You've put together the ultimate guest list and planned the perfect evening - now if only you can get everyone to show up! There's an unwelcome phenomenon we refer to as "the flake factor," when people say they're coming and then don't show up. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that people make the extra effort to be there for your festivities, whether it's a cozy dinner or large cocktail gathering.
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Send out a reminder several days before the event via email. Online sites like Evite and Pingg generate automatic reminders a week or several days beforehand. You can also send out an email or call with a casual message of: "See you this Saturday!" When possible, personalize the message to the recipient rather than sending out group messages -- it reinforces that you really want THAT person to be there.
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Let people know how important it is that they be there. Be enthusiastic about receiving your guests and make sure they understand that you're excited to have them as part of the evening - whether it is just to catch up or to introduce them to others in your circle of friends.
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Send out details about the party to get everyone excited. Entice them with teasers - the unique menu you're planning to serve, the surprise cocktail you've created especially for the occasion, or the special entertainment for the evening.
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Let guests know who else will be there. Often, if people get a sense of who will be at a party, it may encourage them to show up -- whether it's colleagues from the office or eligible single gals (to fix up with those single guys). Set the mood ahead of time by letting people know who is scheduled to attend - that way, guests get a feel for the crowd.
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Ask guests to bring or do something. Getting people involved in your party in small ways is a great way to ensure that they'll come -- ask your music-savvy buddy to bring a few mixed CD's to play, ask a friend to bring some extra serving platters for the buffet, ask people to bring favorite photos of the birthday boy or girl, or even go potluck.
- Entice party-goers with a little "surprise." No one can resist a good, old-fashioned mystery, so a fun way to spice up a party and inspire people to come is to hint that there's going to be some sort of "can't-miss" surprise. It could be an appearance by an unexpected friend from far away, a performance by a favorite musician, or a video presentation. If they're curious, they'll be there!
For more information on living a foxy life, check out our website, FoxyFiles, and our latest book, Curves Rule And Flat Is Fabulous: Sexy, Stylish Looks For Every Figure.
