They take plenty of thought and action. The more detail you lay out ahead of time, the fewer hiccups you’ll have during your event.
Be sure to give yourself and your team enough time to pull everything together. Last-minute planners might move too fast to notice that all the folding chairs were reserved elsewhere or that a wedding was planned on the same day you thought you could use the sanctuary.
People need time to get involved, both as volunteers and registered participants. Who will donate supplies or prepare food? Who will setup and tear down? Make registration easy. Allow people to sign up via your church website, Facebook page or app. Low-tech groups could leave forms in the pews or set up a registration table in the foyer.
If your goal is to reach local neighbors, avoid scheduling your event at the same time as popular community pastimes or sporting events.
How much do you have to spend? Where will the money come from? Do you have a committee overseeing event finances? The treasurer will be key here.
You will need funds for supplies, food, advertising and decorations. Entertainment and equipment rental are also possible expenses. Build a buffer into your budget because most events cost more than anticipated.