To Band or To DJ: The Ultimate Question

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. You want it to be memorable, not just for yourself, but for your guests too. And memorable for the right reasons!

Having the right entertainment can add that extra touch of magic to your wedding reception, but choosing between a live band and a DJ is a tricky choice to make. Both make superb forms of entertainment, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll be disappointed by either, but there are pros and cons to each that can help you determine which is right for you.

The Vibe

One of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing between a band and a DJ is what ambiance you want for your reception. Do you want a lively, exciting atmosphere or a more chilled, romantic setting? A band usually sticks to a specific genre, so if you and your partner both enjoy the same music a live band is a great choice.
However, if you’re looking for more of a party setting, a DJ is a great way to get everyone up on their feet dancing the night away! Really think about what atmosphere you want for your reception before deciding on your entertainment choice.

The Range

There are only so many songs a live band can sing. If you have a specific taste in music that you want to share on your wedding day – such as the best of the 70’s – a live band is a fantastic option! However, if you want a variety of songs, fast and slow, current bops and golden oldies, DJs have a huge mix of music on standby, making them the best choice for your reception. Don’t forget that bands can’t keep singing the whole night long, they need to rest their voices every now and then, whereas a DJ can keep the party going all night long!

The Budget

In general, bands are a little pricier than DJs, but that’s dependent on how long you want them to play for, how many are in the band and when your wedding is. DJs do tend to be the cheaper option when it comes to wedding entertainment, but don’t let price influence your decision too much as you should definitely splash out on your big day to ensure your entertainment is perfect.

The Space

It’s all very well wanting live band, but does your venue have the room to accommodate all eight of them and their instruments, microphones and equipment? A DJ tends to take up less room than a band does, but at the same time, if you have a large venue with a space that needs filling, sometimes a band is a great choice to create that electric buzz everyone wants for their wedding reception. As mentioned before, make it memorable, but not because everyone is tripping over the microphone wires or no one can hear the DJ in the far corner of the room a million miles away.

When It Comes Down to It

Choosing between a live band and a DJ is very much down to personal preference. The most important factors that need to be considered when deciding what entertainment you want for your reception is what vibe you’re going for, and what music you like. It’s your special day, so make sure you choose what you like best. Both a live band and a DJ will create a fantastic atmosphere and will have your guests wowed. If budget allows you can’t go wrong with having both it just depends on whether you want everyone having a boogie all night, or swaying in time to the beat.