Music Entertainment: A Make-Or-Break Factor

Whether it’s a gala dinner for 300 people or a corporate event for executives, music is a significant element to consider when planning your event, along with the venue, décor, food and guest list.
There are a number of factors that one has to consider before incorporating this element in their planning. And even though a great host might have a flair for music, this does not necessarily mean that they can factor in all aspects.

Guests

Perhaps the most important element to consider. If they love the music you’ve chosen, you’ll have managed to create an experience to remember. If not, chances are they’ll leave early! Remember: your personal taste sometimes should be set aside when choosing music for your event. Always consider what is your guest average age or the majority’s age, where they are coming from or have lived, how you’ve met them, what they’ve seen.

Event Type

Different events require different types of music, even though the audience might be exactly the same. A conference will require soft and light music to play in the background while attendees gather and want to chat without being distracted. The same people, though, at the annual company party will feel great with lively and upbeat music with which they can relate and, why not, dance.

Event Flow

What your agenda is for the event impacts decisively the kind of music that will be played. The tempo of music not only can influence how people feel but is also an indication of how they should behave. Adjusting the music over the course of the event based on what’s happening and what’s going to happen next can imply that now is the time for chit-chat during welcome cocktail hour or that now is the time to hit the dance floor. Even the total lack of music, as in when the music suddenly stops, signifies that something is about to happen.

Budget

The budget is definitely a factor that determines what exactly will be chosen for the event. Will it be a live band interacting with the crowd and sparking up the party or a band playing international music over dinner? A saxophonist or violinist playing softly in the background or playing on top of the DJ while guests are dancing? Will you opt for local musicians and singers or amazing sopranos & tenors singing well known musical songs all the way from Broadway and West End? Maybe a famous DJ who dominates the international music scene? How about a well-known talented pianist/composer and singer?

Technical Rider

Depending on what kind of music entertainment is finally chosen you will have to consider the technical needs that usually come with it. Every band, no matter the size and popularity, has a technical rider that could start from a basic to a very complicated one with loads of technical equipment and support. Needless to say, costs vary accordingly.

Venue

Some places are more “sensitive” to music volume than others depending of whether the area is residential or not, if it’s a summer or winter venue, a hotel or a private estate. And you certainly need to take the size of venue into account and design accordingly, if, for example, you want a properly proportioned stage installed that will fit the 8-member band you are dreaming for your party, with all guests having a clear view from their tables.

These are only some of the key points one has to consider when it comes to an event’s music and everything needs to be considered in advance. An experienced event planner who will understand your needs will make sure that music will create the right atmosphere and ambience, tackling all practical issues at the same time.