Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever experience. There are so many things to consider, such as the venue, the color scheme, and the meal options.
However, as we all know, one of the essential components of planning a wedding is the entertainment. Without proper music, the night will fall flat, and you’ll have a hard time keeping the party going.
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to your wedding music is determining whether to opt for a wedding DJ service or a band. Continue reading to learn more about what you should consider when making this critical decision.
Considerations When Deciding Between a DJ and a Band
There are many different questions you can ask yourself when deciding whether to use a wedding DJ or a live band for your big day. Some of the things you should consider include:
- What kind of feeling am I going for? When determining whether to hire a DJ or a band for your wedding, one of the first things you should consider is what kinds of vibe you want for your wedding.
If you’re set on the idea of having live music, then you’ll want to consider what kind of band will be more suitable for your intended effect. Are you looking to have an intimate, classy gathering? In that case, perhaps consider hiring a string quartet for your big day. Are you looking to keep the night moving even though some guests may not be big dancers? In that case, perhaps a big band that will be entertaining even to non-dancers is optimal.
However, if you want to have generally crowd-pleasing music at all times that people can easily sing along with, a DJ might be the best choice. You can also meet with potential bands and DJs to determine if someone fits exceptionally well with your style and the feeling you want to create at your wedding.
- What’s my price range? Keep in mind that it’s almost certain that a full band will be more expensive than a DJ. Thus, if you’re looking for ways to save money (unless you have a connection with a local band), a DJ is likely a better option
- Does my venue have restrictions? It’s also important to consider your venue when deciding between a wedding band and a DJ. Your venue may not be large enough to accommodate a full band, so it’s essential to speak to the owner/manager to determine if a wedding band is suitable for the available space.
Additionally, there may be restrictions regarding the power source that could make it difficult for a wedding band to have all the equipment they require. These considerations can help you determine if perhaps a DJ is better for your particular wedding.
- Do they already know the songs I want? When speaking with potential wedding bands, it’s vital that you ask about their musical style and what songs they’re already familiar with. Many bands have a specific style that they specialize in, so you’ll want to make sure it suits your tastes. While many bands are capable of learning new songs with enough notice, ideally, their style should at least roughly match what you’re looking for. If you can’t find a band that suits your tastes, then going with a DJ might make more sense.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Bands and DJs
Additionally, when deciding whether to choose a wedding band or a DJ, there are certain pros and cons of each you should consider. Continue reading to see the pros and cons of both options.
Cons of Hiring a Wedding Band
- They require a lot of space and come along with a lot of equipment, so they must have access to adequate power sources that not all venues can offer.
- They are more expensive. Because wedding bands require so much equipment and have multiple members, they are almost guaranteed to be more expensive than a DJ.
- They require more breaks than a DJ because live performances are strenuous and they have multiple people to consider.
- They may have limitations on the songs they can play.
Pros of Hiring a Wedding Band
- They are memorable. Wedding bands create a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests. Even if another couple hires the same band, their experience will not be the same.
- They elevate the style of your wedding. Because wedding bands are rare and personalized, they can help elevate your wedding and make it an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
- They can engage your guests on another level. Live bands are captivating and interactive in a unique way. Thus, even if people at your wedding don’t feel like dancing, they will likely enjoy watching and listening to your live band and will still be involved in the event.
Cons of Hiring a DJ
- Wedding DJs are slightly less personalized. While wedding DJs can still talk to and engage with your guests, they are somewhat less personal than a wedding band. They can’t alter their songs and style to suit you in the moment the way a wedding band can
- Wedding DJs may not be able to engage your guests in the same way that a wedding band can. Live entertainment always has a certain appeal that others just can’t match. However, keep in mind that wedding DJs often can be very talented MCs who are skilled at keeping the party moving.
Pros of Hiring a DJ
- They need less space. Because wedding DJs have less equipment (and fewer people), they don’t require as much space as a live band.
- They are less expensive. Again, wedding DJs require less equipment and fewer people. Therefore, they are necessarily cheaper than a band.
- They can play a variety of songs. Wedding DJs aren’t constrained by the songs they’re able to play. Thus, you can get a wide variety of music with a wedding DJ. Typically, you and your guests can even request songs they don’t usually play. Just make sure to ask them about this ahead of time.
- They don’t need as many breaks. Because a DJ is just one person, you don’t have to worry about multiple people needing breaks at different times. Additionally, when your DJ does need a break, they can keep the party going in their absence by setting up some songs.
Deciding between a wedding band and a DJ may be one of the biggest decisions you make when planning your big day. There are many things to consider, such as your venues’ size and the vibe you want to create. Additionally, make sure to keep in mind the pros and cons of each option, and take the time to meet with any potential wedding bands and DJs in person before making a decision.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so don’t overlook the details. Make sure you take your time planning and pick the option that best suits you and your partner-to-be.
