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Hire the right performer with these event entertainment tips

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

Band performing for live audienceClose 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 Event entertainment tips - interview your band. Two people interviewing over coffee.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!

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Three fun, unique wedding entertainment ideas

So you’re planning your wedding, scouring Pinterest and considering venues. But all these traditions are starting to feel.. well… ho-hum. The processional, the cocktail hour, the reception. All these “top 100 songs to play” playlists are all starting to sound the same and none of it feels like you.

So how do you break out of the box and plan a wedding to remember for decades? The easiest way is to mix up your wedding entertainers.

Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of your wedding entertainment – no matter how big or small your guest list is:

Complement your music with entertainers

You already know you are going to have music for your cocktail hour and reception. But there are so many different types of entertainers that can add an extra “wow” factor, like professional dancers or  fire performers. You could also hire champagne servers to greet your guests so they can mingle, rather than lining up at the bar.

Create an interactive experience

dance instructors as wedding entertainment

If you want to get people on the floor, there’s no better way than with interactive entertainers. If you have a Latin band playing, also consider salsa dancers. After a quick performance, they can open up the dance floor by engaging your guests with mini dance classes.  Good entertainers will be able to pull people onto the floor without making them uncomfortable.

 

Honor your heritage with your wedding entertainers

Bride and Groom celebrating with mariachi wedding entertainment in the backgroundWe have a strong Latino community here in South Florida, and we find that many people want to honor their heritage beyond just music.

For example, you could hire a Cuban band with salsa dancers and a cigar roller. Or maybe you want to surprise your guests with an Hora Loca show or Venezuelan tambores.

Bottom line

Between music, dancers and entertainers, there are many different ways to spice up your wedding reception. If you’re looking for more unique, fun ideas to create an extra “wow” factor during your wedding, Al-Vento is here to help!

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5 things to consider before hiring your wedding entertainment

You’re engaged! You’re probably feeling all kinds of emotions – excitement, nervous and overwhelmed by all the wedding planning. Who knew how much time and effort would go into planning your big day? Hiring your wedding entertainment doesn’t have to be that hard.

So before you pour yourself a glass of wine and contemplate eloping, check out our top 5 things to consider before you hire your wedding musicians:

Establish your wedding budget

If you aren’t sure how to get started, The Knot and Wedding Wire both have great resources for budgeting. As a rule of thumb, you want to spend about 8 – 10% of your wedding budget on musicians. This includes your ceremony music, cocktail hour music and reception music.

Accommodate for your wedding and reception venue(s)

Bride and Groom saying vows with wedding decor in foreground

Image courtesy of Manolo Doreste.

Every wedding is different. You may have your wedding and reception at the same venue, or you may not. Your wedding and/or reception may be outside or you could be celebrating in a small, intimate setting. All of these things impact how many musicians you will want to hire – too many and you could overwhelm your guests. Too few and the sound may come out hollow.

If you’re planning a religious ceremony, this may impact the type of ceremony musicians that you have, as your venue may have certain restrictions on the number of musicians or the types of instruments.

Make sure your wedding music fits with your theme

You may or may not have a structured wedding theme. But you at least have a feel for what kind of wedding you want. Is it a fast-paced, up-tempo wedding? Then a live wedding band might be your choice. Maybe you want something more low-key and romantic. In that case you may want to hire classical musicians or a jazz band.

Don’t forget about your ceremony music

String musician providing wedding entertainment by playing the violin during a ceremony

Usually when you think about wedding music or wedding bands, you immediately think of the reception. You start planning what songs you want to hear over cocktail hour, and what songs will get your guests on the dance floor during the reception. You also probably think about your first dance, the father/daughter dance and mother/son dance (if you choose to partake in those traditions).

But don’t forget about your ceremony music. Whether you choose a traditional processional or something out-of-the-box, you will either need to hire musicians or a DJ.

Don’t be afraid to break out of the box with your wedding entertainment

Weddings tend to carry a lot of traditions. But this is your day, and your wedding should reflect that. We’ve seen weddings where the bride and groom chose a fast song for their first dance, or invited their guests to join them on the dance floor. Some couples choose to celebrate their heritage by hiring a Samba band and Samba dancers, or a Cuban roots band and cigar rollers.

Remember, as long as your wedding entertainment makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Just because it’s not the traditional DJ or cover band doesn’t mean it’s not an option.

Bottom Line

Choosing your wedding entertainment takes time, but it’s not as intimidating as you think. Once you establish your budget and your theme, you’ll find that most of your wedding details will start to fall into place – including the entertainment.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider working with an event entertainment production company like Al-Vento Entertainment. These types of businesses generally work with a variety of musicians and entertainers which means they’ve vetted these musicians for quality and professionalism.

Event entertainment production companies are also experts in working with different venues. They will work hand-in-hand with you to understand your vision and execute it flawlessly on your big day. With them working on the details, you have the time to relax and enjoy your day.

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