Wedding Reception: Live Band or a DJ?

The choice is yours whether to hire a live band or a DJ for your wedding reception. There are pros and cons to each.

Live Band:

Hiring a quality band may mean spending more money. Bands will require more breaks than a DJ, usually playing in short sets. A live band adds a personal warmth that some prefer, but to get a band that reflects “you”, be sure to listen to several before hiring one. Even if a band comes highly recommended, they may not be for you.

Another thing to consider about a live band…they require more stage room. If you have the accommodations this won’t be a problem, but space should be considered when making a choice.

A live band may be limited on the variety of music they are able to offer. This may not be a problem for some, but for those who need a wide variety, a DJ may be the better choice.

DJ:

Hiring a DJ can cut the cost substantially. They require less breaks and can play music almost continually. A good DJ should have a wide variety of music available that will appeal to all ages and tastes.

A DJ and their equipment don’t require much room, so this is a plus if the accommodations are relatively small. A good DJ has working equipment and can offer a wide variety of music. They can also turn the volume up or down, unlike a live band.

In trying to make your decision, consider the DJ or live band’s availability, their reputation, their style, experience and how well they work with you, personally. This is your wedding so it’s important to hire someone that listens and understands exactly what you want.

Whether you choose a live band or a DJ, make sure a contract will be signed before hiring anyone. The contract should include the date, the start and finish time, the price, any deposit fees, the location, if there is a fee for going over time, a cancellation policy and any travel fee that may be included. Get everything in writing and ask questions until everything is clear and understood.

A DJ or a live band can be an enhancement to your reception, but good planning in relation to the accommodations, your personal tastes and your budget, will make a difference.