5 Essential Steps for Organising Your Corporate Christmas Function


Planning a memorable corporate Christmas function can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and the perfect venue, it can be a breeze. If you’re in charge of organising your company’s upcoming work Christmas party, you’re in luck.
We have a free downloadable checklist, and we’ll walk you through the process to ensure your event is a resounding success.
And Murray Bridge venues such as ours, Bridgeport Hotel, could be your ideal setting as we have several function spaces and packages available.

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1. Pre-Planning: Lay the Foundation
Before you dive into the details, it’s crucial to set the groundwork. Start by considering your budget, having a clear budget in mind will guide your choices and help you avoid overspending. Determine your preferred date and time for the event and be flexible, if possible, as this can make securing a venue easier.
Speaking of venues, explore the options available in Murray Bridge. Consider what they offer in terms of private function rooms, essential amenities like private toilets and bars, a dance floor and microphones. The main venues for larger functions are Bridgeport Hotel, Bridges Event Centre, Rydges Pit Lane and Monarto Safari Park. Bridgeport Hotel boasts three private function spaces, which can cater to different budgets and requirements. With a dedicated Conference & Events Manager, they will ensure a stress-free and smooth planning process, right through to the execution of the event. We can also provide instant quotes for your event.

2. Planning: Setting the Stage
Once you’ve settled on a budget and a date, secure your venue. Your Conference & Event Manager can guide you through the contract process, discussing the style of your event, room requirements – like a dance floor or inhouse music options, menu planning, AV and technology requirements, guest numbers, and even festive table decorations with Christmas-themed bonbons. Along with menu styles also think about beverage package options, such as hourly drink packages, a Bar TAB on consumption or a cash bar where guests pay for their own.
Consider travel distance and if your guests need accommodation, and if they would also like to add breakfast to their stay.
Bridgeport Hotel’s 100 onsite 4.5-star rooms eliminate the need for transportation hassles, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to stay.

3. Finalising Details: The Devil’s in the Details
As the event draws nearer, you’ll need to send out invitations to coworkers, Canva has templates including a wide range of Christmas themed invitations that you can send out electronically. For printed invitations, local Murray Bridge company Print City will be able to assist. Include an RSVP date to provide the venue with final numbers at least two weeks before your event. For entertainment or a guest speaker, Bridgeport Hotel can offer suggestions, from comedians to soloists and bands.
Whether you want the venue to provide table decorations or prefer to bring your own, Bridgeport can accommodate your needs. We can also recommendation local photographers and videographers.
Consider a seating chart for optimum networking opportunities, along with an agenda/run sheet of the event, which can be discussed with your Conference & Events Manager.

4. Execution: Bringing It All Together
With the event day on the horizon, give all final details to the venue, including RSVP numbers, the agenda, timings and dietary requirements. Ensure the venue is set up according to your specifications, consider whether you need to be onsite for any vendor coordination, such as the delivery and setup of services or arranging place cards according to your seating chart and table decorations. Transparent communication with the Conference & Events Manager during the event will ensure it runs smoothly and Bridgeport Hotel’s dedicated team will be there, so you can relax and enjoy the party.
During and after the event, collect feedback from your coworkers and share it with the venue.

5. Post-Event: Wrapping Things Up
After the event, don’t forget to send out thank you notes to the venue, suppliers or any guest speakers. Share your collected feedback with the venue for discussion and improvement. It’s a good idea to share your feedback on social media or Google, as it aids venues, like Bridgeport Hotel in enhancing their services for future events.
Use the feedback you’ve collected to evaluate and improve your event planning for next year. This analysis will help you create an even more memorable corporate Christmas function.

Organising a corporate Christmas function doesn’t have to be stressful. With these five steps and the help of a Conference & Events team, you can ensure a memorable and seamless event that will leave your coworkers talking about it well into the New Year.
So, get ready to celebrate in style and make this Christmas work function one to remember. The team at Bridgeport Hotel is more than happy to take your enquires, and you can view our packages here.

P: (08) 8532 2002
E: functions.bridgeport@edphotels.com.au

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EXAMPLE SEATING CHART