What Is A Gala Event - The Concierge Club

Dressing to the nines, a glamorous reception, an exquisite dinner, live entertainment, and a ton of socializing—that’s what a gala event is all about.

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At these festive events, sophistication takes centre stage. For brands or organizations that are looking to celebrate in style, throwing galas is an excellent idea. But, understandably, you might be wondering about the different types of galas.

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Keep reading to learn more and step into the world of luxurious partying!

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What Goes Into a Great Gala

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Most types of galas combine elegant dress codes, classy receptions, live music, dancing, performances, speeches, and an exquisite menu. They’re supposed to be glamorous from beginning to end. Galas are like prom for adults.

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1. A Luxurious Dress Code

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All types of galas have a luxurious dress code that’s either formal (black-tie attire and long evening dresses) or semi-formal (suits, blazers, and cocktail dresses).

When organizing galas, it’s common to set a specific theme or colour for guests to follow at to ensure a more coordinated look at the venue. This can make the event feel more special and memorable. It can also help to create a sense of unity among the guests as they have fun trying to come up with creative outfits that fit the theme.

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2. A Classy Reception and Theme

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The reception and its theme set the tone for galas. When guests are dressed to the nines, they deserve to have the red carpet rolled out for them.

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Here’s a rule of thumb: gala themes and their associated dress code should be made immediately clear by the reception. From the decorations to the photo walls and table setting, make sure yours work well together.

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When contemplating unique gala theme ideas, why not take some inspiration from previous MET Galas? Here are some of our favourites:

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Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design (1974)

Haute Couture (1995)

Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy (2008)

Punk: Chaos to Couture (2013)

Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology (2016)

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3. Exquisite Dinner and Drinks

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All types of galas need an exquisite sit-down dinner and drinks.

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It’s important to work with a professional caterer who can ensure each course contributes to an overall smooth dining experience. Taking note of food preferences and allergies in advance also matters when curating a menu everyone can safely enjoy.

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Exquisite Dinner And Drinks - The Concierge Club

Image source: Instagram

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4. Live Music and Dancing

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All types of galas need a soundtrack to keep attendees energized.

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Whether it’s a jazz ensemble, a string band, or even a DJ, music is crucial to making sure everyone has a good time. The latter portion of the party should be dedicated to one of the main reasons people attended in the first place: dancing.

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5. Electric Performances

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While you don’t necessarily have to ask The Weeknd to make an appearance like at the MET Gala (although that’s not a bad idea), it’s highly possible to put on show-stopping performances courtesy of the people who belong to your company or organization.

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All types of galas can benefit from memorable performances, and you might be surprised at the talent you already have at your disposal.

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6. Inspiring Speeches

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Whether you’re hosting a fundraising gala or a corporate gala, someone’s going to have to stand on the podium and address the lovely guests. Words have the power to move people, and what better way to do that than with a compelling speech?

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7. Socializing and Networking

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Rounding up our “what is a gala?” deep dive, we have socializing and networking.

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Don’t waste the moment (and your fabulous look, of course) by just staying in your seat. All types of galas need to allow enough time for you and your guests to strike up conversations that will expand both social circles and networks.

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Socializing And Networking - The Concierge Club

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The Main Types of Galas

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Fundraising Galas

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You’ll find that most types of galas are fundraising events.

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Their main goal is usually to thank supporters and make them feel appreciated so they continue being there for the organization in the future. It’s common to have prizes, raffles, and a charity auction at these types of galas to up the ante.

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Awards Galas

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Next on our list of types of galas are award ceremonies.

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These types of events are perfect for businesses or organizations looking to generate some serious buzz in their industry. For example, a fashion brand could dedicate a gala to recognizing style icons as voted by consumers, or a digital marketing company could celebrate top influencers across various categories.

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Corporate Galas

Corporate galas are the way to go for companies who want a sophisticated way to celebrate milestones. It could be to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the company, or the unveiling of a landmark new project.

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These types of galas are also great for business owners looking to offer their employees, executives, stakeholders, and potential investors a chance to socialize in a luxurious setting sure to impress.