Get Your Guests Home Safely

Get Your Guests Home Safely
by PartyFan


As everyone is aware these days, DWI is no laughing matter. What can you do to help your guests avoid this nightmare, yet still have a good time at your party? Lots of tips abound on the internet, like taking away car keys and returning them only to a sober driver, and many of these tips are reasonable and may help. Two sure-fire ways you can do this are to have your guests stay over, or provide them with safe transportation alternatives.

Having the guests stay over, if you have the room to do so, is a wonderful alternative. Offer incentives to do so, like an after-party brunch. An attractive breakfast spread does wonders for the participation level. Some sort of activity or special event can also be a great inducement. If the party is for a runner's club, a 5k run scheduled for the next morning might work. A trip to a local landmark most of your guests haven't visited, a shopping adventure, polar bear plunge, use your imagination and you'll probably be able to come up with something appropriate that will atract some of your group of guests into staying. A theme event, like a Slumber or Pajama Party can also work wonders. Once into the theme and having fun with it, your guests are much more likely to enjoy and comply with a stay the night request. Letting the guests know ahead of time that some sort of accommodations will be available is a must.

The other thing to do is arrange for your guests travel needs. This might not be the most attractive option if you are on a limited budget, but there are things you can do. Encourage designated drivers, of course. It is a good beginning but rarely enough to really address potential problems. If money isn't a problem, you are already laying out bucks for catering, a taco bar, or margarita machine, then get in touch with your local taxi companies and arrange for some vouchers or gift certificates and give them to your guests. The expense won't be much compared to what you are already spending, and if you're guests use them they'll be worth every penny. Letting guests know in advance, and taking RSVPs for the vouchers, is a good idea. You're guests will know they have a ride, which takes a load off their mind, and you'll know roughly how many to get. If the party location is convenient to other forms of public transportation, take advantage! Check the timetables to make sure they don't cut off at a time that might leave your guests stranded, then get day-passes or tokens for that bus, trolley, or subway, and give them out as party favors. If the guests know about this ahead of time, they may change their travel arrangements to take advantage. Convenient for them, and peace of mind for you.

With a little thought and planning, you can make sure your guests get home safely from your event, and do so without ruining the fun. You'll be happier, and so will your guests.