Wedding entertainment a big part of any wedding reception.
From the first dance to the last one, wedding entertainment and music can make the difference
between joyful and bored wedding attendants.
Deciding between hiring a DJ or a live band to spice up the atmosphere and your guests’ mood is one of the most
difficult reception issues most brides and grooms have to face.
There is no doubt that both options come with pros and cons.
And this is why it is very important to take all the necessary time to run over your options and decide which one suits you best.
Though, ultimately, it all comes down to personal preferences and available budgets,
below you can find some tips that can help you make a decision.
Wedding entertainment and music ideas
The first thing you and your groom need to decide is whether you want a casual or a formal wedding reception.
Or maybe you are both dreaming of a themed reception?
Once you make up your mind, ponder carefully what music genre would best complement the chosen reception style.
The wedding entertainment options to choose from are virtually endless.
Out of our desire to lend you a helping hand, today’s blog will focus on the pros and cons of choosing a DJ or a live band for your wedding reception.
Wedding Live Band
Music will mark the rhythm of your wedding reception. Whether it’s jazz, rock ’n’ roll, classical music – or a music genres cocktail,- the live band you choose must transform your wedding reception into a lifetime memory.
The Pros
Live bands will offer your guests the dynamics and sound only live performances can give!
A good live band will get everybody out of their seats and straight onto the dance floor.
If you have opted for a themed reception, it is much easier for a live band to musically support your specific theme.
By interacting with the crowd and transmitting emotions, a live band can win your reception the ‘WOW’ factor.
The Cons
Most live bands are pricy…and we mean really pricy!
Sometimes, the space is not large enough to cope with a live band.
Sometimes, live bands can limit your music options. And by this we mean that most live bands limit themselves
to a specific style to the detriment of variety and flexibility. And pleasing everyone is already difficult as it is.
Live bands take breaks…and that gives you something more to worry about: ‘How do we fill the gap?’
In our honest opinion, live bands are most suitable for themed, large weddings.
Wedding DJ
There is no doubt that we could easily call today’s DJs artists in their own right.
Able to offer a wide range of musical styles, good DJs can keep a wedding party going.
The Pros
Usually, DJs are cheaper than live bands.
The repertoires of most DJs are varied enough to please everybody, regardless of age.
What’s more, you and your guests will hear your favourite songs the way you know and love them, thus encouraging sing-alongs.
With DJs, you can forget about the annoying breaks you need to fill in somehow.
The Cons
Your wedding reception depends on the charisma, skills, and enthusiasm of one single person.
A DJ who is able to interact with the audience can get everybody dance the night away.
But what if the one you hired is not precisely crowd savvy?
No other entertainment option can offer the sound and the dynamics live bands offer. Not even then best DJ.
In our opinion, DJs suit best smaller, casual weddings.
Bonus Tip
Whether you opt for a DJ or a live band, make sure you get to hear and see them play/mix before hiring.
If you don’t have the opportunity to see them live, make sure to ask for CDs or videos.
And make sure you pay attention to the crowd’s reaction.
