You obviously want your event to be a thrill, but budgeting for the entertainment can be daunting. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or casual birthday bash, make sure you understand the costs associated with different types of entertainment so you can make your best booking decision.
Let’s break down what you can expect to spend on various entertainment options, as well as how to get the best value for your money.
Live bands and musicians
Live music is a powerful tool for setting the mood of your event. Depending on what you’re going for, you might book a high-energy cover band, an understated jazz trio, a classy string quartet, or something entirely different! The cost of hiring live musicians will vary significantly based on the number of musicians in the group, their experience level, and the duration of the performance.
- Solo musicians (like pianists, guitarists, harpists): Expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 or more for two to three hours of performance.
- Small ensembles of a few musicians: These may range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the group’s reputation and the event’s location.
- Full bands: A well-known cover band or wedding band might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, especially if they’re performing for an extended period of time or have a strong following.
DJs
DJs are a great choice for events that call for dancing or lively vibes. A good DJ offers a broad selection of music and will seek your input on which genres to play. In many cases, this person can act as an emcee to keep the event flowing smoothly.
- Local DJs: For a standard event a few hours long, you might spend between $500 and $1,500. That fee includes setup, several hours of music, and teardown at the end.
- High-end DJs: A DJ with a strong reputation can command a higher price, particularly if they specialize in weddings or large corporate events. Prices here can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
Magicians and illusionists
Magicians lend a truly unique and memorable atmosphere to just about any category of event, offering personal, interactive entertainment that you just can’t get anywhere else. Costs will vary based on the magician’s experience and the type of performance being offered.
- Closeup magicians: These performers will typically move through a space in mix-and-mingle fashion, using just a few simple props to create impossible miracles right in front of your guests’ faces. You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a few hours of strolling magic, depending on the magician’s reputation and skill level.
- Stage magicians: A full-fledged stage show for all your guests to enjoy at once is a premium offering. Prices can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. These performances may include grand illusions, mindreading demonstrations, and much more.
Comedians
Shared laughter will bring your guests together, and many working comedians are available to help your event avoid feeling stuffy and uptight. Costs will depend on the comedian’s experience and whether they’re performing a short set or headlining the evening.
- Local comedians: You may find talented local comedians in major cities willing to perform for a fee between $500 and $2,000.
- Professional headlining comedians: You should expect to pay more for comedians that tour the club circuit or have meaningful television credits. Their fees can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the length of their set and the event’s location.
Dancers
Whether you’re interested in a classical ballet performance, a modern dance troupe, or a group of fire dancers, the cost for this category of entertainment can vary widely.
- Dance troupes: Expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 for a small group of dancers to lend flair and atmosphere to your function.
- Specialty acts: Performers who offer something unique — we’re talking aerialists, fire dancers, contortionists, and so on — can command prices from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, especially if there is an element of risk to their show.
Photo booths and interactive experiences
You may want to consider booking memorable, Interactive experiences like photobooths, caricature artists, or virtual reality setups.
- Photo booths: A standard photo booth rental for an event typically can costs between $400 and $1,500, depending on the duration of the rental and any special features you might want, like a custom background pertaining to your event.
- Caricature artists: These talented artists excel at whipping up humorous, exaggerated portrayals of your guests. You might spend between $500 and $1,200 to have them there for a few hours. Price will vary depending on the artist’s skill and the number of guests you expect.
- Virtual reality setups: You can give your guests a futuristic dose of entertainment with limitless possibilities using VR technology. These setups for your even might cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the duration of your event and if you’ve opted for any custom VR experiences.
Balancing quality with budget
It’s certainly tempting to book the lowest-cost entertainer, but please don’t be surprised if you get what you pay for.
Investing in quality entertainment can make a significant difference in executing a successful, memorable event. Your professional entertainer should be able to connect their act to your message so that it resonates with your guests long after the event is over.
Start by considering your goals. What’s most important for your event? Do you want an energetic dance floor? Do you want to leave guests inspired with a mind-blowing magic show? Are you going for a light atmosphere driven by a comedian? If you focus on the entertainment that best aligns with your vision, it will be easier to allocate your budget for maximum impact.
In conclusion
Whether you’re seeking the allure of live music, the charisma of a skilled magician, or the energy of a record-spinning DJ, make sure you have a budget and know what prices to expect. Then you’re in position to make the best decision for your event.
And if you’re looking to create a truly unforgettable experience, consider hiring a professional magician who specializes in engaging and delighting your guests. A great magician can tailor their performance to fit the tone and style of your event, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile on their face and a story to tell.