Music is an important part of a wedding reception. In days gone by, nearly everyone employed a live band at their wedding. But as technology progressed, the use of a DJ (disk jockey) came into practice and it became unusual to see a group of musicians gracing the stage at a wedding reception.
Today, however, the live wedding band is making a comeback and many people prefer to employ live musicians to add a little extra pizzazz to their special day. Of course, there are both pros and cons when it comes to hiring a wedding band vs a DJ
Truly, live music is much more spectacular than music coming from a CD. A band tends to energize the crowd, fill the room, and entice more people to get up and participate. A good band leader is personable and knows how to interact with the crowd. In addition, a band accustomed to playing at weddings can play a wide variety of music, fast and slow, contemporary songs and standards, pleasing all kinds of guests. Furthermore, if the wedding is themed, the choice of an appropriate band can enhance that theme, i.e. the use of a group that uses steel drums or is Beach Boy-esque for an outdoor beach wedding.
On the downside, live music does tend to be substantially more expensive than a DJ because you are employing several musicians, all of whom need to be paid for their time. Also, some venues do not support the use of a live wedding band Small locations may be overwhelmed by the presence of live music, making it uncomfortable for the bridal party and guests, who will have a hard time conversing over the music. Also, bands take breaks so you’ll need to be prepared to have short stints where there is no music.
But if you’ve decided on live music, be sure to choose carefully. Don’t simply hire a band on someone’s recommendation. Your taste may be different from theirs. Take time to hear the band perform, preferably at a wedding. Many bands will provide that opportunity. Don’t settle for a recording. Also, ask for references and don’t be afraid to state your preferences as to music type and other particulars.
DJs, of course, also have their ups and downs. On the upside, a DJ is not as expensive as a live wedding band and if they take a break, they can keep the music going in the background. Their collection of music includes hundreds upon hundreds of songs, so the choices are virtually unlimited, including all the songs that are special to you, sung by your favorite artists, and others that might please your parents or grandparents.
Some DJs, however, aren’t the best at interacting with your guests. They can be boring, relying on their music to keep the party going. The best DJs are the ones that come out from behind their table and get involved with their audience without being annoying or intrusive.
