Church Event Planning – 8 Steps
Church Event Planning – This guide will help you to plan a successful Church Event.
Step 1 – Establish a Budget
Church event budgets can range from $5. to $30. per person, depending on food and beverage, and entertainment. Food will often comprise 50% of the budget, with the other 50% allocated to entertainment, rentals and prizes/giveaways.
Step 2 – Purpose & Theme Selection
The event may be for fund raising, building awareness about your church, or just an appreciation event. No matter what your purpose, having a theme will help to create excitement about your event.
Here are some of the most popular church event themes:
Medieval Theme
Old Fashioned Theme
Carnival Theme
Country Western Theme
1950’s Theme
Caribbean Theme
Hollywood Stars Theme
Step 3 – Date & Time Selection
The date of your event may be determined by the church calendar, entertainment and vendor availability. Often this step is planned months in advance, especially if it’s a popular time of the year (such as the last two weeks in October). Fundraising event planners should check the local social calendar, to see that there are no major conflicts. Most events will last for about four or five hours.
Step 4 - Location Selection
Most church events are held on church grounds. The big choice is either an indoor or outside location. Occasionally, a large event will need to be held elsewhere, and then a rental fee may have to be paid. Regardless of the location, it should be easily accessible to your attendees, be comfortable and have adequate parking.
Step 5 – Entertainment & Equipment Selection
Entertainment may be provided by church members or professional paid entertainment. Either way, it should fit the theme of your event. Some of the most popular entertainers include clowns, balloon artists, face painters and caricature artists.
Vendors should have equipment needed for your event and should have been in business for at least five years. An experienced vendor will be able to give advice on the equipment needed and placement.
Church Carnival Games
Here are the most popular inflatables at church events:
Moonwalk
Giant Slide
Obstacle Course
Cash Cube
Step 6 - Food/Beverage Selection
Most often, the food at church events may be pot-luck or covered dishes. Some churches will hire a caterer (often a church member) to provide the food. Some events will have a sit-down dinner, while others a buffet. Space is often a consideration when planning the food and beverage selections. You need to plan for lines (sometimes long) at the buffet.
Step 7 - Decorations
Now it’s time to get creative. A theme makes it easy to choose all of your decorations. A sit-down dinner will often have themed centerpieces, as will buffet tables. Some events will have balloon trees scattered about. Party stores will often carry a selection of these items. Step 8 - Prizes/Giveaways
Most church events will have some type of prize giveaways. The number of prizes to be given away is often based on the number of attendees, in addition to the budget supplied. Often, many churches will have donated prizes from their vendors or members. A nice Grand Prize will attract more attendees to your event. Raffle tickets may be purchased from your local party store.
Church Event Planning - Since 1985, Funtastic Events Inc. has been providing entertainment and amusement rentals for churches and other non profits all over north Georgia and the southeast.
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