Good Bones – Start With Money You Can See
Good bones are the basics of a location that come with your fees to utilize the space.
If you are using a hotel for your event, some items could include:
• tables
• chairs
• basic table linens – do they go to the floor?
• napkins
• bread baskets
• catering staff uniforms
• china, silver, glassware
• Dining room carpeting
• lighting – including rig points & power sources
• ceiling height – low or high? color?
• good views (garden, ocean, mountain scapes, lake, etc.)
• chandelier
If you are using an off-site location, some items could include:
• bathrooms
• soap, hand towels, toilet paper, toilet seat liners
• tables
• chairs
• lighting
• parking/valet service
• security
• shuttle bus parking spaces
• changing room for bride or other celebrity guest
We make assumptions about basic needs at event spaces that may not exist and can add considerable amounts to an event budget. Have a checklist with you when walking through a venue to identify possible needs so you can question the event host about your wants or concerns.
One of my favorite questions is: what have other’s done for a solution? Then you can learn about or find a vendor, be informed about pricing, get an answer so you don’t have to start from square one.
If you choose good bones or basics in your location, it can save you considerable expense and headache later.
One thing to balance in decision making is dealing with what a venue starts with, like color of walls, color/pattern of carpet, etc. One of my favorite buzz words in design is “appropriate.”
Choose an appropriate color for your décor items like linens/napkins/flowers, etc. Don’t implant your theme in a room with no concern for what is extant, unless there is a wonderful contrast that works.
I once went to a birthday party where there were linens that did not coordinate with the carpet. It did not make the room look as great as it could have. Events look much for sophisticated when the design coordinates well.
Michael Willms
March 10, 2009
