local event planners in Los Angeles

Published on Jul 08, 2025

HOW TO HOST A FUN FUNDRAISER - A COMPLETE GUIDE

Most people hear the word “fundraiser” and instantly imagine stiff chairs, long speeches, maybe a dry chicken dinner, and a polite round of applause. The truth? That type of night isn’t fun for anyone. Guests lose energy halfway through, organizers stress about donations, and the whole event ends up blending into every other fundraiser people have sat through. But it doesn’t have to be this way. A fundraiser can feel like a night out rather than an obligation. It can have personality, warmth, and even a little excitement. And when that happens, the donations usually follow. If you’re planning one, here are some ideas to keep in mind. These aren’t complicated or expensive tricks. They’re just small shifts that change how people feel the moment they walk in. Emily’s Banquet team which is one of the best event consultant in Los Angeles wants you to have the best fundraiser and is always looking forward to hosting the best of these events. Here is a step-by-step guide to having a fundraiser in a fun way.

Make The First Impression Grand

Think about the guest who steps through the door. Do they see empty tables and hear silence, or do they hear music, laughter, maybe smell something delicious coming from the food corner? The first impression is powerful. Guests decide quickly if they’re settling into a long evening or stepping into something enjoyable. Even a local musician playing softly, a colorful backdrop for photos, or simply volunteers greeting people warmly can lift the mood before the program even begins.

Keep The Speeches To A Lesser Number

Most fundraisers lean too hard on speeches. The cause matters, yes, but endless talking wears people down. Keep the important message short, powerful, and personal. Then break it up with energy. A live band, a comedian, or even an interactive activity between speeches keeps people alert. If you can sprinkle in moments where guests laugh or clap, they’ll remember the night much longer than they’d remember a stack of facts.

Involve The Guests

Nobody wants to sit passively for hours. When people feel like part of the story, they connect more. Auctions are a great example, but think beyond just items. Experiences are usually more exciting, private tours, cooking classes, or one-of-a-kind dinners. Another option: playful giving challenges. For instance, if the room reaches a certain donation milestone, maybe the host agrees to sing a song or wear a funny outfit. That kind of moment turns giving into something memorable at Emily Banquet we help you to event design in Los Angeles so that everyone have a fun and memorable time

Keep The Cause Clear

Fundraisers are about raising money, but guilt-heavy presentations rarely work. Instead of making them watch long videos, you can simply have them introduced to the cause at regular intervals and keep the donations coming.

So, if you’re planning an event, think less about tradition and more about energy. Skip the long speeches, serve food people rave about, keep your cause simple and inspiring, and always, always give guests a reason to smile on their way out. That’s how you turn a routine fundraiser into a night people won’t forget. Contact Us and we’ll help you to plan a perfect fun fundraiser.