Party Entertainment: What NOT to Do When Planning Your Event
Throwing a party? The entertainment you choose can make or break the event. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, milestone celebration, luxury wedding, or any other special occasion, picking the right entertainment is key to ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience.
But here’s the truth: party entertainment mistakes happen more often than you’d think. To help you steer clear of these blunders, we’ve put together a guide on what NOT to do when planning your next event.
Here’s what to avoid to keep the party going and your guests happy.
1. Don’t Settle for Boring or Generic Entertainment
One of the biggest mistakes people make is booking entertainment that’s just… well, boring. Sure, a solo guitarist or a basic DJ might seem like a safe option, but they won’t create the wow factor your party needs.
Why It’s a Mistake:
It blends into the background. You want your entertainment to be engaging, not forgettable.
It doesn’t match the vibe. Your party is unique—your entertainment should be, too.
What to Do Instead:
Book entertainment that fits your party’s theme and energy. At Dennis Smith Entertainment, we specialize in providing luxury live music tailored to your event’s style, whether a sophisticated string quartet or a high-energy cover band.
Check out our custom performance options here for the Club Jam Project.
2. Don’t Overload the Event with Too Much Entertainment
Yes, we all love a fun party, but too much entertainment can overwhelm your guests. There’s a delicate balance between having a lively atmosphere and overstimulating the crowd.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Guests can get tired. If there’s too much going on, guests may feel pulled in too many directions.
It feels chaotic. You want energy, but not chaos. Overcrowding the event with multiple acts at once can cause confusion.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on quality over quantity. Choose 1-2 standout acts, like Jessie’s Girls and Party On The Moon, that align with your event’s theme, like a live band during cocktail hour or a surprise vocal ensemble as the night heats up.
Learn more about our specialized performances that set the perfect mood with our premium party bands.
3. Don’t Forget to Match Entertainment to Your Audience
A huge mistake is not considering your audience when choosing entertainment. What works for one group might completely flop for another.
Why It’s a Mistake:
You could alienate your guests. Imagine booking a heavy metal band for a formal corporate dinner. It’s a mismatch that could leave guests feeling out of place.
It kills the vibe. If the entertainment doesn’t match the crowd’s expectations, it could put a damper on the whole night.
What to Do Instead:
Consider your guest demographics. If it’s a corporate event, consider something sophisticated, like a live jazz ensemble. For a younger, livelier crowd, opt for something energetic like an electric violinist or a party band.
At Dennis Smith Entertainment, we help you select the right entertainment that connects with your audience. See how we can customize performances for your crowd.
4. Don’t Skip the Logistics
Entertainment is only part of the equation. The biggest mistake you can make is not thinking through the logistics—things like the stage, sound system, or timing of performances.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Technical issues can quickly turn a great performance into a disaster. No one wants sound cutting out during a show.
Timing problems might cause your entertainment to feel rushed or, worse, disrupt the flow of the event.
What to Do Instead:
Make sure you plan ahead. Work closely with your entertainment provider to ensure all the technical needs are covered. At Dennis Smith Entertainment, we handle everything—from setup to soundcheck—so you can enjoy a seamless performance.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Live Performances
In today’s digital world, it can be tempting to go with pre-recorded music or playlists, but nothing compares to the excitement of live entertainment. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is underestimating the power of a live performance.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Lack of engagement. Guests are less likely to get involved with pre-recorded music. Live entertainment grabs attention and keeps guests engaged.
It feels impersonal. Live performances bring a human touch to your event, something a playlist can’t replicate.
What to Do Instead:
Opt for live musicians or performers to create a vibrant, interactive experience for your guests. Whether it’s a band, DJ, or a solo artist, live entertainment adds a personal and dynamic element to any party.
Explore our live performance options for upscale parties that stand out.
Conclusion: Get It Right with Dennis Smith Entertainment
Planning party entertainment can feel overwhelming, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you deliver a seamless and unforgettable experience. From choosing the right performers to ensuring your event logistics are handled with care, Dennis Smith Entertainment is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t leave your party’s success to chance—let us provide the exceptional live entertainment your event deserves.
