Introduction
Planning an event can feel like a juggling act. Whether you’re organising a corporate dinner, conference, summer party, client event or team away day, there are countless moving parts to keep track of. From finding the perfect venue to coordinating suppliers and creating an experience your guests will remember, we know that successful events take much more than simply securing a space.
One of the most common mistakes we see is jumping straight into venue searching without first considering the bigger picture. Every event is different, and the best ones are built around clear objectives, thoughtful planning and great guest experiences. These are the same principles our team uses every day when helping clients bring their events to life.
Need help finding the perfect venue?
Our complimentary concierge service is here to lighten the workload, matching you with the right venues and trusted suppliers while saving you valuable time throughout the planning process.
Our Top Event Planning Tips
1
Start With Clear Event Objectives
Before making any decisions, take a step back and ask yourself: What is this event trying to achieve? Whether your goal is networking, team building, celebrating success, entertaining clients or launching a new product, every choice you make should support that objective.
Miss Jones Tip: Define success before you begin planning.
2
Choose the Right Venue As Early As Possible
The venue sets the tone for your entire event, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right fit. Consider your guest numbers, location, accessibility, atmosphere, AV facilities, catering options, outdoor spaces and whether accommodation is needed. Booking early also gives you greater availability, more flexibility and often access to better rates.
Not sure where to start?
That’s exactly what our complimentary concierge service is for! Tell us about your event and we’ll shortlist venues that match your brief, introduce trusted suppliers and help narrow down the options, completely free of charge.
3
Set a Realistic Budget
A well-planned budget helps avoid surprises later on. Think beyond venue hire and include catering, drinks, entertainment, production, transport, accommodation and any additional supplier costs. It’s also worth setting aside a contingency fund, giving you flexibility if plans change or unexpected costs arise along the way.
Miss Jones Tip: Set a realistic budget and leave a little room for the unexpected.
4
Think About Your Guest Experience
Guests may not remember every item on the agenda, but they’ll remember how the event made them feel. From a smooth registration process and welcoming arrival to comfortable breakout spaces, thoughtful catering timings and accessible facilities, it’s often the smaller details that leave the biggest impression.
Miss Jones Tip: Prioritise how your guests will feel.
5
Don't Leave Entertainment Until Last
Entertainment shouldn’t be an afterthought. Whether it’s a live band, DJ, interactive activity, guest speaker, wellness experience or seasonal entertainment, the right choice should complement your event’s objectives and enhance the overall atmosphere.
Need some inspiration?
We’ve built relationships with some of the best entertainment suppliers in the events industry.
Here are a few we’d highly recommend:
GOTO Events
Experts in team building and corporate experiences, GOTO Events create engaging activities that encourage collaboration, communication and a little healthy competition. Their events work brilliantly for away days, conferences and team celebrations.
The Singing Waiter Masters
The perfect option for an unforgettable surprise. The Singing Waiter Masters turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience, with talented performers disguised as waiting staff before launching into a show-stopping performance that gets everyone involved.
WONDEROSITY
For something a little different, Wonderosity specialises in immersive entertainment, interactive performers and creative experiences that bring personality and energy to any event. They're perfect for creating unexpected moments that guests will be talking about long after the event has finished.
6
Create a Detailed Timeline
A clear timeline helps everything run smoothly on the day.
Before the event
On the day
After the event
✔ Confirm your venue and suppliers
✔ Send invitations
✔ Collect dietary and accessibility requirements
✔ Coordinate supplier arrivals
✔ Manage guest registration
✔ Keep speeches, catering and entertainment running to schedule
✔ Send thank you emails
✔ Gather guest feedback
✔ Review what worked well for future events
7
Work With Event Experts
Planning an event doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Working with experienced event specialists can save hours of research while giving you access to expert knowledge and trusted industry contacts.
At Miss Jones, our complimentary concierge service helps with venue sourcing, supplier recommendations and finding spaces that aren’t always easy to discover independently. We also help unlock exclusive perks, share honest advice based on first-hand experience and support you throughout the planning process, making the journey feel a little less overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I plan an event?
As soon as you know your event objectives, guest numbers and preferred dates, it’s worth getting started. Popular venues can book up months in advance, particularly during busy seasons. However, if you are working to a shorter timeline, our concierge team can help source suitable venues quickly and keep your planning moving!
What should be included in an event budget?
Alongside venue hire, remember to budget for catering, drinks, entertainment, production, transport, accommodation and any supplier costs. We also recommend setting aside a contingency fund of around 5-10% to cover any unexpected expenses.
How do I choose the right venue?
The best venue depends on your event objectives, guest numbers, location, atmosphere and practical requirements such as AV, catering and accessibility. Our team is always happy to recommend venues that suit your brief and help you compare your options.
What makes an event memorable?
It’s often the thoughtful details that guests remember most. Great food, engaging entertainment, smooth organisation and unique experiences all contribute to an event that leaves a lasting impression. We work with a network of trusted suppliers who can help elevate your event with those memorable finishing touches.
Should I use a venue finding service?
If you want to save time and remove some of the stress from planning, absolutely. Our complimentary concierge service allows you to share your event brief with us, and we’ll recommend venues and suppliers that suit your requirements, saving you hours of research while giving you access to expert advice along the way.
Expert Help from Miss Jones
Great events never happen by accident. They come from thoughtful planning, clear objectives, the right venue and an experience that puts your guests first.
Whether you’re organising a corporate dinner, conference, Christmas party, team away day or product launch, we would love to help you find the perfect venue, connect you with trusted suppliers and make the planning feel that little bit easier.
Ready to get started? Enquire today and let our complimentary concierge service help bring your next event to life!
