event, those are also the same people who usually cause trouble after consuming said drinks. Removing the cost of alcohol is a large savings to any menu budget, and keeps the chances of poor decision making at a minimum.

When planning the actual menu, regardless of the time of day, Tammie Hawkins says to only use ingredients that are fresh and easily accessible. If strawberries are not in season, it would be a giant waste of money to offer strawberry shortcake for your 300 employees.

Tammie Hawkins and the 21st Century Corporate Cocktail Party

Los Angeles Event Planner Tammie Hawkins has witnessed a surge in the popularity of corporate cocktail parties. These events, which harken back to the 1950's, are reminiscent of a time when couples dressed up to have dinner and businessmen liked to rub elbows with their partners. Today, both business men and women can use the corporate cocktail party to mingle with associates while still having a certain agenda. CEOs and industry leaders are fond of the corporate cocktail party, as these events are budget friendly, while still evoking a sense of class.

When Tammie Hawkins plans a swanky corporate cocktail affair, there are a few very specific things she looks out for, each a detail that is easily missed. One of the beautiful things about a cocktail style event is that there is no sit-down meal served. That does not mean, however, that there is no food at all. It is never a smart idea to serve cocktails and other alcoholic beverages to guests without also providing snacks or hors d'oeuvres. Fortunately, these smaller menus can consist of any items that pair well with drinks and are easy to eat while standing or milling around.

To cut costs, it may be tempting to have a friend or relative act as the bartender for the event, but that is usually not the best option. While this acquaintance may cost less than a real bartender or caterer, they will not be prepared to meet the needs of all of your guests. It is better to spend the additional money and hire a professional to serve beverages and hors d'oeuvres at the event. On the same note, if you are responsible for providing the serving and drink ware for the corporate cocktail party, make sure that you have enough of the right glasses in stock. It would be uncouth to serve Manhattans in a Pilsner glass or Merlot in a rocks glass.

The budget of a corporate cocktail party is easily controlled through not only the proper selection of foods, but also the beverages themselves. To avoid overspending on alcohol, and the embarrassing occurrence of not having the right ingredients for a certain cocktail, plan a beverage menu in advance. Themed beverages can be listed on a stylish menu that is posted by the bar. Tammie Hawkins uses this trick to manage the corporate event more smoothly.