How to Choose the Best Entertainment for Your Event
Have you been tasked with planning the next New Year’s Eve party or fall festival? If so, you know that party entertainment can make or break your event. That’s why it’s so critical to get an early start in order to land the best talent.
Read on to learn how to choose the best entertainment for your event!
Find Entertainment to Suit the Type of Event
Are you hosting an office holiday party? Or will the event be a multi-day outdoor musical festival in the middle of July? During the event planning process, determine the tone or the theme of your event first.
For a themed event, such as a country wedding, find a fun bluegrass band to suit the experience.
For a black-tie event, choose a singer capable of pulling off selections from Rosemary Clooney or Ella Fitzgerald. Or find a brass ensemble with an animated band leader at the helm.
Know Who Will Be Attending
Know your audience before settling on entertainment options. For an older crowd at a community concert, you may want to choose a band capable of playing jazz hits or classic rock.
For a family-friendly event, go with a magician or balloon artist.
Or for a more academic crowd, consider choosing a talented and educated speaker who can make science or psychology accessible. And if you lock in your event entertainment early enough, you can advertise it to invitees so they’ll be more likely to come!
Be Clear on Your Event Entertainment Budget
How much are you able to spend?
Before reaching out to any musicians or magicians, set a budget. Consider other costs, such as the venue rental, catering, decorations, and lighting.
If your event entertainment will be providing musical ambiance during a gala at an art museum, you might not need to spend as much. You could find a string quartet of local musicians willing to play for an hour for a few hundred dollars.
But for a larger festival where the entertainment is the focus, set the bar higher. Queue up a pricier headline act and recruit regional bands to play for the exposure — and a more modest paycheck.
Consider Including a Variety of Entertainment Options
You may need a few different types of party entertainment if you’re expecting a diverse crowd at a longer outdoor event. Offer blocks of time to comedians and juggling acts earlier in the day. Younger attendees may appreciate danceable music once the sun goes down.
A talent agency may be your easiest source when looking for event entertainment. They’ll have a roster of vetted options. And you’ll be able to learn rates and draw up a contract easily.
Find the Best Entertainment for Your Event
When you secure the best talent, you help elevate the quality of your event. Map out a budget and consider the tone or theme of the event. Then find the best entertainment options to keep your guests engaged.
Ready to find more event ideas? Check back for new articles soon.
