Band versus DJ: What You Need to Know for Your Wedding
It’s the ages-old wedding debate: band versus DJ? Although there’s been much back and forth, there’s no right or wrong answer. If you hire a good band or a good DJ, you can’t go wrong either way. Here are the top three things the StylishO Team believes you need to consider before booking a band or DJ.
Band Versus DJ: The Expense
99% of the time, a band will be more costly than a DJ. A DJ is usually a one or two person show who will put up simplistic equipment (in comparison to a band). Don’t get us wrong, DJs have a lot of equipment, usually very expensive equipment. You’re paying for a DJ’s expertise in ability to select songs, mix music, and read the crowd.
Bands have multiple members who most likely have to travel some distance to get to your reception. Bands usually have an enormous amount of equipment, too. Most wedding bands will allow you to submit songs you’d like played, and they incur some time learning how to perform these selections. Bands have more members than a one or two person DJ, so they tend to be more expensive.
Suggestion: Price out a few different options. This will help you determine what fits your budget best. Bands and DJs can vary widely in price. In our area DJs typically range from $1000 to $2000 versus bands ranging from $5000 to over $10,000.
Band Versus DJ: The Venue
Your family has a beautiful farm, surrounded by trees and open fields… except for that one house right on the other side of the woods. Sound ordinances, even at wedding venues who have operated for years, do exist, and you’ll need to be cognizant of them.
Bands tend to be louder and have a harder time controlling the decibel level than a DJ (you can only hit a drum set so softly). If you are planning to have your wedding at a venue, check to see if bands are okay. If having a band is one of your top priorities, rule out the venues that aren’t able to accommodate them. If you are having your wedding at your family’s home then check with your township about noise ordinances.
The other thing to consider with sound is the space where you will have the reception. If your reception space is enclosed and surrounded by concrete, brick, or material that won’t absorb sound very well, consider putting up draping or other material. A band or DJ’s sound can bounce around in spaces like these, making it sound tinny and SUPER loud.
Bands also require more space, often having 10 to 12 members in them. If you have your heart set on a band then make sure your venue can accommodate your number of guests as well as a space large enough for the band. Some bands also require a stage so keep that in mind.
Band versus DJ: The Vibe
Bands are great when looking for that live music feel…where anything can happen. It adds excitement in the air! DJs are great because they can play a wide variety of songs and sounds. Most likely they can find any song you want, but a band can’t play every song.
When you cut through all of the above ideas, having a band or DJ really comes down to two things: what you want and what you can afford. Our team can pull together any event and make it spectacular whether you have a band or a DJ.
In the end there is no right or wrong answer. As long as you hire a good band or a good DJ…you can’t go wrong!
What’s your take on the Band versus DJ debate? Let us know in the comments!