The time has come to choose your wedding music, but you can’t decide who should play your wedding tunes? It is an important decision, as music can make or break a wedding celebration. Hiring a talented band or DJ are your best options. To choose the right option, start by asking yourself some basic questions. Here are our top 8 ways to choose between a Wedding Band and a Wedding DJ for your wedding music!
1: The Vibe with Your Wedding DJ or Band
The type of music you want sets the tone of your wedding and helps solidify your theme. It is also the thing people remember the most. Consider what musical genre reflects your personalities the most and creates the ambiance you want. Do you like disco or traditional, string quartet? What about a big band theme or rockabilly? Picking your style of wedding music is important to help you choose between a band or a DJ.
The way your music is delivered will also affect the atmosphere. The type of music can also help dictate the choice, too. Big band sounds, for example, are better from a live band.
2: Does Your Wedding Band or DJ Offer Variety?
No matter whether you choose a DJ or a live band, you need to know what variety of songs they have. The night is going to need slow and fast songs, as well as some old and new tunes to get everyone on the dance floor. Ensure you check the range of wedding music your band or DJ offers!
3: What is Your Budget Like?
When it comes to booking wedding music or entertainment, DJs can be less expensive and their prices vary depending on their equipment requests, and the day of the week. A 12-piece band is going to be more expensive than a DJ, as there are more people to pay. Of course, there are always exceptions. Well known DJs could be more expensive than a live band.
Band prices vary based on the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play, the day of the week, and the time of the year.
4: Do You Have Space?
If you have your heart set on a band, you need to check whether the reception site has any restrictions on musicians, DJs, and how much equipment you can bring in. You also need to assess if there is adequate electrical supply and if the venue has noise limitations. Landmark location might restrict the use of loudspeakers. Always check with your location before booking.
5: Pros and Cons of a Wedding Band
A live band is the perfect way to get your guests excited and an orchestral band can create a sense of sophistication. Good band leaders can play the master of ceremonies at the reception, while interacting with your guests, and they can pay attention to the feel of the room so they can select music accordingly.
Live wedding music allows you and your guests to experience the pleasure of a live performance. A band is also skilled at raising the excitement level, from infectious guitar solos to a moving singer.
However, bands can be more expensive than a DJ. Many bands, too, won’t have the repertoire of a standard DJ who can keep a variety of music on hand. If you want a particular song played exactly the way the original artist played it, you may be disappointed. Research your band carefully to ensure they play the music you like, in the way you like.
6: Pros and Cons of a Wedding DJ
Wedding DJs are artists in their own rights, offering amazing mixes of wedding music for all ages. The songs they play will sound exactly how you want them, which also works to encourage people to sing along. They also potentially use less of the dance floor and can be moved with relative ease.
If there are a lot of songs you want to hear, it shouldn’t be hard for a DJ to track them all down for you. DJs are also generally less expensive, and have a charismatic stage presence, as well as excellent MC skills. They can help really set the mood of the night, and help keep the party going.
However, if your DJ has a less than stellar personality, that can be an absolute party killer. Improvising as a DJ is also difficult, especially in important dance numbers. If your father isn’t on tempo for the father-daughter dance, for example, the DJ can’t alter the pace of the song to match you.
7: See Your Wedding Band or DJ Live
It is best if you organise a time to see the band or DJ perform before you commit to a contract. This allows you to see how they dress, interact with guests, and improvise. You can ask for a tape of a performance or attend a dress rehearsal.
You can also ask for a playlist of the songs you know and love, or ask for links to their YouTube videos. You want to know you are choosing the right artist for your reception. It is also important to ask for referrals from other weddings. Use your first dance song as a test – if the band or DJ is unwilling to play or learn the song, then they’re not right for you.
8: Make Your Own Playlist
Can’t decide between a band or a DJ? While it is more work for a wedding couple, those on a smaller budget or those with specific music tastes might prefer curating their own wedding music. Just remember you need to create a good 4-5 hours of music, consider the flow of the day, and ensure you have any special songs you might want to call on throughout the day or night.
Your wedding will be an unforgettable day and night, no matter what, but have the right music for you just adds a little more magic to the event. Looking for more information on local bands or DJs? Explore True Bride’s directory today for the best in wedding music and wedding entertainment vendors!
You may also be interested in these pages
