Using the 5 Senses to Bring Your Event to Life: Sight

If you're beginning to plan an event, the best way to create a total experience for your guests is to incorporate elements that appeal to all five senses! Today we're offering tips on how to appeal to a guest's sense of sight!

• The first impression: When you're on your way to an event, what's the first thing you do? Most likely you're keeping your eyes open to find an address or a building and, often, a parking spot. Things like the building exterior, outdoor signage, and parking area make the first impression for your event, and you only get one chance to make that good first impression! The outside of your venue is a perfect opportunity to appeal to your guests' sense of sight and heighten expectations of what's waiting for them inside, so it's important not to neglect this area during planning!

• The entrance: As guests enter the event area, they'll pass through an entrance of some kind. Entrances should be warm and welcoming. When guests reach this point they should start to be teased about what's awaiting inside. If your event has desk staff, registration staff, and/or coat check attendees they should be friendly and helpful. Many planners overlook the potential of entrance areas, so don't fall into that trap! Decor of some sort in the entryway should be present for a total experience.

• The event area: Your main event area is your last chance to excite or disappoint your guests, depending on the preparations you've made. When guests enter they'll visually take it all in. They look around at all of the people—guests, hosts, entertainers, and wait staff. They look for the bar and all of the delicious food. They look at the tables and chairs to determine where they're going to sit. They look at the stage and dance floor to see if they have a good seat for all of the night's activities and entertainment. They see your lighting and the beautiful decor you've put together. An eye for detail during the planning process will ensure your guests are visually stunned by what you've put together.

At this point, the fantasy you created is starting to have its effect, and your guests will begin to get into the experience. If all goes to plan, they'll mingle and have fun. When that happens, you know you've effectively appealed to their sense of sight!

Check back for part two - Sound!