The company holiday party is a great chance to share with your colleagues and celebrate the past year. This year it seems that many companies are beginning to cut back on the holiday event budget due to the current state of the US economy. Many employers are holding back on releasing budget details for their holiday parties until they see the stock market start to stabilize, and until they see what happens in America after the recent bailout plan. The results of the upcoming election are also going to be used by some company executives to determine the future of the company holiday party.
For those loyal staff members and employers who love the holidays- this does not have to be the end of the holiday party! There are plenty of low budget ways for event planners to put together a holiday party which will lessen it’s blow on the companies pocket book.
Examining the Holiday Party Budget
The best way to make budget cuts is by looking at the budget. So if you can, find out as much as you can about last years and preceding years company parties to determine what the budget has been in the past. At this time look and see if there are ways you could cut back on expenses.
Here are some examples of places to cut holiday party budgets:
Food – Catering: In years past, maybe you have had a nice fancy sit down catered meal for all your company members. If this is the case you have a great place to free up some budget. simply taking your holiday event and changing it into a less formal event will save a fortune. A “cocktail party” type of atmosphere is usually very successful and offers a casual elegance which is popular among crowds.
The Bar: If you have had a bar in the past, and typically just picked up the tab, a very simple change can save you big bucks. Moving to a “drink ticket” system can save you a fortune. Decide how many drinks you will offer each guest, and when they have consumed that number- they can always move to a no host bar.
Time of Day: Holding you event in the morning can free up a large amount of budget, offering you great savings on food and beverage. A simple pastries and coffee service can be used and you can incorporate all kinds of fun games, entertainers, and activities for the crowd to make the atmosphere more festive.
Also- this guide of holiday party games and holiday party ideas is a great place to look for new alternatives to past company parties!