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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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