CPBS: Party Boats for Private Hire on London's River Thames

Remember price is not everything! Boats on the Thames vary widely in style and amenities, you don't want to make your big decision based on money and then regret it when you can't all fit outside as you pass underneath Tower Bridge...

Ensure you send out invitations in plenty of time, and if possible send them on a Friday to arrive on the Saturday morning. As people generally have more time on a Saturday morning this will hopefully avoid your invitation being chucked into a pile with all the rest of the 'To Do' mail and may result in speedier RSVP's.  

If selling tickets for your event, start thinking about your marketing early, some publications have print deadlines a while before the publication date.

You may want to consider asking us to put your event on our tickets page to help sales. Click here to view function details we are currently advertising.

However remember not to book anything until you have written confirmation from us that the boat you want is yours.

If you want to theme your event make sure everyone knows a while in advance to help them plan (or fret!). If your friends are not generally the dressing-up kind then consider offering a prize as encouragement. Click here for our theme ideas.

If your party involves a lot of planning make sure you enlist help and dole out the responsibilities; one person can be in charge of catering, one for rsvp chasing or marketing, one for entertainment. Remember delegation is the key and you don't want to be so worn out on the night you can't enjoy it.

This is my biggest tip, based on personal experience: *Never assume anything* - it always pays to check. Just because you went on a boat party last year and the Captain took the boat through the Thames Barrier, it doesn't mean this will happen this time. If you have a specific landmark you want to see, or record you want the DJ to play, or drink you want at the bar, make sure you ask in advance. It may still not be possible, but at least this way you'll be prepared.

And last but not least, ENJOY YOURSELF! The Thames is a magical venue for a party, especially at night with all the lights, you don't want to miss it all by fretting about whether everyone's got the right colour napkin. Now if you miss the sights because you're too busy chatting, well, that's the type of party we like...