One of the most stressful aspects of event planning is access control and security. You want to provide a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for your guests, but you probably don’t have the budget for a full-fledged private security team. Don’t sweat it. We’ll show you how to secure a private party event in this guide.

There are way more affordable options, like custom wristbands or custom lanyards with custom ID cards. These can be issued in advance or at the door, and then you just need a staff member to verify each attendee. It’s simple, cost-effective, and won’t negatively impact guest experience.

Learn more about securing a private event below with CustomLanyard.net. 

Balancing Cost With Security

Your first instinct as you put the finishing touches on your event is probably to hire a private security team so that you don’t even have to worry about it. 

To be fair, professional security guards do bring value. They’re trained to handle confrontations, monitor entrances, manage intoxicated guests, and step in quickly if something goes sideways. That could be worth paying a premium for if you’re overseeing a large, public-facing event.

The truth is, though, it’s well out of reach for most events. The issue is cost. Most private security companies charge $40-$75 per guard per hour, with minimums of four to five hours. That puts even a small two-guard setup in the $400-$700 range, and larger parties can climb well past $1,000 fast.

You don’t need uniformed guards to keep things under control. What you really need is structure. That means clear entry rules, visible identification, and a way to prevent uninvited guests from blending in. There’s a better way to keep security and costs under control. 

How to Secure a Private Party Event Affordably

We’ve found that most problems in private events arise for a few simple reasons.

  • Expectations aren’t clear
  • Entry isn’t controlled
  • Guests can’t tell who’s supposed to be there

Fixing these three things will eliminate almost all issues without paying for a full security staff! Here are some tips on how to secure a private party event in a cost-effective manner.

Set Clear Entry Rules Before the Event Starts

You should have decided how entry to your event will work long before the first guest arrives. 

Is it invite-only? 

Are plus-ones allowed? 

Can guests leave and then return? 

Vague rules will inevitably lead to conflicts. Make these rules clear in the invitation, ticket sale page, or event promotion so nobody is surprised at the door. 

Use Guest Lists or Pre-Registration When Possible

A basic guest list goes a long way. It doesn’t need to be complicated - just a printed list, spreadsheet, or check-in app tied to names.

This helps prevent random walk-ins. It supports the check-in person who needs to make fast decisions to keep the line moving, too. Guest lists also remove awkward debates at the door because the rule becomes simple: name on the list, you’re in; not on the list, you’re not.

Pre-registration works even better for larger private parties. People commit ahead of time and you get a much clearer headcount before the event starts. 

Control Access With Wristbands or Hand Stamps

Hand stamps are the cheapest way to manage access to your event, but they’re tacky and problematic when it comes to smudging. That’s why most private event planners prefer to use wristbands.

A wristband turns entry into a one-time process. A guest is given a wristband during check-in. Then, staff can identify real guests instantly without having to ask questions, check phones, or re-read names. 

Different colors can separate guest types - general guests, staff, performers, or alcohol-approved attendees. Custom vinyl wristbands or custom Tyvek wristbands work well for short events, while fabric or silicone options are better for longer gatherings.

We have a separate guide on using wristbands vs tickets for events if you want to weigh your options a bit more. But, there are other ways to manage access, too…

What About Lanyards With ID Badges?

Lanyards are excellent alternatives to wristbands for events, especially those built around conversation or networking rather than dancing or crowd movement. These are staples for trade shows, alumni gatherings, creator meetups, workshops, and invite-only brand events.

Lanyards help guests start conversations naturally and make it easier to identify hosts, organizers, and staff. They also reduce confusion when multiple groups are present in the same venue. 

They should be paired with ID badges tailored to each guest, which means you’ll need to solidify the guest list well in advance so you have time to customize each badge. 

Our blog has more tips on how to make event badges if you’re tempted to go this route. We also have tips on choosing between a polyester vs nylon lanyard. But whether you choose to go with wristbands or lanyards with badges, we can help you pull it off without a hitch.

CustomLanyard.net has earned the trust of over a million customers with the best quality, world-class customer service, and low-price guarantees. The process is seamless from A to Z, too. Get started today!

Limit Entry Points to Reduce Oversight Costs

Multiple entrances create security problems fast. Every open door is an opportunity for uninvited guests to slip in. Yes, more entrances mean shorter lines - but it just leads to more headaches from a logistical point of view.

One controlled entry point simplifies oversight and cuts staffing needs. Even large venues can usually funnel guests through a single main entrance while keeping emergency exits clearly marked and closed.

Assign One Point Person for Check-In and Verification

The goal here is to maximize your resources, so you don’t need an entire team for check-in and verification. A single person is plenty with the right wristband or lanyard/badge system in place. That person handles guest lists, wristbands, stamps, or badges and applies rules consistently.

Use Simple Visual Identifiers for Guests and Staff

Guests should look like guests. Staff should look like staff. It sounds simple, yet it’s something we see so many event planners get wrong. 

This can be as simple as different wristband colors, staff lanyards, or matching shirts. People need to be able to differentiate between roles at a glance so they know how to ask for help and who not to argue with. This also just makes your event seem more professional! 

Plan for Re-Entry Without Rechecking Everyone

Guests should be allowed to step outside, be it to smoke, make a phone call, throw a jacket in their car, or anything else for that matter. 

But part of understanding how to secure a private party event means planning for this upfront, and ensuring it’s a seamless in-and-out process. Wristbands handle this naturally. Guests return, staff checks the band, and they’re back in without delay.

Keep Alcohol Service Areas Clearly Defined

You need to be smart about limiting where alcohol is served (assuming it’s going to be served) so that staff can monitor consumption and make sure drinks don’t make their way into the wrong hands. This can be addressed with stamps, specialized wristbands, or badges.  

Have a Basic Exit Strategy for Issues or Overcrowding

Expect the unexpected. You need to decide ahead of time who has the authority to stop entry or ask someone to leave, and make sure that person stays sober and visible all night. 

Set a hard capacity number and pause entry the moment it’s reached, even if people are still arriving. If the space just starts to feel crowded, it’s worth slowing entry at the door. 

Final Thoughts on How to Secure a Private Party Event

Securing a private party doesn’t have to mean hiring professional guards or creating complicated systems. The simpler, the better - which is why wristbands and lanyards with ID badges are often the best choice for private events.

CustomLanyard.net offers wristbands and lanyards built specifically for private events if you want an affordable way to manage access and keep things organized. The process is quick and easy, too - you can have your products customized in minutes. 

Learn more about making security badges or explore alternatives to lanyards in our blog. But whether you’re looking for the best custom lanyards for events or you take the wristband approach, all that’s left to do is get started at CustomLanyard.net! 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to hire security for a small private event?

Most private events don’t need hired security if you control entry, limit access points, and use clear visual identifiers like wristbands or badges. There are situations where bouncers can be beneficial, but they’re often too expensive for networking events, private parties, and other events.

How much is it to hire a bouncer for a party?

Private security typically runs $40-$75 per hour per guard, with minimum time requirements that can push total costs into the hundreds quickly. It’s not uncommon to spend thousands just on a security team. 

Are lanyards or wristbands a better form of access control?

Wristbands work better for parties with movement and re-entry, while lanyards make more sense for structured or networking-style private events. Both have their place, and our customer service team can help you narrow it down to the ideal fit. 

Do I need to inform local authorities about my event?

Most private events don’t require notice, but larger gatherings, alcohol service, or rented venues may have local rules worth checking ahead of time. Do your due diligence!