When putting together a company gathering, be it a holiday party, product launch, or special event to mark a major success or honor a valued employee, the details can make or break the soiree. After all, bringing together co-workers who may or may not socialize outside of work can be tricky, so it’s important to make the right decisions at every step of the planning.

Read on for a list of potential planning pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Not Researching Your Event Date

Sometimes you have no choice about your event date. It may tie in with an anniversary, for example, or be the only day a speaker is available. But, whenever possible, we suggest taking measures to prevent a scheduling conflict with other events in your community or area of interest. You don’t want to lose potential attendees. Check event calendars and industry news updates to see if something else is planned on the date(s) you’re considering. We also suggest avoiding major holidays and holiday weekends, when people may have personal obligations.

Not properly vetting the venue

Where you host your event should be one of your top priorities. Make sure the venue you’re considering, catering services, size, look, cost, and list of amenities fit your needs and/or theme or purpose of the party. You’ll also want to be sure you have the details in writing and have carefully discussed and considered what the venue has to offer before you book. Pro tip: Look for a staging area if you’re hiring a band and try to avoid places with stairs if you have an older workforce. Also, make sure the restroom facilities are top-notch.

Not delegating responsibilities

Event planning, particularly for a corporate function, should be a team effort. If you’re the ringleader, be sure to assign specific tasks to each of your helpers and give them a deadline to get it done. Be available to help and offer alternatives if their plans fall through, and don’t neglect your own to-do list. Better yet, if your company has the budget, hire a corporate event planner and work closely with them.

Not having enough food

Do we even have to mention this? It should go without saying that no one should go hungry at your event. Can you say morale buster? Get an accurate headcount and then prepare a little bit extra. Also, when choosing your caterer, look for a company that’s experienced in your type of event and can accommodate a number of different tastes. Be sure to survey the attendees beforehand about any special dietary needs, and see if the menu includes at least a few vegetarian options as well as dairy- and gluten-free dishes. Pro Tip: If possible, offer to provide advertising for your caterer or promote them on social media in exchange for a discount.

Not limiting the free drink service

Of course, a cocktail hour may be part of the fun of the event, but getting drunk in front of your boss and coworkers is poor form. You can help your attendees avoid that scenario by limiting drinks. Tickets for one to three spirits on the house would be a nice touch, and it also discourages drunkenness when people have to pony up for additional drinks.

Not having a set agenda

We’re sure you want your employees to enjoy your special event, but if the time spent is too loosely structured you may end up with more of a party setting instead of achieving what you set out to do. Have a timeframe for different elements of the event and stick to it. Designate someone who will announce what’s happening and direct employees’ attention to the order of events to keep the flow moving.

NOT PLANNING entertainment or background music

Though this might not apply to every corporate event, it will for many, particularly holiday parties, honoree events, company milestone celebrations, or any occasion where you aim to keep things light and social. From a live band to a sophisticated string quartet to a harpist or solo guitarist, the music should reflect the spirit of the event. Ask around about talented local ensembles and artists and discuss your musical expectations beforehand.

Not having a backup plan

Inebriated attendee? Better have transportation options like Uber or Lyft on speed dial. Your guest speaker canceled at the last minute? Have an activity in your back pocket your guests can enjoy instead. You get the idea. Though you certainly can’t plan for everything that could possibly go wrong, being prepared to deal with common issues will keep you ahead of the game and your event going strong.