Hiring entertainment for your event can seem like a struggle but it doesn’t have to be. It’s natural to stress over all aspects of an event but if you follow these five basic event planning rules, you’ll be a brilliant event planner in no time! So whether it’s your first time booking entertainment for an event or you’re an old hand, here are a few tips that it’s always worth remembering.
Make a List of Entertainment Ideas
This one just makes sense, right? Always make a list of the entertainment ideas you have in mind for your party or event so that you don’t get sidetracked when perusing all of our pages! There are a lot of superb entertainment acts out there but not all of them will be suitable for your special event. As such, it’s best for event planners make a list of the sort of thing you’re looking for even if you have quite a broad spectrum of what it is you’re after (e.g. a strolling act).
Know the Trends
One of the most important things about being an event planner is that you need to know what is available on the market. After making your list of entertainment ideas, it’s now time to look out for any other acts the people seem to be excited about and consider the date as well. October? Hallowe’en entertainment might be nice. December? That screams Christmas to us! Like any industry, events go through trends and it’s important to be on the ball to ensure that you’re getting what you pay for in terms of the latest exciting entertainment act.
Budget Wisely
Decide on a budget far in advance of when you sit down to allocate the funds to each part of your event or wedding. Entertainment can be pricey, as can each part of event planning, but shrewd event planners are the ones who do not waver from their initial costings and ensure that they are getting a good deal. Musicians in particular vary widely in price but rest assured we only work with the very best acts who have passed our auditions process.
Give Yourself Some Time
People like to plan early so don’t leave it until the last minute before booking the entertainment for your event. Some of the most popular acts like Wandering Hands are already being requested by event planners for weddings late in 2019, so don’t delay if there’s a piece of entertainment you just have to have! It’s better to book sooner rather than later as this also gives time to deal with any possible song requests or dealing with venue difficulties like sound limiters.
Think About Everything Else
Well, once you’ve booked the entertainment for your party, it’s time to focus on other things. Event planning is all about juggling tasks and assigning time to each of them. Once your entertainment is booked, start thinking about how to improve your venue by picking a nice theme. Then onto the catering and flowers. It feels like it’s never ending but it doesn’t have to be. So book your entertainment early and then allow yourself some time to think about everything else. Booking through an entertainment supplier certainly gives yourself some piece of mind too as we may well be able to aid in the other areas and should an unforeseen problem occur with your choice act, we will always provide a replacement at no extra cost. Wahey!
To steal a slogan from Flash!, we do the hard work so you don’t have to! Incidentally, if you’re looking to book entertainment in London, you might wish to try our sister agency Sternberg Clarke.