5 Ways to Make Your Event Feel Special

We talk a lot about easy or laid back entertaining here on CAH, but sometimes you want to pull out all the stops to give your guests the best experience you can. I’m highlighting some of my favorite details that can take your party from casual to special.

Add these to festive birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, bridal showers, and more.

1. Invitations

I think we can all agree that special times call for special invitations, and you can opt for printed invites and use mail service for a classic experience that will certainly make your event feel special right from the beginning.

Nowadays digital invitations have the look and feel of printed ones, and you can fully customize the digital envelopes, photo or text inserts, even stamps! For this reason I don’t think you necessarily have to start with printed versions that are more costly and time sensitive.

Pick which method works best for you, but choose an elegant or themed design that is a hint at what’s to come at the event.

2. Personalization

I think we’ve all had that experience where you receive a small gift that seems as if the presenter saw right into your soul and knew what you would love. Personalized details at an event are kinda like that.

As the host, you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy gifts for all your guests. Something as simple as place cards, name tags, or a note at each place setting can do the trick. It lets the guest know that you were thinking of them specifically, and who doesn’t love that?

3. Flowers

Let’s face it, flowers aren’t one of the top expenses of weddings and events for nothing. They add beauty to any space and an air of elegance to any occasion. When your guests see a beautiful flower arrangement (or two) they know this is going to be a special event.

If you’re watching your budget choose in-season flowers, bulk up the greenery, or make your own arrangements with these tips.

4. Something Unexpected

One of my favorite extra touches to any party or event is when there’s something unexpected. It can be anything big or small. For a wedding it could be a cultural dance performed by a dance troop, or for a smaller party it might be a house DJ rallying up a Soul Train line.

It’s about making your guests say, “I didn’t expect that!”

Other DIY ideas are hanging a floral wall backdrop for photos, setting up a bourbon tasting bar, or a DIY ice cream soda bar for a whimsical and nostalgic touch.

5. Make Guests Feel Spoiled

I have to admit, when I go to a special event I get a little excited thinking about the abundance of choices there will be when it comes to food and drink. When you offer your guests a wide selection whether its appetizers, the main course, a champagne bar, or a dessert buffet, they automatically feel special.

It’s not something we get to experience in our everyday life so when we do we feel very spoiled and catered to. It reminds me of the saying, “the way to their heart is through the stomach.”

There you have 5 ways to make your event feel special from beginning to end. Start with the customized invitations and end with an abundant dessert table or personalized gift. The key really is to be thoughtful in your approach as a host and make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.