There are very few types of parties that are as entertaining as boat parties. The reasons boat parties are so enjoyable are that they feel a lot more free and much more special. If you enjoy swimming and it’s safe to, then boat parties also offer attendees the opportunity to explore the ocean. However, while they are a lot of fun, planning them can also be extremely stressful. This post intends to reduce the stress involved in the planning process and tell you how you can have a great boat party.
Planning is important. Under no circumstances should you throw any party without first planning it. According to one company that declares itself the life of the party, you need to start planning by finding the perfect boat. Try to find a boat that comes with rafts, noodles, and other toys, so your guests get more from the experience than just standing around on the deck of a yacht. Also, part of the planning process is obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. You usually need government approval to host a yacht party, so the Coast Guard can be made aware. Check the weather before you make any arrangements, so you don’t have to worry about your party being a literal washout. Send out invitations to all prospective guests a few months before the party’s scheduled date, as this allows them to clear their calendars so they can attend.
When you are throwing a boat party, it is your responsibility as the host to make sure that those in attendance are kept safe. You can do this by establishing safety protocols, i.e., warning people away from specific areas of the boat, and creating a system whereby accidents can be reported to one person, who can then report them to the Coast Guard. You also need to make sure that your boat’s captain is completely sober, as this makes identifying potential hazards considerably easier. If your boat’s captain is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people’s lives could be put in danger. Finally, make sure that there are lots of life jackets available on the party boat, just in case anybody falls overboard and cannot get themselves out (or is not a strong swimmer).
What kind of boat party doesn’t have music? Part of the planning process should be curating a playlist that matches your party’s theme or tone. If the party is going to include a lot of drinking, dancing, and having fun, then you might want to curate a playlist that’s informal and involves a lot of rock or electronic dance music. If the party’s going to be a formal event, on the other hand, then classical music or jazz works. If you are having trouble curating a playlist, there are forums you can use on the internet where you can ask people who are expert DJs to help you. You can also use pre-curated playlists on Spotify. You don’t have to pay to use pre-curated playlists, although if you are not a Spotify member, advertisements will play throughout, which could ruin your party or interrupt people who’re dancing or enjoying the music.
Very casual events don’t typically need professional catering. However, more formal ones do. For casual events, all you typically need to provide are snacks and drinks. You can hire a caterer to put together snack trays for you if you want to, but it’s not usually necessary. Some party planners ask those in attendance to bring some snacks of their own, as well as some alcohol, so they can contribute. You don’t have to ask people to bring their own snacks and drinks if you don’t want to, though. In terms of hiring a formal caterer, make sure you do your research and find the most experienced and positively reviewed one you can. A caterer’s reviews will tell you a lot about them and make it easier for you to decide whether or not you want to take a chance on them. Always read reviews before you hire any service provider, including boat rental agencies.
Decorations are essential for any party. If you plan on hosting a boat party, make sure the decorations you buy are approved for use by the company you are renting the boat from. It’s irresponsible and disrespectful to assume you can decorate somebody else’s yacht. In addition to getting their approval, make sure you take decorations down once your party has concluded. Clean the boat up, too. If you return a dirty boat to a rental agency, the chances are that they will issue some kind of financial penalty. Serious damage may result in a court case. Be very careful when you are decorating, so you do not end up damaging the boat. Boats can be very expensive to repair, so the last thing you want is to have to pay to have repairs made. In terms of actual decorations, bunting is always a good choice. If the party is being held to celebrate a specific event, i.e., a person’s birthday or graduation, then put up a banner mentioning this.
Finally, consider entertainment. There’s more to entertainment than just music. Your guests need to leave your party feeling like they have had a good time. Standing around talking often isn’t enough to achieve a feeling of satisfaction. Games can be a great way to get your guests engaged and having fun, and so can swimming. The only time swimming’s unsafe at a boat party is if it’s dark outside. You should also take proactive steps to prevent people who’ve been drinking excessive amounts of alcohol from trying to swim, too. This is because a drunk person’s risk of drowning is much higher than the average person’s. Try to work with a boat rental agency that provides rafts, so guests can hang out on them.
If you plan on throwing a boat party, think about the things outlined here. Considering them will help you to get more out of your party. Make sure that you behave responsibly and encourage your guests to do so too. Irresponsible behavior on a boat can quickly turn into tragedy.
