Creative & Culture

How To Throw A Celebrity Event

You're invited to an glamorous Hollywood charity event. From the red carpet roll-out to the last minute meltdowns, see how a celebrity event planner brings it all together just in time! Enlarge

How To Throw A Celebrity Event

You're invited to an glamorous Hollywood charity event. From the red carpet roll-out to the last minute meltdowns, see how a celebrity event planner brings it all together just in time!

Step 1: You will need

  • $85,000 Budget
  • 30 Cocktail Tables
  • 65 Table Linens
  • $4,000 Floral Designs
  • 50 ft Red Carpet
  • 12 Servers
  • 1 Baby Grand Piano

Step 2: The Load In

So your venue starts empty and it's your job - OR THE RENTAL COMPANY'S JOB! - to fill it up with all the "props".

Make sure as your items come in for delivery that the specifications are correct. If you wanted pink flowers, send them back if they're white and get replacements right away. If you find that you need more tables or chairs, call that rental company right away!

Step 3: The Entertainment

Hire a DJ, an MC, a band and dancers.

You need to make call time early because if something upsets the talent in rehearsals, it takes a really long time to soothe big egos.

If you haven't rehearsed, do it early on the day of the event to work out any kinks.

Step 4: The Food and Booze

Prep as much food in advance. Hire a kitchen staff for the day of the event and start them on the preparations of your food early in the day.

For your celebrity event, find an alcohol sponsor. If you only have one type of alcohol available, try to make several types of themed drinks for your guests.

Step 5: Guest Services

Of course I have swag. These are the most coveted items from any Hollywood party - more than the VIP wristbands! These are the gift bags. Demalogica cream. Maybelline products. People love it.

Step 6: The Staff

Pre-event, address all staff - the kitchen, the security, the publicists, and the servers with a little speech of how the night should go. It's also a good time to pep talk them!

Step 7: The Finishing Touches

This is the time to check your red carpet-make sure the paparazzi know your rules for the event and announce which celebs you know are arriving for the evening.

Check in with you media publicists and red carpet wranglers to make sure they are standing by.

Check your entertainment-make sure the d.j. and band are good to go. Check in on your mc's and make sure that they are standing by.

Step 8: Doors Open

Greet VIPs. Make sure that these guests get their access badges or wristbands.

Put out any last minute fires.