Ball planning ideas...what did you love or hate?

[SussexLass87]

Hello all,

I'm helping plan a Ball for about 200 people later this year - it's celebrating a milestone in an armed forces unit that my husband commands.

I'd love to get some ideas together to help him - what have you loved (or hated!) about Balls / weddings that you've been to?

My pet hate (and DH's) is long winded speeches - he's expected to say a few words to welcome everyone but plans to keep it to 10 minutes.

Nothing kills the atmosphere quicker than someone droning on!

Photo booths / chocolate fountains...is it a bit cheesy now? The venue offers these for a bit extra.

It's expected to have a 3 course meal at these things followed by dancing. I'm thinking some kind of evening food to soak up the booze later on - maybe baps? Hmm...

Would be so grateful for any thoughts or inspiration! Thank! 🙏

A longish arrivals time with some decent canapés as people wanna do socialising and mingling on arrival.

Starter plates served quickly on table, brief speeches between clearing between starter/main and main/dessert. If there is any raffle / fundraiser get that squared away by time dessert is finished.

Photo Booth with props isn’t a bad idea, nor is cameras on tables or a QR code to a shared drive for photo sharing. similar to a wedding - maybe when people rsvp they can add a couple songs to the playlist.

I have never been to a do where people have been saddened to see chips/sandwiches/hog roast baps as a round two.

Having been to a few of these with family / friends, make clear which drinks are funded vs pay your own and ideally choose a venue which won’t rinse people. The dancing can be hit and miss (esp for old boys) but 1-2 singalong songs with a rum tot may go well.

good on you and dh for stepping up and I hope your event is a success!

I think photo booths and chocolate fountations have had their day. The latter I don't trust to be hygienic and the first one is a bit pointless when everyone has camera phones and a professional photographer is often in attendance as well.

Thanks both for your thoughts - totally agree @AbzMoz - never seen anyone mind some extra food! Love the QR code idea - thank you.

Yes...I'm leaning towards that they've had their day @LittleGreenShoots but we need "something" - what would you want to see?

I think it would depend on what the venue lends itself to and the budget. You can hire some amazing pop up game type things- think crystal maze type domes catching money or if there is a break out room poker sets can be cheap and inexpensive. I think many rnjoy an alternative activity to drinking and dancing.

We really enjoyed one where the first course was a buffet!

We sat for mains and desert.

We met so many people because of it.

I agree with making sure there is a quieter area / breakout room, not everyone wants to dance especially if there are going to be people who don't see each other often and want to catch up. I went to a wedding where they had giant Jenga, giant connect 4 and a pool table in another room and they were well used.

That's a good point about the quieter room / area - somewhere for people to talk a bit more.

And I'll look into renting some large scale games / entertainment.

The venue is likely to be a country house hotel (this way there are less rules and people will be more relaxed than if we held it in one of the Messes on the Base)

We just want everyone to be able to relax and have a great time together basically - I'm really keen to make sure that happens.

There's going to be a committee formed so I will get the younger ones to vote on what they'd like to see there and make sure they feel involved in the planning.

Thanks all - it'll be so helpful to go to them with a few suggestions and see what's the most popular!