Behind the Scenes at a Lavish Gala — What It Takes To Pull Off a 1,000

G ala season in The Woodlands is back into high gear and The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel takes centerstage once again. The site of so many of major events and parties, this is the hub of The Woodlands’ social scene in many ways. But what does it take it pull off one of these packed galas?

Let’s take a rare behind-the-scenes look. We received unprecedented access to the backstage aspects of putting on a gala during the recent YES to Youth gala.

Gala after gala, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott staff delivers polished meals for crowds that often exceed 1,000 people. Pulling off a successful lunch or dinner at that scale requires a timing and precision that feels closer to choreography than catering.

And the Marriott’s staff customarily does it without missing a beat.

Guests arrive