Tips for Throwing a Successful Marietta Private Event

Celebrating a special occasion? This year, celebrate in style with a private event that brings together friends, family, or co-workers over good food and cocktails. We’ve got five tips for throwing a successful private event that are sure to help you pull off the best party of the season. 

Set a Budget

The first step of planning any party is setting a budget. Once you've determined what you'd like to spend, divide it by the number of people you'd like to invite to determine how much you'll be spending per person. This is a great starting point to choosing food and drink menus with your event coordinator. 

As you plan the event, track your projected rental fees for the venue itself, as well as estimated catering costs, including food and beverage charges. Some event venues may charge extra for decor rentals such as centerpieces, florals, and table dressings. Don't forget to account for tips and gratuities, which could account for up to 30% of your overall budget. 

Tip: you may be able to save on entertainment and decorations if you bring them in yourself. Just be sure to speak with the venue coordinator about any restrictions. 

Choose a Venue

When you're searching for the perfect spot for private events and parties, you need a space that is functional, unique, and importantly, easy to work with. Take into consideration the ambiance of the venue. After all, you want a stunning backdrop for your most treasured photos and memories. 

While you’re looking, it's also important to consider how your guests will access the location. Is the venue local? Is there a parking garage nearby? No one wants to spend half the evening walking to and from their vehicle, and if it's too far away, some guests may pass on making the trek altogether. 

Tip: Some of the best event venues in Marietta to host private parties are restaurants. After all, they come with fully trained chefs and servers, plenty of room for guests to mingle, and clean-up is included. 

Customize Your Event

The perfect private event is all about you. Choose a restaurant that has menu options that fit your tastes and budget. At Mac’s Chophouse, we work closely with hosts to create a menu that fits their budget and reflects the best of our kitchen. With a full bar program, we can create custom cocktails to be the highlight of any celebration, including unique names and ingredients that incorporate your theme. 

Tip: No event is complete without dessert! Whether you're opting for a buffet, passed appetizers, or seated dining, always save room for a sweet treat. At Mac’s, you can customize your dessert menu and choose from a selection of delicious choices, like seasonal bread puddings, sinfully sweet cakes, and other decadent confections.

Consider Dietary Restrictions

Check-in with your guests ahead of time so you can let the venue staff know immediately if anyone in your party has dietary restrictions that need to be addressed. With enough notice, the chef and kitchen staff will have time to plan something delicious, and safe, for everyone. From vegetarian to vegan, to nut-free and gluten-free options, the chefs at Mac’s Chophouse are happy to customize menus based on dietary preferences. With diverse ingredients and creative recipes, it's possible to satisfy everyone who attends.

Tip: While we always plan for last minute changes, we suggest meeting with our chefs to design your perfect menu after you have a final head count. This will help avoid wastage and minimize stress for everyone on the day of the event.

Choose a Theme

Private event themes don’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Whether you choose a central color scheme to stick to, or go all out with coordinated invitations and place settings, small touches will go a long way in bringing your vision together. 

At Mac’s, we set the stage with a timeless setting of rich brass and warm hardwoods, as well as historic open-brick walls and wall-to-wall picture windows that overlook the Marietta Square. Add your choice of centerpieces and pristine table linens, and you’ve got an elegant historic Southern theme perfect for an afternoon or evening party. 

Tip: Ask your event coordinator which decorations are included in the private dining room rental. Some restaurants may have a selection you can choose from, or they may allow you to bring your own. 

Create the Perfect Private Event at Mac’s Chophouse

Mac’s Chophouse is home to some of the most premier Marietta private event rooms. Located on the Historic Marietta Square, we offer two full levels of elegant and fine-casual accommodations for your next party or corporate gathering. Your guests will enjoy the best steak and seafood in Marietta, along with a full bar program downstairs featuring our best selection of top-shelf spirits, wines, and craft beers.

Ready to make your next event extraordinary? Contact us today to learn more about booking Mac’s Chophouse for an unforgettable holiday event, baby shower, rehearsal dinner, or business meeting.