4 Keys to Planning a HUGE Event or Project

There are many different types of large events and projects that need extensive planning. If you have one that your are planning, it may look completely different that the one I'm sharing here today, but the steps to planning are basically the same regardless of the actual event. As you follow my plans in this post, keep your own event or project in mind, so that you can adapt the steps to fit your specific needs.

My daughter is making her first Communion in May and if you aren't in Europe you may be thinking 'Cara, That is not a HUGE event or project. Sure, it needs some planning, but it's not huge'. In my corner of Europe, it really is!

We are having a sit down, formal, 7 course meal for over 40 people... wait for it... in my home!

Cooked by me.

Yah, see I told you it was big. I've seen communions that could rival weddings, not only in size but also in grandeur.

My daughter's won't be that big, but there are still a lot of moving pieces. Besides the formal dinner, there are her preparations at school and at the church, there is the mass itself, and other meals and get-togethers through out the weekend, as well as lodging all the people who will be coming. Plus, my favourite part of this whole event, creating the decorations and invitations.

That's a lot to do and a lot to organise. So like the good little planner girl that I am, I've created an entire planner devoted to this celebration!

all goodies used in the dashboard are from the March kits from the Hip Kit Club

I've started it out with a lovely little dashboard, grab a cuppa and hit play and watch how it all comes together.

This is only the beginning, There will be many sections, including a place to brainstorm, a to-do list, invitations (guest list, design ideas), seating plan, menus, grocery list, shopping list (I need to buy 40 sets of dishes!) and of course we can't forget the decorations! I'm sure I'll be adding more as I get closer to the big day.

Now your event may look completely different but you should always start by brainstorming to-do's and then prioritise them, schedule them into your daily planner and set deadlines along the way. This brainstorm list will lead to the different sections that you will need in your planner that you set up specifically for the event or project.

If you follow these 4 key points below, you should be able to pull off your event or project with great success!

1. Plan ahead, the earlier you can start the better! At the very least brainstorm a big list as soon as possible. Having it out of your mind and down on a concrete list will take off a load of stress as well as get your plans started.
   
2. Hack away at the projects as time allows. Planning early allows you the time to work on it at a reasonable pace. You won't be completely stressed out by the time the big days comes which would leave you unable to enjoy it.
   
3. Give your self deadlines along the way. Working backwards from the day everything needs to come together, decide when smaller projects within the whole HUGE event need to be completed. Mark these in your planner and stick to them.
   
4. Decorate your planner early on, it's prettiness will motivate you each step of the way. I truly believe that a pretty planner is much more motivating than a plain one. If you don't have time to really set it up the way you'd like, grab a few clips and dashboards from your stash and put some pretty supplies in the pockets and that's all you need to put a smile on your face when you open the planner.
   

Happy Planning!