No one expects you to know how to re-assemble a car engine or know how to read financial statements unless you have studied these fields. So why would planning an event be any different?
For many people, being a black adult means at some stage or other you'll have to know how to plan umcimbi or an event.
Professional event designer Thembi Maholwana shares some trade secrets.
- What is the best way to position, display and serve your food and how do you ensure that everyone has been served or has had enough to eat?
I believe so much in food presentation; we eat with our eyes first. Let’s say you have a 100-seater event, always at least make extra portion for 10 because people’s appetite are not the same.
- How do you select the correct flowers to go with your décor and what is the importance of flowers at an event?
Your flower arrangement depend on the colours of the day and type of event that you be hosting and that you will be given by your client, from then you can be able to choose your florals.
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- What advice can you give to event hosts on how to maintain reputation and good people’s skills during their events?
Make sure after you have done your setup with your staff, then go and change to look the part.
This is when you oversee and make sure that everything is running smoothly, for example, no one is complaining about not having water or a bad reaction to a drink or dish. To avoid this last scenario, make sure you have sugar-free and non-alcoholics drinks options and that each guest has stated on their RSVP what their diet is.
- What are the few things likely to go wrong during an event?
It all starts with the invite – make sure that you advise your client that invitation must not be shared, that leads to a very big problem from food to a drinks. Also, be specific about whether you are inviting a couple, an individual, no plus ones, etc.
- How do you choose a theme when planning an event?
It depends on the type of event you will be hosting.
- Which Gauteng venues are trendy at the moment for events?
Riboville Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Fairlawns Boutique hotel, Fairlawns hotel, Radisson Blue hotel, The Maslow hotel
- What kind of photography is trendy for events and how does photography impact an event?
360 photo booths.
- Dos and don’ts when dressing a table?
Make sure cutlery is placed correctly and that the glasses are appropriate for the event.
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- What is the best day to host which event and which days don’t work for events?
Corporate – during the week from Tuesday to Thursday; parties – weekends.
- What types of dishes are budget friendly and convenient for an overcrowded event and limited budget?
Buffet 2 starch, 2 veggies, 2 types of meat, 2 salads & dessert.
- What types of alcoholic beverages are best to serve on a low budget event?
Cocktails.
- Safety precautions during an event and after an event?
Have a security company on site.
- What is your personal touch or signature that makes your events stand out?
Excellence, Elegance, Simplicity.
