Providing entertainment that leaves a lasting impression is one of the best ways to make any event stand out. Undoubtedly, having numerous options available is advantageous when selecting who to hire. However, where do you start? Learning how to choose live entertainment for your next event is made easy if you follow these steps.
1. Determine the Event Type and Theme
The first thing to consider is the type of event being hosted. Is it a gathering of family members and friends to celebrate a special occasion? Or, is it a corporate event? Weddings, birthday parties, business/charity galas, festivals… all of these revolve around a specific purpose.
This purpose should help you determine if there is a distinct theme or atmosphere you wish to create. Once this is known, you can hire the right entertainment to better accommodate the setting and occasion.
2. Attendee Demographics
Next, it’s important to consider who the event is being tailored to. Who are the guests? Is the event being held to honor anyone in particular? Is it open to all ages or will it be adults-only?
Do those attending have something in common such as interests, passions, or activities? Offering entertainment that aligns with what your guests enjoy will make them feel appreciated and valued.
3. Set a Budget
You may not want to set a budget but it’s an important factor in the planning stages! Having a budget will help narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Consider the costs related to the entire evening. Entertainment will only make up a fraction of the overall budget. The venue, decorations, food, and much more will also need to be included in the budget calculations.
Once these costs have been assessed, how much of the budget is left? Will there be an adequate amount of funding for entertainment? Remember, there may be extra costs associated with the live entertainment depending on who and/or what is booked. For example, performance fees and travel expenses may also need to be factored in.
4. Consider the Venue
Before exploring the most budget-friendly entertainment options, a discussion should be had with the selected venue. Depending on its size and location, there may be restrictions regarding what forms of entertainment are permitted.
They may also have limitations to what they offer as technical solutions. Bands and performers have different needs but most require an adequate technological set-up. Whether for mics, speakers, instruments/accessories, and more. Therefore, this is a detail that should not be overlooked.
5. Explore Options
Depending on the event, the selected theme, and the guestlist, some options may instantly be taken out of the running. However, with so many live entertainment possibilities, there is definitely something customizable for your event!
This is why you can never go wrong with live bands, including live cover bands. Since they offer an array of music genres, every guest will be pleased with the performances.
It is wise to remember that the availability of entertainment is a factor that is often out of your control. Booking their services as soon as possible is always advised. But, there are a few more steps to take before officially doing so.
6. Check Reviews
Instantly booking whichever service is available can be quite tempting. No one wants to miss their opportunity! However, before doing so, conduct a bit of research. This step will save you from possible future headaches, ensuring you will have a professional experience without any surprises.
It may not be possible to witness them at a live event beforehand. But, there are other ways of learning more about who you want to hire. Looking at online reviews from past clients is one way of accomplishing this. In this day and age, a quick look at their online presence can give great insight.
7. Communicate
On that note, it’s time to contact the service provider! Trusted live entertainment providers usually make it very simple to contact them. Many request information about the event (date and time, location, public versus private event, etc).
Additionally, they may wish to know more about your expectations and if you have any special requests for the entertainers. Be clear and open about what you want from their services throughout the event. If you have any concerns, now is the time to address them. To prevent misunderstandings, it’s best to be on the same page throughout the booking and planning stages.
If you plan on hiring more than one entertainment service, it should be known by all involved for the sake of keeping the event running smoothly. This includes the schedule of performances and who/what is involved. This should be included in the contract along with other important details such as payment terms and the cancellation policy. Once this is done, the only thing left to do is enjoy the event!
The Best Live Entertainment For Your Event Is Here!
By following these steps, you are sure to choose the perfect live entertainment to make your next event a success. To book the best live bands for your next event, contact Magnificent Events and Entertainment! Our elite talent has performed in more than thirteen countries and thirty-four states, creating special memories for all who attend.
Regardless of your entertainment needs, we’ll ensure guests talk about their experience for years to come with our customizable shows. We work with talent in almost every genre. This guarantees that the Magnificent Events & Entertainment team can provide the event with exactly what you need.
For more information or to book us for your next event, email us at inquiry@magevents.com. You may also call us at 815-230-3770 for our branch in Chicago. Or, 480-716-0400 to reach us at our Arizona location.
