How to Plan a Fashion Show Fundraiser

Hosting a fashion show fundraiser can be a difficult undertaking. There are a lot of details to consider when putting on a runway show to benefit a non-profit or other charitable endeavor. The reward of putting on a successful fashion show fundraiser makes it all worth it though. Just make sure that you have all the proper steps and tools in place to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Or you can leave it to the professionals at Sit Front Row. We’re your go-to expert fashion show planners who will surely make the event a stunning success in the Chicagoland area. For a business owner, non-profit, or charity organizer, here are some of the steps that will help you know what goes into planning a perfect fashion show fundraiser.

Steps to Planning a Fashion Show Fundraiser

There are certain steps to take in planning a fashion show fundraiser that are pretty standard. These are the critical steps that will produce the right look and feel for your show that guests who see it will enjoy. It’s all about putting on the best show possible, so people will feel generous when contributing to the charitable cause or non-profit you are representing.

Step #1: Choosing a Theme/Venue

When putting on a fashion show fundraiser, the first thing you want to think about is the theme. The theme can set the mood for the entire show. What do you want the show to look like? What kind of clothes do you want to show off? Some common themes include seasons, like summer and beach themes, high-end fashion, red carpet, or some that are geared towards prom for teens. A family fashion show theme is fun too since it can include adult and children’s fashions.

In conjunction with a theme, you’ll also want to choose the right venue to enhance the experience. Make sure that you have enough space for the runway, chairs for how many guests you are expecting, and the right lighting and feel for the venue. It’s helpful if the venue you choose has hosted fashion shows before. Sit Front Row has done countless fashion shows for different fundraisers, so we know all the best venues to partner with right off the bat.

Step #2: Recruiting Models

Another important part of the fashion show fundraiser is recruiting models for the show. If you want actual models, it’s important to contact a local talent agency that can recommend the right models for your show. Sometimes fashion shows put on by non-profits will use real people in the show who are involved with the charity to showcase the looks on the runway. It just depends on how you want the show to look overall.

Step #3: Coordinating Volunteers

You’ll need to coordinate some volunteers to help you leading up to and on the day of the event. These volunteers can help you with things like promoting the show, setting up the show to make sure it goes off without a hitch and cleaning up after the show is over. If you work with a non-profit, you probably have a list of volunteers who usually help you with certain tasks that you can turn to.

Step #4: Promoting Your Event

When raising money for an event, you want a lot of people to show up. So to promote your fashion show fundraiser, you might send out invitations, create flyers, and post about your show on various social media channels. That can include Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok if your non-profit has a significant social media following. You can partner with local businesses to promote your fashion show as well.

Step #5: Generate Additional Fundraising Opportunities for the Event

How you make money for the event in fundraising depends on how you set up the fashion show. Maybe you want to sell tickets or charge a donation fee at the door. There are some other fundraising opportunities that you can do at the event. That can be things like a silent auction with donated items, selling accessories at the show, or even raffle tickets for a prize. Companies in your area will usually donate things, including clothing and accessories, for a good cause that they believe in.

Event Execution Tips

The day of the event is an important one to get right. Having the fashion show fundraiser event go well is important, especially if you are expecting a lot of people. Don’t leave any of the details to chance, because proper planning is key.

Organizing Choreography & Rehearsals

Make sure that you organize the choreography and rehearsals for the show so that everyone from the models to the lighting people know what they are doing. If you have a live DJ for the music, make sure that person understands the flow of the show. You may want to set up rehearsals the day before, or if that isn’t possible, the morning of the event. Either way, understanding how the show is going to go from start to finish is of the utmost importance.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

You want people who come to the fashion show to enjoy it. Enhancing the guest experience is important. Think of all the little details, like a coat check if it’s winter, parking options, and even snacks and drinks for the guests. All of these things, when thought out well, will make for a better fashion show experience for the attendees.

Looking for a Partner to Manage Your Fashion Show Fundraiser?

If you are looking for the best partner to manage your fashion show fundraiser in the Chicago area, look no further than Sit Front Row. Book an appointment with us to find out all the details that will go into planning the ultimate fundraising runway show. We’ll show you what our process looks like from planning to execution, including things like model casting, picking the right wardrobe for the show, choreography, and total event management. You’ll be in expert hands with Sit Front Row to make the most possible money for your non-profit fashion show fundraising event.