We recently published 7 tips to get a head start on the biggest event of the year. Now, with it being right around the corner, it’s time to start elevating your New Year’s Eve party and thinking of ways to take it to the next level. While countdowns and confetti are standard, here are a few added elements we hope you’ll work into in this year’s party.
1. Create experiences with unique themes.
Theme-based events have proven popular throughout 2017, and the trend isn’t going to stop for New Year’s Eve. The succinct nature that comes with a theme is what provides structure to the experience you’re providing. It’s no longer just a glamorized party – it’s a way to truly commemorate 2017 and welcome 2018. And when you have a theme that’s fully thought out, you’re able to provide your experience right at the start, from when your guest first learns of the event to when they RSVP, all the way down to when they arrive.
The more you can get into your theme, the more enticing your party will be. This year, I’ve seen themes range from a frosty affair to a tropical cabana oasis to Mission: Impossible, complete with a video invite. There’s no limit to what you can do – it’s a matter of playing to your guests’ interests and executing the experience.
2. Focus on the details to enhance VIP offerings.
People are more likely to splurge on a VIP experience for New Year’s Eve, which means you must take care of them and execute above their standards and expectations. While VIP bottle service is the everyday for many nightclubs, your NYE VIP service needs to be a step (or two or three) higher. People expect to pay top dollar to receive premier customized service, and if your staff acts like it’s just another area of your party, your guests aren’t going to get the experience they expect or deserve.
To take your VIP to the next level, make sure you’re focusing on all the right details that elevate their night. Greet them by their name when they arrive. Turn your tables into cabanas. Provide a free hookah. Add in a layer of live entertainment. Think of ways you can use your theme to add layer upon layer of value. After all, this is a great time to wow your guests and build loyalty for the coming year.
3. Offer a signature cocktail.
A signature cocktail can go a long way in racking up those bar sales without burdening your staff on the busiest night of the year. Plus, when done well with your theme, they get guests excited to try something new and festive to ring in the New Year. Work with your theme or embrace seasonality as inspiration for a signature cocktail. Bonus points for not making it overly complicated for your staff, yet making it memorable for your guests.
There are many directions you can go with your New Year’s Eve party. The most important thing is to make sure it lines up with the type of party your guests want to attend. From there, it’s all about optimizing your revenue by getting a head start with planning, selling early bird pre-sale tickets to create demand, and making sure all of your offerings are succinct to set the stage for the experience you’ll provide.