Glitz and glamour may be hallmarks for some restaurants and hotels. But not everyone wants black-tie formality. Casual venues have their niche. The group goes all out for the typical New Year's eve with balloons, confetti cannons, indoor video fireworks and a countdown from space. They launch an ad campaign a few months ahead of time, emphasizing the specialness of the evening, and encouraging customers to reserve early.
Inflation has to be factored in when creating a price policy so far in advance.
Chris Phelan, director of operations for Tentation, a catering company in New York, advises operators to watch for increases in costs of services. Staff rates will double, even triple. So will delivery services and rentals. He'll hire the bulk of his supplementary service staff in January 1999, not before, because it is his experience that people don't like to commit too far in advance. Costs for wine and food will remain consistent, especially when outlets buy wholesale, he adds.