By celebrating, it is possible to pay homage and highlight a person, an event or an anniversary. In order to organize ceremonies and celebrations, it is necessary to establish what or who you intend to celebrate, but you must also choose the best way in which to draw attention to the event, so that it becomes an opportunity that gives everyone the opportunity to share their own joy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing What to Celebrate
Step 1. Choose the reason to celebrate
National holidays and birthdays are the most common reasons that lead people to celebrate. However, there are also other important events to celebrate, such as a new job, a wedding, an anniversary or a big life change.
Use the websites, such as that of the Italian government or National Holidays, to find national holidays, conventional or not, to join or to introduce into the habits of the community in which you live
Step 2. Choose something that others would also like to celebrate with you
Generally, national holidays have a social significance in the life of a country, so they are celebrated publicly, even if it is possible to commemorate them in a private and less conspicuous way.
Step 3. Decide who will participate
Determine whether the event will involve people connected via the Internet, co-workers or friends and family. Choose whether to celebrate a person or commemorate a city, national or international anniversary.
Step 4. Make sure the celebrations are appropriate for the environment in which you want to offer them
For example, it is likely that a particular religious holiday is not appropriate in an environment not necessarily pervaded by a specific religious sentiment. A bachelor party may not be suitable in a context characterized by a large presence of children.
Part 2 of 3: Planning an Event to Celebrate
Step 1. Choose the date
If the event does not fall on the same date every year, choose any day that is convenient for you and the people who intend to attend. It would be fine on the weekend, if whoever you want to invite normally works during the week.
Step 2. Choose the time
You can celebrate all day or at a set time. If it is a weekday, try not to create conflicts with working hours, and organize an evening event.
Step 3. Start planning well in advance
Circumstances will tell you when to start organizing, but, in general, the more people get involved, the preparations should be started first. On big occasions, like weddings, family reunions, or big celebrations, start 6-12 months earlier.
Step 4. Choose the place
Ask the owner of the venue hosting the event what the capacity is and plan accordingly. If you choose to celebrate at home or in the office, move the furniture around so that people have the right space to socialize. A room can be sold for free or require a rental fee.
Step 5. Choose the dishes to serve
Unless the ceremony prohibits the consumption of meals, people like to celebrate by eating and drinking. If you don't want to provide food yourself, consider having each guest bring a dish.
- Consider establishing a theme for lunch or dinner. For example, a Frenchman would serve baguette, brie cheese and other French dishes to celebrate the storming of the Bastille.
- Decide whether to serve alcoholic beverages. If you're worried about people drinking, make a plan for who to drive after the party is over, or schedule a shuttle or taxi.
- Always include soft drinks and water during the festivities.
Step 6. Arrange for decorations
Choose the colors that best suit the occasion and make or buy the decorations. Hang up some signs announcing the commemoration or celebration.
Step 7. Plan to give a memento of the party
It can be a simple thought, like a tag or flag with the person's name superimposed on it, or something more elaborate, like a gift or cake. If you're not sure what to do, set up a table where guests can make or decorate something with their own hands that they can then take home.
Step 8. Choose the music based on the theme of the celebrations
If possible, ask people to sing, dance, or recite poetry.
Part 3 of 3: Inviting Other People to Celebrate
Step 1. Send a notification with the announcement of the date if the guest list is long
If you don't want to spend too much money mailing it, send an e-mail or an electronic invitation, even via Facebook, a few months in advance.
Step 2. Send an official invitation by email or post at least one month in advance
Step 3. Ask invitees for confirmation of their attendance, if there are many
If you are sending the invitation by post, put an RSVP card inside the envelope. If you're sending it via Facebook or email, include the virtual RSVP option.
Step 4. Ask for help from others in your preparations
Chances are you will find someone who likes to throw parties and, therefore, may decide to help you by providing food, drinks or souvenirs to distribute during the festivities.
Step 5. Encourage people to share and forward your invitation, if it's okay to extend the celebration to others as well
It is especially important on regional or national holidays and charity events. People's support and word of mouth can be very effective.
Step 6. Invite via Facebook to spread the word among more people
If it's an annual celebration, consider opening a website or Facebook page so others can interact by leaving comments on the event.
Step 7. Spread the event on radio, TV or by posting flyers
If it's an anniversary or public event, propaganda and invite people to join.
Advice
- The ones featured in this article are the most common ways people celebrate. However, you can also decide to use less conventional methods. Search online to see how similar occasions are celebrated and get some more ideas.
- You can organize impromptu parties with friends, going out for dinner, having a drink or planning a trip.
