Set a Theme and Let Your Attendees Do the Decorating for You!

In fundraising, budgeting is imperative.  When hosting an event, big dollars are often spent on decorations to create a fun and lively atmosphere.   Here's a great idea for how you can decorate and get that party vibe without spending your hard earned dollars.

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Having a game night?  Bingo night?  Trivia night?  When you are hosting a fundraising event, there is always that fine line drawn  between creating a party atmosphere and how much to spend on decorations.  While decorating the venue can create a more festive mood and often lead to greater giving, spending hard earn dollars on balloons, posters, centerpieces, etc... seems like a bit of a contradiction.   So we, at The Big Change Project, discovered an interesting solution to this age-old problem.

Have your guests bring their own decorations!

We know, that sounds crazy.  But, done right, this can be a really fun way to engage your guests in the event AND reduce your event costs so that more money goes back to your organization.  Here's how it works...

Host an event with groups of people sitting at tables.  You set the theme and instruct guests to get together as a table and come up with their own decorations for their table.  These could be purchased decorations or made at home.

For instance, if the theme is "The 70's," tables might get groovy flowers or disco balls as a centerpiece, tie dye tablecloths, record albums, etc… to decorate their table.  To take it one step further, why not encourage guests dress according to the theme?  G0-go boots, mini-skirts, fringe vests - it's groovy!!

OR

You could host a party with a "Rock Star" theme.  Some groups may choose Big Hair Bands while others choose grunge.  Some may go old school and sway towards the Rolling Stones or the Beatles, and others might enjoy the full makeup of KISS.  Record albums as placemats with cd's for your centerpieces are a good place to start.  Inflatable guitars and crazy hats will add to the mood.

OR

If you want something simple and easy, assign each table a color.  All of the decorations must stay within their designated color.  The overall effect will be a rainbow of festive decorating, and you and your committee didn't have to lift a finger!!

The bottom line - you determine a theme and then each group runs with it.

To make it even more fun, award prizes for best dressed, best table, or most “spirited" - it will help create a buzz about the event leading up to the big night.  It gets people engaged in the fun instead of just showing up.   Engaged people have more ownership in the evening and will tend to be  more giving.

We would love to hear how you save money and time decorating for your events.  Remember, the more money you save the more money you have to support your organization.

The Big Change Project

http://thebigchangeproject.com/