How to Choose the Right Entertainment for Your Event
1. 🎯 Clarify the Purpose & Vibe of the Event
Start here. You wouldn’t hire a fire juggler for a corporate strategy launch… (unless your boss is secretly a circus fan—then we chat 😄).
Ask:
Is the event formal, fun, inspiring, or laid-back?
What emotion do you want people to leave with? Energized? Moved? Laughing?
Is there a specific theme? (e.g., 1920s Gatsby, Tropical Luau, Elegant Gala)
Entertainment should complement, not confuse, the tone.
2. 👥 Know Your Audience
Tailor entertainment to your guests:
Kids & Families: Magicians, face painters, puppeteers, balloon artists
Teens: TikTok-style dance zones, DJs, interactive games
Adults: Live bands, comedians, casino tables, mixologists, karaoke
Corporate: Motivational speakers, acoustic duos, mentalists, roving acts
Weddings: String quartet for the ceremony, live band or DJ for the dance floor, photobooths for the ‘gram
The goal is to engage, not alienate.
3. 📍 Consider the Venue
Your entertainment must fit the space—literally and atmospherically.
Is there a stage or dance floor?
Are there sound restrictions (especially outdoors)?
Is there enough space and electricity for lights, tech, or gear?
Is it an indoor elegant venue or an open-air picnic-style setting?
No point hiring a 12-piece band for a rooftop the size of your kitchen.
4. 🗓️ Timing is Everything
Different types of entertainment suit different event phases:
Event Phase Entertainment Ideas
Arrival Live instrumentalist, harpist, or saxophone
Cocktail Hour Acoustic sets, roaming magician, jazz trio
Dinner Subtle background music, cultural dancers
After Dinner DJ, live band, dance show, fire performance
Late Night Silent disco, karaoke, gaming lounge
Layer your entertainment like a playlist. Build up to the high energy!
5. 💸 Budget Like a Boss
Entertainment can range from a R1,000 DJ to a R100,000 headline act. So:
Know your limits and allocate realistically.
Don’t forget setup fees, transport, equipment hire, and possibly licensing.
Ask: Do they bring their own sound system? Do they need meals?
TIP: One incredible act beats five mediocre ones.
6. 🧠 Check Their Credentials
Watch videos or attend a live performance if possible.
Read reviews or get referrals.
Ask what they do in emergencies (sick days, power outages, etc.)
Review their contract—especially cancellation policies.
No flaky flautists allowed.
7. 🎉 Add a Touch of the Unexpected
Want to surprise and delight?
Flash mobs
Singing waiters
Aerial performers (if your ceiling’s feeling brave)
Celebrity impersonators
Live art (caricatures, speed painting)
People love an unexpected twist they can talk about later.
8. 🪩 Don't Forget the Interactive Fun
Let guests be part of the entertainment:
Photo booth with props
Dance-offs
Games or trivia rounds
DIY cocktail/mocktail stations
Henna, glitter bar, or tattoo artist
Participation = memories.