A gala dinner is a fantastic way to thank loyal customers or business partners while raising much-needed funds for a worthy charitable cause. However, you might want to avoid making any mistakes along the way to make sure you satisfy your guests and raise as much money as possible for your chosen charity.
With careful planning and superb attention to detail, you could soon create an event that will have happy attendees reaching into their pockets. Read on to learn how to host a gala dinner in style.
Arrange an Elegant Drinks Reception
An elegant drinks reception will create a refined, inviting atmosphere from the moment your guests step foot inside the venue. Provide glasses of bubbly or orange juice upon arrival, as it will set a sophisticated tone for the evening ahead. Also, you could hire a talented musician, such as a harpist, violinist, or singer, to perform while guests mingle, chat, and build industry connections,
Provide a Delicious Dining Experience
Great-tasting dishes have the power to elevate a gala dinner. Impress all your guests by hiring a professional corporate catering company to serve bold flavors they won’t forget in a hurry. This way, you can guarantee the cuisine will be one of the highlights of the night. Also, guests might be more than happy to donate to the cause after enjoying a delicious meal and drinks. Ensure the event runs smoothly by hiring experienced caterers who will serve delicious dishes time and again.
Confirm the Gala Dinner Dress Code
Every successful gala dinner has a strict dress code for guests to follow, as it should complement its theme and formality. Common dress code options include:
- Black-tie
- Business-formal
- A creative twist to match the theme
Make sure you communicate the dress code to your guests on more than one occasion and provide ample time for them to find suitable clothing to wear to the gala dinner.
Capture Your Guests’ Attention at the Right Time
Most guests won’t want to be bothered with fundraising activities or animated speeches while they’re enjoying their meal. For this reason, you must try to capture their attention at the right time.
For instance, the lull between the main course and dessert is a perfect opportunity to pull out the raffle tickets or address an audience. As their stomachs will be happy and full, you’re more likely to have their undivided attention, meaning your guests may dig deeper into their pockets or be more attentive to what the host has to say.
Make Fundraising More Fun
Say goodbye to a traditional raffle when fundraising at a gala dinner. Instead, make the experience more fun for guests.
For example, you could organize a chocolate bar raffle, and one lucky guest will find a golden ticket to receive a prize. Alternatively, you could host a silent auction or a 50/50 raffle, where the winner receives half the ticket sales. A fun twist on the traditional game will encourage more guests to donate to the worthy cause and ensure that the gala dinner is a complete success.
