14 Gala Themes and Party Ideas for a Memorable Event

Galas are a fabulous and fun way to unite people, raise money for important causes, and recognize important milestones. Whether it’s mingling mixers that serve as awards ceremonies or fashionable fetes with big-ticket auction items, galas usually have one thing in common: a theme.

Here, you’ll discover a variety of gala themes for your next event. From a casino night fundraiser to a masquerade ball to a superhero soiree and beyond, discover 14 gala themes — including decor ideas, dress code suggestions, and other details — for a successful event.

14 Captivating Gala Themes and Party Ideas

A gala theme serves as the foundation for your event. Whether you’re planning a more laid-back celebration or a formal black-tie affair, the theme sets the tone. It’ll create the framework of your guest list, what the program will look like, and the type of venue you need. Here are some of our favorite gala theme ideas for a memorable gathering.

1. Secret Garden

Invite guests to attend a non-profit fundraiser in an enchanted garden. Host this black-tie event in a botanical garden or on the grounds of a historic mansion. Serve a five-course farm-to-table meal under string lights or a starry night sky. Be sure to fill centerpieces with colorful flowers and greenery. 

2. Casino Royale

Design: Robinson Creative House

Invitation inspiration: Modern Royale Invitation

Host a casino night complete with card games like poker and blackjack, along with classic table games, including roulette and craps. Invite guests to don their best cocktail attire and serve craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Provide live entertainment with cabaret singers and dancers or a jazz band. 

3. Boots and Bowties

Galas don’t have to be fancy and formal. Let your hair down while raising money for a good cause with a Western-themed boots and bowties event. Invite guests to wear their best western wear and set the scene with firepits, hay bales, and line dancing. Serve farm-raised American wagyu, potato casserole, and heirloom tomato salad. 

4. Masquerade Ball

A masked ball is an excellent way to raise money for your favorite cause. In your digital invitations, ask guests to wear black-tie attire and bring a glamorous mask. Set up a glitzy photo booth where guests can take photos and share them on social media to raise further awareness. Host a “best mask” contest and treat guests to a special musical performance from a local artist.

5. Wonderland Tea Party

Design: Erika Firm

Invitation inspiration: Purple Palette Invitation

One of our favorite event themes is a tea party. For this gala theme, take inspiration from formal British tea gatherings or make it more eclectic with an “Alice in Wonderland” or “Through the Looking Glass” vibe.

Depending on the size of your guest list, choose a venue like a historic tea house, a botanical garden, or a whimsical parlor room. Use fine china to serve tea and classic fare like scones, croissants, and tea sandwiches. Fill the tables with fresh flowers and host a silent auction to raise funds.

6. Parisian Fete

With a Paris theme party, you can transport guests to the French capital — without leaving the country — for your fundraising gala. Decorate the space with cafe tables, Eiffel Tower statues, fresh flowers, and string lights. 

Serve a fabulous French buffet with fare like coq au vin, potatoes au gratin, and quiche Lorraine. For hors d’oeuvres, offer a variety of French cheeses, baguettes, and cold cuts. Don’t forget the desserts, including macarons, madeleines, and crepes. 

7. Mardi Gras Social

Design: Colin Cowie

Invitation inspiration: Stained Glass Invitation

Channel the energy of famed Bourbon Street in New Orleans with your own Mardi Gras party. Decorate your venue with classic purple, green, and gold colors — along with fleur de lis motifs and beads — to set the scene for a colorful event. Serve classic foods like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and beignets. For entertainment, consider hiring a band that can play Zydeco and jazz or book a local high school marching band for a quintessential Fat Tuesday vibe. 

8. Winter Wonderland Gala

Design: Paper Raven Co.

Invitation inspiration: Winter Gala Invitation

Host a frosty fete with a winter wonderland gala. Start by choosing a fitting venue — like a ski lodge or chalet — and decorate the room with silver, white, and icy blue decor. Metallic accents can quickly elevate the decor and fresh white flowers add a touch of elegance. 

For your menu, serve warm foods like creamy butternut squash soup. Don’t forget toasty beverages like hot chocolate or buttered spiked cider. Treat guests to a little magic with a photo booth featuring a sleigh or faux snow-covered backdrop.

9. Around the World Fundraiser

Hosting a fundraiser for a global cause? An around-the-world theme will bring exciting energy to your event. Arrange tables throughout the room and assign each one a country or region from across the globe. Decorate the tables using elements famous in that region — think country colors, famous monuments, or prominent destinations. 

10. Superhero Soiree

Your fundraisers and donors are real-life superheroes. Honor their contributions with a superhero-themed gala. If it’s a fundraiser for a children’s hospital, invite guests to attend in their best superhero costumes and host a costume contest.

11. Black and White Ball

Design: Claudia Owen

Invitation inspiration: Black Tux Invitation

Invite guests to wear ball gowns and tuxedos at a black-and-white ball. This uber-formal celebration is all about an evening of glamor. Hire a talented opera singer for a special performance and run a silent auction with donated prizes such as jewelry, cooking classes, and getaways. Use the black-and-white theme in your decor with crisp white tablecloths and black ribbon accents. Serve “black and white” foods like blackened salmon, chargrilled cauliflower, and cheesecake.

12. Hollywood Night

Evoke the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown with a Hollywood gala theme. Lay out a red carpet to greet guests and entertain them with live music or perhaps a private screening of a newly released film. (You can look into renting a movie theatre with event space for this.) Host an auction for guests to bid on Hollywood memorabilia or plan an awards ceremony like the Oscars to recognize the efforts of people who have made an impact on your non-profit.

13. Wine Tasting 

Design: itsibelli

Invitation inspiration: Gilded Geometric Shapes Invitation

Plan a night of mixing, mingling, and enjoying exquisite vino with a fabulous wine tasting party. Host a wine auction gala where guests can indulge in a five-course meal expertly paired with fine wines by a sommelier. 

Auction off specialty bottles of wine while guests sample tasty treats from charcuterie boards and dessert trays. If you have the budget, consider hosting the gala on the grounds of a renowned winery in places like Napa or Santa Barbara. If that’s not an option, don’t worry — every state has wineries.

14. Inspired by The Met Gala

The Met Gala, held in New York City, is one of the most famous fundraising events in the world. It raises money for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with invited celebrity guests such as Rihanna and Blake Lively decked out in gowns by fashion designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo, and Alexander McQueen.

While there’s only one Met Gala, you can draw inspiration from it by recreating one of its famous gala themes — Heavenly Bodies, Rock Style, and Sleeping Beauties, to name a few. Match the ultra-fancy vibe with artistic decor, high-end food, and wildly fun attire for an unforgettable celebration.

Raise Money in Style With These Gala Themes

With these 14 gala themes — from masquerades to whimsical tea parties to wine tastings — you’ll find the perfect way to raise money for a cause near and dear to your heart. Whether you want a formal event or a more casual affair, there’s a perfect gala theme to suit the occasion.

When you’re ready to invite guests, browse our selection of gala invitations. Customize the design and send it to your entire guest list — all without the hassle of the post office or paper invites.

For more event planning tips, continue browsing our Stationers blog. You’ll find everything from event etiquette advice to party themes and decor ideas for all types of celebrations.