1/2 Band, 1/2 DJ?

amt6

I was initially interested in a band, but think many of them are out of my budget (I would like to keep it under $5000). Has anyone used a company that does a DJ plus a singer/percussionist/guitar/other musicians? I spoke to a few companies that recommend this as a middle grounds, but am curious how it works.

If anyone has any experience or can recommend a great company that does this, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

JoanE2012

I'm having trouble envisioning just a singer or a guitarist at a reception.  I would imagine you would want a wide variety of music played and I can't imagine it with just one or two people. 

ETA - Reread and I think you would also have the DJ??  Still not sure how that would work.  It would seem strange to have a DJ playing songs with a guitarist?  Or a singer? 

What about a string trio or guitarist/violinist for the ceremony and cocktail hour and then a DJ for the reception?  Nice way to bring live music in at a more affordable option.  

silver0319

I went to a wedding that had a DJ who sang over music tracks or played the piano. Maybe it was just the DJ, but it felt a little like I was watching a professional karaoke performance. 

The most recent wedding I went to had a DJ and drummer. It was awesome. The drummer had all sorts of drums, and at one point, brought them out onto the dance floor and let guests play them.  Seriously some of the best wedding entertainment. 

JCbride2015

We are using Barry Herman Entertainment and sort of have a middle ground, but not exactly what you're talking about.  I think it would be strange to have someone sing or perform over the DJ tracks.

But here's what we're doing:

--String trio for ceremony

--Jazz duet for cocktail hour

--Two DJ's (one as MC, assistant DJ spinning) for dinner and dancing

That way we get the glam of live music earlier on, then the fun of dancing to a wide variety of music from the DJ later.  Our whole package is $3400 and we were very impressed with the videos we saw of their performers.

*ETF typo.  And also to note that Fi's cousins used BHE many years ago and had a great experience.

amt6

So I have spoken to a few companies... What we have narrowed it down to (if we go with half and half versus a full band or only DJ) is that we will have a DJ, vocalist, percussionist, guitar, sax, and keyboard. It is basically a band, just without a full drum set, bass, or horn section. 

I am very torn about the whole thing. I don't know if this clarifies anything, but just FYI. 

amt6

I'm torn because I have never seen anything like it before and don't know how it will look/sound. Most of the companies I have spoken to will do a showcase of either the band or the DJ, but rarely both together. That is why I am looking for opinions from those who have seen it

Jenn7778

That sounds a bit strange to me. How do they incorporate the live musicians with the DJ? I have seen it where there is a percussionist that plays with the DJ but never what you are describing.
Do they have videos they can at least show you?

amt6

I am working with a few different companies and have seen videos, but still can't really tell how it will all come together. I think it is the same as the percussionist playing, just with additional instruments as well. The DJ will be used to fill in the "missing" band pieces.

Jenn7778

If you have seen videos of it and still can't tell how it is going to be I would personally nix the idea. We are having live musicians for our ceremony and cocktail and then the DJ at the reception. We found it to be a good compromise on having both.

JoanE2012

amt6 said:

I am working with a few different companies and have seen videos, but still can't really tell how it will all come together. I think it is the same as the percussionist playing, just with additional instruments as well. The DJ will be used to fill in the "missing" band pieces.

I still don't understand how this is going to work.  Does the DJ play the song and the guitar, sax, etc plays at the same time as the track and the track alone for the missing band pieces?  It sounds very strange.  I'd skip it.  Hire live musicians for your ceremony and cocktail hour and keep the DJ only for reception.  Good luck!

majesty318

My friend had a band and then a DJ who played during the band's breaks. That might be another compromise.

nycbridetobe23

We are doing this! The band and DJ won't be playing at the same time. The band is doing three sets and the DJ will be playing in between the sets (e.g. during dinner).

JoanE2012

majesty318 said:

My friend had a band and then a DJ who played during the band's breaks. That might be another compromise.

How is that going to be cheaper?  If anything, it would probably be more.  I can't see either the DJ or band giving a discount because they are only playing parts of the reception and not the full event.  They still have to be at the venue the entire time.  

majesty318

@JoenE2012, I have no idea what she paid. I just thought it might be helpful for the OP to have another option that hadn't been previously mentioned.