Deciding Between a DJ and a Live Band

Now that you are engaged, it is time to begin the fun of planning your big day! Undoubtedly, you want everything to go off without a hitch. Therefore, you need to weigh all of your options carefully when making plans for your reception. One of the most important decisions you need to make regarding the reception entertainment is whether you should hire a DJ or a band to perform. Making this determination depends largely on your own personal taste and you can easily make the right decision by asking yourself a few simple questions.

What is my budget?

The first question you need to answer is how much money you have available to spend on music for your reception. For the most part, it costs anywhere from 50 - 66% less to hire a DJ than to hire a live band to perform at your reception. Therefore, you may choose to hire a DJ simply because your budget is limited or because you would rather spend the money on some other aspect of the reception, such as on decorations or wedding favors. Remember, the music provided is the most important aspect of the reception. If your guests are not entertained, they will not stay to enjoy your reception with you. If you can only afford to hire the lowest quality of bands, it would probably be a better idea to hire a DJ that can provide you with solid entertainment for the night.

What is my music preference?

When deciding between a live band and a DJ, you also need to consider your musical preferences, as well as the preferences of your guests. No matter which you choose for entertainment, the band or DJ needs to be able to supply the reception with a variety of music in order to please all of your guests. Many people automatically assume a DJ will offer the greatest variety, but this isn't always true. A DJ can only carry so many songs with him to reception. In addition, he has to limit what he brings in order to be capable of quickly locating a requested song. Bands, on the other hand, are only limited by the songs they are capable of playing. Quality bands will have a long list of songs within their "playlist." In addition, playing a game of "stump the band" while the band tries to play a requested song on the fly can be quite entertaining for your guests.

Does it matter to me if the band takes breaks?

For the most part, a DJ can continually play music at your reception during the entire night. If he needs to use the restroom or leave his equipment briefly, he can simply put on a song that will last long enough for him to do this. Bands, on the other hand, need to take periodic breaks. Typically, they will perform for about 1½ to 2 hours before taking a break. This is necessary in order to continue playing quality music. In fact, a guitar player can experience temporary finger paralysis if he doesn't take periodic breaks.

When deciding whether to go with a live band or a DJ, you need to consider what form of entertainment will take place during these break times and whether the trade off is worth it to you. Some bands do supply a "break tape" to play while they are on break, but this music can sometimes be quite boring and lack entertainment quality. Some bands, however, will provide a band member to DJ during the breaks or to MC in order to help guide your reception through traditions, such as cutting the cake and tossing the bouquet, during their breaks.

How much space do I have available?

You also need to consider the amount of space you have available for your reception when deciding between a DJ and a live band. A DJ generally takes up far less space than a band. When planning the location of the reception, be sure to confirm the regulations the venue has regarding band size. Also, it's a good idea to double-check with the band you are considering before you commit to a certain location. The band can tell you whether or not they will be able to create quality sound and entertainment within the available space. If you have your heart set on a particular location that simply cannot house a band, you will have to go with a DJ instead.

No matter which you go with - a DJ or a live band - be sure to book early. The highest quality DJs and bands are booked well ahead of time, sometimes even a year or more in advance, so you will have to choose from the "leftovers" if you wait too long to make your decision. With the great importance of this night, you want to be sure to have your first choice, no matter what it might be.