What to Look for When Hiring an Entertainment Agent

Always use a reputable Entertainment Agency

Your wedding will most likely be the biggest social event of your life, and you want everything to go smoothly. Experts in weddings and event planning will all come together to assist the bride and groom with the arrangements. Choosing a beautiful dress, selecting a caterer to prepare the delicious food, and finding an exquisite location, all need to be done so you can enjoy the big day with family and friends. The reception is the time to celebrate - choosing the right entertainment agency can truly make your wedding reception a memorable celebration.

As with all other aspects of your wedding, you rely on experts. Then do the same when choosing an entertainment agency. They all do not provide the same services and of course, the fee they charge can vary considerably. Be sure the agency is a full service agency that actually has a staff and can offer you a wide range of bands and entertainment to choose from. There are agencies representing themselves as a full staff agency, but you will find out their “agency” is a one man show ran from a kitchen table. It takes a knowledgeable staff to provide all services an entertainment agency does to assure your wedding reception has talented entertainment. A full staff agency with years of experience will research all bands and entertainment they book to assure they are top notch. Their reputation is hard earned and they would not risk having a poor band ruin their credibility as an agent. An involved agent will help connect you with a band that fits your genre and taste, not try to make a band fit you. The agency will have vetted bands first, has a profile of them, testimonials of those that have had the band at their event, and usually audio and video samples of them. The agency should also be able to provide you a listing of gigs the band has played and where they will be playing in the future, should you want to listen to them in person.

Be wary if an entertainment agent says over-confidently, “You won’t even have to talk to the band”.  He must not want to know what the band actually is. After you have chosen the band, a good agent will let you correspond with the band to coordinate special songs and sets. He will take care of necessary details such as being sure the venue will be ready, the electrical needs of the band are arranged, and the necessary insurance is in place for liability. The agent is there to support any issues you have. There are agents that will provide 24 hour support in case there is something out of the ordinary that happens.

A reputable entertainment agency represents talent that will showcase their booking services. The website or literature about their agency will show the quality of their agency and services, but be sure they can actually provide what they portray. A visit to their office in person, will give you a real feel regarding their reputation, their ability to serve you, and of course that you will be investing in someone that can make your wedding tremendous. The most expensive agent is not always the best either, so compare agencies in price, services and talent they offer. The band or entertainment at your wedding will the highlight while you celebrate – choose wisely so you’re not disappointed or frustrated. When seeking an entertainment agency, it is not just getting what you pay for. Shop wisely for an agent, and get more for what you pay.