Everyone loves a night at the movies – but between the high cost of tickets, inflated concession prices and the variety of “premium” movie theater experiences available, it can be an expensive proposition. A family of four could easily expect to spend close to $200 before the night is over at a conventional movie theater, which is far from pocket change for most people. If you have younger children or a large group of family and friend who would like to attend with you, seeing movies in the theater may not be an ideal situation.

This is where hosting your own backyard screening party can help. You can make the movie night a low-cost social affair for all ages without having to leave the comfort of your own home. To ensure that your party is a hit, consider the following ideas:

Invest in a quality projector and screen
To host a backyard movie screening, you really only need two things: a projector and a screen. While full-sized projector screens are available commercially – including custom backdrops offered by Sign Art Etc – a heavy duty white sheet canvas painter’s drop cloth can be a great cost-effective solution. Opt for something sturdy that won’t blow in the breeze, and the more opaque the better. String it up tightly in between two trees or place temporary stabilizing poles in the yard.

Projectors come in a variety of different price ranges and configurations and are often available for cheap on sites like eBay and Craigslist. When shopping for a projector, don’t forget the sound component of the screening. Many projectors may have built in speakers, but these may not be loud enough. If you know anyone who is a DJ or musician, see if they can lend or rent you a portable PA system to fill out the sound.

Invest in a high quality projector.

One of the best solutions is to find a projector that can connect to a laptop, making it easier to screen films – even YouTube videos – directly from your computer. Whatever you opt for, be sure you have the right connections and do a test run BEFORE you throw the party.

Pick your movie (carefully)
Since these events are more social than your traditional night at the movies, give some thought to a movie that may have a broader appeal to people of all ages. Something with excessive violence, profanity or sexuality may make for an uncomfortable time – particularly if you can hear or see what’s going on on-screen outside of your yard! Instead, why not go with a classic favorite with a PG or PG-13 rating (which may still include some off-color language or themes, but in a more limited capacity)? Babble recommends movies like Babe, Annie, The Goonies, The Princess Bride, Napoleon Dynamite or anything produced by Dreamworks or Pixar.

Tell the neighbors… or better yet, invite them!
Backyard parties of all kinds can be tricky since you don’t want to disturb sensitive neighbors, particularly after sundown. Make sure you obtain any relevant permits from county (including exclusion from noise ordinances) and tell your neighbors about the party well ahead of time. Even better, offer them an invitation!

Drizzle on the chocolate for a sweet sensation!

Don’t forget snacks! 
Snacks are essential aspects of movie watching, but are often give an insanely high markup in theaters. Luckily, at home you can prepare the same caliber of refreshments – if not better – than in the theater for a fraction of the price. Obviously, the staples of popcorn and soda are a good place to start, but why not spice it up a bit? Add a shake of sugar and salt to your popcorn to make a sweet, savory kettle corn treat – or drizzle some chocolate or caramel over it for something more decadent. Finger foods like chips and dip, cut vegetables or baby carrots are great for people looking for something more health conscious. Alternatively, you can make the party a hybrid barbecue and screening, with grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and other tasty treats available before it gets dark out.

Make it an event
Up the glitz and glamor of your party by giving it a classy red carpet theme! Send out “formal” invitations, encourage your guests to dress up like their favorite Hollywood celebs, even give out handmade “awards” to make it more fun than just sitting and watching a film. Add in a custom step and repeat backdrop for pictures and your screening will be the hit of the season!

Planning a fundraising gala is a balancing act. You want to make your event seem lavish and fun, but the overriding goal is to generate revenue for your cause. To ensure that your event is a hit with guests while earning the highest net funds, follow these simple tips:

Don’t limit donations to just cash, accept check or credit if you can!

Feed your audience early and often
Your gala guests are more likely to have fun and reach more readily into their pocketbooks if they’re fed. Often, event planners will put the bulk of speeches and entertainment up front to capture the most eyes and ears, but you’re more likely to keep your guests longer if they aren’t hungry. Keeping small plate dishes around or a self-serve entree bar can be an easy way to allow guests to eat at their own pace.

Make your donation ask early and make it simple to give
Constantly bringing up throughout the night that you are accepting donations can get a little tacky and turn your guests off. Asking at the end of the night may be similarly ineffective since guests are tired or have already left. Instead, start the evening with a clear declaration of what you are raising money for, and direct your guests to a simple location that will be staffed all night with people ready to accept their donation. Offer to accept cash, check or credit with the ability to give receipts for guests looking to claim the donation on their tax returns.

Come up with an appealing theme 
Attracting the optimal crowd is about making your event seem like a “can’t miss” destination. Try giving your gala a red carpet theme to make your guests feel like big-shots – complete with a backdrop for faux paparazzi glamour shots.

To design and order a custom backdrop that will bring in sponsorship revenue and give your event that red carpet atmosphere, visit Sign Art Etc.