When you’re done reading our Tips For Planning A Private Event on how to plan a party at H&H Shooting Sports, you’ll know
- The types of private events we’ve held before
- How to plan your event, so it’s both fun and successful
- Other tips and tricks that will make your event go well
We get it – planning an event is not easy. Between choosing the right date to maximize attendance, finding the right event space, and booking caterers, it’s enough to make you hoist the hosting duties onto someone, anyone else.
Well, if you’re looking for a private event that’s fun, exciting, and unique, consider H&H Shooting Sports. Our shooting range is available for your private event, and with our hidden gem, the 4U Cafe, located on-premises, we can cater your event, too.
We’ve held so many private events that we’re practically party planning experts. That’s let us distill some of the most important lessons we’ve learned and pass them on to you for you to use.
We Host a Variety of Private Events
You may be surprised by the range of private events we’ve held at our shooting range:
- Anniversary parties
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Birthday parties
- Charity fundraisers
- Corporate holiday parties
- Family reunions and gatherings
- Retirement parties
- Team building events
- Even a wedding or two
There’s rarely a private event we can’t celebrate at our range, and we’re able to accommodate both short and lengthy guest lists. So, if you’ve got a celebration, meeting, or fundraiser to plan, make sure to think of us.
Knowing what type of private event you’re throwing is probably the first step in any party planning guide. This will help you choose your theme, dinner menu, and invite list.
Planning An Event at H&H Shooting Sports
No plan is perfect, but without a plan, no private event can be a success. It’s okay if you need to adjust or adapt your plan to changing circumstances. If you’ve already put some thought into your private event, you’ll have an easier time going with the flow of things.
So, before you begin to dig into your research, make sure you’ve already put pen to paper and written a brief yet encompassing plan for your event.
Beginning to Plan
There are some key questions you need to ask at the very start of the planning process. Perhaps the first question is: Why are you having this event?
Are you celebrating something like a birthday or an upcoming wedding? Are you trying to bring your team closer together or honor a big milestone for your company? Is there a concrete goal like fundraising a certain amount of money?
Clarifying this upfront will help you make the rest of your decisions. To that end, here are some other questions to consider as you begin to map out the event:
- Is there a budget for the event?
- Will the date help maximize attendance or celebrate a specific event?
- Should the tone of the event lean more towards professional or personal?
- Do you want there to be a theme to the event?
While not every private event has a theme, choosing one can make it easier to decide on food, decor, and recommended dress. Also, a theme doesn’t have to be needlessly involved. “Cowboys” is a perfectly good theme for the right crowd. “Favorite ‘90s bands” could be a great theme for the right crowd, too.
Choosing a Private Event Menu
Good food can save a bad event, while bad food can ruin a fun event. So, choosing your caterer and your menu is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Sometimes the menu can be driven simply by the time or date of the event. Early morning festivities deserve options like eggs, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. Lunch or dinner get-togethers, meanwhile, should offer salads, burgers, and pasta, for example.
Luckily, at H&H Shooting Sports, we have the 4U Cafe on our premises. That gives you access to a restaurant and caterer that makes mouth-watering food, like our grilled onion burgers and award-winning chicken salad sandwiches.
The 4U Cafe is an experienced caterer with a catering menu filled with delicious offerings. We’re happy to work with you to make sure your guests leave the event with their hunger satisfied.
Inviting Guests
With a date, an event space, and a menu, you have the beginnings of a great event. The last thing you need is a guest list. This will be driven by the type of party you’re throwing. Your company’s team-building event, for instance, probably should only include people on your team. A family event, though, may include a variety of invitations with corresponding plus ones.
The way you invite your guests is up to you. Cards can be formal yet memorable. An invitation on social media is easily sent but also easily ignored.
Whatever method of invitation you decide on, you should send the invites far enough in advance so guests can mark the day on their calendar but not so far ahead of time that your guests completely forget about the event.
Generally speaking, events with larger guest lists should issue invitations around a month ahead of the event. Smaller or more casual events may be able to hold off on inviting guests for another week or so.
Shooting Range Safety Fundamentals
Not everyone has been to a shooting range before. That can make the experience intimidating to them, especially if they don’t have much general experience with firearms. Knowledge is your friend here, and you may want to consider some fundamental safety tips either with your invitation or on any website or social media page that contains the event’s details. By providing this information, you may reduce any anxiety some guests may have about the event.
A good list to include is what’s considered the 10 Amendments of Firearm Safety:
- Watch where your gun’s muzzle is pointed.
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Know what target you’re shooting at and whether there’s anything in front of behind it.
- Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
- Check your barrel and ammunition for any blockages or obstructions.
- Unload any firearm that’s not in use.
- Only point your gun at its intended target.
- Never run or jump when holding a firearm.
- Always store your firearms and ammunition safely.
- Don’t drink alcohol before or during shooting sessions.
Encourage your guests to ask any questions they may have. Someone else likely has that same question, and our Range Safety Officers have the answers that may help newcomers feel more comfortable and safer.
Have Your Event at H&H Shooting Sports
At H&H Shooting Sports, we have everything your team, family, or friends need to throw a one-of-a-kind event! Our shooting ranges are an excellent way to team build, fundraise, or celebrate a life milestone, and our 4U Cafe offers a mouth-watering menu of local favorites. (Make sure to try our famous grilled onion burgers!)
Dates get booked quickly, so ensure your event’s date is still available by calling us at 405-947-3888. If available, we’ll get your event scheduled and begin getting ready for your day of fun and excitement. Feel free to ask us for more Tips For Planning A Private Event, or any questions you may have, and we look forward to hosting your next event!
