Which is Better for a Wedding: DJ or Band?
I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately from folks trying to decide whether to have a band or a DJ at their wedding. It’s a very common dilemma that many couples face when planning their wedding reception. Up front, I will tell you that there are pros and cons to each one. And one is no better/worse than the other. When I’m asked the question, my answer is always “it depends.” The answer to the question is unique to every ceremony and every couple. It’s definitely not a one-size fit all. In reality, it’s a FAR tougher decision than most people think. Ultimately, it comes down to the personal tastes of the bride and groom and what their vision is for the individual style of their wedding.
So in this post, I’m going to highlight some things that a bride and groom need to think about as they try to make a mutual decision together. And oh by the way, as a personal testimony, my wife and I had BOTH a band and a DJ at our wedding. That’s what fit our reception.
And lastly, regardless of which one you pick, pick a good one! Know what you’re getting. Wedding entertainment can be a make or break decision. Do your due diligence to make sure it’s a quality selection. Here are a few things that I recommend:
Word of mouth is the best advertisement. Get references from other couples. A wedding has specific needs. Ask other couples what they liked and disliked about their entertainment.
Be sure to hear them play live. A CD or a video is great, but NOTHING compares to an actual live performance.
Choose a playlist with your entertainment, as well as a “Do Not Play” list. It’s YOUR big day. You only get married once. Nobody knows your intended and your family like you do. I can’t speak for all bands and DJs, but I definitely don’t mind you handing me a playlist.
Do NOT hire the entertainment from your favorite bar or festival for your wedding. Weddings are WAY different. Hire professional entertainment that understands and knows how to fit the occasion.
Pros and Cons of DJs vs Bands
Wedding Bands
As a DJ, even I am willing to admit that a live band (if they’re good) has a lot of “wow” factor because of the “live energy” that it brings. But there are also special accomodations required too. For example, a live band is literally like bringing in a circus act. You need extra space in your venue to fit all the extra people. A lead singer, two guitar guys, a keyboardist, a drummer, plus all their required sound gear takes up a considerable amount of space, especially if you’re in a small venue. Also, most bands will give you a list called a “rider” that indicates all the specific things they need in order to perform. There are even other things like the style of music they play, making sure they know your timeline, and the added expense of paying multiple musicians. As you can see, a wedding band is a big commitment.
Pros
They make a more dramatic presentation, with musicians, vocalists, and all those instruments
Have unique personalities
Their infectious energy can get people on the dance floor
Guests who don't dance will still enjoy watching the show
Live music is more emotional, which is what the day is all about
Cons
The higher rates might be prohibitive for some couples
No matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand and play guests' song requests
Wedding DJs
Most couples choose a wedding DJ because of the diversity of the music a DJ can play. Most DJs not only accept requests from the couple and their guests, but will also work with a playlist from the bride and groom. As a result, you won’t end up with certain people having fun and others sitting in the corner all night disinterested. Additionally, a DJ is typically a one-man show so your expenses will be less for their attendance. Often times, a couple opts to feed their DJ or band at the wedding reception, so less people is more savings. The cost of hiring a DJ is usually cheaper as well unless you hire a very inexperienced wedding band.
Pros
A DJ is more affordable than a band (DJ rates typically start at about $500 for five hours; bands are often a minimum of $3,000)
He or she will play any song you want
Can work in small spaces without a lot of equipment
Keeps music going during the entire party with no breaks
Is trained to choreograph the reception and make announcements, which means you also get an MC to help with the reception's flow
Cons
A DJ with a wack personality can be a dance-floor killer
Improvisation is tough if, say, you need to cut a song short on the fly
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, only you as a couple can decide if a DJ or a band is right for your wedding reception. If you are more concerned about variety, a DJ will likely win hands down every time. If energy and fun is more up your ally, then a live band may suit your tastes a little better. Just know that a band will be expensive and a DJ offers more variety, but finding what is right for your wedding is half the fun.
Now, here's my personal peeve. I dislike attending weddings where after the ceremony, the bride and groom go off to take thousands of wedding photos and the crowd is left to twiddle their thumbs until the reception starts. For that very reason, my wife and I had both a live band and a DJ at our wedding. After the ceremony, we had a cocktail hour where the live band played. And after the cocktail hour, we had a DJ to carry us through the rest of the reception. Obviously that was pricey, but it fit our particular situation. What's right for you is probably somewhere in between.
Congratulations! Good luck! And don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. It doesn't matter whether you're getting married in Hawaii. I'm here to help.