Booking entertainment for your events can be a great way to add excitement for your guests. Whether you are planning a corporate event, wedding, or birthday party, the right entertainer can help to add color to your event creating an unforgettable experience. However, booking entertainment can be challenging, especially if you have never done it. 

In this guide, we will provide tips on how you can navigate the process of booking entertainers for your event.

Determine your budget:  Before you start looking for entertainment, you should first determine your budget. This will enable you to narrow your search and ensure that you are not wasting your time contacting entertainers that are above your price range. Remember that the cost of booking an entertainer can vary widely depending on their popularity, experience, and demand. It is important to note that your budget should not only cover the entertainer's performance fee. Depending on your event location, there is always an artist rider which involves all the extra expenses that you are also expected to cover in terms of logistics which includes the equipment needed to facilitate the artist's performance, cost for flights, hotel, meals, and beverages, transportation to and from the event venue. Sometimes, this also includes the extra cost you will need to cover for the rest of the crew if the entertainer is not traveling alone.

Choose the right type of Entertainer: The type of entertainment you choose will depend on the theme of your event, the age range of your guests, and the atmosphere you want to create for your guests. Some popular event choices include musicians, comedians, magicians, dancers, and other live entertainers.

Do your research:  Once you have determined your budget and the type of entertainment you want to book, it is time to start your research. Look for artists that have experience performing at events similar to yours. You can find local entertainers in Nigeria through online platforms like Hostbridge, via social media, or by word of mouth. It is also essential to check past clients and reviews which can give you insights into their reliability, experience, cost, and professionalism.

4. Check availability:  Before you proceed to book an entertainer, make sure that you send them an inquiry with all the necessary details about your event including date, time, location, venue, and budget to confirm their availability.  Usually, your primary contact especially for popular entertainers will be their agent or management team who handles all the booking and scheduling. Be clear about your expectations and ask them if they have specific requirements. Entertainers can be booked months in advance, so it is important to start your search early.

5. Negotiate the contract:  Once you have agreed on the details of the performance, it is important to negotiate a contract. Be prepared to compromise and find a solution that works for both parties. This could involve adjusting the fee, the scope of the performance, or the timing. Ensure that all terms of the agreement are in writing and signed by both parties. Once you have reached an agreement, confirm the booking and make any necessary arrangements for the performance. Also, be clear on the refund policies should the artist fail to come. Our web platform makes this process easier and faster.

Always plan and maintain communications with the entertainer to guarantee availability and keep them updated when there are changes in your event. The worst thing that can happen is to gather your guests with food and drinks ready but your artist fails to show up to everyone’s disappointment. That is why it is also good to have a backup plan with another entertainer who can stand in to perform where there is a contingency.