Roll out the red carpet and pop the champagne. Here are 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Event. Planning an event can be tricky and stressful, especially if you’ve never done the whole shebang. That’s why our event coordinators love their jobs, they are able to not only create the event you want, but ease any of the stress you might have throughout the planning process. You go on Pinterest do some research and start making a to-do list. Before you know it you’ve overshot your budget and are convinced you’ll be the worst party host in the entire world. Stop it. Stop it right there. We got you. I asked our event coordinators for the inside scoop and here are their 5 ways to save money on your next event.

5. Skip The Party Favors

Have you ever gone to an event and left thinking, why didn’t they have any party favors? Probably not, and if you have …. well …. I’ll let you finish that sentence. Ditch the party favors and cut out the extra fluff only you and Pinterest know about to save some extra dough-age.

4. D.I.Y Centerpieces

We’re not joking, it can be done and done well. This past year, our annual Fight Night fundraiser had D.I.Y centerpieces and nobody could tell. Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself. DIY centerpieces from The Marconi Fight Night fundraiser All of the glass pieces you see were random odds and ends found at staff member’s homes or purchased at our local Goodwill store. Flowers were purchased from Costco for an added flair and each table got one tealight candle. Looks like a million bucks doesn’t it? It definitely didn’t cost a million bucks! D.I.Y Bonus: After the event we donated the extra glassware to Orange County Rescue Mission and turned some of the other glassware into candles. 

3. Eat Wisely

All good parties have food for the guests to nosh on while mixing and mingling. The best way to cut your catering costs would be to stay clear of a seated dinner and tray passed hors d’oeuvres. Labor is expensive, so the more people required to pass out food efficiently, the higher the price per person. Food stations and buffet style dinners are on the up. Everyone at The Marconi offices enjoys when our caterer brings in the donut wall. We drip in adrenaline, White House Catering is dunked in sugar. Check out our top 7 trendy food stations you’ll want at your next event, if you dare. donut for The Marconi donut wall

2. Hire Local Entertainment

It’s important to give guests some ambiance and that’s why you’ll want to hire a band, DJ or performer to entertain the crowd in between lulls. Top performers can be pricey and lean more towards breaking the bank, so try to hire local up and coming artists that are in the midst of the grind trying to make it big. Our event coordinator Alli also suggests calling up your local high school and asking if the band does outside performances. Nothing says unique like a marching band stomping through the doors. Anyone else thinking of Tusk by Fleetwood Mac?

1. Book at The Marconi

A shameless plug was coming, at least I saved the best for last! When you book at The Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids your money stretches a bit farther than at other venues. We have event coordinators who strive to make your event as seamless and as stress-free as possible. They love the simplicity in little details and will help you with vendors if needed. The site fee at our venue includes:
  • exclusive use of our air conditioned exotic car museum
  • tables & comfortable banquet chairs
  • day of coordinator
  • AV equipment
  • black floor length linens
Add a touch of style, class and adrenaline when you book at The Marconi.
The Marconi Automotive Museum is a class 501 ©(3) nonprofit located in the heart of Orange County. A portion of the net proceeds from booked events goes to various at-risk children charities throughout Southern California. We are open to the public for museum visitors Monday through Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm, double check our event calendar before visiting. If you would like to get more information about hosting an event at #TheMarconi please fill out our online form, or give us a call at 714.258.3001. Dare To Be Different. Book at The Marconi today!