A guide to throwing the world's best charity ball

Throwing a charity ball? Maybe you're organising one at university, or with work colleagues for a good cause? Our guide will help you...

A Charity Ball is a fantastic way to raise some money for your chosen charity and can be a bit more exciting than a traditional fundraiser. You should attract lots of people to your ball dressed up in their finery who are looking to have an amazing time. However, organising a Charity Ball is difficult and it can be a large and complicated event. So to get you started, just read the following guide below to give you an idea of the main points you’ll need to consider.

Image ©

Choose a theme that will tie the event together

A good Charity Ball needs a recognisable theme....

This could be related to the charity you are raising money for or it could be something completely different. The important thing is that the theme you choose should tie all the elements of your ball together, from the food to the décor and the invitations. A Charity Ball is also an event with a certain style and so your theme should reflect this. The theme could be based on the season, such as "winter wonderland", or it could be something fun & fashionable, such as a retro 1950s theme. It could also be as simple as a colour scheme within the venue and on your tickets.

Venice Themed Marquee

County Marquees, Flickr

Think carefully about seating and space

A Charity Ball is a large scale event and hopefully you will have many people arriving at yours. In this respect, seating plans and a careful use of space is very important. You do not want any confusion on the night itself about where people are sitting and you need to have enough room for your guests to walk around the venue. So draw up your seating plan early and go to the venue itself in good time to make sure your seating arrangement is perfect.

Music provides the atmosphere

A very good band is a must at any Charity Ball and will contribute to creating an exciting atmosphere. Whichever style of group you choose it should fit your theme: this could be a jazz band, an orchestra or even a steel band. But there is more to consider than just the style of your band. A reliable sound hire company, along with a good quality PA system is essential. It is advisable to hire a professional company to set up your sound system, and in most cases they will be able to provide more services, such as lighting, video & special effects too.

Music

Sound Hire, Stage Connections

Think about other entertainment too

Beyond the band you want to have other entertainment acts to make sure that your guests have an amazing time. Magicians are a good choice as they can move from table to table and your guests won’t need to go anywhere. A caricaturist is similarly a great choice as guests can take a portrait home with them. Whichever additional entertainments you choose, make sure you advertise this on your invitations to make sure that you attract as many guests as possible!

Right: What about burlesque performances, which include fun acts, such as this lady doing hula hoop!

Burlesque Entertainment

eschipul, Flickr

If you follow these four starting points, you’ll be on your way to organising your Charity Ball. You’ll find there is more to consider along the way, but this brief guide will hopefully get some ideas going!

Updated: 01/03/2013, Carly

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