When we start event planning, we all have the same goal. We want to throw an awesome party. One that has everyone laughing, talking, dancing and making memories that last a lifetime. No pressure, right? We’ve got some event entertainment tips so that you can hire the right entertainers for your party.
Identify the experience you want to create
Close your eyes and imagine it. When you picture the height of your party, what does it feel like? Is it a formal, elegant affair? Is it a jam-packed dance floor? Is it a cool, sophisticated cocktail party?
Perhaps you plan to have an interactive experience for your guests. Or you want something subtle and subdued that allows people to mingle and network.
Ask around and read reviews
Now that you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to do a little more research on your potential performers. Now is the time to start reading up on reviews. The Knot, Wedding Wire and Facebook are all great places to see what people are saying.
We also recommend asking your venue, event planner and friends who they recommend. In some cases, your venue may only allow previously approved entertainers who pass their standards for professionalism and quality.
Ask the right questions
Once you’ve established the experience you are trying to create, it’s time to reach out to the entertainers 
that will shape that vibe. But how do you make sure you are working with the right person? We recommend interviewing your entertainers (or booking company) to make sure they are the right fit for your party. Here are some questions we recommend:
- How long has the band/group been established?
- How many members of the band/group are there?
- Is there a lot of turnover within the band/group?
- When was the last time a band member left the group?
- How frequently does the band/group perform for events similar to yours?
- Is the band/group/production company familiar with your venue?
- Are there any technical requirements that the band/group has, in order to perform?
- Will there be anyone on-site to help if there are technical issues with the sound and/or performance?
Book your event entertainer
You followed our event entertainment tips and found the perfect entertainer (or entertainers). Now it’s time to get down to business. In most cases you will have to put down a deposit and sign a contract to lock your performers in. If you’re working through an event or wedding planner, they will help you with this process.
Once you receive the entertainer’s contract, you typically have to sign and submit your deposit by a certain day. If you aren’t able to send back this information right away, so make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t lose your entertainer.
Did these event entertainment tips help you? Do you have any of your own? Leave them in the comments!
Wow, it’s cool that this article talked about event entertainers since the holiday season is around and a lot of parties is coming up, this article is very timely to discuss. I’ve been asked to plan an event for our office Christmas party, so this article really helped me a lot. It’s important to learn about the performer’s experience and better check their reviews online to see their effectiveness with engaging the party. It’ll be helpful to learn about their experience and years in the service, I would also like to add that we should consider knowing the varieties of songs. Make sure that you are hiring a performer that could meet the music taste of your guests, so better check the ages of your guests and consider choosing regarding the majority of your guests’ types.
I like that you mentioned getting referrals from friends. My dad is looking to get some royal entertainment but needs tips. I’ll be sure to talk to him about getting referrals to find the right professional company for him.
Thanks for these tips for entertainment at an event. I’m really glad that you talked about asking the entertainers questions, like what the technical requirements are for them to perform. This seems like a great way to know exactly what will need to be done prior to the event to make sure that it proceeds smoothly.
Wow, it’s interesting that you mentioned interviewing your entertainers to make sure they are the right fit for your party. My roommate is looking to get a party hire for his brother who is getting married next month. I’ll be sure to talk to him about making sure the professional he hires is the right fit for the party.
Thanks for sharing such amazing tips. These tips would really help in choosing the perfect entertainer for an event.
My cousin is getting married later this year, so he is thinking about hiring an event planner to help coordinate the reception. I like your point about looking online for reviews to help narrow down your search. I’ll be sure to recommend he do this so that he can find a wedding coordinator soon.
I like the idea of asking your friends and chosen venue for recommendations in finding a performer for your event. My cousin mentioned that he’s planning a wedding anniversary for his parents. He wants a band who can play all genre to ensure everyone will be able to enjoy the party. I’ll suggest that he can ask around his friends or chosen venue if they can recommend a professional and experienced party band.