Planning the perfect party

Venue

Research and explore all your options!

Pick up the phone or request a call from the venue; websites are great for headline information, however it’s important to speak directly with the Events Team so they can understand your vision and suggest the best options available

Visit the venue virtually! At Ashridge House, we offer personalised video venue tours and event proposals to help you visualise our event spaces

Many venues are now being flexible with their booking policies to help put your mind at ease. Once a date is in the diary, it will give you and your guests something to look forward to!

Banquet setting with white plates, flowers and candlesBanquet setting with white plates, flowers and candles

Budget

Make a plan based on your total budget of how much you would like to spend on food, drink, entertainment etc. Be flexible, you may need to adjust each category up or down a little

Look at event packages for great value options, at Ashridge we offer different packages to fit your budget and are flexible on our minimum numbers where possible

Speak to the Events Team for advice on suppliers; they will have good relationships with a range of great suppliers who offer them the best rates, saving you time and money!

Two people drink cocktails in large armchairsTwo people drink cocktails in large armchairs

Date & Guest list

To ensure your guests turn up!

Send a ‘save the date’ before you book your event, via email or by post for the personal touch. There will be so many missed events taking place once social distancing ends, so get your date diarised asap!

Get creative and use an online invitation service such as Paperless Post. Keep your guest list simple, think about who you would like to see at your celebration. Are you reconnecting with long lost friends? Or focus on catching up with those closest to you after months of separation.

 

Event invitations in pilesEvent invitations in piles

Food & Drink

Read through the menu options thoroughly; it’s a good idea to ask any menu related questions before you book to ensure your venue can cater for your vision

Create a bespoke drinks menu to speed up the bar service. Include a personalised signature cocktail to add your stamp to the party!

Cater for your crowd; consider the dietary needs of all your guests, and make sure great aunt Sue has access to that medium-dry sherry she likes so much!

Think out the box: you don’t have to offer a traditional 3-course seated meal, look at BBQ menus, street food ideas or grazing tables

If you need inspiration, ask for suggestions or organise a menu tasting with your coordinator (one of the big perks of planning an event!)

Wine is poured into a glass over a table full off foodWine is poured into a glass over a table full off food

Setting the scene

Do you have a theme? Would you like to dress the space yourself or have a ready-to-go venue? Think about how you can give your event the wow factor!

Entertainment can really make an event stand out. Music is key – a playlist, DJ or live band. A photobooth will bring an element of fun whilst circulating entertainment such as a close-up magician can help break the ice.

A hot air balloon flies over Ashridge HOuseA hot air balloon flies over Ashridge HOuse

The Big Day

When the big day arrives – it’s all about you! Try to switch off from the logistics and enjoy yourself 

Trust the teams you have been working with. Have a catch up with your event coordinator and suppliers a few days before the party to ensure you have everything covered

Make sure you know who will be the contact from the venue on the day of your event; their role is to ensure everything goes smoothly, so you can relax and enjoy your event. They will be on hand to help deliver your dream event so you can be the star of the your show!

For further details on hosting an event please contact our friendly events team at 01442 841027 

A food truck outside Ashridge House during sunsetA food truck outside Ashridge House during sunset