Top Trends for Nonprofit Galas in 2025
Planning a successful nonprofit gala in 2025 means creating more than just a beautiful evening—it’s about crafting an experience that inspires connection, generosity, and long-term support. This year’s trends reflect a shift toward intentional design, immersive atmospheres, and values-driven choices. From seating to sustainability, here’s what’s shaping the most memorable fundraising events of the year.
Lounge-Style Seating Replacing Traditional Banquet Setups
Gone are the days of predictable round-table layouts. This year, planners are embracing lounge-style seating to create a more relaxed, social atmosphere. Think plush options like the Maxwell Ivory Velvet Curved Banquette/Sofa, paired with ottomans such as the Aidan Black Velvet Ottoman or Khaki Velvet Ottoman, and anchored by low cocktail tables like the Lippa Black Marble Low Cocktail Table. These pieces can be arranged in cozy vignettes that encourage conversation and movement throughout the event. This layout not only fosters a sense of intimacy and connection, it also supports more dynamic programming. Whether it’s a silent auction, live music, or a speaker series, lounge-style seating helps transition a traditional gala into a truly engaging experience.
Sustainable Rentals & Design Elements
Sustainability is no longer a side note—it’s a central focus. Nonprofit galas are embracing environmentally conscious practices that align with their missions. Event rentals, by their nature, promote sustainability by reducing single-use waste and supporting a reuse model that benefits both the environment and event aesthetics.
Design elements are also evolving to reflect these values. Think reusable signage, locally sourced florals, thoughtful waste management, and decor that can live on after the event. These choices create meaningful impact and show guests that sustainability is more than a trend, it’s a priority.
Outdoor Fundraising Under Clear-Top & Sailcloth Tents
After several years of growing outdoor event popularity, the trend is here to stay. But in 2025, it’s being elevated with the use of clear-top Structure Tents and Sailcloth Structures that blend function with flair. These tents not only provide weather protection, they also create a magical, open-air ambiance ideal for evening fundraising under the stars.
Clear-top tents frame beautiful natural backdrops and cityscapes, while sailcloth tents bring a breezy, coastal charm perfect for summer galas. Both pair beautifully with string lighting, custom flooring, and our vast selection of elegant outdoor furnishings.
Coordinated Tabletop Trends: Moody Hues, Mixed Metals, & More
This year’s gala tabletops are all about bold coordination and rich, layered textures. There’s a noticeable shift away from minimalism and toward moody color palettes, think deep plum, forest green, and slate blue, accented with mixed metals for added depth. Details like the Francois Gold Forged Flatware and Copper Valencia Charger bring warmth and sophistication to the table, blending seamlessly with these deeper hues.
Texture and layering take center stage in 2025. Velvet linens, such as Reverie Social’s Opulent Velvet Lime, introduce a luxe tactile element, while ceramic dinnerware like the Kaleb Cotton Stoneware adds an earthy, artisan touch. Glassware choices, like the Debutante Grey Goblet, offer a soft pop of tone and transparency. Together with sculptural centerpieces, these elements turn the tabletop into a key part of the event’s storytelling—creating a setting that feels intentional, expressive, and unforgettable.
This year’s gala trends reflect a deeper focus on experience, authenticity, and intentionality. Whether rethinking your layout, embracing sustainability, or curating a show-stopping tabletop, the goal is the same: to inspire connection and generosity while leaving a lasting impression. By leaning into these thoughtful design trends, nonprofit organizations can create events that not only look incredible, but truly feel meaningful.
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