ELE Top Tips: How to Save Money on Your Next Event
If you're in charge of putting together an event, you know the costs can quickly add up. Between the venue, the catering, the entertainment, and all the other little expenses, it's easy to blow your budget. But don't worry—there are ways to save money without compromising on the quality of your event. Here are a few of our favorite cost-saving tips for mounting events!
Hybrid or Not?
Hybrid is probably not the way to go if you're looking for a high-quality, memorable experience. The costs of putting on a good hybrid event can be prohibitive, and you might end up with a less-than-ideal experience. In our experience, it is just too expensive to try and have hybrid moments for low-cost events, so you might want to reconsider.
Invest in AV Equipment
If you're planning on hosting regular events, investing in your own AV equipment, such as laptops, projectors, and flip screens, makes sense instead of renting each time. This upfront cost will save you money in the long run. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that everything will work perfectly on the day of your event.
Book in advance
When it comes to venues and catering, booking early can often get you a discount. So if you know when and where your next event will be taking place, don't hesitate to put down a deposit and lock in those savings!
Negotiate, negotiate!
Don't be afraid to haggle with vendors over prices. In many cases, they'll be willing to give you a better deal if it means getting your business.
💡ELE Tip: You can ask for freebies such as parking passes or free WiFi during contract negotiations. If you’re not sure what to look at on these contracts, you can send it to Team ELE for review before you sign it!
Reduce consumables by going unlimited
Offering an unlimited buffet or setting up a self-serve coffee and water station is a great way to reduce costs while still keeping your guests happy and hydrated. Talk to your caterer about how you can minimize consumables without making your offerings look limited.
💡ELE Tip: Consider ditching the individual plastic water bottles and pre-packaged coffees in your beverage station. Not only will your guests appreciate the convenience, but you'll also be doing your part to reduce the number of single-use plastic items. That's a win-win for everyone involved!
Add snacks to your gift bags
Including some snacks in your goody bags is a great way to save on catering costs while still giving your guests something to munch on during the event. Add a bottle of water if you can (reusable, if possible!)—water bottles at hotels are often over $5 per bottle!
Keep your participants engaged at all times
The more engaged your participants are, the less likely they are to wander off and look for food or drink elsewhere. So make sure you have plenty of activities planned to keep them entertained throughout the event.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to save money on your next event without compromising on quality or fun. Team ELE has the experience and expertise to deliver high-quality events that exceed your expectations, not your budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a memorable event that everyone will talk about—without breaking the bank!
You can email us at hello@erinleonardevents.com or follow us on social media, where you can see more tips, best practices, and industry updates!
