 | Cindi McCulley, partnering with her brother David Laughlin owns and operates Crimson Creek, a novelty and party supply store. Cindi grew up helping her grandparents run a novelty, and party supply store in Wichita. Between her, and her brother, they have a combined total of over 35 years experience in planning a wide variety of events, such as birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and youth group dinners at church. Cindi was born in Wichita, but now resides in Peck, Kansas. While in Wichita
Cindi attended Butler County Community College, and now oversees the daily
operations at Crimson Creek Novelties. She can be reached at (316) 264-2533 or visit them @ 222 N. Washington |
Specialty Gifts
2004-08-01 11:15:00
Help with planning a school dance
QUESTION: I have accepted the task of planning a dance for my child's high school in early November. Where do I start?
ANSWER: It would be best to begin by consulting your school's advisor, as soon as he/she is available. Then form a committee and select a chairperson. Divide the responsibilities among the members of your committee. Meet at least once a month to get started and more frequently as the event approaches. As a group, ask yourselves a few basic questions about the event. Your answers will help you get focused and point you in the right direction. You should think through these questions at least four to six months before your scheduled event date. 1) How formal will the dance be? Should it be a black-tie affair, a dressy event, a costume event, or a casual gathering?2) What type of theme do we want to center the event around?3) How many people do we think will attend?4) How much money do we have to spend?5) Will we host this at our school or at another location?6) Will the school paper cover the event? And/or how should we publicize the event?Stay organized and prepared with the time line below! You can even print out the list and check off each item as you finish it:3-4 Months Before The Event4 Set budget4 Rent tables and chairs4 Arrange for any special help4 Make a list of your basic supplies4 Send announcements for this date: place announcement in the school paper4 Decide on a theme and order decorations2-3 Months Before The Event4 Plan your menu4 Select and book a caterer4 Purchase favors and tableware4 Choose music, DJ, or band4 Order any flowers4 Determine your event schedule for activities (photographs, dancing, mingling, food) - always have a few extra ideas in your bag1 Month Before The Event4 Finalize the headcount, but be flexible that it may change4 Purchase beverages4 Finalize details with all participants2-3 Weeks Before The Event4 Confirm all arrangements - location, caterer4 Purchase any refreshments you're providing4 Give helpers last minute tasks from your list4 Decide on table arrangement and floor plan4 Arrange party favors4 Decide on what you will wear1 Day Before The Event4 DECORATE4 Complete food preparation and/or pick up ordered food items or flowers4 Set tables4 Make room for coats and purses4 Purchase ice if neededThe Day Of The Event4 Put out any outdoor decorations4 Set out food/appetizers4 Give last-minute instructions to helpers4 Set up the beverage bar4 Prepare any last-minute food4 Arrange where the photographer will be set-up4 Start the music, light candles, set the mood4 Give everyone time to get ready for the event4 Relax and enjoy the party!Some fun party themes to consider (these are great for home entertaining as well)!• Mexican Fiesta• Luau• Mardi Gras• Movie Award Night• Nautical Theme• 50's Rock-n-Roll• Superbowl Party• Pirate or Nautical• PatrioticMake events age appropriate. Teenage parties should always, always have sponsors that are present and available at all times. Delegate responsibilities to teenagers or adults that can help. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate, it can help keep you sane! The event should never last more than 2 ½ to 3 hours. Remember someone has to clean up afterwards. If you are planning a party for smaller children, it should never last more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours. With children, make everything as disposable as possible, and always serve the refreshments last, after present opening and games, as we all know what sugar does to children. Now, enjoy your event!
