While the winter of 2020 seems to be hanging under a bit of a cloud, to coin a theatrical phrase from the 1800s, ‘the show must go on’! So this is a call out to all party planners – when it comes to family celebrations in North Devon, the Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe is a venue to fit any bill!
As well as hosting corporate events and parties, the Carlton‘s doors are wide open to bookings from those who are planning family celebrations in North Devon – from special birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, christenings and funerals.
We often get asked for our top party planning tips, so here are 5 based on our experience:
1) Secure the venue
It probably comes as no surprise that this tip is at the top of the list. If you have no venue you have no party right?! It’s amazing how many people leave things to the last minute, or spend too much time umming and ahing about whether to book a venue.
The Carlton is different to many venues, in as much as it has a range of event spaces,
often allowing us to accommodate a last minute booking (if this applies to you, give us a call and we will always see what we can do!). However, we always recommend booking far ahead.
The Library, Burlesque Room, The Stage, The Brasserie Bar and Restaurant; our event spaces reflect the theatrical theme which runs through the hotel. Each party event space comes with its own particular ‘vibe’ and caters for a range of capacities – from as few as 6 guests to as many as 150.
Our best tip: If the date is free, book now. Once a booking is in the diary it’s done, it’s yours and you can move on to the next stage of party planning which is…
2) Make a plan
If there’s one thing that party planners universally agree on, it‘s the need to put in the preparation as leaving it all to the last minute is a recipe for stress and sleepless nights.
Fortunately, this is where the Carlton comes into its own as a party venue. We run numerous events of all sizes – from weddings to parties for friends and families – throughout the year. With our experience, we are there to help with all aspects of party planning – able to act as a soundboard for your ideas and suggest the best way to make them happen so that your party goes with a swing!
Our best tip: if the venue offers help to plan your party then accept the offer. Whatever your party headaches, it has seen (and overcome) them before.
3) Arrange the Food & Drink
This is often the most stressful thing about putting on a party. There are key questions which are always asked – what food to provide, how much food and drink to provide, what to do about those with special dietary requirements?
The simple answer to this is, it is far easier to work with a venue like the Carlton on this aspect of the party. We can help with suggestions regarding food options – from light snacks to heartier items from our menus – and amounts needed. In addition our kitchen has a reputation for catering for those with special diets and we bring this experience to all our party occasions.
For drinks, the Carlton offers an excellent choice from the bar, located in the Brasserie restaurant, its selection including a great range of alcoholic choices – such as good House wines, craft brews and spirits – to non-alcoholic options such as nice juices, soft drinks and teas and coffees (a must for family celebrations in North Devon featuring a range of ages).
Our best tip: Take advantage of a party venue’s food and drink options to cut out preparation stress and post-party wastage.
4) Hospitality
Some people love being at the centre of the party planning process and taking centre stage when the festivities begin. Others prefer hugging the background and will do whatever they can to keep busy and avoid their guests!
However, at the heart of every great party is great hospitality. As a party venue, the Carlton appreciates this is a key ingredient and works with planners to ensure that this base is covered, through a personalised service and a ‘no problem’ attitude.
Our best tip: If the venue is experienced in hosting parties, leave that side of things to them so you can enjoy the party yourself!
5) The Clear Up
It’s everyone’s least favourite party job! You’ve spent all that time planning the celebration and enjoying the occasion… and you get to see how much everyone else enjoyed it by wading through all the mess they left behind.
Our best tip: Skip this stage completely! Hiring a venue which caters for every aspect of the party will include the clear up.
6) One More Reason to Choose The Carlton…
We’re a hotel. Yes it’s obvious, but it does provide an added dimension if you have party guests coming from away. The Carlton offers a number of room options, all of which come finished to the highest standards. Is it time to plan your party? Give us a call on 01271 862446 and see how we can help you create the perfect occasion.