Tips For Hosting A Successful Gala Dinner
If your organisation is trying to gain support for a cause, a gala dinner may be one of the best ways to reach your goal. There is a lot that must go into hosting a successful gala, including time, organisation, and planning. If you have never hosted a gala before, you are probably wondering how to get started. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips, you can be well on your way to hosting the ultimate gala that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
What is your event's purpose?
When you first get started organising your gala, you need to thoroughly define the event's purpose. This purpose should include everything from what you hope to achieve to how you will meet your goals. If you don't have a defined purpose for your event, then the way you plan the event will be extremely difficult. After all, it is your event's purpose that everything should be centered around.
Create a budget
The next step to planning a gala is to create a budget. Your budget, in fact, will affect almost every aspect of your event. It will determine how much you can spend on catering, seating, entertainment, and more. There is much involved in hosting a gala, and you need to make sure you allow money for all aspects. The most common expenses will include those related to:
- Venue costs
- Audiovisual equipment and support
- Entertainment
- Advertising
- Food and beverage
- Seating furniture
- Props/Decor
- Prizes to be auctioned
You may find that a lot of the items mentioned above can be donated but you need to make sure you have enough money to cover them in the event that donations do not come through.
Are you going to fundraise?
Many galas are used for fundraising. If your gala is going to be used for this purpose, you will want to find other fundraising tactics to incorporate into the gala itself. For example, sure your gala may help fundraise on a per plate basis, but you can also sell raffle tickets, have a live or silent auction, sell sponsorships, and more. No matter the type of fundraising that you want to incorporate, make sure they are relevant to your gala's theme. For example, if you want to sell raffle tickets for a gala themed around animal safety, then the raffles should be for items such as pet supplies.
Choose a theme and venue
Ideally, you will want to choose your theme when you define the purpose for your gala. Now, you will want to pick a venue. The most important aspect to look for in any venue is that it allows your guests to socialise and network. An inviting atmosphere is, of course, important, but an impressive one is even more pertinent because it gets everyone in a good mood and promotes an environment of friendliness and joy. The theme and venue that you opt for will set the entire tone for the event, so make sure you choose wisely. Laissez-faire has several venue options to choose from, with the three of the most popular being the Australian National Maritime Museum, Harbour 220, and The Venue Alexandria.
The Australian National Maritime Museum provides breathtaking views of the Darling Harbour and gives you and your guests inspiring glimpses of the city skyline. The Venue Alexandria is another unique venue that features a large warehouse space and provides lots of 5-star amenities. If you're wanting to host an exclusive and intimate gala, Harbour 220 is your best venue option.
Make sure you have the right AV support
When it comes to audiovisual, you need not only the right equipment but the right support as well. The ultimate goal should be to provide your gala guests with a magical experience, and with the right AV support, you can accomplish this goal. Your AV support is also of the utmost importance because they will be involved in setting up various gala activities and entertainment, including dance floors and more.
Choose between food and beverage options
Lastly, your gala will never be complete unless you choose the right food and beverage option. Fortunately, you will have several menu options to choose from. From a tailored platter to a plated menu, the theme and purpose of your gala will help determine which menu is best for your event.
Contact Laissez-faire today to learn more about venue and menu options.