Band vs. DJ: The Great Debate
March 1, 2012 by Carolyn
Filed under Wedding Advice
Planning your wedding is going to present lots of choices – strapless or halter gown? Chicken or fish? Wine stopper favors or coaster favors? Another big decision you’re eventually going to have to make – having a DJ or a band to rock your reception and create the party atmosphere you’re going for to celebrate your new status as a Mrs! So which choice is going to be music to your ears? That can certainly be a toughie, especially because you’ll want to book your band and DJ at least 6 months in advance – the best of the bunch are always in high demand! So when you and your future hubbs sit down to settle this burning question, here are a few things you should consider.
Bands: Bands are always a super fun option to have at your wedding – it’s like a live concert tailored just for your listening pleasure! Bands can bring a ton of energy to your wedding through their music, their style and the band members’ personalities. You can even find a band that will go with your wedding theme, from Jazz trios for some cool soul music to Latin bands that will bring some spice and a feisty flair into your reception. If you’ve got the budget, bands are ah-maze-ing for your reception entertainment – but that being said, they can be a little more pricey. DJs tend to have pretty even costs across the board, whereas bands will vary depending on the quality of the band and even when your wedding is – Friday and Saturday night weddings are gonna require a little more moolah on your part to hire a top band in your area. You’ll also need to think about the size of your venue – a smaller venue may be fab for a 4 or 5-member band, but may not be able to accommodate a larger one. You’ll also need to consider the fact that a band will have a limited list of songs that they can play at your wedding, so review the song list to be sure they’ll be able to play all your faves! Another added cost of bands – you do have to feed all the members of the band, so remember to let your caterer know and to factor that into your budget.
DJs: A DJ is a great option for weddings, especially of you’re worried about breaking the bank! Now, a DJ will be a lot less “noticeable” at your wedding than a band, with the music he or she plays taking center stage rather than the DJ him or herself. But that being said, the personality if your DJ is uber-important. A DJ may not be rocking out with a guitar or drums, but he or she will be rocking the mic as your emcee for the evening. Of course, the biggest advantage of a DJ is that you’re not limited to a specific song list. The DJ will have hundreds of songs for you to choose from, and if there isn’t a song on the list that you want, the DJ can make sure to download it before your big day. Also, unlike with a band, the songs you choose will sound just like you expect them to! Bands are energetic and a ton of fun, but your father-daughter dance isn’t going to sound exactly like you’re used to hearing it. If that’s gonna be a sticking point with you, a DJ is your best bet.
