The most exciting aspects of planning an event is choosing your evening’s entertainment. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration however, the most important concern is do I need to book an event DJ or band?
DJs and wedding bands have pros and cons, however most of the time it boils down to the budget and your personal preferences.
Nothing can compare to the pure energy that the live music brings to the celebration. The band will not only improve the level of interaction with guests however, they also create the feeling of a special occasion A band of skilled professional musicians will prove more appealing to guests than the best vinyl-spinner.
With the increasing popularity of ‘DJ Live’ shows that you don’t have to choose between these two. A lot of DJs provide a variety of DJ/musician duos that can provide an ensemble that includes musicians, drummers, sax players and singers into their set.
Should I book a Live Wedding Band?
Before we discuss the advantages and disadvantages when it comes to hiring wedding bands we’ll quickly review the kind of entertainment package that you will get.
The cost of a wedding band can vary however the majority of wedding bands that are high-end start around £1000-1500. The typical price is in the range of three to four members. They may include:
2 30 or 3 sets of 40 minutes
Professional PA system
Lighting to illuminate the dance floor and stage
The playlists will be played throughout the night until midnight
When searching for a classical wedding singer make sure you check out zoemace.co.uk.
Wedding Band Pros
1. Live bands are amazing!
The powerful and thrilling sound of live music is sure to enthrall the audience.
2. Sure to bring the dance floor to life
It doesn’t matter if it’s rockin’ drums or a groovy bass, or amazing vocals you’re into, energetic energy that a band can bring can bring even the most humble of dance floor.
3. Mashups and Medleys
Everyone loves a mashup, and nobody can do it better than live music. If it’s a quick blast of your favorite 90s-era dance tracks or classic Motown mixed with the latest hip-hop sounds, a distinctive song mashup is always a surprise delight to your visitors.
4. It’s Totally Unique
Each when a band performs the show is distinctive in one way or another, and it will never be duplicated.
5. Ideal for guests of all ages
Even those who don’t dance can still appreciate listening to the musicians perform and engage with the guests. While many wedding bands concentrate on one specific type of music, most bands play a predetermined set of songs to accommodate all ages.
6. The band can also play around with
The band’s freedom isn’t restricted by the restrictions of a song or playlist Experienced musicians can take the music anywhere at any point.
7. DJs can also be part of the band!
That’s right! Many function bands also provide DJ sets with an optional member of the group. Even if you do not hire a DJ on your own it’s still possible to have all your most-loved songs to dance to after the band are done performing. It’s also an excellent way to reduce space looking to get two options.
Wedding Band Cons
1. Budget
The cost of hiring a wedding band typically costs less than a DJ. The reason for this is because there more guests to cover.
2. Space Requirements
If you’re using live drums with a a sound system, and at minimum 3 or 4 musicians. You’re likely have to make sure you have sufficient space. You’ll require at least 4×3 meters to accommodate a standard four-piece band.
3. Fixed Repertoire
While most bands will have up to 100 songs or more included in their repertoire but you’ll likely have less options than a DJ, who will have access to nearly every song ever written. A majority of bands will be delighted to teach you your first dance track however, beyond that the songs that will be played during your night are selected from their collection.
4. Musicians require breaks
A wedding DJ will keep the music going until midnight however, a band has to play time frames with breaks between. However, every cover band plays DJ playlists for the duration of the event which means you’ll never be left without music!
Should I book a Wedding DJ?
A DJ for weddings is the most popular option for entertainment at weddings, it’s cost-effective, flexible, and allows you to be as involved in the DJ’s music you want.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a DJ at your wedding?
Wedding DJ Pros
1. Variety
With guests ranging from toddlers to grandparents, it’s important to provide a wide selection of music for all. With streaming platforms and MP3s DJs will be able to access all the songs you could ever want and you just need to ensure that you have a connection to the internet to take any requests for songs that last a minute!
2. Affordable
With only one DJ to hire, the total price of a DJ for a wedding is usually lower than a wedding band that has 3 or more musicians. Some couples might even decide to allocate a portion of their entertainment budgets towards wedding bands before the ceremony.
3. Flexible
Professional DJs know how to manage the space and can alter their set to suit any time. If people aren’t reacting well to 90s-style house beat it’s possible to mix the mood with an old school disco, or play a floor filler exactly the right time.
4. No Gaps Between Songs
DJs have the benefit of being able seamlessly switch between songs without a gap to the next. This creates a continuous dance mix that will keep the people dancing.
5. Adjustable Volume
With all the venues using sound limiters, the quantity of music is an important aspect. Although a band might struggle to play at certain volume levels, it’s not an issue for a DJ to just turn down the volume to the level that is required.
6. Small Footprint
If space at the venue is a problem for you, a wedding DJ might be the ideal choice for you. With just a DJ booth speakers and a lighting system DJs can modify their setup to accommodate the needs of your guests.
Wedding DJs – Cons
1. Energy
While live bands will naturally invigorate the space with their music but it’s much more difficult for DJs to crank up the energy without a crowd that is willing to.
2. Not as original
DJs may not be the same as a live band which has a distinct style of performance. Professional DJs bring personality and charm to the stage, however this is typically due to the individual.
Wedding Band vs DJ (or Both?)
If you’ve got the funds for it and you’re looking for a live wedding band along with a DJ can give you the most effective of both.
Nothing can match the enthusiasm and charisma of a live performance, but it’s tough to match the vast amount of music DJs have at their disposal.