How to Make Your Awards Night, Gala Dinner or Black-Tie Event Feel Like a Big Deal

Champagne. A red carpet. An evening that sparkles. If you're organising an awards night, corporate event or gala dinner in the South West, chances are you want it to feel like more than just another function. You want glamour, atmosphere - a sense that something special is happening.

Whether it’s a corporate celebration, charity fundraiser, or community gala, making it memorable comes down to a handful of smart choices. From the venue to the dinner menu, from timings to entertainment, every detail comes together to shape a lasting impression.

Your Venue, Your Vision

First things first: the setting. In the South West, you’re spoiled for choice with venues that range from luxurious coastal hotels to rustic barns and grand historic halls.

Ask yourself: do you want a sleek, modern vibe, or something full of character and warmth? Also, think logistics - how easy is parking, how close is accommodation, and is the space suitable for staging, AV and (of course) live music?

Details That Dazzle

Music does a lot of the heavy lifting, but it isn’t the only thing guests notice. Clever lighting, unique staging, or even a dramatic entrance can turn a room from “nice” into “spectacular.” Think uplighters to frame the stage, a spotlight for winners collecting their award, or even a branded photo backdrop so every picture feels like it belongs on a red carpet. It’s these little touches that make the evening feel polished, elevated, and cohesive.

Feast, Fizz, and Flow

Your dinner is more than just a meal - it’s an experience. Whether it’s a fine-dining three-course menu or sharing platters, keep it high quality and well-paced. If you’re aiming for a lively atmosphere later, a light dessert (like fruit or meringue) will keep people fuelled for dancing.

And yes, people will always remember if the drinks run dry, so work closely with the venue or caterers to ensure service feels seamless.

Timing Is Everything

Nothing kills an event like long pauses or awkward gaps. Build buffer time between courses, speeches, and awards, but keep things moving. Work with your MC or host to ensure the evening feels slick and engaging.

Little Touches, Big Impact

Beyond dinner and dancing, people love a moment that breaks up the format. Charity raffles, interactive games, or a photo booth all add another layer of fun. For corporate awards, some companies even weave in short video highlights or sponsored shout-outs. Done right, these touches don’t slow the night down - they give it variety and keep the momentum flowing between the main parts of the evening.

And here’s where the live entertainment comes in...

From Dinner to Dance Floor

Here’s how to use function music to make your night feel like a major event - from smooth background sets during dinner to high-energy after-parties that’ll have people throwing shapes in black tie and ballgowns.

Think of music as your event’s emotional lighting. From the second guests arrive, it sets the mood. A Somerset function band offering stripped-back acoustic sets or a Devon party band providing smooth background music can help keep things warm, sophisticated, and inviting, without stealing the spotlight.

Score the Big Moments

For the awards portion, don’t underestimate how much music matters. Walk-on songs, announcement stings, or even improvised saxophone between categories keep the atmosphere buoyant and professional. It’s music for award ceremonies that turn polite applause into a true “Oscar-worthy moment”.

Pro tip: A live saxophonist or keys player can improvise between announcements - no awkward silences or flat applause.

Time to Let Loose

The awards have finished. The speeches are done. Now comes the real fun.

Once the formalities are over, the festivities can begin. A full-function band flips the mood instantly, and this is where the magic happens. Whether you hire a Devon party band with a full brass section, or a Cornwall function band with soaring female vocals, you want music that fills the floor and leaves everyone elated as they head home.

All FPM bands provide DJ sets between their live sets, meaning the dance floor never goes quiet.

Perfect Musical Match

Not every event calls for an eight-piece spectacle. Sometimes a trio or an acoustic setup is all you need. That’s why we offer bands that adapt to your space, budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. From background music for functions to full-scale party bands, you’ll always get the same professionalism and quality.

The Soundtrack to Your South West Celebration

Whether you’re looking for music for dinner parties, atmospheric acoustic tunes for functions, or an unforgettable band that'll get your guests dancing long after the final award, we’ve got you covered.

From luxurious hotels in South Devon to striking venues in Bristol's city centre, FPM Music Management has delivered exceptional awards night music to clients across the South West.

Let’s make your next event feel like a really big deal.

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FAQs: Your Awards Night or Gala Dinner Questions, Answered

What’s the best timing for live music at an awards night?

We recommend starting with background music during guest arrival and dinner, then ramping things up after the awards ceremony. Based on our experience, having the live sets from 9:00–10:00 pm and again from 10:30–11:30 pm works best, keeping the evening's flow natural and giving guests something fresh to enjoy at every stage.

How far in advance should you book music for an awards night or gala dinner?

Here’s a question we get a lot, and the short answer - as early as possible. The most in-demand South West function bands often get snapped up twelve to eighteen months ahead of time, especially during peak season. Even if you’re still finalising the venue, pencilling in entertainment early means one less thing to worry about.

Should I choose live music or a DJ for an awards night?

Both can work, but nothing beats the dynamic energy of a live function band. Many bands (including FPM artists) also include complimentary DJ sets, giving you the best of both worlds.

How do I make sure the event runs smoothly?

Careful planning is key. Build in buffer time between courses, speeches, and awards to prevent things from overrunning, and coordinate closely with your MC, band, and caterers so everyone's on the same page. The smoother the flow, the more polished the evening will feel.

What type of music works best during dinner?

For seated meals, subtle background music for dinner parties works best. Acoustic covers, light jazz, or stripped-back pop keep the ambience lively without competing with conversation.

Do I need to provide food and drinks for the band?

It’s always a good idea. A well-fed band means performance levels stay high, especially for long evenings with multiple sets. Most venues in the South West are used to accommodating performers.

How do I choose the right-sized band for my event?

It depends on your budget, venue size, and the atmosphere you want to create. A trio or quartet works beautifully for elegant background music, while a six- to eight-piece band with brass would be perfect for a big after-party.

Can a band customise their set for an awards ceremony?

Yes. Many function bands will tailor their setlist to suit the occasion or brief, from walk-on stings for winners to specific playlist requests for the dance floor. At FPM Music Management, we'll work with you to perfect every detail - turning every musical moment into a highlight of your event.