| Planning your wedding is one of the happiest and | | | | dressed. Make sure you receive a list of references |
| most exciting times of your life. That joy can quickly | | | | and call them. |
| turn into stress and disappointment if you don't know | | | | Talk price. If there is a wedding entertainer that you |
| where to look for quality performers or how to | | | | love but can't afford, talk about it. Some vendors will |
| negotiate a fair contract. Here are some tips on how | | | | offer you alternative services at a lower price - |
| to find and hire wedding entertainers and ensure their | | | | fewer musicians perhaps, or a shorter performance. |
| terms are agreeable to both parties. | | | | Get estimates from three different but similar |
| Ask friends and family for references, and consider | | | | vendors to compare prices and services. |
| the weddings you've attended in the past. What | | | | Once you have decided which wedding entertainment |
| stood out about the performers? Were there any in | | | | professionals to hire, you must negotiate a contract. |
| particular you really enjoyed, or any you really | | | | Do not hire any vendor for your wedding without a |
| disliked? Can your friends recommend a great band, | | | | contract, and do not let any money change hands |
| DJ, hula dancers, fire performers, magicians or | | | | until the contract is signed. This document should |
| whatever else for you're searching? | | | | include all the information listed in the above |
| Remember, the sky is the limit. Your wedding should | | | | paragraph from the questions you asked at the initial |
| express the personalities of you and your partner. | | | | interview, as well as payment terms, deposit and |
| There is no need to stick with a harpist and a | | | | cancellation policies, the specific date, time and |
| four-piece standard wedding band if that isn't your | | | | location of your event, how long they will perform, |
| style. | | | | how many breaks they can take and for how long, |
| Have a long chat with the wedding entertainers you | | | | and any other details you feel are important. |
| are considering. Come with a list of questions and | | | | Once the contract is signed, communicate with your |
| don't leave until they are all answered. Ask specifically | | | | wedding entertainment vendor often. If you are |
| about prices and what is included, especially the | | | | dealing with musicians or a DJ, provide them with a |
| amount of time they will be there and any breaks. | | | | list of any songs that you absolutely do or do not |
| Verify who exactly will be performing at your | | | | want played. Advise them of all the major players in |
| wedding - you don't want a completely different lead | | | | your wedding like the parents of the bride and |
| singer showing up than the one you auditioned. Ask | | | | groom, best man and maid or matron of honor, |
| about experience, including how many weddings this | | | | grandparents and anyone else you would like to be |
| entertainer has done, equipment and any necessary | | | | honored. If Great Aunt Edna is allergic to rabbits, |
| site requirements for it, what emergency backup plan | | | | warn the magician to stay away from her. |
| would be put in place for your event, what kind and | | | | Choosing reputable, fun wedding entertainers, allows |
| how much liability insurance the wedding | | | | you to do what you're meant to at your wedding: |
| entertainment vendor has, if they belong to any | | | | enjoy the day! |
| professional or trade groups and how they will be | | | | |