It's not about the location, the decorations, the food or the venue. It's about creating a fun event that your colleagues will be talking about Monday morning. It's about their memory of the entire event. 

And yet, most organizers spend way too much time and money on the meal, the centrepieces and the prize table and then have nothing left over what will make or break the event - the after dinner entertainment. The right entertianment will send your guests home with a big smile on their face and they will thank you for hiring him/her.

The first call you should make is to the venue to see if they are available. The second call should be to the entertainment. The good entertainers get booked up quickly and you want to secure them way before you decide on the food and decorations.

As for the cost, a good professional entertainer should cost at least 20-25% of your entire budget. This may sound like a lot, but remember when it's all over, the guests will not remember whether they had the beef or chicken, but they'll never forget a poor entertainer who embarrassed them or played the wrong music. Professional entertainers cost more but they also bring something the amatuers, or cheaper ones, can't - experience.

Remember, your entertinment will be on stage for at least a third to half of the entire evening. Do your research. Ask questions. Make sure they are the right fit for your evening.