How gala tickets and tables work

Gala tickets work a little differently from concert tickets. Here's what to expect when you buy, and the questions worth asking first.

Individual tickets

Most public galas sell individual seats. The price usually covers the reception, dinner and the evening's program. Some galas are standing receptions with food stations rather than a seated dinner. The organizer's page will say which.

Tables

Tables, usually of eight or ten, are popular with companies and groups of friends. They often cost the same as the individual seats combined, sometimes with recognition in the program or on screen. If you're buying for a group, ask how seating is assigned and when guest names are due.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship packages bundle tickets with recognition and are priced well above a table. They're aimed at businesses. Because sponsors usually receive advertising or recognition, sponsorships are generally treated differently from donations for tax purposes. Ask the charity what kind of receipt, if any, it issues.

When galas sell out

Large hospital, symphony and opera galas can sell out weeks ahead, and tables often go first. Smaller community galas may sell seats until the week of the event. Many organizers keep a waitlist. galas.ca shows "sold out" or "waitlist" where the organizer has published it.

What to ask before you buy

• What's included: dinner, drinks, entertainment, parking?
• Can dietary needs and allergies be accommodated?
• Is the venue accessible, and is there step-free access and accessible seating?
• What is the refund or transfer policy if you can't attend?
• Will the charity issue a tax receipt, and for how much? See gala tickets and tax receipts.

Buy from the organizer

Buy directly from the organizer or the ticketing service its own website links to. galas.ca doesn't sell tickets: every listing links to the organizer's page, so you can check the details at the source before you buy.