Hosting a smashing Gala Night

A gala night is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of an incredible year with your team or to bring awareness to an important theme for a charity. With a number of entertainment options, a semi-formal atmosphere and a medium to large list of guests, this event has everything needed to be an incredible one that won’t soon be forgotten!

If a gala night sounds like the type of event you would like to host and you’re unsure on where to start, keep reading on: we’ve got just the right list for you to tick off!

1. Define your event purpose & event budget

This should be your starting point for any and all events you decide to host. Defining what you would like to achieve with a gala night and how much you’re willing to put into it will determine all other aspects of your event.

If you’re looking at a fundraising event, it’s important to determine who or what organisation will benefit from the fundraiser well in advance. This will also help your guests understand what kind of support is expected from them on the night, either through their auction bids or donations.

Your budget is another essential element in this process. Gala evenings, especially fundraisers, can be a relatively costly event. This is normally due to the number of guests and entertainment options, which tend to be higher to serve the purpose.

No one wants to attend a fundraiser auction with 20 people! Think about your options, your priorities, what you deem essential and go from there.

2. Fundraising options & sponsorships

If a fundraiser is definitely what you are going for with your gala event, it is now time to determine what methods you will use to raise the money for your chosen charity or organisation. This could include raffles, auctions bids or donations.

Guests attending your event will be happy to donate, but other options could also be looked into, such as selling beverages or advertisement opportunities. It’s important to diversify your options to help you achieve your fundraising goals.

Events like these also normally require a number of sponsors to support the cause. This could help offset some of the costs involved in the planning and delivery of your event, with sponsors possibly helping with entertainment, catering and activities. Sponsors can also use their contact network to supply prizes for raffles and auctions.

3. Think of an event theme

Themes are really important in creating an atmosphere. Regardless of whether you are hosting a fundraiser or just a semi-formal gala night for your guests’ fun, having a clear theme can only enhance the night.

Having a theme adds another layer of fun to your event and it helps guests have an idea of what to expect.

The beauty of a gala night is that it suits pretty much any theme you can think of, as long as the event still keeps that elegant and tasteful look to it. Masquerade, Vegas, James Bond, Casino Royale night, Arabian night, Alice in Wonderland are all ideas of themes you can make use of at your event.

Having a theme adds another layer of fun to your event and it helps guests have an idea of what to expect. It also makes it fun for them when getting ready for the night, allowing for some themed-inspired attire and make up. What’s not to like, really?!

4. What is your event entertainment?

People have high expectations for a gala night. There, we’ve said it! The common grandiose associated with a gala event excites guests and makes them wonder what they can expect. You might not be able to please every single guest (that’s an impossible task!) BUT you can still do your absolute best to do so. This includes your evening entertainment.

Your entertainment will most likely depend on the theme you choose.

You might have poker tables if a Casino Royale-themed event is taking place or belly dancing performers for an Arabian night. Bands and hosts are also popular options for this kind of event.

No matter the type of entertainment you choose, always bear in mind that their sole purpose is to impress and create an atmosphere!

5. Choose an appropriate venue

We can’t stress enough how important your venue is when it comes to planning your event. The venue is where everything comes together: the theme, the decor, the entertainment, the whole purpose of your event!

The available technology should be able to maintain a high quality level throughout the event to ensure your guests’ comfort and meet their demand, no matter the size of your event!

Bear in mind what type of entertainment you’ll be offering your guests and ensure there’s plenty of room for them to feel comfortable around it. Your venue needs to be able to accommodate your guests, caterers, band and performers and still have some space left.

Choose something easily accessible, that will complement your night’s concept and purpose and that will create a memorable atmosphere to all those attending!

If you are looking to host a gala night…

Regardless of size, location or budget, every gala night should be an unforgettable experience. They are a great opportunity to create a unique event that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and likely to make them talk about it for years to come. If this is something that you’re looking for, just get in touch with us for more information!