Choosing the right entertainment can be one of the most exciting—and daunting—parts of event planning. The performances you select will have a huge impact on the overall experience, shaping how your guests feel and what they remember. But with so many options available, how do you make sure you choose the entertainment that’s perfect for your event?
In this post, we’ll explore six key factors to consider when selecting entertainment, helping you make a thoughtful choice that aligns with your goals, your audience, and your venue.
1. Understand Your Audience
Your guests are at the heart of your event, so it’s essential to consider what kind of entertainment will resonate with them. Think about their interests, demographics, and the purpose of the event. The entertainment that works for a corporate conference might not be the right choice for a wedding, and vice versa.
- Corporate Events: For professional gatherings, you may want entertainment that’s impressive but not too distracting. Aerial performers, elegant live music, or tasteful magic acts can engage guests without taking away from the networking and business aspects.
- Weddings and Private Parties: For personal events, entertainment that adds to the celebratory atmosphere, like live bands, interactive performers, or ambient acts, can help create a more intimate and joyful mood.
- Festivals and Large Gatherings: For bigger crowds, high-energy performances like live music, fire dancers, or roaming entertainers will help maintain a lively atmosphere and keep guests engaged throughout the event.
2. Match the Entertainment to the Event Theme
The right entertainment should enhance your event’s theme, not clash with it. Think about how the performances can add to the overall atmosphere and create a cohesive experience for your guests.
- Elegant or Formal Events: Aerial artists, string quartets, or classical musicians can complement the atmosphere and add sophistication. You want acts that elevate the tone while fitting seamlessly into the setting.
- Playful or Casual Themes: Consider interactive performers like stilt walkers, jugglers, or magicians for a fun and light-hearted experience. These types of acts create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere and encourage guest interaction.
- Seasonal or Cultural Themes: If your event revolves around a specific cultural or seasonal theme, it’s important to choose entertainment that aligns with those values. For example, fire performers may add an exciting twist to summer festivals, while traditional dancers can complement cultural celebrations.
3. Consider Your Venue and Space Limitations
The size and layout of your venue will play a large role in determining what entertainment will work best. Some acts require a lot of space, while others can be performed in more confined settings.
- Ceiling Height: If you’re considering aerial acts or other high-flying performances, check the ceiling height of your venue to ensure it meets the requirements. Aerial silks and trapeze acts need ample space to perform safely, while acts like Lollipop Lyra can work with ceilings as low as 10 feet.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Outdoor venues offer more flexibility for large-scale performances like fire dancers, live music, or acrobatic acts. For indoor events, you’ll need to think about space constraints, noise restrictions, and how the entertainment will flow within a more confined environment.
- Stage Requirements: Many performers will need specific stage setups, especially for acts involving aerial or large equipment. Make sure you confirm what each act needs in terms of stage size, lighting, and sound.
4. Set the Tone for Your Event
The type of entertainment you choose should align with the tone and goals of your event. Are you aiming for high-energy fun, or a more subdued, elegant affair? Understanding the mood you want to create will help guide your entertainment choices.
- Networking and Corporate Events: Opt for entertainment that enhances, rather than overshadows, the main objectives of the event. Consider background music, ambient performers, or visually striking acts that provide a great talking point without dominating the room.
- Private Celebrations: Interactive acts like musicians, dancers, or aerial performers can encourage guests to let loose and enjoy themselves. These types of performances help break the ice and create lasting memories.
- Product Launches and Conferences: For events where making an impression is key, bold and exciting entertainment can help build energy and excitement. Think of eye-catching acts that will keep attendees talking about your event long after it ends.
5. Stay Within Your Budget
Entertainment is often one of the most memorable parts of an event, but it’s important to choose performances that fit within your budget. Fortunately, there are options for every price range, so you can create a great experience without overspending.
- Set Priorities: Identify which parts of your event you want to stand out the most. If entertainment is a top priority, allocate a larger portion of your budget toward it. For example, you may want to spend more on a live band or aerial performance for a big reveal or a key moment in the event.
- Scaleable Performances: Many types of entertainment, such as live bands, circus performers, or DJs, can be scaled up or down depending on your budget. If you’re working with a smaller budget, consider fewer performers or a shorter performance duration to maximize impact.
6. Consult with Entertainment Experts
Entertainment companies and event planners are invaluable resources when it comes to selecting the right performances for your event. They can guide you toward acts that fit your theme, audience, and budget while ensuring all technical and logistical requirements are met. Plus, their expertise in timing and flow management can help you plan how entertainment fits into your event schedule, ensuring a seamless experience for your guests.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right entertainment is about more than just picking something that looks fun—it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your audience, fits your theme, and enhances the overall atmosphere of your event. By considering your audience, venue, budget, and the tone of your event, you’ll be able to select entertainment that makes a lasting impression on your guests.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, don’t hesitate to consult with entertainment professionals who can help tailor their offerings to your specific needs and vision. With the right entertainment, your event will stand out for all the right reasons.