Tania Inniss Feature - DJ vs Bands

At some point or another, every bride has to decide whether she wants a Band or a DJ for the wedding reception. A lucky few know off the bat which is best for their big day but for others the choice may not be so easy. Ideally, it would be great to have a band to entertain and interact with your guests plus a DJ for when you need to revamp the energy levels later on. But, for most people, that’s not exactly a viable financial option.

For the most part, the decision comes down to what kind of atmosphere you have in mind for your reception. Live bands have the ability to recreate that concert feel that encourages the guests to connect and interact with the musicians. Dj’s tend to have that nightlife club feel that always seems to result in a lack of shoes and hours of dancing.

Another big deciding factor is the genre of music you will want to hear most. If you’re a crowd that enjoys things like Motown, 80’s Hits, or Rock & Roll, chances are you’re going to want a band because they can play the songs the way they were meant to be heard; live, loud and full of energy.  On the other hand, if you’re more likely to have a crowd full of Top 40/Pop music lovers or fans of Diplo and David Guetta, then the more logical choice would be a DJ.

Admittedly, nowadays a live band can play pretty much any song you can find on the charts. However, it’s important to find out whether or not the specific band you choose is willing or able to learn any new material. For a DJ, with thousands of songs in his arsenal, it’s much easier to cater to the audience and change up the atmosphere at a drop of a dime. This is usually done through observing the crowd and seeing what they respond to most or by taking requests. But, for a band it’s near impossible to expect such improvisation. So, keep that in mind as well.

Remember, if you have a band, they are more than like going to have one or two breaks. In order to avoid an awkward time, find out if they have alternate music options to play during this time. This is usually ipod or a laptop but if you’re set on getting a band this could be a time to play a couple of selections from outside the bands repertoire. 

A couple extra helpful tips in getting the most out of your entertainment:

1)     Whenever possible, get a preview of your future band or DJ in action. Ask for a tape of a previous performance, sit in on a rehearsal, or at the very least talk to a couple of their references and see if they come highly recommended.

2)     Check with your venue to make sure your choice in entertainment is a viable option. Some sites have a maximum number of musicians you’re allowed to have (which might interfere with band plans) and other more historical or natural locations don’t allow large speaker systems. Keep these things in mind and ask your venue about it if you’re unsure.

3)     This might be a no-brainer but make sure that if you have a band they are able and willing to play the song you want for your first dance. I know for few couples the choice of a song is discussion that usually takes some time to finalize. Most professional bands are willing to work with you if you request songs in advance. But don’t push it off til the last second only to realize that the band can’t play it to your liking.

4)     Most importantly, don’t assume. Don’t assume they can play something. Don’t assume they will play something. Create a list of songs you would really love to hear and give it to them in advance. While you’re at it, give them a list of songs you most definitely do not want to hear and give that to them as well. Better safe than sorry.