Seamless Valet Departures – “5 Ways to make your guests comfortable at the end of an event”

As we close in on yet another Inauguration, our focus turns towards large-scale event planning.  Valet parking is the key to first and last impressions and should be the added cherry on top for a wonderful evening for your guests!  Follow these 5 tips to ensure smooth valet logistics for events of 250+ guests:

1. Event Program - Don't plan for a "Clap-and-Go" event.  Having an event in which 1,000 guests all leave at once will almost always lead to wait-times.  Try to plan the program to ensure guests depart in a staggered manner.

2. Refreshments at Valet Stand - Providing coffee or light refreshments while guests wait for their vehicle is a great way to send your guests off with a full stomach and a smile on their face.

3. Entertainment at Valet Stand - We have seen everything from fire-tossing jugglers to Obama impersonators.  This is a great way to help distract guests while their vehicle is being retrieved and is always a big hit!

4. Schedule Additional Staffing - If you know the program will have most guests departing at one time, then plan ahead and schedule additional valet staff.  As a general rule of thumb, we recommend 1 valet for every 10 vehicles. When heavy departures are anticipated, we advise reducing that ratio in half (1 valet for every 5 vehicles).

5. Provide a Parting Gift in Guest Vehicles - We have seen everything from water bottles to Tiffany key chains.  No matter the size of the event, it is sure to be remembered when a party-favor is there to greet them with their vehicle.

The guest blog contributor is Michael Jasser, VP - Business Development with MarcParc. MarcParc provides valet services for over 1,500 events per year and is the recipient of the 2011 ISES Capital Award for Support Services and 2-time Washingtonian Bride and Groom Magazine “Best Wedding Vendor”.