Got That In the Bag

No matter what the event, there is one thing that all non-professionals forget to pack–a Job Bag.

You could be setting up a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, a funeral, or even a craft bazaar. But if you’re not packing a Job Bag you are setting yourself up for stress or loss that could be avoided.

Depending on your profession or event, your tool bag is going to look different. But there is one thing in common… pack for what you’re setting up or selling. Some items that are universal are scissors, tape, glue, safety pins, pen, and paper. Ideally, you pack just what you need to complete your jobs and the potential things that could go wrong for you. Realistically, I always what I need and what other vendors potentially need.

My son has an upcoming birthday party that will take place outside our home. So I will walk you through that event. In addition to that I also have a links below, for a simple party planning sheet and a Job Bag list, so that you can keep all your information in one place and have a starting point for building your own Job Bag.

Our party is going to be at a gym with a party room. I’m keeping it simple because I am so looking forward to not cleaning up before or after. I’m just bringing in the essential cake and food and a few minor decorations. (My kids love it when I personalize their parties with a few decorations I design and make for them. I’ve been told that this party has to have trains.)

The amount of items for the Food side of the Job Bag list is going to be completely variable depending on if who we choose our food from provides any of these items. Even if they promise to deliver with plates, silverware, and napkins, I will still bring a contingency supply. I can leave them in the car in a back up bag. But by bringing this back up supply, it saves either my husband or me from having to run to the store because we’re short.

Most importantly, as I procure these Food items, I will automatically put them in ONE bag. Then place that bag where I store all my party items. With three kids and the fact we’re usually rushing out the door, it is always in my best interest to gather things before the pressure is on. And if I keep everything together, my husband doesn’t have to hunt for anything. Because let’s be honest, more times than not we don’t double check with each other  to see if we have everything before we lock up and drive off. I’m not meticulous about many things. But event decorating is the one thing that I have to be.

For the Decoration side of the List, it is most useful to put items in the bag as you finish making or buy them. I know for a fact that this side of the list is not complete. I haven’t begun construction yet. In fact, I have a couple of train features in mind that I have plan A, B, and C in mind. It will all depend on how things decide they want to go together. I do know I’m creating most elements from card stock, and the design is a standing design. However, as a lifelong generational crafter AND being an Event Decorator, I know that even though things work properly at home there is the potential for failure on site. So by bringing extra card stock and a few glue options, I can create a tri-fold stand in a pinch.

My incomplete Job Bag List more than likely will not be the list you create for your next event. However by gathering ahead of time, thinking ahead, and giving yourself options for potential problems that may arise, you will set yourself up for success. You will have reduced stress levels. And you can put yourself in a position where everyone can enjoy themselves at your event. Being present is worth so much more than trying to locate something that you need.

What are your go to items that you never leave the house without???

Here are some FREE PDFs to help you as you plan your next Event. Job Bag is a one page list for making sure you have everything you need for your Event’s Food and Decorations. Simple Event Planning List is your one page (printed front and back) document where you can keep together all your contact information for your Event. You can also track where you are at with your payments, what you have ordered, and any other notes you may have. This is perfect for handing off information to anyone setting up for you.