The holiday season is an exciting time to hold an event. From weddings, to birthday parties and other types of fellowship events, getting together with family or friends this time of year can always be a welcome occasion.

If you are thinking about hosting a gathering at a clubhouse in your community, or at a standalone venue, it is important to be prepared for everything that comes with putting on an event. Here are a few things to look out for, and what you may need to have on hand to throw an event that everyone can enjoy.

Find a date and book in advance

Facilities can get snapped up very quickly. If you want to have an event on a specific date, work with your homeowners association or the venue to see their calendar of availability for the year. If the date you want is not available, you can look to see if the date you want is available somewhere else.

Wedding season is one of the busiest times of the year for venues. Typically from late spring to early fall, spaces can be booked years in advance, making it tough to find the date you want available. You can potentially get around this by finding a venue with multiple buildings or rooms, or if it allows, having your event on a non-traditional day like a Thursday or Sunday during those peak periods.

Know and follow the rules

There is not a one-size-fits-all set of guidelines when it comes to hosting events. Some places may work with specific vendors if you want catered food, while others may leave it up to you to find a cleaning crew once the event is over.

Always ask for the full set of policies up front so there are no surprises afterward, and what you may be on the hook for both before and after.

Get event insurance for peace of mind

No matter where you host an event, get the peace of mind that you and your guests will be protected with event insurance through Westwood. For less than $100 to start, you can get coverage that includes property damage, bodily injury and much more.

Having event insurance is becoming more commonly required for hosting events, but it is not the case everywhere. Your event should be a time to celebrate, and not worry about an accident where you could be financially responsible. Get a quote or talk to a Westwood agent today.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.