It’s the eternal debate that many couples face when planning entertainment for their wedding reception; should we go with a DJ or a band. Each choice has its own pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to your personal taste and if you can agree on a choice together. Some people will argue that there isn’t a wrong choice here, but only you and your fiancé can know for sure what you want for your wedding reception. Below, we will explore the benefits and pitfalls of both DJs and bands to help you choose the right one for your reception.
Wedding DJs
Most couples choose a wedding DJ because of the diversity of the music you can play. Most DJs accept requests from the couple and their guests, so you won’t end up with certain people having fun and others sitting in the corner all night with their ears plugged. Additionally, a DJ is typically only one person so your expenses will be less for their attendance. Often times the couple opts to feed their DJ or band at the wedding reception, so less people is more savings. The cost of hiring a DJ is usually cheaper as well unless you hire a very inexperienced wedding band.
Wedding Bands
Hiring a live band for your wedding brings along several key benefits such as real live energy, but there are also special things that need to be done to accommodate them. First off, you’ll need to make sure there is somewhere for them to setup, plenty of electricity, and a coordinator to help them get loaded in and out for the show. Also, most bands will give you a list called a “rider” that indicates all the specific things they need in order to perform. There are even other things like the style of music they play, making sure they know your timeline, and the added expense of paying multiple musicians. Just make sure you listen to the band ahead of time and get some references because paying for a wedding band is a big commitment.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, only you as a couple can decide if a DJ or a band is right for your wedding reception. If you are more concerned about variety, a DJ will likely win hands down every time. If energy and fun is more up your ally, then a live band may suit your tastes a little better. Just know that a band will be expensive and a DJ offers more variety, but finding what is right for your wedding is half the fun. We had a live band at our wedding, and I can tell you first-hand that it was one of the best decisions we made during the wedding planning stage. Take your time, listen to the bands, and make sure you get plenty of references!
