When it comes to planning an event, in our opinion, entertainment is THE most important aspect. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a birthday party, the right entertainment can make or break the experience for guests. But with so many options and price points to choose from, how do you make the most of your budget when planning the entertainment for your event? Here are some tips from the experts at House of MASH.
1. Set a Budget
The first step in making the most of your entertainment budget is to set a budget in the first place. This will help you determine what you can realistically afford and prevent you from overspending.
When setting your budget, consider the size and type of your event, as well as your overall goals and objectives.
The first thing that we ask is “how much do you have to spend?” We can put something amazing together for £2000, we can increase impact and spectacle for £10K. For £20k we can blow people’s socks off and it grows from there.
2. Prioritise Your Entertainment
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to prioritise your entertainment options. This means deciding which entertainment options are most important to your event and allocating your budget accordingly. For example, if you’re hosting a wedding, you may want to prioritise a live band or DJ over other forms of entertainment.
At House of MASH we take that budget, talk to you about the important elements of what you want and then shape the package for you, ensuring we consider the ‘movement’ of the entertainment through the evening. We aim to maximise engagement at all times.
3. Research Your Options
With your priorities in mind, it’s time to start researching your entertainment options. Look for performers or acts that fit within your budget and align with your event goals. This may include local musicians, DJs, comedians, or other performers.
Consider reaching out to your event planner or a professional entertainment company like House of MASH for recommendations and guidance.
Much like an interior designer creating a magical space to live, we craft the atmosphere and pull together the right mix performers. Performers that know each other and work together lots, create a magical energy when they perform!
4. Negotiate with Performers
Once you’ve found performers or acts that fit within your budget, don’t be afraid to negotiate with them. Many performers are willing to work within a range of budgets and may be willing to customise their performance to fit your specific needs.
Be honest and upfront about your budget constraints and see if there is any room for negotiation (Honest conversation works best for every performer).
At House of MASH, we take a mix of highly skilled community performers, emerging artists and top class pro’s to ensure a unique and experience that can fit in your budget.
5. Consider Alternative Entertainment Options
If your budget is tight, consider alternative entertainment options that are more budget-friendly. This may include things like photo booths, interactive games, or even a DIY karaoke station.
These types of activities can still provide a fun and engaging experience for your guests without breaking the bank.
6. Don’t Forget About Production Costs
When budgeting for entertainment, it’s important to remember that there may be additional production costs associated with certain performers or acts. For example, if you’re hiring a band, you may need to budget for sound equipment or lighting.
Be sure to factor these costs into your budget so you’re not caught off guard.
One bit of advice! Lighting is EVERYTHING. It has the ability to change the energy of a space so quickly. So… make sure you have ‘lighting eyes’ on your event at all times, working to shape the atmosphere and energy of the room.
7. Work with a Professional Entertainment Company
One of the best ways to make the most of your entertainment budget is to work with a professional entertainment company like House of MASH.
Our team of experts can help you navigate the entertainment landscape and find performers or acts that fit within your budget and align with your event goals.
We can also help you negotiate with performers and manage the production costs associated with your entertainment.
Making the most of your entertainment budget requires careful planning, research, and prioritisation. By setting a budget, prioritising your entertainment options, researching your options, negotiating with performers, considering alternative entertainment options, factoring in production costs, and working with a professional entertainment company, you can create an engaging and unforgettable experience for your guests without breaking the bank.
Contact House of MASH today to see how we can help you make the most of your entertainment budget.