Wedding Music: The Band vs. DJ Debate
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When it comes to wedding music, it's important to decide what's best for your wedding-what your guests will appreciate, and what will be the most appropriate fit for your reception. Read on to learn more about Wedding Bands vs. Wedding DJs.
When planning your wedding reception entertainment, do you hire a band or a dj? Which suits your event and why? Consider the following and your guests will rock the night away.
Budget
Typically if you are on a tight budget, a dj is a great option. DJ’s can cost several thousand dollars less than the average band, so keep that in mind when shopping around. Bands will typically charge per musician per hour with a minimum or an overall flat fee for a reception period (the larger the band size the more costly the bill). Where as a dj will charge by the hour or more commonly for a four or five hour set. Both entertainers should have an overtime rate in case you want to keep the party going past your pre-allotted time; so plan ahead and avoid extra fees if at all possible.
Size of Space
If your venue is small, as is your guest count, a large band can overpower the space. Be considerate of your guests (of all ages) and make sure people can mingle easily, regardless of your selection. Also inquire with your venue to determine if a stage is available or required for the band. This can take up added space that may not be available even in a large ballroom (if you are at capacity with your guest count). Your venue may not have the power supply needed for a large band, so communicate with them early on to determine if you even have the option.
Guest Count: An intimate event should have intimate entertainment and a soft sound. Whether that’s a small, few person band or a dj is up to you. A good band will bring the appropriate equipment for your event to keep the sound level just right, but best to keep the size of group in comparison to the size of your guest count.
Musical Taste
What musical genres speak to you and your fiancé? Do you dance to country, sway to Sinatra, or get down to hip hop? If you and your guests prefer the tunes on today’s Top 40, then a dj might make the perfect fit. They will have the ability to showcase the exact song list you select and in doing so you can control of the tempo of the event (though it’s always good to listen to the pros).
If you love the old classics, you prefer ballads, and you love a good cover song, swing or big band, then live music can set the mood just right. A live band will pick up the energy in the room and get all ages out on the dance floor. While they can also play any genre of music, typically your band will specialize in a certain style, so do your research and find a band with a variety to suit your tastes or a specialty in your favorite sound.
Both a band leader and dj will act as your MC. Any announcements that need to be made, wrangling people onto the dance floor, and grand entrance presentations will be done by your entertainers. As long as you communicate your wishes to your entertainer, they should speak as little or as much as you want them to.
In the end, if you can’t decide – choose both! Bands take several breaks throughout the reception so your dj can spin while they sit (rather than listening to piped in music). Or utilize your band during dinner and the dj for dancing. And if a band is what the parents want but a dj is for you, consider hiring a band for the reception and dj for an after party when only the younger guests remain.
Click Here to Watch Wedding Bands 101 & Wedding DJs 101!
Photography by Robert Evans Studios
