Why not just turn the crock pot on the night before the event ?? It's a crock pot, Where's the mess and inconvenience ???
Alternately, Inconvenience and mess both contribute to the love, flavor and textures of cooking,serving and eating a good meal. Believe me when I say "You can taste the Love". One of the golden rules of cooking is, Never ever reheat. If you don't have the time or Patience to do it right, Don't do it at all. Personally, I would rather have the event catered, than to subject my guests to a "Possibly" good meal prepared by me. (In fact, that won't happen). At least that way you can lay the blame on someone else. Good luck.
JMHO
Culinary wizard Dale