Event go kit: this is a handy item to keep accessible for last minute need (or oops!) as you are setting up and hosting your event.     

When you love to gather and host people, whether in your home or another location, there’s a lot of planning that goes into it. Regardless of your planning style, once the time arrives for the event, your attention turns from implementing your plan, to being a brilliant host(ess).

(Planning a holiday event? Check out our blog post on these 5 tips for planning a holiday party!)

No matter how well you plan, the unexpected still likes to rear its head. You can make the event set up process easier and streamlined then seamlessly make the mindset shift of putting on your host(ess) hat by having a go kit on hand for any needs that come up. 

What is an Event Go Kit? 

It’s your go to kit of most needed items to coordinate and manage the event, even if things go a bit haywire. This is what you’ll dive into when you need a last minute sign to direct guests, scissors to trim the wicks of your candles and a lighter to light them, or your outfit suddenly rips and you’ve got to fix it fast! Think MacGyvering your event.

To the fun part of building your kit.

Let’s dive into the type of items that will make or break your kit. To help with organization gathering and knowing what type of container you’ll need, we’ll separate items into a few categories.

If you find you want to move an item into a different category because that makes more sense for how you think and function, do it! And it’s worth mentioning that while we try to list the most common items that would be helpful, you may need to add to or streamline your own kit.

First up: fixers. 

Fixers are things like:

1. Sewing kit
2. Safety pins
3. Tape
4. Hot glue gun
5. Mini tool kit, etc.

As you can imagine, there are many fixers! We’ve built a whole list so make sure to scoop that up below.

Second: food and kitchen essentials

This one may be omitted altogether if food is not being served or if you have a caterer. If you are coordinating the food yourself, these are backups you’ll want to have:

1. Potholders
2. Cutting board
3. Extra place settings
4. Extra serving ware and utensils
5. Candy/meat thermometer
6. Extra blank signage for food

When including food at an event, there are necessities like refrigeration or a method of heating food. Many of these are provided by the venue so our focus for this category is additional items you may need to bring so that you beautifully and safely serve your food. We don’t have the full list here so you can get that by going to our full event go kit list.

Next: event gear.

These items are a combination of decor and practical items:

1. (Flameless) candles
2. Lighter
3. Chalkboard/dry erase signs
4. Stepstool/ladder
5. An extra table and corresponding tablecloth
6. Tech supplies

This is quite a broad category and perhaps is the one that can be most apt to change because it is heavily based on the venue itself.

Fourth: personal supplies

Setting up and hosting can require a lot of energy and is often a full day deal. You want to be at your best, with your game face on. Here are items that will help you do that:

1. Energy boosting snacks
2. Water and electrolytes
3. Extra socks (if applicable) and shoes
4. Hair supplies like bobby pins and gel
5. Charging cords

Look at the amount of time set up, the event, and break down will take and make sure you include anything you would be likely to need during that time. Remember to pack allergy and pain meds and anything you might need to take at a specific time. Dress stylishly, yet comfortably. If you are comfortable, you’ll be able to better focus on your guests. For our full go kit list, check out the link below!

Fifth: emergency supplies

The bulk of this category will be medical in nature, but it’s worth remembering that there are many types of emergencies. Being prepared will better equip you to handle them and as a host or coordinator, people will naturally look to you for direction. 

1. Medical emergency kit
2. Jumper cables
3. Back ups of speeches and presentations
4. Battery operated lights
5. Fire extinguishing blanket

Consider your setup and then walk through various emergency situations that could occur. That will help you decide what you’ll need for your own kit. If you are not hosting at home, make sure to talk with the venue manager regarding the safety and emergency measures they have in place.

Now, let’s talk about the kit container.

The container you use for your kit will depend on the type and location of events you will be doing.

If you will be hosting the event at a venue, you want to collect all your items in something that is easily transported. The more pockets or compartments your kit has, the better.

Whether you prefer a rolling tackle or hardware type box or craft bag with all the trimmings, choose a container or bag that fits your type of organizing and makes it easy to quickly get what you need without having to root through the entire bag hoping to scrounge up the item you want. There are bag inserts that can be quite helpful in organizing if you need additional slots.

Since there are a few larger items we suggest having at the ready that won’t fit in your container, you’ll want to plan for those as well. 

Hosting the event at your home? You may want to dedicate space in an easily accessible closet, cabinet, or pantry. Again, make sure you have containers and clearly labeled, organized spots for all your supplies. Even in this case, I favor a bag or tackle kit that gives you oodles of pockets and spaces for your fixers and emergency medical supplies.

We hope this inside peek into our event go kit list will inspire you in creating your own. Remember to download our complete go kit list for all our tips to have the fix in the bag. 

Questions and thoughts? Leave us a comment and post of photo of your own event kit!

It’s your occasion. Make it Always Yours!