Live Band versus Wedding DJ
Music is the backbone of any party and good or bad music can either make or break the evening. Couples on the threshold of a brand new life together are already jittery enough over everything that needs doing to make the day perfect.
But how can you decide whether to choose a live band or wedding DJ for your reception party? Before we begin talking about music, bands and DJs, remember it’s your day; do what pleases you and forget about traditions and what other people think.
To start out Let's be clear that both live bands and Djs have their positive and negative aspects. Rather than stereotyping, why not check it out for yourself? If you have a large enough budget, the ideal thing to do would be to get both, a live band and a DJ. This could really keep the party going all night. However, wedding budgets with the gazillion things that needing paying for, seldom stretch that far.
The general consensus is that live bands are more expensive than a DJ and prices vary according to the reputation, demand and quality of the band or DJ. If you are planning a really long evening with dancing the night away on your agenda, it will require a lot of music being played. Will the band be able to last all night long is the question?
What sort of wedding venue have you decided upon? Will there be sufficient space for a full band complement? Are there restrictions on the kinds of music to be played? These are some of the questions you will need to consider before deciding on whether to go with a live band or DJ.
Formal weddings with all the trappings of age old traditions and live bands make a perfect match. On the other hand, a DJ may be better suited to a semi formal or casual wedding style. If your choice of music is going to be traditional and dignified, then by all means a live band will better suit the occasion. DJs are cool for casual wedding style receptions.
You need to listen to them play, better yet attend an event where the band is playing and also attend an event featuring the DJ. This will help you to make a more informed decision.
With a live band you have the option to use the band leader as master of ceremonies. Band leaders generally (but not always) have the right kind of personality for this job.
You need to inquire about the music repertoire of the live band as well as the Dj’s collection of music. With the varied crowd one expects at wedding receptions, a plentiful mix of music spanning the decades is important to get the crowd going. Will the band be able to accommodate song requests from your guests? For example, if you have guests who want songs from the 60s and guests who want songs that are current favorites, can they do both?
Live bands are to put it simply, live! Well experienced musicians can really make the party come alive with their music. Live bands can incorporate the wedding theme beautifully and are fully capable of switching tempos should the party spirit start flagging.
The downside to a live band is the price and also finding a band that can play the wide eclectic mix of music you are planning for your guests.
DJs are the cheaper option for your wedding reception music and they generally have a wider collection of music to offer. However, elegant, traditional, black tie receptions and DJs do not go together very well. DJs cannot improvise, they simply play the songs they have in their collection. Changing the tempo to lift the party spirit is out!
You need to decide what you want and make a booking well in advance if you want the best for your reception.