Whether you're planning a children's party, a holiday extravaganza or a 40^th birthday surprise, hiring professional party entertainers can help turn your event into a success. They can dress up in your party's theme, turn into special characters or even stage a performance for guests. If you're considering hiring party entertainers for an upcoming event, here are some tips and considerations to help you make the right decision.

Qualities to Expect
As you review your options, you will need to consider the following important factors: experience, references, theme and character choices and schedule availability. You'll also need to learn about booking policies and procedures, as well as how the they handle last-minute cancellations, unexpected bad weather or other problems that may arise during your party planning process.

Experience is especially important during a children's party. Children's parties can be difficult to manage, and only those who have worked with children before will be able to manage large groups of kids of different ages and needs. You can find out about the experience level of a birthday party entertainer by requesting a resume or references and following up with the contacts to determine the right match.

Many event planning companies offer a list of different characters they can work with; take the time to review a tangible portfolio of pictures or even a Web site gallery of options to find the right fit for your event. Some party performers are looking to build their portfolio and experience and may also offer customizable options. Make sure you interview each potential candidate to find out what your options are.

Although most event companies can accommodate any request, you will need to book them at least three to four weeks in advance, perhaps more. In general, entertainers are booked in one-hour time slots. The length of time you need will depend on the types of activities you have planned and the size of your group.

Hiring for Children's Parties
Specialty performers can present specific routines or showcase unique talents. Examples include jugglers, magicians, face-painters, caricature artists and comedians. Clowns are also popular, although some children can be afraid of these characters, and you may need to choose an alternative.

Learn about the different types of activities and services that are available with the fee you are paying. Some charge by the hour, while others will charge per event. Finding out what is included (or not) in the package you are considering will help you make the right decisions for hiring more help or settling for a package with your current options.

Hiring Characters
Character party entertainers will arrive to your event in full costume, and these are usually hired for children's parties, but they are also suitable for holidays and themed events such as Easter, Christmas or even Valentine's Day. You can expect them to arrive with props and music to entertain the crowd, and some may even offer prizes and gifts as part of their services. Popular options include cartoon, fairytale and television show characters; any of these can add a unique touch to your themed event.

Hiring for Seasonal Events
If you're planning a formal gathering, such as a business convention or a seasonal event at the office, you can hire an entertainer on a contract basis for an entire year. This can save you money as well as time because you’ll have the right fit for every event you host. Working with the same company or individual can make it easier to book them during the busiest seasons. Party entertainers hired on a contract basis may also give you an opportunity to negotiate rates and enjoy a discount.

Hiring for Family Reunions
If you're hosting a large family reunion, you'll probably need to entertain a diverse crowd of different age groups. Balloon artists, magicians and even comedians are perfect for these types of events, as they can entertain groups of kids and teens separately, and they can help avoid boredom during big family events.

Other Services
Not all party entertainers will simply complete their performance and leave. Many can help with cutting the cake, hanging decorations and even snapping a few pictures. Check with your event planning company to find out what services and options are available with the fee you are paying. Performers can help make your event a success, as long as they know what is expected beforehand.