Are you planning a musical event soon?

There’s something so wonderful and universal about the power of music. The right type of music can set the tone for an event and transform it from good to something far more memorable.

Music has a distinct influence on our moods and can increase your enjoyment of an event. If you’re planning an event, you’ll want some great entertainment to keep guests happy.

Of course, hiring the right act and putting on a great performance is easier said than done, especially if you’ve never put an event together.

Here are seven tips to help you plan fantastic musical events that your guests will talk about for years to come.

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Plan

Event planning is a great deal more intricate than most people understand. It takes more than a few phone calls to pull off a great event.

As a result, it’s so important that you allow yourself the time needed to secure the details of your event.

As a rule of thumb, give yourself at least two to two and a half months of time to get everything ready. Initially, that may sound like an awful lot of time, but as your event creeps closer, you’ll be glad you gave yourself so much breathing room.

2. Consider Your Budget

Perhaps no factor decides the scope and scale of your event as much as your budget. Your funding is what will inform the venues you choose, the entertainment you hire, and the food and drink you can provide guests.

Needless to say, your budget is pretty much your ceiling for the event, so sticking to it is of the utmost importance.

Once you’ve looked at your finances, it’s time to start detailing costs. Try and get rough estimates at first, then get more specific later.

3. Find the Perfect Venue

Much like choosing the right musical act, finding a venue well-suited for your event can add to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of your event.

Keep a few things in mind as you begin looking for a great venue.

Start by making a list of attendees. Are you going to open the concert to the public? Is it a fundraiser or some sort of private event? If you’re only looking to invite, say, 200 people, you won’t want to shell out the cash for your city’s biggest music venue.

Always make sure you’ve toured a location before signing any contracts or paying any money. Most venues are more than happy to offer free tours or at least provide details and photographs to help you make a more informed decision.

Don’t forget to check the venue’s acoustics as well. If the venue’s acoustics are poor, your musical act may struggle to be heard or may sound tinny.

4. Think About Music and Mood

Part of what makes an event successful is its adherence to cohesion and the ability of the music event management professional to create an ambiance.

Let’s say you’re attending a fundraiser for your town’s local children’s hospital. You’re dressed up in your tuxedo or gown and walk into a fancy event hall decked out in regal decor. All in all, it’s a low-key, quiet event.

As you walk in and greet some friends, you begin to hear feedback from an amplifier on the stage. As you look over, you see that a local death metal group is taking the stage.

It’d be pretty alarming, wouldn’t it?

The point is that there’s a perfect band for every occasion. That death metal outfit may not be well-suited for a traditional fundraiser, but they may get a great reaction at a local music festival.

Start searching for local bands or discover more great talent using other online resources.

As you begin your search, think about the types of atmosphere you’d like to create. Jazz or classical ensembles are great for background noise, while rock groups are fantastic for pumping up audiences and getting people excited.

5. Experience Matters

Your nephew’s awesome new electronic band may be fun to listen to, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should hire them. Remember, you’re attempting to put on a professional event that can be enjoyed by various groups of guests.

You’re going to want to choose an act with plenty of experience.

It may seem like giving your nephew would be a nice thing to do, but inexperience often results in poor performances. Plus, an experienced act already has an established repertoire of music, so you can keep the tunes coming all evening.

6. Have A Backup Plan

As Murphy’s Law states, whatever can go wrong often will. Make sure that you have protections in place in case the band no-shows or cancels their appearance.

While an iPod hooked up to DJ equipment isn’t as exciting as the real thing, it still beats awkward silence.

Also, make sure to get all agreements in writing. Clarify how much you’re paying, what you’re paying for, and what will happen should a cancellation occur.

7. Interview Acts Before Hiring Them

Hiring a band without interviewing them is similar to taking a job without an interview. You’ll have no idea what you’re in for and shouldn’t be surprised when things go awry.

Here are a few common questions you should ask:

• How long has your act played together?
• What are your going rates?
• How long are you comfortable performing for?
• What type of music does your group play?
• Do you stick to one genre, or can you play multiple types of music?
• Can I please hear a sample of your music?

In terms of event coordinator tips, that last one may be the most important. It’s up to you to make sure the act is up to snuff, so always request examples of their work.

These Tips Will Ensure Your Musical Events Are Enjoyable

Whatever type of event you’re hosting, these tips will make sure your guests love your musical events. Now all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your event!

Looking at planning a company outing? Be sure to check out our helpful guide to planning an effective corporate party.