For years we’ve celebrated our sports heroes–we’ve admired their commitment, paid respect for tenacious effort and celebrated highlight moments. Nowhere is this practice more alive than at the end of each high school sports season when we honor our athletes with a sports banquet. While it’s important to celebrate the success of your team all season long, sports banquets can get very expensive. From gathering the food, decorations, invitations, venue and gifts, these tips will help keep your next sports banquet from busting your budget.
Have Students Create the Highlight Reel
Gathering all of the special moments from the season into a highlight collection could be the one true keepsake for the team. But you don’t need to spend a lot to make it happen. Ask students and parents for any clips that they documented this season and have tech-savvy students put them together in the school’s computer lab.
Get Creative With Your Coach Gifts
Thanking your coach for his/her guidance, support and hard work doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Some meaningful gifts include an official team photo, framed and signed by each player, a special presentation to the coach or even a book with an individualized message from each student–these are much more personal and heartfelt and you won’t have to spend a fortune.
Think Outside The Box For Invites
Forego elaborate invitations and snail-mail postage and tap into the digital side! Create an Evite or Facebook event page to spread the word about your banquet and let your guests know their presence is requested. Not only will going virtual help you save paper, time and money, but it will also be easier for you to keep track of your RSVPs.
DIY Decorations/Gifts
From centerpieces to tablecloths, banquet decorations can add up. Your local dollar store can help cut costs on basic materials and party favors. Collect some old sports gear that’s not being used and then place them around the venue for a simple, yet creative touch.
Looking to have some fun and recognize the efforts of your team this season? The Italian Center Banquets offers three beautiful rooms to choose from, where we can customize the decor and space to fit any team’s liking within any budget. To learn more about all of the services we offer, or to plan your team’s next sports banquets, give us a call at 203-322-6950 or visit us on Facebook!