Entertainment for a corporate event or dinner and dance in Singapore usually costs SGD 3,000 to 8,000 for a mid-size event of 150 to 300 guests, with an emcee, a live band or DJ and possibly one specialty act. A full production with a live band, dancers, an emcee and staging usually costs SGD 8,000 to 15,000 or more. These are entertainment budgets only: the venue, food and AV are quoted separately.
Typical budgets by type of event
| Event | Usual entertainment budget (SGD) | What it usually buys |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail reception or networking event | 1,500 to 3,500 | A jazz trio or acoustic performer plus a roving magician |
| Smaller corporate event | 1,000 to 3,000 | An emcee and one act, or one musical act |
| Corporate event or D&D, 150 to 300 guests | 3,000 to 8,000 | Emcee, live band or DJ, possibly one specialty act |
| Full production | 8,000 to 15,000 or more | Live band, dancers, emcee and staging |
| Product launch or brand activation | 5,000 to 15,000 or more | Depends on scale and production |
| Large gala | 10,000 to 20,000 or more | Several acts across the evening |
Dinner and dance packages
- Single act add-on, any size, SGD 800 to 3,000. One dance or specialty act, with its own sound if needed.
- Basic entertainment, up to 150 guests, SGD 3,000 to 7,000. Emcee, DJ or duo band, one feature act.
- Standard production, 150 to 400 guests, SGD 7,000 to 15,000. Emcee, live band, two to three acts, basic lighting.
- Full production, 300 to 800 guests, SGD 15,000 to 30,000 or more. Full band, several acts, lion dance, staging and lighting design.
November and December can carry a premium of 10 to 20 percent over a quieter month such as March or August. Ask whether GST, transport and overtime are included. More detail on the programme is on the dinner and dance page.
Weddings
- Lean, SGD 1,500 to 3,500 in total. A DJ for the whole event plus an emcee, or a solo musician for the solemnisation and a DJ for dinner.
- Standard, SGD 4,000 to 9,000 in total. A 4 to 6 piece live band for dinner and the after party, a duo or trio for the cocktail hour, and an emcee. Most 200 to 300 guest ballroom weddings land here.
- Full production, from SGD 10,000. A band plus a string quartet for the solemnisation, a magician or caricaturist for the cocktail hour, a lion dance opener, an LED screen and AV upgrade, and a headline emcee.
These figures exclude GST and travel surcharges for offshore or late night venues. See the wedding programme.
Christmas parties
For 80 guests or more, an entertainment only package with an emcee, one performance act and a Santa segment usually costs SGD 20 to 35 per guest. With a live band or DJ, sound and lighting, a photo booth and festive decor it usually costs SGD 45 to 80 per guest. Groups under 60 usually have a minimum spend of SGD 2,500 to 4,000 on weekdays, higher on December Fridays and Saturdays. See festive events.
What moves the price
- Day of the week. Friday and Saturday cost the most. A weekday can save 20 to 30 percent.
- Season. November to January and the Chinese New Year period usually run 15 to 25 percent higher.
- Performance length. Most acts are priced for about two hours. A 45 to 60 minute set is about 60 to 70 percent of the full rate, and overtime past three hours is about SGD 200 to 500 per extra hour, depending on the act.
- Venue logistics. Upper floors without a freight lift, outdoor venues that need weather cover, or venues far from central Singapore can add SGD 200 to 500 for transport and setup.
- The size of the programme. The number of acts and performers, and whether sound, lighting and staging come from the venue or have to be brought in.
- Booking time. Four to eight weeks ahead gives the best choice at standard rates. Last minute bookings usually carry a 10 to 30 percent surcharge.
- Bundling. Booking several acts through one team often brings a package discount of 10 to 15 percent.
What a quote includes
A quote usually covers the performance fee, basic sound for the act, costumes, setup and teardown, and coordination on the day. Premium sound for a large room, special song requests that need rehearsal, overtime and travel to remote venues are quoted separately. A deposit of 30 to 50 percent holds the date, with the balance due before or on the event day.
To get a price for your own event, send the date, the venue, the guest count and the type of event through the quote form.
