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So…You Wanna Throw A Party!
Larry Gootkin
Copyright © 2012 Larry Gootkin
This book is designed to provide information and motivation to our readers. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The content is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.
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The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.
2012-07-21
Dedication
I dedicate this book to all my past and future clients. I have had, and hope I continue to have, the pleasure of contributing to their life cycle events. Being a part of those memories holds a special place in my heart. It inspires me to give my best, always. Thank you for allowing me into your lives to help create memorable celebrations.
I also dedicate this book to my lovely wife, Paula. Thanks for putting up with my obsession to complete this project. I am grateful to be able to share this story.
And finally, to the loving memory of Michael. I will miss your humor, friendship, kindness and wisdom. Your spirit will live on in all of us, forever.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank all of my clients, not just for the business and referrals, but for the education I received from them and their events. The lessons I learned apply to life itself.
I also want to thank all of my colleagues who graciously contributing to this book. I am honored to work with these experts and to be a part of so many special events with them.
A special thanks to Millie Cohen for her invaluable input and editorial savvy. Moms and educators always know best.
Kudos to Sheila Okabayashi for the cover design and knowing how to graphically throw a “punch”.
From P.C.’s and I.T.’s to Integrators, a big thank you to Doug (Nigel) Hafford for your friendship and continued support.
Hugs to my oldest and dearest friend Ricky who was with me from the beginning as we lived these stories together. May we always share the music in our hearts.
To quote Elsa Maxwell,
“Someone said that life is a party. You join in after it’s started and leave before it’s finished”.
Preface
Oh no! Not another book on “how to give a party.” Well, … yes and no. Yes, it is another book. No, it is different. What makes it different? Experience. That’s what I am bringing to you. Why? Because I am tired of all the empty promises given to people planning their special events. You don’t get a second chance to have a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. When your party is over, it’s over. Why not get it right from the beginning? I know I can help you in that area.
My name is Larry Gootkin, but, for simplicity’s sake, you can call me Larry. The last name is just too hard. On the other hand, you can refer to me as Larry Good (“Goot” translates to “good”). Isn’t that easier? That’s what I hope you will become after reading my book. I hope you will become very good at throwing a party.
I have been a part of the entertainment and event business for over 40 years. I want to share my experience in the business with you. I hope to help you in planning your next event. I am not going to tell you that my opinion is the last word in planning a party. There are many experts in this field. However, my barometer is the many years of referrals, testimonials and repeat business I have received from my clients, their families and friends. Also included are the many vendors I have worked with and their support. I appreciate the kind words they have shared with my prospects and clients. It’s more believable when another person says you helped them “make” their party. What they mean is, it was a success in their eyes and their guests. That’s what I have always strived for.
I can help you get started on the right track. Even if you have already hired your merchants, have your date, your location, music, photography, etc., you may be wondering, now what? How do I make this fit together? I’m a novice and this is scary. In fact, I don’t think I can handle this… Well, guess what? You are not alone. Many of my former and current clients have had similar thoughts. Then they face reality. “What am I supposed to do now? What comes next?”
I hope to give you enough guidance and suggestions in this book before you call a coordinator or party planner. I’m hoping you will be able to arrange many details yourself. Better yet, you won’t be as stressed. You just might have a good time, throwing your party. It is possible. For those who have done this before, I believe my ideas and tips will help make the process easier for you.
Just for fun, I’ve included some anecdotes and stories I hope you enjoy. Each one contains a message, lesson or moral. I have witnessed and been part of many “interesting” moments in the party business. Of course, any names I use in these stories will be fictional. I do not want to embarrass or offend. It’s okay to ”LOL” as the abbreviation goes. They are all true.
Introduction
Dana was excited and nervous at the same time. It reminded her of her feelings on graduation day, the first day at the agency and other life cycle moments. As she ran into the house where she grew up she yelled out for Mom and Dad—
“I have something to tell you! Chris proposed to me…we are getting married!”
After all the hugs, kisses, laughter and tears of joy, Dana’s parents looked at each other and said in unison…”we’re having a wedding…what should we do first?”
Here’s another familiar scenario…
Shirley mentions to Robert, “it’s been a long time since we had our friends over. Let’s have a party and celebrate our friendship”. They both agree and then the questions begin…
When will we have our party?
How many of our friends should we invite?
Should we have the party inside, outside or both?
Are we going to serve hors d’oeuvres and dinner?
What food shall we serve?
