Confessions of a Party Organiser

“The biggest problem during a New Year’s Eve do is the cops, obviously. My tactic is to keep a case of Old Monk for them”

Organising parties is a very lucrative job. I don’t do it full time. I organise parties during special occasions, like Diwali, New Year’s Eve and sometimes Holi. I study in the US, and come back to India for holidays. It takes care of my expenses, like plane tickets and a few months’ groceries there.

The key to establishing yourself as a party organiser is having a rocking first party. The first party you organise can make or break your reputation. If you didn’t enjoy yourself at a party, it is unlikely that you will go for another one organised by the same guy. People are very harsh in their judgment like that. The biggest mistake you can make is to have ordered less alcohol than needed. If far more people turn up than expected, then nobody will blame you. If a reasonable number turn up and the booze finishes, then you’re finished as a party organiser.

The biggest problem during a New Year’s Eve do is the cops, obviously. My tactic is to keep a case of Old Monk for them. They turn up, take it, and leave. Everybody’s happy. My party goes on rocking, and they get a whole lot of rum. Sometimes, if they’ve just raided another party before coming to yours, they won’t take alcohol. For such a scenario, you have to have a lot of cash handy.

It isn’t easy having a party on New Year’s Eve. There are so many parties happening. The challenge is to get noticed and remembered by people before the party. Invitations on Facebook, word-of-mouth and flyers at strategic places are very important. People will come to your party only if others are coming to your party. And if they’re coming for your party, they’re obviously not going for one organised by someone else.

On New Year’s Eve, nobody party-hops, unless it’s early on New Year’s Day. People don’t want to be at the gates of a party or in a car at 12 o’clock, so they stay in one place usually.

(He has been organising parties for three years)

As told to TCA Sharad Raghavan

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