Planning an Orange & Black Day gathering with fellow Tigers from your region, class or affinity group? Check out some helpful tips for planning your event below. Every DIY project starts with a good plan, right?

Take the guess work out of a successful Orange & Black Day (OBD) event by starting to plan early. Here are some general to-dos and considerations:

• Set the event date. The weekends before and after OBD, which takes place on Wednesday, October 22, are great options.
• Determine the budget for your event. Grant funding may be available.
• Choose a venue and lock it in as soon as possible.
• Develop a theme that extends to your cuisine, decorations and activities.
• Develop a plan for identifying and inviting Tigers in your region, class or affinity group.
• Food and drink. What OBD-themed morsel or cocktail will elevate your event to the next level?
• Delegate for the big day. Know any star bakers on your guest list? Photographers? You get the picture.

Location, location, location! Whether your OBD events takes place in a park, home or favorite watering hole, you’ll want to secure your venue as soon as possible. Bonus point for choosing a setting that showcases some unique local flair. Creativity is the name of the game for this DIY OBD, after all.

You’ve picked a date and a venue? Great! Now get the word out to Tigers in your region.

Catching up with friends, both old and new, is so much sweeter when paired with good food and refreshments? Thinking of having the event catered? Go for it. Potluck in the park? Sure! Have the perfect orange and black recipe? Do share!

We’re putting the ball in your court to outfit your event with any orange and black decorations or swag that you can imagine. Make your event stand out by setting the perfect scene and be sure to take lots of pictures!

The true meaning of OBD? Well, it’s to honor the granting of the University’s charter on October 22, 1746. Putting on your very best orange and black for the occasion is a close second! Coordinating themed outfits with your guests? That’s a great idea.

Pictures or it didn’t happen. The real fun of OBD is sharing your Princeton spirit with Tigers all over the world. Be sure to tag @PrincetonAlumni and use #OrangeAndBlack for your social posts. Looking for some fun competition? We will be awarding the best post, so make sure you get yoru photos on social or on the kudoboard!