Did you know that the boating industry has seen a rise in new owners over the past couple of years? And according to a recent survey, 52% of current boaters expect an increase in activities held on the water. While fishing and sailing are key examples, more and more people are having parties on their boats.
Are you planning an upcoming gathering on a boat for family and friends? If so, now is the perfect time to learn how to do it right. Get inspired with these boating party ideas and tips below!
Pick a Boating Party Theme
The first step in your party planning process is to pick a boat party theme. Whether it is nautically inspired or related to popular culture, choose one that is age-appropriate for your guests and ensure it’s one they will enjoy. If it involves costumes, take the weather and temperature into account so that everyone is comfortable.
Make a Budget
Once you’ve figured out your theme, the next step is to make a budget to determine how much you can afford to spend on food, drink, decor, and entertainment. If you are getting a boat rental, don’t forget to include the fee, gas, and any other associated costs in the budget.
Create a Guest List
When you’ve created a budget, then you’ll know how many guests you can afford to invite. You should also take the boat’s capacity into consideration. Remember, a boat isn’t like a room where you can pack extra people in–it has specific restrictions that need to be followed!
Plan for Emergencies
While no one wants to think about injuries at a party, it’s important to plan for emergencies just in case. Make sure there’s a first aid kit on board, and familiarize yourself with nautical emergency procedures in the event of a water rescue. If you don’t already, learn how to work the boat’s VHF radio so that you can call for help if necessary.
Bring the Best Accessories
When having a party on a boat, don’t forget to bring accessories to make it special. If you are preparing food for your guests, consider bringing a grill if the boat doesn’t have one. There are many different kinds that can be used on board, and you can find electric, charcoal, or gas boat grills that can be clamped to a railing to keep it secure.
Ready To Party?
Now that you’ve learned the top tips on how to create the best boating party, you can plan yours with confidence. You may want to choose a fun theme, and send out matching invitations to get guests excited about the event. If there is enough room onboard, you could also hire entertainment like a band to really make it special.
Did you enjoy reading about boat party planning? Want to learn more about similar topics? Then check out some of the other great content in our Travel and Home Living section!