Ten Tips When Designing Reunion Floor Plans
Another detail you'll want to review with your venue event manager is the floor plan. It's a mundane but essential part of making a successful party. The smooth flow of traffic is essential to keep a somewhat inebriated herd content.
Here are ten floorplan "must-haves" to keep things running well:
1. two sign-in tables -usually in the foyer outside the main room for people to check in or pay if they haven't already. Consider splitting up the alphabet by last name - half at one table, half at the other.
2. name tag table - for people to pick up their pre-printed name tags or write their own if they paid at the door.
3. table for seating cards - if you have pre-assigned seating for your reunion (I don't recommend this), but if you do, people will need to pick up their table numbers outside the main room. Arrange the cards in alphabetical order by last name.
4. bar(s) -to avoid bottlenecks. Some places recommend 1 bartender per 100 people. Keep them away from doorways and give people space to move away from the bar once they get their drinks.
5. buffet tables for the food- with plenty of room for a long line to form. For large groups consider two setups mirroring each other so you can accommodate two shorter lines.
6. dining tables - that are nicely spaced apart and not crammed too closely together. I like rounds that seat 8-10 people with linens to the floor. Ask about colors that match your school colors or go with a classic white or ivory.
7. freestanding decorations. Find a safe place that is visible, but out of the way for large supporting structures that will hold posters or large banners. These should be strategically placed so they won't impede the flow of traffic or get tripped over.
8. dance floor - While younger groups may want to dance, I've found that loud music doesn't cut it at a reunion. People want to talk. A dance floor has minimal use, so if you need the space for something else go ahead and use it.
9. stage - The DJ and sound system will need a stage with room for people to make speeches and announcements. Put it in a central place for everyone to see.
10. screen and video projector - Can be moved into place when needed and removed afterward if they are in the way.
11. restrooms - should be prominently marked, as they will be in a nice facility or banquet hall. But if you're slumming it for this party, make sure you have plenty of "facilities."
Did I forget anything? Please let me know.
Here are ten floorplan "must-haves" to keep things running well:
1. two sign-in tables -usually in the foyer outside the main room for people to check in or pay if they haven't already. Consider splitting up the alphabet by last name - half at one table, half at the other.
2. name tag table - for people to pick up their pre-printed name tags or write their own if they paid at the door.
3. table for seating cards - if you have pre-assigned seating for your reunion (I don't recommend this), but if you do, people will need to pick up their table numbers outside the main room. Arrange the cards in alphabetical order by last name.
4. bar(s) -to avoid bottlenecks. Some places recommend 1 bartender per 100 people. Keep them away from doorways and give people space to move away from the bar once they get their drinks.
5. buffet tables for the food- with plenty of room for a long line to form. For large groups consider two setups mirroring each other so you can accommodate two shorter lines.
6. dining tables - that are nicely spaced apart and not crammed too closely together. I like rounds that seat 8-10 people with linens to the floor. Ask about colors that match your school colors or go with a classic white or ivory.
7. freestanding decorations. Find a safe place that is visible, but out of the way for large supporting structures that will hold posters or large banners. These should be strategically placed so they won't impede the flow of traffic or get tripped over.
8. dance floor - While younger groups may want to dance, I've found that loud music doesn't cut it at a reunion. People want to talk. A dance floor has minimal use, so if you need the space for something else go ahead and use it.
9. stage - The DJ and sound system will need a stage with room for people to make speeches and announcements. Put it in a central place for everyone to see.
10. screen and video projector - Can be moved into place when needed and removed afterward if they are in the way.
11. restrooms - should be prominently marked, as they will be in a nice facility or banquet hall. But if you're slumming it for this party, make sure you have plenty of "facilities."
Did I forget anything? Please let me know.
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