Detty December isn’t just about attending great events; it’s about creating them too. There are never enough house parties, concerts, and showcases to attend as the year is coming to an end, so how do you make yours stand out?

In this guide, we’ll break down how to plan an unforgettable detty december event, from ideation to execution. Whether this is your first time trying to host an event, or you have tons of experience playing organizer, these tips will help you deliver the vibes everyone will be talking about long after the new year rolls in.  

1. Start with a clear event concept in mind 

A successful Detty December event begins with a unique idea. Are you hosting a rooftop party? A live concert? A game night with a twist? Start by defining the theme and purpose of your event. Now obviously, everything under the sun has already been done before. But how can you put a twist to it that people will love? 

Ask yourself these questions:

• Who will be attending? Your family, colleagues, clients, gen-z partygoers, or a unique mix of different audiences?
• What vibe do you want? Casual and fun? Exclusive and luxurious? Educational and warm? 
• What’s your unique selling point (USP)? Could be a killer lineup of performers or a highly enviable venue. 

The clearer your answers to these questions, the easier it will be to plan everything else.  

2. Choose the perfect venue  

Your venue sets the tone for your event, so pick wisely. December is peak event season, meaning that prime locations get booked months in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute (oops, by the time you read this article – it’s probably a little late, but we trust your ingenuity).

Tips for picking a great venue:

• Consider accessibility: Your guests need to get there easily—bonus points for venues with parking.  
• Account for capacity: Nothing kills a vibe like overcrowding a small room, or having a big space with a small number of guests. Make sure your venue suits your expected turnout by confirming your guests. You can also try some unconventional tactics like selling 5% more tickets than you need – often, people who pay for tickets may end up not showing up. 
• Visit the location in person: Pictures don’t always tell the full story. Check out your venues physically before locking one down, and ask as many questions as possible.  

3. Create a realistic budget 

Detty December vibes are great, but your bank account deserves vibes too. From venue rental to performers, catering, and logistics, costs can spiral quickly if you’re not careful.  

Tips for budgeting:  

• Prioritize the essentials: Focus on must-haves like venue, security, and sound before adding extras like fireworks or swag bags.  
• Factor in hidden costs: taxes, vendor overtime, money to settle boys, and last-minute changes can eat into your budget. Create a separate budget for them. 
• Track Your Spending: A simple spreadsheet will save you a ton of headaches, and will help you know how much you made from the event (if it’s a paid one).  

Pro tip: Consider early ticket sales to generate funds for your event. Platforms like Selar make it easy to start selling tickets online.  

4. Sell tickets like a pro

Speaking of tickets, this is where your event can truly shine—or flop. Selling tickets isn’t just about charging a price, it’s about creating excitement and making it easy for people to pay.  To create excitement, you need a great marketing strategy, which we discuss in detail in number 5. With making it easy for people to pay, this is where platforms like Selar come in. 

Why should you use Selar to sell your tickets? 

• Selar gives you a sleek event page where guests can buy their tickets hassle-free.  
• You can create different ticket tiers with Tickets by Selar, offer VIP experiences, early bird discounts, and other incentives to cater to different audience needs
• You have access to multiple payment options, including cards, bank transfers, and mobile money. Also in thirteen currencies (for the IJGBs!). 
• You can track sales in real time to stay in the loop.
• And so much more!

And with over 10,000 affiliates on the platform, you can even leverage their network to promote your event far and wide. 

5. Market like your event depends on it (because it does!)

If no one hears about your event, it doesn’t matter how amazing it is and whether you have invited all the A-list performers to attend. Your event is as successful as the awareness people have of it, so you should create buzz around it. An effective way to do this is by combining online and offline marketing efforts.  

Here are some marketing tips: 

• Go hard on social media: Use Instagram reels, TikTok videos, and Twitter threads to show people why they can’t miss your event.  
• Collaborate with Influencers: A shoutout from the right person can skyrocket your ticket sales. We know this first-hand because last year, we collaborated with MI Abaga for the Creator Summit and it was a huge success! 
• Tell a friend to tell a friend: Encourage early buyers to share details with their friends. People usually like to attend events if they know their friends will be with them. You can also offer referral discounts to sweeten the deal.  
• Target Selar affiliates: Tap into their network to supercharge your reach.   

6. Lock down your vendors and entertainment early! 

From caterers to DJs, your vendors are the backbone of your event. Reach out to them early, negotiate contracts, and ensure that they’re reliable. If possible, have test sessions with them (for food), and listen to their sets (for DJs). 

Pro tip:  

• Book entertainers who align with your event’s vibe. A live band might be perfect for a classy evening, while a top-tier DJ can keep the energy high for an all-night party.  

7. Plan with and for your guests

The best Detty December events are memorable because they cater to every detail. Think beyond the basics and focus on how your guests will feel from start to finish. Zikoko is a great example of a company that cares a lot about guest experience. Their yearly Hertitude events are lauded for the top-notch attention to detail and premium vibes.

Some details you must have!

• Check-in experience: Nobody likes to wait in a queue for hours. Selar’s QR-coded tickets can streamline entry and help you avoid long queues. 
• Photo-worthy spots: Set up Instagrammable areas for those perfect December selfies. Ensure that while you’re focusing on the major stuff (like venue, security, food), you and your team are also thinking about aesthetics – because guests care about those too.
• Comfort and safety: Offer water, proper seating, and visible security to keep guests happy and safe.  

8. Prepare for the unexpected 

The truth is, that even the best-planned events can face hiccups. What separates good organizers from great ones is their ability to think on the spot and adapt.  

Troubleshooting tips:   

• Have backup vendors: Your caterer is acting funny? Call the backup.  
• Rain or shine plan: For outdoor events, always have a contingency plan (like tents, or raincoats).
• Stay calm under pressure: A confident organizer keeps the vibe alive, no matter what.  

Planning a Detty December event takes effort, but the payoff is unmatched when everything comes together. With the right theme, solid organization, and smart tools like Selar to simplify ticketing and promotion, your event can be the highlight of the season.  

Now go forth, plan boldly, and give us a December to remember!