DJ vs Band for Your Wedding
Planning a wedding entails paying attention to various details during the preparation process, such as decor, food, and music. While all of these factors are important for wedding planning, your wedding day just wouldn’t be the same without great entertainment. The entertainment you choose plays a big role in setting the tone and vibe for your wedding. However, when deciding, there is always the dilemma of choosing between a live band vs DJ for wedding entertainment.
As such, you’ve probably found yourself at the crossroads between two options: a live wedding band or a wedding DJ. Some prefer hiring a DJ because of their upbeat energy, others prefer a live band because of the elegance and ambiance that naturally accompanies them. Some choose to do both a band and DJ, but that can be a bit pricey and may not be feasible for most people.
At Liv Entertainment, we have an array of options to make your wedding spectacular. We have both fantastic DJ for hire, as well as phenomenal live band that you can choose from. We aim to ensure that you and your guests have the best time at your wedding. Contact us today for a free consultation to get personalized advice.
In this post, we will review everything you should consider before making a decision between a DJ or live band for a wedding.
DJ vs Band for Wedding – Which Is Better?
Are you torn between a live band or DJ for your wedding? Looking at the pros and cons of each will help you make a decision.
As you consider your options, don’t drive yourself too crazy. One is not “better” than the other. It’s a matter of preference. Wedding DJs and bands each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s dive right into it.
The Pros of Choosing Wedding Bands
Here are the advantages of hiring a live band:
A Unique Experience
Bands provide extra charm to the big day. There’s something thrilling about watching musicians perform in front of you regardless of the genre of music. Live performances offer a unique experience that is often reserved for special events, whereas DJs are seen much more frequently.
Cater to The Entire Crowd
A wedding band could be a better option than a DJ when it comes to catering to a crowd with different tastes in music. There’s something about a great live performance that can be enjoyed by everyone. You can also have your playlist packed with music everyone can enjoy because wedding bands like Rouge or 26 Orchestra are extremely versatile.
Entertainment for Those Who Don’t Like to Dance
While most people expect their guests to dance at their wedding, it is possible that not everyone will dance all night, and sitting around watching other people dance isn’t always entertaining. However, when you hire a band, your guests won’t have to move to the dance floor to enjoy the music!
Interaction with the Crowd
Live bands bring a unique personality to any event. The audience will be captivated as the band plays. A good band will interact with the crowd and adapt to their needs for a truly unique performance.
The Cons of Choosing Wedding Bands
Here are some of the drawbacks of hiring a wedding band:
The Cost
The cost of hiring a band for your wedding is the most significant downside. Because bands are more expensive than wedding DJs, many couples opt for the more economical option.
Bands Need More Space
A DJ takes up less space than a band. If you have your heart set on a band, you will have to ensure that your wedding venue has enough space for them to perform and set up their equipment.
A Wedding DJ
In contrast to a band, which has a defined repertoire, a competent DJ can play a broad range of genres, appeal to a wide range of interests, and effortlessly play your favorite tunes even if they aren’t in his or her collection already. If you have guests who love to dance, a wedding DJ may be a more suitable option for your wedding reception.
The Pros of a Wedding DJ
Here are the pros of getting a professional DJ to play music at your wedding:
A Cost-effective Option
You can expect to pay a lot less for a wedding DJ than you would for a wedding band. DJs are a more affordable option, and they bring the equipment they need to perform at your wedding with them. Many DJs also offer a number of special effects, such as a smoke machine or lights. Typically, bands don’t offer these extra options or special effects.
A Wider Range of Music
Besides the fact that it helps you save money, hiring an experienced DJ allows you to enjoy a wider range of music. The range of songs your DJ can play during your wedding is another key advantage. Whether you choose to party to pop tunes, rap, international music, or disco funk, a good DJ would have hits in each genre.
Guests can also make special music requests, which the DJ will almost certainly be able to accommodate. The wide range of music also means that a DJ can better cater to the needs of a more diverse crowd, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, young and old.
The Cons of a Wedding DJ
Here are the drawbacks of choosing a DJ:
Less “Entertaining” (One-man-show)
One of the most prominent drawbacks is perceived entertainment. With a DJ, it’s less about the performance and more about the music. It’s a lot more understated than having a large live band.
Limited Song Requests
Some wedding DJs also have a pre-determined playlist and only allow certain requests, even from the bride and groom! If you’re going with a DJ, it’s very important that you meet with them beforehand to discuss the terms of service so there are no surprises on the big day.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Live Band and DJ
Before settling on a wedding band or DJ for your wedding reception, consider the following factors:
1. Your Budget
Weddings are expensive, so you’ll first want to consider your budget and the cost of wedding band and DJ entertainment carefully before making your choice.
Bear in mind that the amount of money you set aside for reception entertainment will influence your choice between a wedding DJ or a band. For example, a live band will almost always be more expensive to hire than a DJ. A band cost anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000+. The wide variance can be attributed to a number of variables. This includes the number of band members, the cost of travel, as well as the use of their instruments and sound equipment. In general, the larger the live band, the higher the price.
Furthermore, if your wedding venue is far away, many live bands and DJs will charge an additional travel fee. The average wedding DJ cost is anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $10,000, depending on the credibility and reputation of the DJ. In general, the more experienced the DJ is, the more you can expect to pay for his or her services.
The entertainment costs also include the use of any additional equipment, song requests, lighting, and the actual performance time. Some live bands will charge extra for learning and performing new material, while DJs may charge extra for making special mixes.
2. The Type of Vibe or Mood You’re Going for
Consider the type of wedding you’re planning before making your choice. Is it a quiet family dinner or a big dance party? Will people be dancing at the event, or are your wedding guests more conservative and expected to be more interested in catching up and chatting?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the right wedding entertainment. A string quartet might be perfect for setting a delicate and romantic tone for a modest dinner reception, while live music from a large band or a wedding DJ is sure to get the party started and encourage people to move to the dance floor.
As mentioned previously, wedding bands serve as a focal point no matter what you’re going for and offer entertainment for dancing and non-dancing wedding guests.
On the other hand, a skilled DJ who specializes in the genre of music you prefer for your wedding can help you build a lively party atmosphere.
Remember that a DJ will play pre-recorded music, so you and your guests will be familiar with it and may even sing along. On the other hand, a cover band may bring the house down with solo performances and surprising twists on old favorites. Take those factors into account when planning the atmosphere of your special day.
3. Music Genres and Themes
The theme of the party could influence the entertainment. If you’re planning a Great Gatsby-themed wedding, for example, you may need to hire a wedding band that focuses on music from the 1920s or hire a DJ who is well acquainted with and can play music from that era.
4. Venue and Location
Certain limitations can apply depending on the venue. Consider elements like physical space, electrical constraints, and even noise restrictions. These factors can influence whether you choose a wedding band or DJ.
Live wedding bands require more room to accommodate more members, equipment, and other requirements. A DJ might simply need a tiny table and some room for massive speakers.
Before arranging your wedding reception entertainment, be sure to check in with your venue. Don’t have your heart set on a large live band only to discover that the venue can’t handle the band’s requirements.
Keep in mind that the further away the venue is, the greater the cost. Because wedding bands need to transport more band members and equipment than DJs, the cost of hiring a wedding band may be considerably greater.
5. Your Guests
You’re hosting a celebration for your friends and family to enjoy. Before you choose your entertainment, think about the people that will attend. Consider your guests’ ages as well as the group’s overall interests.
Your wedding DJ or band can put together a list of songs that includes different genres and decades to suit various age groups.
Keep in mind that all of the songs a wedding band will perform will be covers, so it’s important you have an idea of what it will sound like. Song choices may also be limited, so a band may not be the best option for a younger crowd.
Looking for a Professional Live Band or DJ?
Choosing the right entertainment is an important step in wedding planning. To help you make this decision between a live band and a DJ, you should carefully consider all the factors listed in this blog.
With LIV Entertainment, you can rest assured that you’re getting tried and tested professionals in their respective genres. We have a wide range of live wedding bands and DJs to cater to your needs, including cocktail bands, cover bands, jazz bands, and more!
To find out more or make a booking, contact us or complete the online form to hear back from us!