Choosing between a band or a DJ at your wedding can be difficult. Music sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests. It’s the heart and soul of your reception. To help you decide, we’ve compiled some aspects of each for your consideration before booking your entertainment.
Ambiance
The type of music you choose for your wedding can help set the tone and theme. If you want big band sounds or offbeat event, having a band or group of musicians in a specific genre can tie the whole thing together. There is also a constant boost of energy created by watching live performers and there’s nothing like a live wedding band to bring a sense of sophistication. On the other hand hiring a DJ can also bring a certain energy depending on the DJ and their ability to interact with guests. Having a plethora of song choices to pick from can also help keep the vibe going during your big day especially if hearing a song the exact way the original artist performed it, is important to you.
Budget
When it comes to costs, hiring a DJ is typically less pricy. Since it usually only entails one person, your costs can be pretty low. However, depending on equipment, popularity of the DJ, and scheduling, there are DJs more expensive than a band. On the other hand, hiring a band generally is more expensive because there’s more people involved. There are exceptions and most prices vary by the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play for, the day of the week and the time of the year. Researching and setting a budget for whichever route you choose is key. It is also a good idea to check out live performances of each to see what you are paying for.
Space
The decision of which entertainment to choose may be dependent on the location of your ceremony and reception. The first thing you want to do is check with your venue to see if they have any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment you may bring in and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. Most venues, like ours, have preset spaces for your entertainment choices and can better guide you on available options. The second piece of information you want to find out is how much space is available for your entertainment. If you’re limited on space, hiring a DJ may be your best option since they usually don’t need a full stage and can still give you a variety of music options. If you do have plenty of room to set up a band, a live performance is something that can be appreciated whether or not your guests enjoy dancing.
When choosing between a band and a DJ, remember that it’s your special day. Your likes and dislikes matter. Before hiring your entertainment, make sure you go over any key requests or prohibited songs you feel are detrimental to your event. A professional musician or DJ should be open to your requests and add it into your contract if needed. The last thing you want to worry about while enjoying new wedded bliss with your family and friends is the Macarena.