Event Planning Tips with Katy on Keys: Where to Put the Bar

I’ve played music for just about every kind of event—corporate events, backyard parties, fundraisers, weddings —and I’ve also planned a few of my own. So I’ve picked up a few things along the way that might help you out.

Now, full disclaimer: I don’t know everything, and every event has its own quirks. But if something I’ve learned can make your planning process easier, smoother, or just a little less chaotic, then hey—worth sharing, right? Take what works for you, toss the rest, and let’s get to it!

The Room Where it Happens

The bar is like Hamilton - it wants to be in the room where it happens! If you have a say on where the bar should go, put it in the main room where you have your event and/or entertainment happening.

If the bar is outside of the main area, what happens is people leave to get a drink, and they don’t come back.

Don’t Let Your Entertainment Play to an Empty Room

So you’ve spent all this money on entertainment only to have people hanging out in the lobby.

Have you ever had a house party or dinner party and despite decorating the living room or setting a beautiful dining room table, people end up hanging out in the kitchen?

I don’t care how good or exciting your entertainment is, unless you have a Lady Gaga budget, people will gather around the bar. I mean, I get it. I like hanging out at a bar too or in a kitchen…

That’s it for this tip—hope it helps make your planning a little easier and a lot more fun! If you ever need live music that brings the energy, gets your guests singing along, and keeps the good vibes flowing, you know where to find me.