Having
the right music at your reception is essential to setting the mood, and making
sure people have fun. But how do you know whether to hire a wedding band or DJ?
Here are the pros and cons of each.
Wedding Band Pros
There
truly is nothing like live music, which can energize the crowd, and get people
more excited for dancing
Odds
are, the sound quality will be better than with a DJ
Musicians
can change the tempo of songs so as to accommodate some fancy dance moves or a
tired fiancé
A
specific type of band can truly complete a wedding theme. (For example, a
1930s-themed wedding and a swing band, an Irish wedding and a Celtic band, or
fairytale wedding with an orchestra)
Wedding Band Cons
1. For many, the cost of hiring
a wedding band is prohibitive. At a cost of between $2000 and $20,000 (and
up!), you'll want to know that you've found the most ideal group for your
wedding ever
2. Some wedding bands can
really only play one sound, and have a hard time switching genres or styles.
You might find yourself with one that is either too classical, too jazzy, or
just plain too wedding-band-like. And, if you've got a favorite song, they may
not be able to play it well
3. Some bands have only one
volume: loud. If you've got a small reception venue, a wedding band might
overpower it
4. Those musicians are going to
need to take breaks; when the music stops, most will turn on a CD for you, but
it won't have the same energy as live music does
DJ Pros
• Your first dance song can be
sung by the artist that made you fall in love, rather than a pale imitation
• Most DJs have libraries of
hundreds or even thousands of songs. That means they'll have music that your
friends will like, as well as songs for Aunt Bettie's generation
• Songs can quickly segue from
great dance numbers to the perfect "cutting the cake song" or
background music as someone makes a toast
• You shouldn't have to have
any break in the music at all
DJ Cons
• Beware of the bored DJ or
worse, the one on autopilot. Because many wedding DJs have their routines down
pat, they can get bored. This might mean that they make terrible jokes or try
to ham it up between songs. Or, it might mean they are doing everything
automatically. I've seen an autopilot DJ play songs from the "do not play
list", ask for the bride's father to make a toast even though he wasn't there,
and announce a couple as Mr. and Mrs. Hisfirstname Hislastname even though the
bride didn't change her name and they specifically asked to be announced in a
different way! Make sure you meet with the person who will actually be
performing your wedding. See if you've got a vibe that meshes, and if he/she
seems excited about putting together a playlist specifically for your event
Above
all, try to go and see the wedding band or DJ actually performing to know if
they're truly right for you. No, you don't need to crash a wedding at someone's
house, but if they're playing a reception at an event space, or a club, peek
your head in the back unobtrusively and watch for their style and vibe.
Frequently a DJ or band leader will act as the MC of a wedding reception, which
means you'll need them to be entertaining but not annoying, polished, friendly,
and charismatic.
By: Megan Loberg, A Memory Lane Event
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