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Discover the do's and don'ts of organising a formal.
So, you've taken the plunge and joined your society's committee. Nice one! Now, it's time to talk formal.
Before you dive into the deceiving planning world, here are some straightforward do's and don'ts to keep things smooth.
Themes are great, but keep it simple. Complicated themes? Not everyone's cup of tea.
Find something that stands out but won't make people scratch their heads.
Venue matters.
Find a place that fits your style and has enough room for everyone to mingle comfortably.
No one wants to squeeze through a crowd all night.
Make it look good.
Centrepieces, tabletop decor, balloons – if you got the budget... Remember, the venue starts out looking a bit bare, so spruce it up with things that are Instagram-able.
Capture the memories.
Maybe get a talented art student to take the photos.
Trust us, you'll want those pics later.. Or, if the lord is willing, rent a photobooth.
Just don't.
They're overrated.
Make life easy and create a playlist on Spotify, here use mine (make sure then venue has a license for this first).
Your dance floor will thank you.
People like to move around. Forget the table plan – it's not a big deal.
Let them chat and mingle.
Just save a table for yourself!
Be considerate but don't go overboard.
There's always that one person who discovers a "gluten allergy" when the food arrives.
Keep it simple, cover the basics, and have some extra just in case.
There you have it – a quick guide to navigating the do's and don'ts of formal planning.
Keep it straightforward, enjoy the process, and celebrate the end of the academic year in style.
The views expressed in this article are that of the student's own and do not reflect the opinions of Ulster University.
