You’d be surprised how many couples agonize over the decision of hiring a DJ or a band for their wedding. It often doesn’t seem like a major detail until someone asks, “Hey, what about the music for the reception?”
We know how important music is for the reception. It’s the element—more than the speeches or the wedding cake—that can electrify people into motion and get them to the dance floor. How much they dance into the wee hours of the morning is a sign of a well-planned reception. If you can persuade a couple of men who dislike dancing because they have two left feet to boogie onto the dance floor, then you know you picked the right DJ or band.
Band or DJ? Dancing is a form of celebration; it’s the ultimate expression of a romantic union. People dance at weddings not only to shake their booty but also as their own version of a fertility dance, wishing the newlyweds a large brood and, thus, prosperity. So, the music is key.
But let’s tackle the main issue here: Should you hire a band or DJ for your reception?
Hiring a Band: Pros and Cons
We can think of at least three advantages to hiring a band:
Beats canned music anytime
You’ll want your guests to connect with a group of live performers. Even non-dancers will enjoy watching and hearing a group of talented musicians. They can also serve as entertainers, dishing out jokes in between songs and accommodating the requests of tireless dancers. When your band is energetic, they’re more likely to communicate that energy to the crowd and get them on their feet.
Delivers on sound quality
Do you remember how excited you’d get when there was a live concert in town? You’d line up at 4:00 AM just to be first in line when the ticket windows opened at 10:00. Then, when you finally got to the concert, you marveled at the richness and texture of the sound, realizing it was well worth the early wake-up and spending your month’s allowance. Bands—especially the experienced ones—come well-equipped to handle the acoustics of reception halls. They can mix and blend their instruments so that their performance doesn’t drown out conversation or become inaudible.
Accommodates your wedding theme
Certain bands specialize in particular wedding themes. For example, if you’re having a Brazilian-themed wedding, you could find bands that sing in Portuguese and can also belt out modern songs in English. There are Celtic bands, as well as bands that perform only Elvis Presley tunes upon request. We’re not sure many DJs maintain a huge inventory of specific genres, so a talented band is likely your best bet.
As for the disadvantages of hiring a band:
Cost
While “live” is always better, it can be expensive. You can book a good band for anywhere between $1,500 to $5,000. However, couples without budget restrictions might spend up to $10,000 for a band at their wedding reception.
Agent
For couples who don’t know any bands personally or can’t obtain recommendations from friends, working with an agent can be cumbersome or efficient, depending on your perspective. The agent will need to know the requested theme, location, date, time, and any special production requirements. When finalizing arrangements with an agent, make sure you’re guaranteed a certain number of hours and songs. Some couples, busy with other wedding details, are surprised when the band they hired plays only for two hours or sings a limited number of songs. Be sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Booking
When your wedding day is approaching and you suddenly realize you haven’t dealt with the music yet, booking a band can be difficult if your wedding is just a few weeks away. The recommended time for booking a band is usually around three months in advance.
Acoustics
Some bands, particularly less experienced ones or those just starting out, may have inferior equipment that doesn’t handle the acoustics of the hall well. Instead of dancing, your guests might start asking for earplugs or hearing aids!
DJ: Pros and Cons
Here are the benefits of hiring a DJ:
Up close and personal
Let’s be honest—some DJs have an irresistible personality and can really engage your guests. Even if they stay in the background, their ability to “read” the audience is a huge plus. A DJ will scan the hall to see the mix of ages and then curate the right music for everyone. A seasoned DJ can catch the “pulse” of the crowd. If he senses that people are fading, he’ll know just what song to play—maybe something like “Born to Be Alive.” If things get a bit too hyper, he’ll switch to something softer, like “A Certain Smile,” to bring the romantic mood back.
Huge inventory
Experienced DJs often have a massive inventory of music spanning all genres. From classics to Broadway songs, hip-hop to hard rock, you name it. Plus, you can let them know your preferences, and they’ll arrive with a tailored setlist for your reception.
Requests welcome
Just like radio DJs, wedding DJs expect and welcome requests. They know what it’s like when there are different age groups involved, and they’ll gladly accommodate your guests’ musical preferences.
Cost
It goes without saying: hiring a DJ will typically cost less than hiring a live band.
But hiring a DJ can also have its disadvantages. For example:
Fatigue
A tired DJ will only make your guests feel tired. Some DJs overbook themselves, trying to maximize their earnings. If your wedding is the sixth party they’ve worked that week, you may run into trouble. DJs are human, and after a while, they can become tired or bored. What do they do? Either fall asleep behind the curtains or crack inappropriate jokes, drawing attention to themselves.
Small inventory
If a DJ lies about how long they’ve been in business, it’ll quickly become evident when they don’t have enough music to fill your reception. Or worse, they might only have a limited selection—say, hard rock or 1920s music. Not ideal.
Bad chemistry
Some DJs just don’t connect with their audience. Have you ever switched radio stations and heard a DJ who was obnoxious? If you get the feeling that a DJ might not be a good fit, trust your instincts and walk away. Alternatively, ask for recommendations from your wedding planner or venue.
Now, think back to how many wedding receptions you’ve attended. How many featured a live band, and how many had a DJ? Which did you enjoy more? You’d be surprised how quickly you can make a decision based on your past experiences!
