By Linda S.
Gala is another word for celebration—a celebration with a purpose. Galas are generally designed by a committee who work together with an event caterer and other vendors to raise money for an organization or to celebrate an accomplishment in the community, such as a new wing opening in a hospital or a new school being built.
Galas are inclusive affairs, incorporating the entire community to reach a goal or celebrate a job well done. Because they involve so many and their function so significant, there are a number of key elements to consider in the planning stages to help make your gala exciting and memorable:
1. Venue Selection
The venue is perhaps the most important component of any event—it sets the stage. A lot can be down to spruce up a bland space, but the basics like size and location should be regarded in choosing your gala venue.
2. Theme
Your event doesn’t need to have a theme, but theme can do wonders in getting your attendees excited about your cause. If you decide to go with a theme—try to match it with your cause. Raising funds to repair the library? How about a theme that celebrates the great books and authors of the 19th and 20th century?
3. Fabulous Food
Selecting your event caterer is a crucial part of wowing guests. You’ll want to choose a caterer who will work seamlessly with your committee, designing a menu that will take into account the dietary and ethnic considerations of your many guests, while also wowing their palates.
4. Entertainment
How will you entertain your guests? If it’s a fund raising event – be sure to select an auctioneer who can engage your guests and open their hearts to financially support the cause.
5. Make it an Event to Remember
Many galas are re-occurring events. Be sure to choose unique elements that will set you apart from others and encourage your guests to return next year and continue to support your organization.
Food can go a long way in making your event truly memorable. Serving just another piece of tenderloin on a plate may not be enough to set you apart, however, a piece cooked to perfection, topped with an unusual sauce, garnished with parsnip flan and served on beautiful platinum boarded china plate paired with a complementary wine selection can certainly help set your event apart from the others.
Don’t be afraid to step out and pull out all the stops when planning a gala. Galas are celebrations with a purpose and to that end they should not only be a blast, but accomplish a lot for your organization, too.