If you have an event that is worthy of a red carpet – for example a movie premiere – , you want everything to go perfectly and should make sure your arrival line is organized and functional.
Here are our top 5 tips to get the perfect red carpet arrival:
Get the right red carpet package
The first thing you need to figure out is what you need in terms of equipment. Based on the venue and number of celebrity guests, you need to determine the length of your red carpet. In addition, if it’s for repeat use, you might consider buying your own runner and even get it customized, rather than just renting it. Then you need a step and repeat backdrop to go along your red carpet, its length depending on the number of guests you want walking simultaneously. Other add-ons including the famous velvet rope as well as professional lighting. Last but not least, don’t forget about barricades if your event is taking place in a public setting such as Hollywood blvd.
Assign Everyone an Area
Having a predesignated space for all groups will insure that no one is walking around without knowing where to go. Photographers and reporters should have a designated spot to check in and assemble to get the best placed photos and interviews. Guests should be led toward the red carpet and instructed where to check in.
Hire Quality Help
Make sure that you have a competent staff that can handle the people coming to walk the red carpet, making sure the guests can quickly but smoothly walk, take their photos, do their interviews and check in to the event with their ticket. Sometimes an interviewer will keep a guest too long which could slow the flow of the other guests on the carpet. Having a person able to move the guest along will ensure a smoothly run event. You may also want to hire security for safety and to prevent party crashers.
Don’t Forget the Paperwork
Keep in mind that more of what you don’t see is what insures a successful event. Make sure all permits are up to date, and know all the permitting rules for the area. Will you need to close streets or have traffic redirected? Will you have to set up a barricade, close a sidewalk, or add a pedestrian walkway? All these actions may require a permit.
Be Prepared for the Weather
If your event happens to be on a day that will likely be chilly be sure to bring heaters to keep your guest and staff comfortable. Also, you may need to tent your red carpet area if there is a call for rain or excessive heat. No one will want to linger for photos or interviews if they are too cold, wet or hot.
Having a red carpet event is exciting, fast-paced and memorable. It can also be a stressful experience to plan but with a solid foundation your event can be a complete success.
