HOW TO
How to traverse the RSVP black hole
We’re taught “yes” means “yes”, “no” means “no”, and “chicken” means “chicken”, but when it comes to RSVPs, there’s a whole lot of “pffft”.
“Successful” RSVPs are fiction. A fairytale we tell ourselves so we don’t panic over empty seats and wasted catering.
Why? Because sometimes it feels as if event guests operate on a mysterious wavelength where commitment is optional and dietary preferences are “Feel like a vegetarian today, might delete later”.
But at 360 we aren’t all whine and no cheese.
Here are possible solutions if you’re in our boat:
- The Phantom Guest Effect: They RSVP early, hype the event, and pull a ghastly ghost. Solution? Over-invite and expect a 15-20% drop-off.
- The Dietary Chameleon: They want gluten-free, dairy-free, and flavour-free, only to demolish the cheese platter. Easy fix? Buffer your menu with flexible, crowd-pleasing options. And if someone’s special request goes untouched, feed people who are hungry and take some stern notes for next time.
- The Last-Minute Crashers: They “forgot to RSVP” but still show up with enthusiasm (and the munchies). Hot tip: Have extra seating and, if possible, a flexible catering plan to keep the crashers from stealing the chippies.
- The Chronic Canceller: They RSVP “yes” to everything and arrive nowhere (you know who you are). Track patterns and trim them from future lists.
RSVP chaos need not be a kick in the unsalted, unprocessed, gluten-free nuts.
#BallsOfSteel
Want 360° event advice? Contact us for more.
EYES ON
Fancy hats and flimsy phrases
Yes, the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain…but the real magic is hitting The Playhouse Company’s Opera Theatre in Durban from 8 to 16 March 2025.
My Fair Lady is going to Durban and taking bigger gowns, wittier banter, and all the bangers you secretly (or not-so-secretly) love.
Expect drama, high notes, and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” stuck in your head for at least a week. Tickets are almost sold out, so if you’re in Durbs, book your seats.
BY THE WAY
A party pooper you can’t go without
Here’s a riddle:
You won’t see them on stage, but they’re running the show,
stopping disasters before they can grow.
They confirm that your well-being’s on track
and make sure there are exits front to back.
(Ooh, we made a rhyme!)
They’re risk managers: the ones side-eyeing your indoor fireworks idea and disallowing the guest trying to smuggle in their “emotional support python”.
Risk managers think about all the things you don’t want to (and, in fairness, would never actually consider). They’re involved from the planning phase, digging into every logistical detail to figure out what could go wrong and what to do if it does.
Boring? Maybe. Essential? 1000%.
