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Lulu the Clown

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Party Planning Advice for Parents

A Word (or two) About Planning for and Hosting Your Special Event

 

We at Lulu Laughalot Entertainment believe that an informed consumer is our best customer and would like to take a moment to offer some insight that will help you plan and host a fantastic event. 

  • Plan early and, if possible, involve your child in the decision making process. They may be hoping for a particular theme, location or type of entertainment. Many of the better entertainment facilities and entertainers can book months in advance. Wait till the last minute and you may feel forced to settle for less.
  • When seeking an entertainer, ask friends and co-workers who they’ve used or witnessed. If no suggestions are available, ask the entertainer for references or samples of their work. References should be recent and relative to the type of entertainment you are seeking.
  • There’s an old adage that says “You get what you pay for.”  There is some truth to this but then again, how can you be sure? Rule of Thumb: Avoid the extremes of too low and too high pricing for comparable services. Shop around and get an “average.” Sadly, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Don’t overextend yourself and your finances. Work within your budget and time frame. You will then feel much more comfortable with your decision, your overall expectations and ultimate satisfaction.
  • Avoid “bait and switch.”  For example, you hire entertainer A and get entertainer B. Know who you are hiring and make sure they are insured.  In this way you can avoid potentially disappointing yourself, your guests and your child.
  • Get it in writing. All too often we receive distress calls from customers seeking last minute entertainment because the person they thought they hired backed out, got a better paying gig, or simply decided to play “hookie.” Get the details of your event stated, signed, sealed and delivered. (The Big But: Even good entertainers can experience true emergencies. In this instance, your entertainer should, if able, make every effort to find you an alternate – not the other way around.)
  • Always have a plan “B.” If for some reason your entertainer can not make your event and no alternate is available, have a handy list of activities you can rely on just in case.
  • While your child should be the star of the show, make sure the other children don’t feel left out. What satisfaction is there to be had in one happy child if 15 others are sad or crying?  A good entertainer should acknowledge your child’s special day but should also avoid creating an overly competitive or resentful atmosphere. Keyword: Harmony.
  • Schedule the timing of your entertainment sometime in between your total event time. A good rule of thumb is ½ - 1 hour after you’ve invited your guests (if not longer if your guests are notoriously late :)  Also consider the end time for the entertainer. Towards the end of your event, you may be busy with gifts, cake cutting, or simply saying good bye to friends and family who need to get a jumpstart on the road home.  Make sure entertainment does not end during these times so you have one less thing to worry about as you are wrapping things up.
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!  Have fun while planning and hosting your party. Odds are you are doing this for the people you love and care about.  Enjoy the moments of laughter and joy and let there be nothing but fond memories remaining when the day is done.

 Wishing you all the best,

 

Lulu Laughalot Entertainment

 

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