Parking 101

The parking available to one's guests is a very important part of the event and can ironically set the tone of the event. No one likes to be at a venue that is confusing or where the parking is difficult. If you have invited guests to a venue, you should think about where they are going to park. If the parking location is a distance from the place where the event is being held, you should figure out a way to get your guests from their cars to the party. Valet parking is always a great option at your event because people can drive to the closest and most direct entrance and walk straight into the party without having to think about change for a meter or parking in a spot that minimizes possible damage to their cars. Normally, valet parking requires a fee from each patron, but if you use a valet for your event- the parking should be free to your guests. There is nothing more tacky than requiring your guest to use valet and them making them pay for it. Parking might seem like a minor detail but I know of some people who will veto an event altogether it there is a funky parking situation. Make the experience fun for your guests by offering appetizers near the valet station or if there is self parking and it is far away, use a cute circus trolley to drive your guests where they need to be. It is the little details that really make an event seamless. If your guests have trouble parking or are worried about their cars it will limit the excited they had for your event. You want your guests to be relaxed and in the best possible mood- not frustrated because they couldn't find a place to park. It seems like a simple thing but parking planning is something no one wants to do but it is very necessary. It is also important to estimate how many cars you will need to account for. For a corporate Holiday party if you are inviting 500 people, you probably only need parking for 250. This is because most of the guests will be bringing a plus one in the same car. If you are organizing a summer picnic and are inviting 500 people, plan on having parking for 375 because it is more likely that people from one family will be arriving in more than one car. Parking doesn't have to be a hassle, if it is something you tackle head on. Decide first if the location permits a large number of cars if it does, then determine how far the parking is from your event location. If parking is close (within a short walking distance) then plan on having a server to greet your guests with champagne. If it is a long distance plan on a trolley and maybe an entertainer to liven your guests up before they walk into the venue. If there isn't convenient parking near your venue then plan on an extra cost for valet parking. Valet looks very upscale and attracts attention thus creating a buzz about your event. Your guests who own expensive cars will greatly appreciate your gesture as well because if there is a ding or scratch on their car after the event... the valet company will have to fix it. The bottom line however, is that parking is crucial to the overall event. An event does not run smoothly if everyone is late because they can't find parking!!!

crystal p smith
event solutions
crystal@eventsolutions.com
Southern California Event Planning