Does your event appeal to all 5 senses?
What you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel matters in daily life. Let us show you why these small details make a BIG difference when it comes to planning your perfect event.
We all know that humans have five basic senses—but did you know just how much they matter when you’re planning an event or party?
At Perfectly Timed Events, we’re all about the details. Details are what will enhance your event and make your guests feel welcomed and taken care of from the moment they receive their invitation to when they’re safely back at home in bed, dreaming about the magical time they just had at your incredible event.
We believe the party starts with the invitation and continues with the sensation your guests will feel as they drive up to a perfectly manicured lawn and are welcomed by a smiling valet offering their hand to guide them into a night of relaxation, enjoyment, and entertainment. It continues with what they sense all night—through the smell of the amber vanilla burning candle in the living room, the sound of the soft jazz music playing outside, or the taste of the chocolate truffles that accompany their dessert coffee or signature cocktail.
Being thoughtful in the details is what we do best—from the mouthwash on the restroom countertop to the hand-written calligraphy on the table placements—we want every guest to feel as though they lack nothing, if just for one night.
And that’s why we start with the 5 senses…
1. What your guests will see. Sight encompasses so much of event planning because of the many visual details that make your party unique. From the look of the cake to the appearance of the lawn and sidewalk when they pull up to your party—what your guests see, matters. Let’s start with the invitation. The invitation is the first thing your guests will see. It will lay the foundation and set the expectation for your entire event. Does it give detailed information about where to go and what will happen when they arrive? What will they see when they pull up to the venue and park? Will there be a valet to greet them? A clean, manicured lawn and sidewalk as an invitation to walk inside? We don’t do dirty sidewalks. The grass must always be green. There will always be freshly planted flowers. (And there will never be a trashcan in the entryway as the first thing your guests see as they walk into your venue.) What your guests will see matters—but that’s not the only thing that does…
2. What your guests will hear. Sound has a way of creating an atmosphere that sets the feeling and tone for every party or event. Nobody wants to walk into a party to complete silence. There should be music playing (not too loud, and not too soft), voices of people talking and getting to know one another, the sounds of laughter and jokes being made, and movement in the kitchen to entice your guests with the thoughts of the food that’s being prepared. Ask yourself: Do you want your guests to feel joy? Then you want them to hear other people laughing. Do you want them to feel at peace? Then you want them to hear soft music playing in the dining room or under the stringed lights over the pergola outside. Do you want to create a feeling of fun? Then we’ll hire the best DJ and get everyone up and moving all night long. Sound matters and it will make a big difference in the mood and tone of every party.
3. What your guests will smell. This is a sense that is often overlooked when planning a party—but it can make or break an event. What your guests smell as they walk into your venue will set the tone for cleanliness and luxury or, something we’d rather not mention here. When we work with brides on the wedding menu, we take into account what will need to be done if certain foods are chosen. Dishes like seafood, curry, asparagus, and certain fruits can be a party favorite if prepared the right way. Hotels often don’t have the best ventilation systems so choosing which appetizers will be served in the lobby and what main course will be served in the venue is important and unique to every party and location. If you’re hosting a party at home—light a soft-scented, seasonal candle in the bathrooms and in the entryway to set the tone for the enjoyment of the party as soon as they are greeted at the door. Smells will immediately enhance the mood and ambiance of any room, home, or venue and leave your guests wondering why they don’t want to leave!
4. What your guests will taste. It is said that the right (or wrong) food can make (or break) a party. We work with the best caterers in the business, providing the perfect appetizers, entrees, and meals for any and every gathering. One thing is for sure: If the food isn’t good—people won’t stay long at a party. Planning your event menu should be thought-out and detailed. You can choose from various seasonal dishes and be creative with themed birthday parties and holiday festivities! Provide something for every palate—if you are serving a dark chocolate truffle, offer a raspberry tartlet too. There should always be a sweet and salty appetizer option. These days, it’s most thoughtful to offer substitutions for dietary needs and restrictions (i.e. gluten-free, vegetarian, and organic). Dinner and dessert details make a world of difference when it comes to events—and if you do it right, nobody will ever want to miss your next party!
5. What your guests will feel. Finally (and probably most importantly), the way your guests feel from the time they receive their invitation, to the way they are embraced at the party, to the feeling they carry home with them in their memories as they go to sleep at night is what your event is all about. These details are the smallest but most important ones (and often, the hardest to carry out well). The invitation should make them feel knowledgeable about the details of the event. The greeter should make them feel welcomed at the door. The lighting should be pleasant, without being harsh. Think about what your guests will feel from the invitation, to the parking lot, to the party—and your event will be a success.
Our event planners are trained down to the detail to not only plan and create the perfect event—but to provide an atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests for years to come. Book your next event or party with Perfectly Timed Events today.
You get to dream. We’ll take care of all the details—appealing to all 5 senses!
- PTE