band or dj?

Lauren Lombardi

I just got engaged on Christmas eve and we have already started discussing wedding plans. THe debate right now is band versus dj. My dad wants it to be a little traditional and keep a band, which I am fine with if I find a good one.  However, my sister who is helping me plan (she is an event planner) says I should get a dj.  Does anyone have an opinion about possibly having both?  Has anyone had a wedding or is doing a wedding with both?  How about the cost?  THanks for the advice! 

Lauren 

MMRoberts11

First of all congrats on getting engaged.  Secondly, a DJ will be a lot cheaper than a band.  I've been to a wedding where they had both.  It gave the band a chance to have some breaks and the DJ acted more as a MC.

Before you continue this debate I'd work on setting a date and picking a venue as well as making a guest list.  Once you have the venue then start looking at this to see if you will have enough room for a band vs a DJ or both.

kls114

CONGRATS!!

Ditto--cost is definitely a factor. Bands are more expensive.

Which do you like better?

Personally I am a DJ girl but I have been to weddings where they have both. Even though it is NMS it was nice to have both styles to dance to!

Also, the DJ & Band will have to work out a schedule of sets--make sure both are willing to work together. I have seen situations where the DJ & Band do not want to work together and it was almost like a fight to play throughout the event.

Also, think about what you and your FI like, your immediate families and their preference and your guests. Base it one what the group as a whole would enjoy better--you know them best!

GL!

[Deleted User]

Ditto pp's. Bands are a lot more expensive. I personally have never been to a wedding with a band, but maybe DJ's are more common among our family and friends.

Who is paying for the wedding? They have the ultimate say so.

SaraAndrew2010

We had a band and it really was the high point of our reception.  Bands are a lot more expensive for a DJ, but we felt ours was worth every penny.  Our guests are still raving to us about how great the music was and the dance floor was packed from the beginning of the night to the end. 

When our band took breaks (two 15 minute breaks during a 3 hour performance) they put on a cd of dance music.  I don't think it's really necessary to hire both a band and a DJ, unless you get some kind of package.

Although I'm a huge fan of bands at a wedding, the key is to find a good one that can play a wide variety of music.  A good DJ is better than a mediocre band.

TheWeddingSecret

A live band adds to the atmosphere of your day greatly and is something that your guests will remember for years to come! So I will always back a live band as being best!

All you need to do if you fancy some other music at the end of the night is to get hold of some speakers (The band you book will most likely come with them) and plug in an IPod (Remember to make a playlist beforehand!)

All the best, Jennie x