For many small business owners, opening their establishment is part of a life-long dream, and this milestone is not something they want to let slip by unnoticed or without celebration. In addition to allowing you the chance to really revel in what you have accomplished, a grand opening celebration is a great way to network with others in the community and drive the interest you need to get your business up and running.

Of course, unless your business is party planning, you might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of planning such an event, especially when there seems to be so much riding on its success. But with the right approach, you can throw a celebration to remember—and have fun while doing it. Below are our top five tips for success during your grand opening celebration.

1. Start Planning Early

As soon as you know that you’re going to be opening a business, you should start planning your grand opening celebration. This allows you to do it little by little, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. However, it also helps you in other aspects. For example, do you want to start a referral program as part of your marketing plan? Well, a grand opening celebration is a great place to get it started. You can look for ways your marketing and advertising tie into the party and really boost your client base right from the start.

2. Know How Big to Go

It can feel like the only celebration worth having is a big one, but it really comes down to your business and what you can afford. A grand soiree might be fun, but if your small business specializes in knitting supplies, something quaint is probably better. And, of course, you need to stick to your budget. If you are going to turn profits, you cannot sink into debt for a single night.

3. Don’t Panic

The prospect of hosting a party is naturally stressful. You want to get things perfect, but the truth is, all you need is some fun décor, a good soundtrack, and the right food and drinks as a basic foundation. If you work with a party rental service like Pico Party Rentals, they will have most everything you need, will be able to keep you from overspending, and will take care of everything else for you.

4. Promote It

If you’re only looking to celebrate with friends and family or even focus on networking, advertising might not be pertinent. However, if you want to bring in potential customers and clients, it will make all the difference. If you’re working with a marketing specialist for your business in general, bring them in on the grand opening celebration as well. They will know the tips and tricks you need.

5. Give Them an Incentive to Return

While bringing people in and providing entertainment is a good start, you need something more. Think about contests and giveaways, gift certificates and coupons. The goal is to turn them into not just a customer, but a repeat customer. You want to stay on their mind so hopefully you see them again sooner rather than later.

Need Help? Contact Pico Party Rentals.

While we have everything you need to rent for your big celebration, we are also able to help you plan it. From the chairs to the food to the DJ, we have you covered. If you are in Southern California and want your grand opening to be one that is remembered for years to come, just work with Pico Party Rentals.