Ann Arbor/Detroit Metro Bands for Reception (And Reviews)?

CrystalCheer22

Hi everyone! First time poster! Your tips have been super helpful in planning the big day!

Quick question, because this isn't covered too much from what I can find-
Has anyone used a band for their reception as opposed to a traditional DJ? I've been looking at different bands in the area, but I'm not quite sure what bands generally run as far as costs go, or who is a good band to look up. It's hard to go by the suggestions online, just because every band only has one or two reviews.

Any help or guidance is appreciated, thank you in advance!

Crystal

Milsey32

I was in debate of getting a band or a DJ (or both.. because an old friend/coworker is in a steel-drum band and I was going to have them play since it sounds like tropical music but I didn't want them playing for 6 hours) and I came to find that bands could potentially be more expensive because...

1) If you have a long reception, they're going to want breaks and if you don't want times of no-music then you'd have to look into intermission music (though some bands provide this, others do not)

2) You gotta feed them! Well, not all, but it's generally a nice idea if they take time to set up, play for a few hours, and tear down.. they'll be hungry. 

-- Also, I'm not sure if you're going for a specific theme or if you like only one particular genre of music but I came to the conclusion that my guests are all COMPLETELY different... from infants to 95 years old... from steel drum players to death metal lovers. Therefore, a DJ can mix things up and play a multitude of songs (luckily, so can some bands)

-- Lastly, you also have to consider the MC of the night and if the band is capable of doing that (announcing the wedding party, announcing the dances, and overall, getting people to dance.. which can be difficult if they're playing and/or singing)

(Sorry for writing so much, I'm not an expert on anything but using TheKnot has been so helpful for me that I want to return the favor! Good luck with planning!)

And I'm sorry for avoiding the question(s) you initially asked. I'm not trying to push you away from having a band, because they can turn out really well and be really fun, I was just filling you in on some things you may have forgotten or not even considered. :-)

courtney1188

We are having a band for our reception. It was the only part of the planning process that FI really cared about, so I let him make that decision. And we ended up with a Beatles cover band, haha! We're paying 1000 for three sets, and I will be loading an iPod with music to play during their breaks. They're bringing all the equipment and will have a hookup for my iPod as well.

lisa89760

I'm also using a band for the reception because my FI really wanted one.  They have an ipod hook up for the sets in between.  I'm paying 1200 for the entire night.  But I got a deal because one of the band members is my co-worker.  I found bands to be about double that and more!  The bands I was looking at are cover bands that play bars and restaurants around the metro detroit area.  I really liked collision six if you want to check them out!

CrystalCheer22

Thanks for the helpful hints! I found one band that was $6500, and the other one that responded was $3500! Maybe I should check out the local bar scene and see if I can find some more affordable options!

Allycat11

If your budget will allow it I would recommend checking out Persuasion.  They are between the price points you pointed out.  I have seen them perform at a few of my cousins' wedding and they are amazing.  From my 3 and 4 year old family members up to my 85 year old Grandma, they can get everyone dancing.