How to Host a Winning Melbourne Cup Office Party

It is the race that stops the nation – and most workplaces – on the first Tuesday of every November. Although it’s only a public holiday in the state of Victoria, most offices around Australia gather to watch this iconic race with their very own Melbourne Cup party.

Even in 2022, when plenty of people are working hybrid or remote, there’s no reason anyone needs to miss out on the food, fashion or fun. An office Melbourne cup party is a great time to bring everybody together for a fun time.

Read on for the winning tips to make your Melbourne Cup office party a sure bet with your colleagues, from food and drinks, to Melbourne Cup office games, decorations, and of course, the heart-stopping race itself.

Prepping for Your Melbourne Cup Office Party

When planning any office party, it always pays to be organised and prepared right out of the starting gate. From Melbourne Cup office catering to games and activities, invites and decor, and knowing your budget, planning means everyone (including you) can enjoy a seamless office knees-up on the day.

Before sending out invites, check in with your boss or management team. Knowing what hours your colleagues can take off during the Melbourne Cup, whether they’re expected to go back to work after the race, and your allocated budget are essential for your planning.

Send out an emailed invitation to staff, and create a poster to put in the office with the Melbourne Cup theme, of course. Even if you’re no graphic design whiz, there are platforms that can help you bring your Melbourne cup party ideas to life.

You can come up with something professional-looking that’s sure to get everyone chomping at the bit. Ensure you include all the information they’ll need, such as dress codes, any competitions or games on the day, and what Melbourne cup catering will be available.

Don’t forget to ask about dietary requirements at this point! The Melbourne cup catering service will need it to prepare the food. Getting a caterer for the event takes the pressure off. It’s best to order this service as far in advance as you can to ensure everything’s sorted.

Whether it’s picnic boxes or grazing spreads, it’s important to ensure everyone is well-fed. This preparation also goes for remote team members, if you wish to get something delivered to them at home. Finger food like our premium sandwiches are the best choice for these members. Ensure you’ve also organised enough crockery, cutlery, napkins, plates, and cups.

Your TV should be sorted before the day and properly tested, so there are no last-minute glitches. If you have remote guests, organise a shared screen set up. You can stream the race together and enjoy an awesome Melbourne cup party even far from each other.

Getting your Melbourne cup party decorations sorted in advance is also a must. Turn your office into a Spring Carnival with these Melbourne Cup office ideas: striped tablecloths and napkins, bunting, horseshoes, flowers, champagne bottles, equestrian-themed props, or fake turf. You can also have an outdoor Melbourne cup parade if you prefer that. Start gathering some competition prizes too – more on that below.

Melbourne Cup Day Office Games

The Melbourne Cup event itself only lasts for a few short minutes. So, games and competitions add yet another layer of excitement and fun as you celebrate Melbourne Cup day.

Organising an office Melbourne cup sweepstake is a sure bet to keep everyone on their toes and bring true trackside tension to your event. Download templates online or cut them out of that day’s newspaper and get everyone picking early in the day to build anticipation. Get an idea of who is interested in betting, and use that as a guide for the office sweep to run throughout the afternoon.

Although you should keep dressing up optional, you can host a fashion parade or give out prizes for the best dressed lady and man, best shoes, and best hat or fascinator. Pub-style Melbourne Cup trivia is always another popular activity on the day. Both of these activities can extend to those playing at home, too.

In the lead-up to the event, you can also hold a desk decorating competition. It will encourage teams to decorate their work area in the Melbourne cup day theme. Not only is this a chance to hand out more prizes and build a fun, competitive atmosphere, but it also helps channel the Spring Carnival mood throughout the office.

Melbourne Cup Office Catering

Food and drinks are a crucial part of Melbourne Cup day, whether at the office, in an exclusive venue, or trackside. Organising corporate catering will take care of that side of things from start to finish.

Whether it’s a grazing table, cocktail party, high tea, gourmet finger food, or roaming Spring Carnival nibbles, corporate catering can take care of it. You can have fresh bread rolls, roast chicken, cheese plates, vegetable sticks, bbq chicken, or peking duck pancakes if you wish. You can also get gluten free finger foods with our catering service.

Bubbles are the go-to alcohol on Cup Day, but some people will prefer soft drinks. Everyone should be catered for with various options, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

For more information about Melbourne Cup food and drink catering, ++speak to us++** about packages to suit all budgets and themes.**