Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event

There are many ways to incorporate entertainment into your event, without breaking the bank. These helpful tips offer solutions that will inspire other money saving ideas.

1.  Local Celebrities

Why not ask a local celebrity to make an appearance or co-host the event? Local celebrities are often willing to donate some of their time to an event, particularly if it benefits the community. By eliminating this expense, more money goes towards your cause, which is particularly important for charity events. What's more, the appearance of a local celebrity will help boost ticket sales.

2.  Hire Local Talent

There are many benefits to hiring local talent including, but not limited to, substantial savings. Local singers or bands welcome the opportunity to gain the exposure that comes from performing at events. In exchange for the experience and publicity, they are often more than willing to perform at a reduced rate.

It is very important to give proper credit, and help promote them as performers. Pay careful attention to the preparation of your introduction, as you want to support them, as they are supporting you. It all helps to bolster the community spirit with mutual encouragement. They'll likely give you the performance of their lives.

3.  Big Name Celebrities

If you're convinced that you really need a big name celebrity, you could request that they donate a few minutes of their time. In exchange for a few minutes of their time for a special appearance, they would receive a tax deduction. As the saying goes, time is money.

An alternate plan would be to raise additional funds to hire a big name celebrity. This would be best handled by a special committee as; it will need to be a focused effort, which may require substantial funds. However, if you choose the right celebrity for your event, it will definitely be worth the time and effort.

4.  Shared Expenses

We all know that time is precious and some of us have very little to spare. Once you have established a committee, you have a few options. As mentioned earlier, a committee that is focused on raising funds to acquire entertainment is probably the best solution, if you are hiring established talent. The committee can either raise the funds by having a mini fundraiser; they can each contribute a portion of the funding needed; or, they use a combination of both methods.

When you think outside the box, you get amazing results.  Instead of competing with another event, consider collaborating.  Are you able to work together to host one event, which will benefit both of you?  Pooled resources can get you more bang for your buck, resulting in more seats filled, which means a successful event for both groups. 

5.  Should you hire a DJ or Band?

While a live band definitely has appeal, keep in mind that you have to pay all of the band mates. Typically, when you hire a DJ, you're paying one or two people to entertain at your event. While DJs typically come with their own permits, you may be required to get a permit for the band's performance, which is also an added expense. Finally, if space is an issue, a DJ is the clear choice, as many bands can take up a sizeable area.

6.  How can you afford a live band?

If your committee already has their hearts set on a live performer, you can cut costs substantially by having them play for an hour or two. Rather than paying for the entire event, you can pare this down to a few hours to help reduce your entertainment costs. This is a good solution when you have a limited budget; but still need to offer something to sell tickets and get people into the seats.

7.  Make it Memorable

Don't limit yourself to musical entertainment. There are so many other options out there that are both affordable and entertaining. Consider comedians, magic acts or, better yet, why not contact a local school or group about a drama performance. Keep it interesting and fresh. Whatever type of entertainment you choose, try to put your own twist on it. The more lively conversation the performance generates, the more it will help your cause.

8.  Connections

As always, it boils down to connections. . If you've got favors to call in, now is the time to do it. Who do you know? Who do they know? What do they know that can help? Can you barter with someone? These are the types of questions your committee will need to ask, in order to pool together the best possible resources. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well equipped you really are.

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Related Links:

Event Planning How To: 8 Steps to a Successful Event

Event Planning How To: Your Guide to an Entertaining, Educational, and Memorable Fundraising Event!

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