Band vs. DJ: Choosing the right music for your weddingreception

The right music can be everything to a wedding reception. From the cocktail hour to the entrance songs to the last dance, the majority of a wedding reception is spun around tunes. But deciding whether those tunes should come from a DJ or a band is a tricky task for a couple. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each:

A band — the pros

There’s no doubt that a band provides an atmosphere that a DJ can’t. After all, it’s a live performance, and there’s something electric about that. It’s likely that the band leader is a born entertainer, which is just what you need for the emcee of the night. He or she can get the crowd out on the dance floor and raring to go.

If you’re looking for a special kind of music, such a big band or swing, then a live band is really way to go. The sound quality will be better than with a DJ.

A band — the cons

For most people, the cost of hiring a band for their wedding reception is prohibitive. With bands ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, that’s a lot of money to put out there for just the music, especially because that music will take breaks during the reception. After all, these are humans — they occasionally have to take a few moments away from their instruments and microphones to eat, drink, and use the restroom. You can flip on a CD for the breaks, but it will change the whole atmosphere and people are likely to flee the dance floor when that happens.

With a live band, you don’t get the variety that you might with a DJ. After all, a band has to learn the tracks, whereas a DJ can just find the record. If you want a particular song played, you have to make sure the band knows about it with plenty of time to learn it.

A band — considerations

You might be thinking, “Hey, I’m just going to book my favorite cover band for the night.” After all, you love grooving to them at the bar, and they know all your favorite songs, right? Unless this cover band has experience playing weddings, you might want to rethink it. After all, music in the bar is very different than music at a wedding, and will this band really be able to take you through the entire affair, from cocktail music and beyond? Will they remain appropriate enough for grandpa’s ears? These are all very serious considerations.

A DJ — the pros

If there’s one thing that’s great about a DJ, it’s the variety they offer. They’ll have the music that will make your college friends happy and the tunes that will make Ma and Pa happy. They can play the country music that he loves, and the Norah Jones jazz that she loves. There is no one-size-fits-all for a DJ that a band can have, and that — along with the cost — is probably the main reason they’re becoming a more popular option.

But that cost thing, that’s a big one. Whereas a good band starts at a couple thousand dollars, a DJ can be had for $1K or less. That’s typically the driving force, isn’t it?

A DJ — the cons

Some DJs like music, but they just aren’t a performer. DJing in a club — where they’re not required to open their mouths — is a far cry from a wedding, where they’re expected to take charge of the event. This is why you should always go check out a gig for the DJs  you’re interested in before booking. There, you can see their personalities and how well they move the event along.

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