How to Throw a Cost Effective Summer Party

‍

‍

Whether your team works in the office, remotely or hybrid, the reality of today’s working world is spending less face-to-face time with your colleagues. Office parties and team socials are now even more important for team bonding but can feel overwhelming to organise.

Event planning is all the more challenging when working to tight timescales and budgets, especially if you don’t have a well-resourced events team on hand. 

If you’re planning a summer party, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Clara Office Management has done the hard work for you. From sourcing the best BCorp and independent suppliers to creating bespoke plans for any budget, we’ve made throwing a memorable office party that everyone will love as easy as possible. 

To find out how we can help you with your summer party check out our amazing events planner and dedicated concierge. 

And, to help get you started, here are some of our top tips for a super special summer party, on a budget. 

Clara’s top tips for a summer party that doesn’t break the bank

1. Find a Budget Friendly Venue

Finding a large venue for a low price can be a challenge anywhere but especially in London. The cheapest option is always to host in your own office. Don’t worry - the days of dodgy sandwiches and bad wine are over. We can transform any workplace with the help of our fantastic suppliers. 

Our concierge can also find you cost-effective spaces like town halls or council-run venues, or open their black book to find somewhere truly special. If you want to take a punt on the weather we can arrange a special picnic in the park with everything prepped for your arrival. 

2. Avoid Venue Catering

Hiring a venue with in-house catering is guaranteed to blow your budget. For most events we recommend buying direct from independent caterers who offer excellent value for money and a bespoke service.Many of London’s best street food providers have event packages, whether individual portions or buffet style. Often, for a small amount extra, they can staff the venue and serve the food to order, too. 

If your budget doesn’t stretch to a main course there are plenty of snacks available from our wholesale suppliers who cater for all dietary requirements. 

‍‍

3. BYOB Lead Approach Can Cut Your Costs 75%

In any venue adding alcohol will significantly increase your costs, often fourfold. For offices or venues where you can BYOB we can provide wholesale deliveries of craft beer, independent wines, ready-to-drink cocktails and great alcohol-free alternatives at competitive prices. 

We also work with boxed wine supplier Laylo. It tastes great and once opened can be kept for six weeks, making it as waste free as possible and a really popular choice for events. Need bar staff? Ice? Glasses, beer kegs and more? Even the most spectacular pop-ups are cheaper than going to a licensed venue. 

‍

4. Team Bonding

For hybrid and remote teams the office party is a rare opportunity for everyone to get together. From drag bingo to all-office dance classes and games in the park with your picnic we have options for every budget.

Want extra special treats to say thank you to staff? Try personalised treats like these cupcakes from Eat My Logo. If you’re looking for easy and cheap activities, let’s face it - there’s a reason karaoke is a classic. All you need is a disco light and a karaoke machine. 

‍5. How to Decorate your Office

If you’re looking for low cost but eco-friendly decorations on a budget, ditch the plastic and look for beautiful bargains on Amazon and Etsy. Both have lots of lovely paper lanterns, old school bunting, flower garlands and tissue paper pom poms for sale that would create a rustic garden party vibe. 

Balloon arches are always popular. If you can enlist a few helping hands try making your own with eco-friendly kits from Ginger Ray. Our bakery suppliers can create bespoke cakes and sweet treats on a particular theme or colour scheme of your choice - even to match your branding. 

And if you need crockery and cups don’t forget to look for eco friendly and recyclable options, too. 

‍Struggling to find a venue, choose suppliers or stick to budget? Get in touch with Clara today.

‍