Choosing Wedding Entertainment for Your Reception

So you've just got engaged! It's now time for the excitement to begin. You've got a wedding to plan! At this point you've probably got a lot of questions running through your mind. Where do you begin? What questions should I ask vendors? Where am I going to get the money? Wait, how much money are we talking about? On the contrary to what most couples believe, wedding planning can actually be fun. With proper planning and allocated time to complete it you can create your truly unique and exciting Chicago Wedding reception.

When it comes to the entertainment portion of your reception this should be treated with care as with all your other very important wedding details. The entertainment seems to be one of, if not the most important components to a reception. Sure, the food, decorations, and socialization are very important but without entertainment, these events would take on an entirely different personality.

For affairs that are focuses around the entertainment, or at least ones where it is responsible for a major role in the success or failure of the event, some serious considerations must be taken when hiring the right entertainment.

Will you find the right entertainment by hiring the one that answers the phone first or the one that has the lowest price or would you select one just because they live in your hometown? These are actually several things you should consider before selecting your entertainer:

1. Is the entertainer experienced in providing services for your event type? This question can't just be answered in a yes or no question either. You'll want someone who knows the ropes. How much experience do you want your entertainer to have? Consider getting a list of references from previous clients.


2. Who will actually be the entertainer at your event? Often times with larger multi-operational companies you won't actually know who your entertainer is until that night. Is this something you're willing to accept? Always ask this question when shopping for entertainment and make sure it's laid out clear and concise in your contract.


3. What type of equipment do you deserve to have at your event? Imagine not being able to understand announcements or even worse hearing a hiss or buzz during your event. Imagine having part of your beautifully decorated event contain an eyesore of wires and beat up equipment. Another important face is just because an entertainer charges top dollar doesn't always mean they'll bring top dollar equipment to your event. Getting a picture of their setup is a must!


4. What additional services are included other than just playing music? Will you need a master of ceremonies (emcee) at your event, a coordinator, or even someone to interact and participate with your crowd? Is your entertainer willing to step up to the plate and deliver those services? These can be important things to ask before your event. You'd hate to hire an entertainer who can't entertain.


5. Is your entertainer and elegant public speaker? Do they speak in complete sentences without stuttering and using um and uh? Public speaking is said to be one of the number one fears in the United States. If someone isn't good at speaking in person odds are they won't be able to speak in front of your crowd. This is a very important aspect of the entertainer can be over looked.


6. Is backup equipment provided and immediately available? As you know all electronics are man-made and with all man-made products they can fail. So it's important that your entertainer have not only backup equipment but also a backup plan. Ask your entertainer for their backup plan.


7. What happens if the entertainer is ill or otherwise cannot attend your event? These details should be laid out in a written contract form with EVERY service provider. Always lay these things out prior to your event to prevent any situations later on.


8. Is your entertainer insured? Every legitimate business has insurance. This may not seem important upfront, but heaven forbid something were to happen at your event. Are you willing to hire an entertainer without it? Ask your entertainer for his proof of property AND liability insurance.


9. Are there any hidden additional charges or expected necessities from your entertainer? For example, are you required to pay a service charge for stairs at the reception hall? Or are you required to pay for their dinner? Will they need to take smoke breaks? If you're entertainer doesn't cover these issues in their sales pitch perhaps you should ask them.


10. How much input will you be able to give on your music selection? This can also be a very important question when you're shopping for entertainment. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences when it comes to music. Will your entertainer be able to cater to those tastes or will they stick to their own routine. Also does your entertainer offer online music planning?

With so much riding on the success of your event your entertainment should never be over looked. There should be several factors that come into play rather than just price when shopping for your wedding entertainment. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions as the entertainment will have a direct impact on the entire success of your reception.

Stevie Dee works for Operation Getdown DJs. His company provides DJs and lighting for Chicago wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about the services we offer. Chicago DJ Blog or Chicagoland DJs

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How to Select the Right Children's Magician For Your Event

While magic shows for children are often associated with private birthday parties, more and more event organizers are searching for a children's magician to perform at their function.

The most common problem with finding a children's magician that will be right for their event is selecting the right one. How do you know you'll choose a magician who is really talented, and not someone who the kids will find boring or "lame"?

The first place most people turn to find a magician is the internet. But with so many to choose from on the internet and in the phonebook, use these questions to help you find someone who will be a hit at your next awards banquet, fundraiser, or summer camp:

1. Can you talk with the magician before you book his show? It's important to be able to talk with the magician, make sure that you "click" with them, and make sure they are easy to work with. When dealing with children, you want to make sure they have a nice personality and not one that will create tension in the room.

2. Do they customize their show based on the age group of the children? Too often magicians have a show that is appreciated and enjoyed only by a specific age group. Both the sophistication of the magic and the length of the show needs to be tailored to the age group & attention span of the audience.

3. Do they have experience working with larger events? Some magicians have only done small, private parties, and you want to make sure that you have a magician who has experience with a larger audience, a tighter time schedule, and the general feel of a larger event. Make sure they have experience.

4. Do they have experience working with events similar to your event? The feel of a church program is entirely different than a school banquet, for example. Ask for any experience the magician has had with the specific type of event you are holding. If they haven't had any experience with that type of event, find out what's similar that they have performed for.

5. Do they have other people's feedback you can reference? Sure, they can say that they do a great job - but the real test is in hearing what other event organizers have to say about the show that was performed at their event. Read feedback from other clients and follow your gut instinct about using the same magician.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to find a children's magician who can make your event fun, entertaining, and successful.

Gemma-Leigh Garner is a freelance copywriter and blogger that writes on various topics including local entertainers and magicians in Dallas and other local cities. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gemma-Leigh_Garner

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How to Hire a Magician For Your Corporate Event

Looking to hire a magician? Not sure where to start? Here are some general tips to make sure you get the perfect match for your event:

1. Decide what kind of magician you're looking for. Yes, there are MANY different kinds of magicians. Some perform exclusively for children. Some are more geared toward adults. Some feature clean comedy. Some are more adult-oriented. If you're planning a corporate event, you definitely don't want a magician that does kid magic and balloon animals!

2. Check out their promotional material. Most professional magicians have a website and a brochure to help you evaluate them and make your decision. A good magician will not be afraid to show you video of his performance so you can see him in action in front of a group like yours. Most will have video on their websites, or you can request a DVD. Start by doing a Google search for "magicians in Houston" or whatever city you're in to get some websites to investigate.

3. Check the magician's credentials. You definitely do NOT want a magician who is just beginning his career. There are fewer things more painful than watching a bad magician! On the other hand, there are fewer things more entertaining than watching a really good magician. Ask for references and check out his previous clients.

4. Spend the extra money and get someone really good. Do your group a favor, and get a professional whom you KNOW will do a great job entertaining your audience. You won't regret it! If a magician is inexpensive, there's probably a good reason. Remember the old saying, "The quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten!"

5. Ask questions. Find out exactly what the magician is offering, what kind of magic he will do, and how long he will entertain your group. Ask if he will perform close-up magic before dinner to warm-up the crowd. Ask if he has more than one type of show available.

I hope these tips help, and good luck with your event!

Curt Miller is a professional corporate magician and comedian in Houston, Texas. He performs for corporate events all over the country for clients like American Express and NASA. For amazing video, pictures, and show information, please visit http://www.curtmiller.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Curt_Miller

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