Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Games for Events

When planning an event—whether it’s a school fair, wedding, corporate team-building day, or a birthday party—games and entertainment are a key part of the experience. They break the ice, elevate the energy, and leave lasting memories for guests of all ages. But hiring games and inflatables isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. From safety oversights to poor planning, a few mistakes can ruin the fun—or worse, endanger participants.

At Wacky World, we’ve seen it all. As a leading provider of entertainment equipment, including indoor bouncy castle hire, outdoor bouncy castle hire, and games for all event types, we know what works—and what can go disastrously wrong.

Here are the top mistakes to avoid when hiring games for your event, along with tips on how to make the experience safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

1. Not Matching the Games to the Age Group

Why it’s a mistake:
One of the most common errors event organizers make is hiring equipment that’s not age-appropriate. You wouldn't want toddlers bouncing in a castle designed for teens, nor would adults enjoy activities meant solely for children.

What to do instead:
When organizing an event for younger children, always look for the best bouncy castles for toddlers—designed with lower heights, soft barriers, and gentler bounce. These offer safe, age-appropriate fun and peace of mind for parents.

Similarly, for teens or adults, go for action-packed options like obstacle courses or interactive games. Wacky World offers a broad selection tailored for all age groups.

2. Ignoring Venue Constraints

Why it’s a mistake:
Booking an inflatable or game setup without considering the event venue's size, height clearance, and power supply can lead to last-minute issues or even cancellations.

What to do instead:
Measure your space carefully before choosing your entertainment. If you're hosting an event indoors, make sure the ceilings are high enough and the room spacious enough for an indoor bouncy castle hire.

For outdoor bouncy castle hire, ensure the ground is level and accessible. Wacky World offers both indoor and outdoor solutions, and their team can advise you on what works best for your space.

3. Skipping the Weather Check (for Outdoor Events)

Why it’s a mistake:
Weather unpredictability can turn your outdoor event into a logistical nightmare. High winds, heavy rain, or extreme heat can make bouncy castles unsafe to operate.

What to do instead:
Always have a weather contingency plan. Check the forecast and have an indoor backup space ready if you're planning outdoor bouncy castle hire. Wacky World uses equipment that’s designed to be durable, but even then, safety should always come first.

Pro tip: Consider hybrid options where games can be moved indoors if needed.

4. Not Considering the Event Type

Why it’s a mistake:
The vibe and formality of your event should dictate the kind of entertainment you choose. What works for a kid’s birthday might not suit a black-tie wedding or a corporate training day.

What to do instead:
For formal settings like weddings, consider elegant yet fun options like bouncy castle hire for weddings—many of which now come in neutral colors or stylish themes to match your décor.

For company events, opt for bouncy castles for corporate events or team-building inflatable games that promote collaboration and laughter, without being overly juvenile.

5. Failing to Book Early

Why it’s a mistake:
Popular equipment, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer), gets booked out months in advance. Last-minute scrambling can leave you with subpar choices or higher costs.

What to do instead:
Book as early as possible. Companies like Wacky World accept bookings well in advance and offer flexible cancellation or rescheduling options. Early booking also allows you time to plan logistics around the games you choose.

6. Choosing Price Over Quality

Why it’s a mistake:
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, but this often means lower-quality equipment, inexperienced staff, or non-compliance with safety regulations.

What to do instead:
Opt for a trusted provider like Wacky World, known for its professional service, clean and well-maintained equipment, and safety-first approach. Their bouncy castle hire services include setup, supervision (if needed), and dismantling—all done efficiently and safely.

Remember: You’re not just paying for the equipment—you’re paying for reliability, experience, and safety.

7. Ignoring Safety Standards and Insurance

Why it’s a mistake:
Accidents can happen, and if your provider isn’t fully insured or certified, you could be held liable.

What to do instead:
Always verify that the entertainment provider has up-to-date public liability insurance, equipment that meets UK and EU safety standards, and a solid risk assessment protocol. Wacky World exceeds these standards and trains all staff on safe setup and supervision procedures.

8. Underestimating Supervision Needs

Why it’s a mistake:
Leaving kids unattended on inflatables or competitive games can lead to injuries or chaos. Some organizers assume that adults on-site will naturally keep watch—but that’s rarely the case.

What to do instead:
Assign dedicated supervisors or request staffing from the provider. For bouncy castle hire for school events, many schools partner with companies like Wacky World because they offer staff-supervised play sessions, ensuring safety and fun.

9. Forgetting About Guest Volume

Why it’s a mistake:
Not all games or inflatables are built for high-capacity use. If you have 100+ guests but hire a single inflatable, you’ll end up with long queues and frustrated children.

What to do instead:
Plan your entertainment based on expected attendance. For large crowds, consider multiple units or high-throughput games. Wacky World can advise on the right mix of attractions for your guest count.

10. Overlooking Customization and Themes

Why it’s a mistake:
Hiring generic entertainment can make your event feel flat or impersonal, especially when you're celebrating a specific milestone like a wedding or anniversary.

What to do instead:
Ask about themed options. Wacky World offers a variety of color-coordinated and character-themed castles for kids, as well as elegant white castles for weddings. Personalize the fun so it feels unique and memorable.

11. Not Reading the Fine Print

Why it’s a mistake:
Skipping the terms and conditions can lead to misunderstandings around delivery times, damage responsibility, deposits, and cancellation policies.

What to do instead:
Read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand setup times, power requirements, what happens in case of rain, and your obligations for supervision or damage.

12. Not Asking for Reviews or References

Why it’s a mistake:
All providers claim to be the best. Without checking customer feedback, you’re taking a risk on service, punctuality, and quality.

What to do instead:
Look for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or social media. Wacky World consistently earns top marks for their professionalism, cleanliness, and wide variety of entertainment options.

Conclusion

Whether you’re organizing a school fair, planning your big day, or hosting a corporate retreat, choosing the right games and entertainment can make or break your event. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your day runs smoothly, your guests stay safe, and the fun never stops.

With a trusted provider like Wacky World, you get more than just inflatables—you get peace of mind, expert advice, and tailored solutions for every event type.

So whether you need indoor bouncy castle hire for a winter party, outdoor bouncy castle hire for a summer BBQ, or you're looking for bouncy castles for corporate events, choose wisely. Your event deserves the best—and the best starts with smart planning.