wedding music

Choosing a Band vs. Choosing a DJ

When trying to decide on the best music options for your wedding day, one of the biggest questions is “Should we choose a live band or a DJ?”
It can seem a bit overwhelming, since you only get married once, and don’t really have the experience with wedding entertainment.
Here are some basic things that can make this process a bit easier and also a lot more enjoyable!

Imagination

Imagine the big day! Think about how amazing your event will be with all of your favorite people celebrating this once in a lifetime occasion.
Picture the setting, the room, the décor, the dance floor and what will best fit with your taste.
A DJ usually stands alone with his equipment on a small table or stand. Will this fit your aesthetic? This look can be okay for a very small affair but can often seem too minimal for such an important event.
A Band with it’s varied vocalists and musicians immediately sets the tone for a higher level of sophistication.
Guests will know instantly that you planned an upscale event the moment they walk in and see and hear a live band in place.

Energy

Do you want a high energy party with all of your guests dancing the night away?
There is nothing like the energy of live music for a wedding!
Bands often have several different styles of vocalists in front, along with the varying instruments accompanying them.
A quality band adjusts to the energy of the crowd, switching music as the crowd reacts to the chosen songs.
Working directly off each other, the band and the crowd become one!
It is a kind symbiotic exchange of energy that builds throughout the event, creating a kind of magic on the dance floor.
A DJ, is more restricted to the pre-recorded selections that he has to choose from. Often a DJ chooses to play a set routine of songs based on the need to have logical transitions from one song tempo to the next. With a set routine, the energy can often be stale and also leaves no room for spontaneous reactions to the crowd.
A live band can really adjust at a moments notice, and switch gears without having any issue. A good band does not stick to a set routine for all events.
They will instead choose each song based on the reaction of the crowd and your dance floor.
With a live band, the music can crescendo and decrescendo (gradually increase and decrease the intensity and volume) along with the flow of the event.

Personality

The choice of music for your wedding should represent your personality!
With a band, you can really custom design an event around your specific style and create a vibe that best suits your individual taste and personality.
This is usually accomplished by choosing just the right band!
Great bands are well versed in all styles of music, so you can really pick and choose your favorite songs to highlight who you are and how you want your night to go!
It isn’t ideal to choose a band that really only specializes in one style of music. For example, a band that is really strong in jazz, isn’t really going to get your crowd going.
Or a band that really plays just rock music, or just Motown, isn’t really going to grab the attention of all of your guests.
You have to find a band with a balance of all styles of music that all guests can relate to, and this is how you get a full dance floor.
Again, by thinking about what fits your taste and personality, you can still instruct the band on what to play more of, or what to cut completely.
A DJ can offer variety of styles as well, but most DJ’s are just pressing play and letting the pre-recorded music spin.
There isn’t much custom design of music when it comes to a DJ, because they are truly restricted to the sounds of the record and can’t adjust in the same way that live musicians and vocalists can.

Budget

Like everything else in planning your wedding, the decision of budget can really factor in.
It is definitely important to research the pricing of live bands. Many bands can provide different sized groups to fit each event budget, making it totally possible to have very upscale entertainment for your event, while staying well within your budget.
If you are looking to splurge for the occasion, you can go with a larger band with more instruments and vocalists, really impressing your guests and adding to the overall aesthetic.
When dealing with a more limited budget, a DJ can often be the right decision.
But keep in mind, you often get what you pay for when it comes to music. The DJ’s who are often very low priced are also typically the kind of cheesy, over the top entertainers, who just play their CD’s and over hype throughout the event. Quality music stands strong on it’s own without the need to over do it. With a sophisticated live band, there is usually a band leader who conducts the event with the right balance of energy and elegance, allowing the guests to really enjoy the music without the hammy nonsense that so many DJ’s can bring to the event.

Lasting Memories

This day is one of the most important days of your lives. It represents the start of making your lifetime of lasting memories together.
Music can truly make or break your event.
It is important to do some research, check references, get ideas from friends who have recently been married, etc.
Asking friends who happen to be musicians or music buffs, is always a great idea as well! They can really help you choose the best quality music for your wedding.
You have to hire skilled, polished musicians who are at the level of professionalism worthy of your event.
Make sure you can view live, unedited videos of all prospects, or see a live performance.
Most DJ’s these days, just bring their computer, and play songs directly off of an ITunes playlist. The art of spinning records is unfortunately a dying craft.
Anyone can play a record or a CD, even you! So think about the specialness of the occasion and make the choice that works best in creating lasting memories!