AboutJohn Gordon Expertise Stuck for ideas? I can help with ideas on theming, entertainment and anything creative. I specialise in the unusual and have created party experiences for small gatherings right up to large international corporations. I have a great original idea that is totally flexible and personalises the party in a way that touches people.
Experience I have been involved with Corporate and Private Events for many years. I both organise and provide entertainment at a wide range from house parties, anniversaries, celebrations, fun days, conferences, seminars, workshops and street parties.
Expert: John Gordon Date: 10/1/2007 Subject: responses to holiday party invite
Question I am planning a holiday party to introduce our daughter-in-law to our friends and family....our son married in Hawaii during the summer. The club has a limit of 125 guests for the cocktail party. I am wondering about the percent of acceptances that can be expected. How many do I dare invite and not go over the 125 person limit? Thanks, Paula
Answer Wow .... impossible question.
With my experience I have discovered that clients want to get as good a response as possible. So ... we together devide ways to make that response rate a) high and b) accurate. Because of limitations or vatering etc knowing numbers at many events is crucial.
Here's what I suggest where numbers are limited.
If you invite even 135 and they all say "Yes" you'll have to disappoint some and you cannot do that. Also you cannot excede the numbers or you negate fire and safety insurance regulations.
So ..... initially invite exactly 125 and explain that you need an early response as numbers are strictly limited. Also sstate that they should NOT say "Yes" and not come ... as this will prevent others from attending.
Keep that wording subtle... and have beside the check box:
"Yes I will definately be coming on ..... "
Then have a second list who you invite once you have those returns ... and again up to the capacity.
One thing you can also do on the first mailing is to give a "Yes" "No" and "I am not certain" option. You could then offere the latter places to your 'B' list .... and later write to the 'Maybes' and let them know that they could still decide or that it's closed now, sorry.
Simple and could upset some people, but it is a system that also allows some to come on the second list who wouldn't have been invited ... so it works both ways.
Hope this approach helps ... it DOES need early planning ... but doesn't everything. Failing that ... you'll just have to invite the capacity number and perhaps fall under the max.
The best way to get hiogh take up ...... tell them of some great things that'll be takking place so it's unmissable!
