Ready to have a good time at your wedding alongside your family and friends? Make sure you book professional entertainers who bring a lot of fun to your event.

We asked wedding professionals, including musicians, a DJ and a wedding planner, what you need to know before you hire wedding entertainment.

*Type of Entertainment

Deciding who to hire is a big decision, and it starts with deciding what kind of entertainment you want. It's a personal choice, and there are many options, including live musicians, singers, dancers, DJs, caricature artists, magicians and other performers.

Katrina Kroetch, a wedding magician in Los Angeles known as Magical Katrina, encourages couples to think outside the box and "consider incorporating fun and memorable elements" such as magic into their wedding.

It's helpful to consider your guests' age when choosing your entertainment options.

"Yes, your bridesmaids may enjoy a DJ playing dance hits all night, but it may isolate some older relatives," says professional wedding singer and musician Alissa Musto, who's based in Florida. She recommends choosing a balanced entertainment option that will appeal to all your guests. For example, have live music for the cocktail hour and, later, a DJ for the reception.

*Entertainment Expectations

Remember to envision the event as a whole. What's the wedding timeline, and how does the entertainment fit into it?

"Your entertainment also needs to understand flow and pacing as well as working with your venue or caterer," says Scott Hornak, co-founder of Craig Scott Entertainment in New Jersey. "You don't want dance music blasting when everyone is eating dinner. Another consideration: do they play continuous music while you're eating? If not, what are your options?"

Having an emcee for your event can be fun and helpful, but not all entertainers fit that role.

"If you're expecting them to introduce the bridal party and make announcements, ask them if that is something they normally do and feel comfortable doing," advises Musto.

*Do Your Homework

Professional wedding planner Carissa Kruse of Carissa Kruse Weddings tells couples to research entertainers, including reading reviews from previous wedding clients and talking to the entertainer about their experience. Meet with the entertainers virtually or in person to get to know them.

"This will give you an idea of what type of entertainment they can provide and make sure that it is a perfect fit for your special day," she says. "I have seen couples book an entertainer without doing this and then be bitterly disappointed by the outcome."

*Don't Wait To Book

Ideally, you'll book entertainers well in advance.

"The best bands and musicians can be booked out over a year in advance," says Musto. "And unlike other vendors, such as venues or florists that primarily work with wedding clients, bands and artists are getting booked by all sorts of venues and clients."

But don't book entertainers without seeing their work. Check them out at a live gig, especially if they have public performances. If that's not an option, watch their work on social media.

*Get a Contract

Ensure the entertainer has insurance and always read the contract, advises Hornak, who hosts the "Party Notes" podcast. He says contract rules have changed in the hospitality industry since the pandemic started.

"Be sure to ask what the provisions are in the contract for postponements or cancellations," he says. "You should also ask if there are backup musicians or DJs if someone is sick. Just like a Broadway show, everyone should have an understudy, as well as backup equipment."

*Special Requests

If you have a special request for a song, tell your musicians or DJ beforehand so they'll have time to prepare. Ask if they charge a fee to learn or acquire new music. Check to see if your DJ has an extensive music library. Ask if they want you to send them links to the right versions of your requests.

The wedding day goes fast, but your memories of a good time will last. That's why spending time (and money, as your budget allows) is important to ensure your big day's entertainment is right for your celebration.