The Perfect Wedding Reception: DJ or Band?
Friday, March 4th, 2011
No doubt about it: music is what makes or breaks a wedding. It’s the end-all and be-all of a great reception and determines the mood in which your guests will leave the party – with smiles or grimaces. But what to do when you’re torn between hiring a band and a DJ? What type of entertainment best suits your taste, budget, guest demographics and event space? Here are the issues to consider when pondering the two options…
Tone
The type of music you play at your wedding helps sets its tone and theme. Ask yourself, what musical genre are you and your future mate most drawn to? And would it highlight the ambiance you are trying to create? Whether you spring for a string quartet, groovy funk, all-and-out swing or sultry salsa, keep in mind that the way the music set is delivered – by DJ or live band – affects the overall ambiance. The type of music you go for may influence your choice, too – big band music is best delivered live, for instance.
Budget
When it comes to price, DJs generally cost less than bands, but prices vary depending on the date – weekday or weekend – and equipment requests. Although there are more people to pay when you hire a live band, a celebrity DJ can cost just as much, if not more. When deciding between the two, think about the length of time you want them to play for, the season, and the day of the week, before asking for a price quote.
Space
It’s a good policy to check whether a reception venue has restrictions on sound equipment pieces or the number of musicians. Noise or electricity limitations may also exist. It’s not uncommon for a registered landmark site, for example, to have set limits on the number and size of speakers. Ask questions along these lines and also inquire about acoustics before you start booking bands. You want to make sure your guests can clearly hear the music and your best man as he entertains guests with after-dinner anecdotes about the bride and groom’s former relationships and adventures with UK dating sites.
Whatever option you end up springing for – a live-band or DJ set – it’s important to have worked out a good playlist of wedding party music to keep the celebration going all night.
What songs are must-haves for your party? The following songs are good choices for the bride and groom’s first dance and when the dance floor is opened to everyone: At Last by Etta James; Can’t Get Enough of Your Love by Barry White; You’re the First, the Last, My Everything by Barry White; Let’s Stay Together by Al Green; The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennett.