CHOOSE YOUR DATE & LOCATION FIRST
Choose your date and lock in your location before you try to secure services and entertainment. Party professionals and entertainers will only confirm your booking when they are sure of the date, time and location. Then you need to secure the date with a contract and a deposit.

REFERRALS ARE GREAT
Referrals from friends or other party professionals are a great way to seek out vendors for your event. You will still need to interview people and look at samples of their work to ensure that they meet with your expectations. At Entertainment Express we believe that referrals are our best form of advertisement and we're proud to be referred by hundreds of special event professionals and venues.

BUDGET AHEAD
It's OK to call suppliers in advance to get an idea of cost so you can better plan your budget. Our website is a valuable tool for you because you can shop for services and save them in your personal WISH LIST. Be clear with them that you understand that their estimate to you could change based on your event requirements. There will always be hidden costs or unexpected things to add to your event that you would never dream of in the beginning. It's like building a house. You could start out with a certain budget and end up with double the cost if you choose all of the "extras."

LIKE YOUR VENDORS OR PARTY PLANNER
Choose people you enjoy working with. If you don't feel comfortable with a vendor then move on. Don't force the relationship. It will be difficult to work smoothly together if you're sensing any friction in the beginning stages. You'll become more stressed as the event time nears. Your party professional should be able to soothe your fears and put your mind at ease that everything will work out to perfection.

Working with Entertainment Express is like having a family on your side. We offer you "free" advice and lots of "hand holding."

BE FAIR & DON'T OVER NEGOTIATE
Don't squeeze people on the price. Nobody wants to work for less than what they feel their work is worth. It's one thing to get a good deal and it's another to expect everything for nothing. Clients don't see the "hidden costs" a supplier has to incur in order to provide the music, entertainment or product. Be fair and you'll get great service.

SELECT VENDORS WHO KNOW EACH OTHER
This is not necessary but it creates a sense of teamwork between your party professionals. Vendors who know each other help each other out at the event much more so than those who are strangers to each other. Friends cooperate with each other, they don't compete for time, materials, space or your attention. Many times party pros refer other people in the business. This is a benefit to you because they already know that the people they're referring are great.

DON'T MICRO MANAGE THE EVENT
Choose your vendors because you "trust" that they are professionals at what they do. Tell them exactly what you want to achieve, what you envision and the end result. Provide them with the information they request, assist in preparing any timeline or music requests. Let your party planner, photographer or catering director coordinate the details. Parties are very similar to TV shows. The script is written, the stage is built and the actors play out the action. Your party planner will ensure that everyone is in the right place at the right time. Your emcee will guide you effortlessly through your event. The photographer and videographer will work with the entertainment and catering staff to capture those cherished moments of a lifetime.

PROVIDE SONG SUGGESTIONS OR MUSICAL STYLES
Most parties and weddings use some kind of musical entertainment. It's very important to be clear to your entertainer what kind of music or styles of music you think would be appropriate for your event. If you don't know much about music then you just need to tell the entertainer what you want to accomplish by having music. For example, you want music for all ages, not too loud, a wide variety, no rap, no country, etc. This way you have more control over what you will hear at your event.

DON'T PLAN EVERY SONG TO BE PLAYED
Some clients love music so much they want to pick all of their favorite songs and expect the DJ or band to stick to their list exclusively. We will do this with a smile but we don't recommend it. It's very unusual to find that all guests at one party like all of the same songs. Allow your entertainment the "freedom" to "entertain." Your party will be more successful and guests will have more fun. Every event has highs and lows and different styles of music are needed to cover all aspects of a successful party.

MEALS FOR VENDORS
We know that providing food for vendors adds additional costs to your event. However, many of the people who work for you on the day of your event will be extremely busy working or performing for you. A Power Bar doesn't cut it when they've been putting out a lot of energy or have been working hours before and during the event.

We suggest to arrange for vendor meals, which in many cases are fairly inexpensive.

TIPPING IS A NICE WAY TO SAY THANKS!
Tipping is a generous way to say "thank you" for a job well done.
It's not mandatory for all party services but entertainers certainly appreciate a little token of appreciation from you if you were pleased with their work.

THANK YOU'S
In today's busy world we often don't take the time to say thanks or to write letters of recommendation to vendors or suppliers. When you interviewed them in the beginning you probably wanted to know how others felt about their work. Take a few minutes after you've settled down from the excitement of your party and write a nice note to your vendors.

For party ideas or questions about OUR SERVICES please call one of our event professionals at (818) 780-4433 or or (818) 231-0931 (Alana's cell phone). (Click on picture to send email).

Alana Joos

Janna Joos