Everyone knows the event just won’t be as good if you skimp on entertainment. You can order a cheaper menu, select fewer decorations, or even wear clothing off the rack, but if you use cheap entertainment, you’ll get exactly what you pay for. The rule here is select the best you can find, and find better, cheaper ways, to get the best to perform at your event.
1 – Perhaps a Two-fer Deal is Possible
If you’re flying the cover band in for your event and there’s a similar event in your community for the next day, perhaps you can share the cost with another ‘event host’ and both of you get a great break in the price? Fly them in and out once and pay for the show twice? Ask the scheduling agent if that’s a possibility when you start planning your event, then check the schedules of your venues. There may be more than one party where your entertainment could play!
2 – Plan Your Event Closer to the Entertainment
If you’re planning on everyone traveling anyway, why don’t you schedule your event in one of the entertainment centers so the bands don’t have to travel? An event located central to specific entertainment venues maybe cheaper and more fun than the original venue anyway. Think about it. The cost of travel for attendees may not be any real difference, and it may be cheaper to hire the band if they don’t have to fly to your location. Research Venues!
3 – Consider a Smaller Band
Travel arrangements for five people and instruments, plus sound equipment is far cheaper than travel for ten. Rethink the numbers of people in the band? Do you really NEED backup singers for your cozy evening concert, or is a one man band, with an extra singer more than enough entertainment for your crowd? Are you going to dance? Will the dance band be as important as the talent of the singer who is showing up? Perhaps you only need a singer with a couple of back up people. Your agent will know who best suits your venue and expectations.
If all else fails, ask the agent if they can’t give you a break in price. Negotiation is important, and everybody does it. Don’t hesitate to ask for that lower price if you have a limited budget and require an adjustment in costs. It’s all part of the deal.
