Although I am very excited to share a few photos from my book launch last week, I thought I would give this blog post a little more ‘oomph’.  A few event organising tips I have put into practice for this launch are the perfect way to combine the two!

The tips

1. Plan ahead

   Of course!  This is always the first point I mention when it comes to organising or planning anything.  Planning ahead takes on a different meaning each and every time, depending on the nature of the task of course.  This time around, I recommend choosing your event date two months in advance.  Send out ‘save the date’ invites to the people you would most like to be there.  Make a list of the things you need to organise.  Book anything and everything you can book in advance.

2. Set reminders

   Once you start booking caterers, appointments and deliveries for this, that and the other, set yourself reminders.  Enter pick-up dates, delivery dates and return dates (if you shall be returning any loaned items) into your calendar.  Input all the necessary information into the reminder, such as contact numbers or reminders to hand over cheques.

3. Create an ‘event packing list’

   Mine consisted of books (of course!), pens, posters, petty cash, decor, VAT receipt books…you get the gist.  Every time I thought of something, I put it down in the list.  Make your list accessible.  I prefer using an online list, accessible from anywhere.  The night before the event I placed everything behind the door, ready to transport.

4. Check the weather

   OK, so this is only valid in the case of outdoor events.  However, even if your event is bang in the middle of summer, do not take the weather for granted.  We have had thunderstorms in July, and wind is a common occurrence.  I only had a bit of a breeze going for the first few hours, but I had a few pieces of rope handy, ready to secure my roll-up banner to a pole.  I actually did

   use it, because that slight breeze caught it like wind in a boat’s sails.  Keep an eye out and be ready for whatever the weather.

5. Assign help

   The larger the event, the more hands you will need on deck!  Do choose people with intention.  You need to be free to concentrate on hosting the event, and not have to worry about the little details.  Leave one person free to be roaming and overseeing everything.  My person was my son, Yanik.  He  made sure he knew all the ins and outs of what was going on in each and every moment.  It was extremely sweet to see him take such a genuine interest!

A few photos from the event

Photography: Therese Debono
Hair:  Sara, Lavish Hairdressing
Makeup: Shasha

Venue: Tomabnina Wine Room
Wines: Wines & Co.

The team
Editor & Proofreader:  Elizabeth Cortis, Proofreading Malta
Illustrations: Ruth Zammit DeBono Bianco, Chic Odyssey Illustrations
Design & typesetting: Keith Chetcuti, FatBat