From Cheers to Cheers: Cheer Banquet Must-Haves

Planning a cheer banquet is the ultimate way to celebrate your squad’s dedication, energy, and accomplishments. From sparkling decorations to memorable awards, every detail can make the night special. Here’s how to create an unforgettable event with help from Cheddar Up to simplify the process.

Cheer Banquet Must-Haves

Setting the Scene

Ambiance

Transform the venue into a cheer-filled wonderland with team colors, glittery streamers, and festive balloons. Add a photo wall with fun props for Instagram-worthy moments. Simple centerpieces — like pom-poms in vases or mini trophies — tie everything together.

Venue

Choose a spot that suits your team’s style and size. A local banquet hall, a decked-out gym, or an outdoor pavilion are all great options.

Decorations

Go bold with banners, balloons, and streamers in team colors. Glittery tablecloths and fairy lights add sparkle, while a custom team banner or sign creates a personal touch.

Lighting

Use spotlights to highlight the stage, awards table, or photo booth. String lights or lanterns can give the room a cozy, celebratory vibe.

Music

Keep energy high with a playlist of pump-up songs or hire a DJ to handle the tunes. Let team members contribute to the playlist for a personalized touch.

Cheer Banquet Awards

Awards are a key part of celebrating the squad’s achievements. Here are a few ideas for categories:

MVP (Most Valuable Player)

Honoring the cheerleader who goes above and beyond.

Best Stunt

Celebrating standout stunting skills.

Spirit Award

For the squad member who radiates positivity and enthusiasm.

Most Improved

Recognizing growth and development.

Best Tumbling

Highlighting top tumbling talent.

Leadership Award

Honoring the cheerleader who leads by example.

Rookie of the Year

Spotlighting a standout newcomer.

Award time!

Make the awards even more meaningful by personalizing them with the recipient’s name and a brief description of their achievement.

Capturing the Moments

Cheer banquets are all about making and preserving memories. Here are creative ways to ensure every moment is cherished:

DIY Photo Booth

Set up a booth with props like oversized sunglasses, boas, and team-themed signs. A custom backdrop with your team logo and colors makes every snap picture perfect.

Memory Wall

Create a display of photos, notes, and mementos from the season. At the end of the night, let everyone take a piece home as a keepsake.

Custom Party Favors

Personalized items like engraved bracelets, photo albums, or water bottles with names and team logos are thoughtful and practical souvenirs.

Cheer Coach Gifts

A banquet is a great time to celebrate your cheer coach for all their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Check out these thoughtful cheer coach gift ideas to make them feel appreciated.

Slideshow

Pair candid and action photos with music to tell the story of the season. It’s a heartwarming way to showcase the team’s journey.

Ready to plan your cheer banquet? Get started with Cheddar Up’s Cheer Banquet template.

cheer banquet template

How Cheddar Up Simplifies Cheer Banquet Planning

Coordinating a cheer banquet can be difficult, but Cheddar Up makes it easy to manage the details. Here’s how:

Effortless Collections

Whether it’s funds for the venue, decorations, or catering, Cheddar Up lets you collect payments online. No chasing down checks or cash — everything is secure and streamlined.

Volunteer Sign-Ups

Need extra hands for set up, decorations, or food service? Create a sign-up sheet where parents or teammates can select roles and shifts, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Organize Award Nominations

Let teammates nominate or vote for award winners through Cheddar Up. It’s private, organized, and easy to tally the results.

Share Event Details

Communicate all the essentials — date, time, dress code, and location — via a unique URL or QR code. Everyone stays informed and stress-free.

Accept Donations

Need to fundraise for the banquet? Share your Cheddar Up link with supporters, and watch the contributions roll in.

Before you go

Take your cheer banquet to the next level with these ideas and Cheddar Up’s easy-to-use tools. Start planning today — your team deserves a celebration as unforgettable as they are!

Collect for FREE

Whether you’re collecting dues and fees, fundraising, managing an event, creating a sign up, or selling something online or in-person, you can do it with a Cheddar Up collection.