Band or a DJ

e_jakiela · November 2009

Before I started speaking to people about my plans, we were sure we wanted a DJ. Both FI and I listen to the same music, a mix of rock, 80s-90s, and some recent too. There are some songs (like: Under Pressure, by Queen and David Bowie) that must be played. We also heard a few cover bands giving this and other songs a try, and we did not like most of the covers... to be honest, there is only one band that we liked coverin Under Pressure, and all of the guys are our guests, so they are out of the question.So, that's why we wanted a DJ who would just play the original versions of the songs we love... Then, we asked for an advice on music and... apparently there is no good party without a band. A few people, including my dad (who doesn't know how much bands cost) told us that the guests will think we were cheap if we don't have a band, and they will not have as much fun... When thinking about the DJ we did planning on adding a good measure of music that our older guests will like to dance to as well...Have you been to weddings where a DJ did a really good job? Budget aside, band or a DJ? I need advice!

Sooles · November 2009

i think dj's are better for a variety of music.

betrothed123 · November 2009

We used an iPod and everyone had a blast.I've also been to weddings with DJs and everyone had a great time.I've been to weddings with bands that sucked.If a DJ fits into your budget and can give you what you want, go with a DJ. Don't listen to people. People suck.

ootmother2 · November 2009

IMO, a good band makes the party and a ggood band can also do the songs very much the same as the original artist.I've never been to any affair with a DJ that matched a live band.

panda&squishy · November 2009

I've never been to a wedding with a band. It's always been a DJ. Last wedding I went to the DJ really played the crowd and did a great job. I don't think not having a band makes you look cheap, DJs can be pricy too. I always vote DJ because a DJ can play a multitude of different types of music, whereas a band usually has one type of sound no matter what song they're covering. Also, I hate covers.

sunflower1998 · November 2009

I was in a wedding last night with a DJ and have NEVER seen so many people at a wedding dancing. Not to mention that they stayed until the end. I don't think it matters what you use. If guests are having fun, it will make for a good party.

sucrets4 · November 2009

I'm a musician, and we had a DJ.If you and FI want a dj, get a dj. Not to be cliche, but it is your wedding. Don't do something (and spend shiitloads more $) to not look cheap to your guests.Fwiw, I'm from LI and I've only been to weddings with DJs.

beatlesgirl25 · November 2009

I've only been to one wedding with a really great band that made us want to dance. What I remember about the other weddings' bands were how funny they were trying to cover "What Goes Around" by Justin Timberlake, or some other such nonsense. So I think it can go both ways, but I don't agree with some of your friends/family that a band is the only way to go without looking "cheap." I love hearing songs I love from different genres at weddings. That being said, my DJ was incredibly incompetent, which we didn't realize until the wedding day. We also used him for our ceremony music, and that's where he did most of his fuucking up. But I've seen many good DJ's at other weddings.

e_jakiela · November 2009

Sunflower - where was the wedding you went to?Sucrets - do you have any recommendations for awesome DJs in the NY area? Thank you, Ladies

ScarletGem · November 2009

I've only been to one wedding with a band, and they were good but not great. The dancing at that wedding was a little meh. On the other hand, I've been to plenty of weddings with DJ's where dancing went on right to when the site coordinators were kicking us out. If anything, I certainly don't think a DJ is a detriment to the party.

e_jakiela · November 2009

Yes, that's what our worry is - some lady on the band will have too much wine with dinner, get ambitious and sing "Dancing Queen"... not that I have anything against that song, I usually sing that at a Karaoke after a few drinks, but I don't plan in wedding bands.

sucrets4 · November 2009

I used the place that was through our venue...TGIF Entertainment. I'm in Suffolk, though, about midway out on the Island. They were fine...we got a small package (1 DJ) and the guy was kind of a tool, but the wedding was fine. He was just typical LI guido (I'm not meaning to offend anyone).We honestly didn't do too much research because it wasn't too important to us. I'm sure you can get good recs on a local board, though.Btw, how formal is your wedding? If it's super formal, then I'd go with a band.

betrothed123 · November 2009

I've been to plenty of weddings with DJ's where dancing went on right to when the site coordinators were kicking us out.This happened at our iPod reception. IMHO, as long as you have music to suit your guests' tastes, it doesn't matter where it comes from. They will enjoy it.

squirrly · November 2009

DJ. I've yet to see a party with a band be as much fun as a party with a DJ. Bands always have limits on what they can play, and they don't take requests as well, since they may not know EVERY song out there. Bands are great for concerts. DJs are great for parties. That said - do what makes you all happiest.

e_jakiela · November 2009

The wedding is not too formal. We are getting married in a church, and the reception will be on the golf course. We will have about 40 guests who are into the same music as we like, and the rest are FIs parents guests, so I don't know what music they like. To find out, I am planning to put our wedding site on the STDs and include a section on the invites where the guests will write three songs they would like to dance with the bride to... that should give us a sense of the style they like...Ladies, you rock! FI starts loving the fact that I am on these boards all the time

IrishBrideND · November 2009

I have yet to see a wedding with a DJ that was as much as a wedding with a band. If you have a good band, IMO live music always beats out a DJ.but everyone has different experiences.

sucrets4 · November 2009

A good mix of 70s, 80s, and 90s will have people up, regardless of age. Just steer clear from anything vulgar or too modern and you'll be fine.If your wedding isn't really formal, then I think a band would be almost out of place. Plus, it sounds like you guys want a DJ, so that's what you should get.

Kristin789 · November 2009

Totally agree with OOT and IRISH: B A N D for sure. Every wedding I've been to with a band has been great. Most weddings I've been to with a DJ were kind of cheesy and the DJ yelled and begged people to participate, and if someone didn't want to dance a certain song, the DJ went over and bugged them some more. And according to my friend who worked at the top DJ company in this area, these DJs were the best they had. Sheez.

kmt_cas · November 2009

After working hundreds of receptions at a reception hall, I would easily say DJ. I've seen so many bands kill the party. There are always a select few bands that are FANTASTIC. But unless you're willing to spend an arm and a leg you won't be able to find a band that can work the crowd as well as a DJ can.

HilaryH1231 · November 2009

IMO, I think DJs are probably better for variety, unless you can find/afford a really great band. Otherwise, I"d go for a good DJ over a so-so band. If a great DJ and a great band are equally priced, I'd go for a band, because as pp said, a good band can sound a lot like the original artist. I definitely don't agree that there can be no good party without a band. Good times can be had by all, whether there's a band, DJ, ipod, acapella, etc.

kebmtm071605 · November 2009

In all truthfulness, the best and most memorable weddings I have attended were the ones with live bands. That being said, given your preferences for music, you'd probably be better served by a DJ.

eileen101010 · November 2009

The answer is both. I am going to see east end entertainment live at a happy hour at Napper Tandy's in Miller Place. They operate a 7-piece band Millennium and east end djs. There is no "middle-man" and I am saving thousands. They service the NY-tristate area. www.eastendE.com

e_jakiela · November 2009

OH, I will check them out, Thank you!

rubber_chicken · November 2009

we had a budget DJ ($500) from the middle of nowhere.and from the time we started dancing until the end of the night the floor was PACKED. CRAZIEST. DANCE PARTY. EVA.what makes a good party is the selection of music (we spent weeks putting together our playlist, backup playlist, etc.) and the ability of the DJ to make sure there's no weird segues or interruptions. oh, and to not be a microphone hogging douche. the number one thing we got compliments on was the music. DJs can rock!!

r2camero · November 2009

we are doing our own music, i tunes lists and a remote in the groom's pocket with speakers and a remote. It is inexpensive and only the best versions of the music we want will be played. We also had a book for requests at the engagement party and, other wedding events as well so that everyone gets to hear what they want.

e_jakiela · November 2009

rubber_chicken, where was your DJ from?

kaynix21 · November 2009

We never even considered doing a band. I don't think DJs look bad or cheap at all. Some make it way more fun (I've heard). And to be quite honest, I'm trying to think of all the weddings I've been to, and I couldn't tell you if any of them had a DJ or a band, and I either way I'm not too worried what they did. I don't really think a few years down the road most people remember that part.

Tony&Lindsey · November 2009

We have a band and DJ booked. They are both friends of our famliy. There are some songs (like Brad Paisley "She's Everything"...our first dance) that he wont be able to play. We love the feel of a real band. So my dad decided to hire both.

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