Memorial Day is May 27th. Have you thought about how you can celebrate as a company?
Celebrating Memorial Day as a team not only allows you a chance to bond over hot dogs and coleslaw, but it gives you the opportunity to thank your staff and recognize their efforts and commitment. You may even have employees who served or is part of a military family.
A company Memorial Day picnic would be the perfect place to show special recognition to those that have committed their lives to our country.
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How to Throw a Company Memorial Day BBQ Your Employees Will Love
Things to Do Before the BBQ:
Save the Date
The first thing you need to do is to decide when and where you’re going to have your company picnic.
Once your date and time is confirmed, get the event on your staff’s radar. A quick email letting them know the date and time will hint they should keep their schedules clear. Here’s an example of a save the date email you can send.
Subject: Keep Your Schedule Clear on [DATE]
Save the Date!
Join us in celebrating each other, our country, and summer with a Memorial Day BBQ on [DATE] at [TIME]. Formal invite and more details to come.
We hope to see you there!
Decide on Theme and Activities
Once the date is saved, it’s time to start the official planning. Yay – the fun stuff! It’s important to set the tone of the event. The BBQ can be patriotic or maybe you go with a luau theme.
You’ll also need to decide on what activities to have at the event. Corn hole, Bocce ball, and horseshoes are all BBQ classics.
Use our FREE Summer Team Event Ideas eBook to plan the best company picnic activities!
Secure Your Vendors
Lock down your food, venue (if not at your office), and any sort of entertainment you may need to hire. You don’t want to have to last-minute plan any of these details.
Send Your Invitations
Okay, the bulk of your event is planned – now it’s time to formally invite your staff. Invitations will vary depending on your budget and resources. You can send an evite, create posters, or personally hand out invitations to employees – like these editable ones we’ve created just for you!
Finesse Your Final Details
Food – check. Venue – check. Activities – planned. The final details are all that’s left. Décor and other small (but important) details are what brings your company picnic to life.
Decorate the space with themed décor like a BBQ banner, fresh flowers, and cute food toppers like these FREE ones we made (to match the invitations!).
Order employee gifts like logoed team gear, or a sweet treat (which doubles as dessert).
Team Gear Glitter Print T-Shirt
Take a chance to honor and recognize specific, above and beyond efforts with a mini award ceremony during your company picnic.
One of these trophies is a great way to recognize your employees.
Limitless Collection: Value Crystal Award Collection – Octagon
Day of BBQ To-Dos:
Few Hours Before the Picnic
Grab some extra hands and start setting up a few hours before the event starts. This leaves some room to handle any last minute, unexpected turns.
During the Picnic
While everyone is chillin’ and grillin’, take the time to make sure everything is running smoothly and on time. You’ll be the point person for vendors, so make sure they’re all set when the party starts. Most importantly, enjoy yourself – it’s your party too!
After the Picnic
Once the fun is over, grab the help you had before the party started (or new help) and clean up. After cleaning up, give yourself a pat on the back because you freaking deserve it!
More Reads to Help You Plan Your Event
6 Ways to Celebrate Decorate this Memorial Day
Celebrate National Backyard Games Week with Fun at Work
Three Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with the Military in Mind
Connections Create the Best Employee Experience
Our Top Resources for Planning Stellar Summer Events
For more ideas and inspiration follow our blog.
