Top 10 Alternative Entertainment Ideas for Your Event

Who says the entertainment for your event could only be a DJ or a Band? Here's my top ten "out of the box" ideas for entertainment at your next event.

1. A Comedian or Comedy Troupe: I've been to several events in New York where part of the entertainment was a stand-up comic. One thing that's nice is depending on the comic, you can prepare them with material prior to the event. This is great especially for a surprise birthday or something if you want to "roast" the honoree (granted they are the type of person who would appreciate it).


2. Acrobats: Depending on your budget and where you are located, a Cirque du Soleil inspired performance may be an option. Acrobats can perform in a variety of venues and can range from hand balancers, silk trapeze, jugglers, and more. Acrobatic performances are ones your guests are sure to soon not forget.


3. Dancers: Professional Ballroom dancers or ethnic dance troupes make for an interesting evening. Better yet, get your guests involved with a dance demonstration and then a lesson at the event.


4. An Impersonator: I have seen some phenomenal impersonators at events. One of the best I've seen wasn't an impersonator per se, but a singer who sang all Frank Sinatra and sounded exactly like him.


5. Bands with a "Schtick": I personally am not a big fan of bands and usually prefer DJ's. When I worked in a catering hall a while back, one of the best bands I've ever seen perform, and at a wedding at that was a band fronted by a drag queen who impersonated all the great Diva's better than any woman could. She was amazing! Band's with a "schtick" are always ones your guests will remember as opposed to the same old band everyone gets for their event. Cover and Tribute bands are also crowd pleasers.


6. A Palm Reader: Palm readings are one of those things that everyone loves but won't admit it and won't pay for it themselves. Why not treat your guests to a glimpse into their future?


7. A Caricature Artist: Send your guests home with a personalized gift!


8. A Magician- Magician's aren't just for children's parties. Liven up dinner hour with some table side card tricks.


9. Mind Reader/Mentalist/Hypnotist- Hire a mentalist to read your guests minds or hypnotize them. Makes for interesting dinner conversation afterwards.


10. Dueling Pianos- Have music and guest interaction with this option.

What was the most memorable entertainment you've ever experienced at an event?

Dietary Restrictions and Event Menu Planning

With all the friends and family we all have, many of us do not get the opportunity to dine with everyone at any given time. When planning an event, especially when you are allowing your guests to bring a guest, it's important to consider people's dietary restrictions when planning the menu.

One item that is often overlooked is a vegetarian menu item. Considering there are almost 4.7 million adult vegetarians residing within the U.S., there's bound to be a few you were not even aware were vegetarians attending your event. Speaking to your caterer to be sure they offer an off-menu, by request option will be appreciated by guests. The fact they have an option besides side dishes they can dine on makes a great impression as many events they attend will not have this consideration.

Vegetarian guests will often not bother to notify you of their dietary preference mostly out of politeness as to not be a hindrance to the host of the event. For guests who have severe allergies (nuts, gluten, soy, etc.) they if attending will more than likely contact you in advance to let you know what they are allergic to, or will be sure to ask waiters, etc. to ask the chef about what items they can safely eat. In either case it's a good subject to broach with your caterer in advance as to what items are available for guests with allergies or what their policy is so you are prepared in advance. With food allergies being so prevalent nowadays it's better to be safe than run the risk of having a guest hospitalized later.

Have you ever been to an event where the host has taken dietary restrictions in account? If so was it something you appreciated or didn't feel was necessary?