I've just started to look into music for my wedding. I'd prefer a band over a DJ, but I want to find out about cost before I make that decision. From the very preliminary research I've done, it looks like a typical dj might cost around $1k. A band would be upwards of $5k. Does that sound about right as far as estimates go? I know cost depends on a bunch of factors --number of hours, number of band members, etc.
I also think it's going to be hard to know what I like. I mean, I can look at a photographer's work and know if it's good or not. But with something like a wedding band, I feel like I'm going to have to base it on recommendations. Did anyone else feel that way?
Re: Bands vs DJs
A good estimate for the band is 1K per band member. Our band is coming in a bit under that figure and we are having 1 person for the ceremony, 1 for the cocktail and 5 for the reception. A band member will also serve as the emcee (which is common).
We priced out 2 bands and only listened to the one we booked. FI was familiar with both bands beforehand.
Recs will be very important, but you should make it a point to hear the band live before you book.
Pricewise. I know people who have spend $10-$15k on bands. The DJs I talked to were all around the $1k-1500 price.
[QUOTE]I have to say as a wedding guest, I prefer a DJ over a band. I like to hear the song how it was meant to sound, not someone's version of it. That being said I know there are some very good bands out there that have come highly recommended on this board. Stolen Moments? or something like that is one of them. Pricewise. I know people who have spend $10-$15k on bands. The DJs I talked to were all around the $1k-1500 price.
Posted by Bat937[/QUOTE]
We were thinking of using a band vs DJ, but I never thought of it this way.... thanks! I guess we'll have to re-think!
If you can afford it, I think a band is more than worth it. I fought my grandmother like crazy because "I want a DJ because I want my friends to dance and no one will dance to a stupid band" I was VERY VERY wrong. The dance floor at our venue wasn't big enough for the number of people dancing.
(We saw bands ranging from 3600 to 11,000. Most were a set price for a set number of players. And then you could add a piece. So you could get the basic band for 6k but with that you only got 6 people, but they sounded so much better with their whole band. Which would add to the cost. Just something to think about)