by The Complete Guide to Planning Summer Boat Parties for Beginners
Did you know that the global boat rental market is worth roughly $100.91 million?
Nothing screams fun like a day out at sea. After the years we’ve had, a summer party on a lake is well-deserved.
But, planning summer boat parties isn’t as easy as it may seem. You could come across challenges that may have you rethinking your entire summer.
The good news is that all you need is a little planning guidance. Get your swimsuits ready, party hats, and rent boat as we give you tips for throwing the best boat parties.
Let’s get started!
Create a Budget
Let’s face it; we’ve all gone overboard when planning parties, often spending more than we can afford. This doesn’t have to be the case with your summer boat party.
You don’t need to break the bank as there are services for every budget. Start your planning by creating a boat party checklist.
Then, assign a figure you can afford to each item on the checklist. Don’t lowball your boat party budget, as it’ll guide you throughout the planning process. Working with a small budget may force you to settle on unreliable service providers.
Let your budget be realistic, so you don’t have to make too many adjustments. Remember, a budget is only effective if you stick to it.
Find a Reliable Summer Boat Provider
We can’t all be boat owners. Luckily, we don’t have to be to enjoy yacht parties.
All you need to do is find reliable party boat rentals. There will be little difference between you and a boat owner with the right boat rental provider. So, how do you identify a reliable boat rental service?
Any worthwhile provider will have a good reputation. Google what past clients have to say about any boat rental company before booking.
How do reviews describe the boat rental company’s communication and professionalism? Only book with companies that have received positive reviews on these aspects. Otherwise, your party planning may be the proverbial nightmare.
Also, don’t forget to follow your budget. Some providers will be more within your budget than others. Focus on who you can afford, but don’t compromise on their reputation.
Find the Right Boat Size
Your chosen boat size will determine whether guests have a great time. After all, you can’t have fun if you can’t mingle or dance.
Some boats can only accommodate ten people, while others can carry 200 guests. Make a guest list, and choose your boat depending on the number of party attendees.
The more guests you’ll have, the larger the boat you’ll need. Most boats have capacity plates meant to guide you as you choose.
Considering each boat’s capacity also ensures guest safety. Remember, a boat’s weight determines its stability. The less the weight, the more stable it will be.
Select a Theme
It’s not a party without a theme. You want your guests to be excited about your party even before it happens. And the best way to ensure this is by choosing a theme.
When picking a theme, think about your expected guests and your reasons for the party. Doing so will help you make the right choice.
Are you planning a corporate boat party? If so, a black-tie theme may be the most appropriate choice. But, an Encanto or Moana-based theme is your best choice if you’re organizing a kid’s birthday.
There are many theme options from which to choose. You only need to identify what excites your guest list the most.
Book Your Entertainment
Let’s be honest, the entertainment portion of a party is the most memorable for any guest.
Again, you want your entertainment to match your guest list and type of celebration. An orchestra is perfect for a wedding reception but not the best fit for a summer fiesta. If you’re planning on letting loose, hire a DJ instead.
Be sure to discuss music options with your chosen DJ before the party date. Create a playlist suited to your guests’ personalities and party theme.
Also, discuss music options that signal your party’s winding down. Music ensures a smooth transition from partying to heading home. You can never go wrong if you play classical music at the end of a summer fiesta.
Make Food and Drink Selections
Food and drinks are at the center of any party. They determine whether guests leave your party happy or annoyed.
Pick party drinks and snacks that your guests will find exciting. Kids may love sodas, but adults will enjoy alcohol more. So, you should always consult your party guest list.
And, don’t forget to consider the length of time you’ll be on the boat. Appetizers won’t do for a party meant to last several hours.
You may need to hire a catering service to offer several food courses. Ensure you discuss guests’ meal preferences and allergies when you do. The last thing you want is an allergic reaction in the middle of the lake.
Choose Appropriate Decorations
Pick decorations that match your party’s theme for uniformity. But, be careful not to overdo when decorating since boats offer limited space.
Consider the boat’s size and your expected guests. Your guests should be able to move around with ease.
It’s also essential to consider decorations’ water resistance. Avoid those that may get damaged by water, especially if you plan on reusing them.
Also, consider your decorations’ sturdiness. You don’t want them falling into the lake, more so now that marine conservation is a popular topic.
Plan Fun Activities
There’s no better way to get your party going than through fun activities. Study your guest list and plan activities based on their likes.
Fun activities include swimming, scuba diving, and fishing. These are best suited for conservative crowds.
Look into jet skiing and wakeboarding if you’re entertaining a more adventurous crowd. Ensure you communicate with guests before the party so they can prepare themselves.
It’s also crucial that you hire experts to oversee these activities. The sea can be dangerous if people aren’t careful.
You may also need lifeguards if you’ll be serving alcohol. Remember, your guests’ safety always comes first.
Plan for Emergencies
You can’t always predict how your boat party will go, so you must prepare for the unexpected. Here are ways to plan for emergencies:
Carry a First Aid Kit
Ensure you carry a fully-stocked first aid kit just in case someone gets hurt. Your kit should contain bandages, painkillers, antiseptic solutions, and antihistamine creams.
You should also ensure that at least one person knows how to conduct CPR. Doing so could mean the difference between life and death. Hope for the best, but always plan for the worst-case scenarios.
Carry a Map
Some boat rentals will give you the option to pilot the boat. You won’t have a captain with you in this case, making it easier to get lost.
Navigating waters isn’t as easy as navigating a road. You can’t stop to ask for directions or rely solely on your sense of direction. Carrying a map will make all the difference.
Familiarize Yourself With Emergency Contact Information
Ensure several people on your guest list know how to operate the boat’s radio. The radio should always be set to Channel 16 to reach the US Coast Guard.
If your radio isn’t working, you can also call 9-1-1 to patch you through to the Coast Guard. So, it’d be best if you also had your phone at full charge before the party.
Understand the Boat’s Safety Equipment
Every boat carries equipment like lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and ropes. Be sure to familiarize yourself with their locations and how they work before the party. You may not need them, but it’s always good to be ready if you do.
Send Out Party Invites
Send out invites several weeks before the party to give guests time to RSVP. Setting an early RSVP date gives them time to prepare and makes planning easier for you.
The final numbers allow you to make meal preparations. They also make preparing fun activities easier.
Use your party invites to generate interest. Highlight your party’s theme, and a few activities guests can enjoy.
It’s also important to be clear on the party’s date and time. You don’t want guests showing up too early or delaying your party when they’re late.
Send Out Reminders
Let’s face it! Some guests will forget your party’s date even after sending RSVPs.
Remind your guests about the party at least 24 hours before. Be specific about the meeting time to avoid delays.
You can also arrange a central pick-up location to minimize the delays. Ensure the location is convenient for all your guests. If not, set up several meet-up spots and ensure proper coordination.
Simplify Planning Summer Boat Parties by Following These Tips
You don’t need experience planning summer boat parties to pull off a fun party. This guide contains all the information you’ll need to throw a memorable celebration.
You only need to understand your guests. You’ve already won half the battle if you know their likes. After all, the theme, meals, and activities revolve around their preferences.
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