live band or dj?
For my wedding, since the venue was pretty small, and I wasn’t having a big wedding reception, we just hired a violinist to provide some music for us. She was there playing some classical music for the small number for guests that were mingling while waiting for me to come. She also provided music during the seat down dinner and first dance. At that time we paid her $300 and she was SO worth it. But mind you if I had more money, I would've added a piano player.
Should you hire a DJ or a live band? There are some things to consider when choosing the music provider. To be honest, unless you can cough up the money to pay for a REALLY, REALLY GOOD band, you’re better off hiring a DJ. Here are some factors to consider:
Space - if we are talking about a full live band, we’re talking guitarists, vocals, drummer, keyboards, and whatever other musical instruments they use. They can occupy a huge space. You have to have a big wedding reception venue, or even a stage on the side of the dance floor to put them in. DJs on the other hand only need a place on the side, with a table, to set up their equipment, speakers, light effects, etc. With the technology nowadays, their speakers have gotten smaller and better.
Budget - Like I said earlier, unless they are a really good live band, you’re better off hiring a DJ. Live bands are expensive especially if you want quality. Sure, you can find music bands everywhere, but are they compatible with your taste? Are they entertaining enough to carry the whole evening? Are they good? If you really want live music during the ceremony, but can’t afford the good ones in your area, just hire an acoustic guitarist or a violinist, then a DJ for the wedding reception.
Venue - Most venues, whether for a wedding or any party, have a decibel limit. And yes DJ’s can lower their sound if need be, but then the atmosphere would be different. Speakers are their weapon, it’s one of the things you pay for. A good DJ can play awesome music and mixes but if his speakers are cheap sounding, then it ruins the whole mood. So if the venue doesn’t allow for loud music, a live band or a few musicians are your options.
Theme - If you want a romantic, intimate wedding, a live band or a few musicians is better than having a DJ. DJ’s are for big parties where people are ready for some serious dancing. It really depends on the feel you want for your reception. Age comes as a factor too. If most of the guests are on the older side, they might prefer light dancing, maybe some ballroom music from a live band, instead of a DJ playing Nikki Minaj or Doja Cat.
DJ set at a wedding
Summary:
If you have a big budget, I’d say go for a live band during the ceremony, and partially during the wedding reception, and then finish off the party with a DJ.
If you want both but cannot afford the great bands, hire an acoustic guitar player or violinist mainly for the wedding ceremony, and then the DJ for the whole wedding reception.
If you only have the budget for 1 choice, then choose depending on what you really feel. If it’s a live band, make sure they play live for you first, don’t just watch their YouTube videos.
Also make sure you have a back up if you’re hiring a solo player for the ceremony. Bring a Bluetooth speaker, just in case the musician doesn’t arrive or is late. I almost had a panic attack before my wedding ceremony started. My ceremony was going to start at 6pm. The violinist was supposed to arrive at 5:30 to start playing for the guests while waiting for me. I was waiting in the car, and around 5:40pm, my friend came to me saying that the violinist wasn’t there yet. I started to panic because I was thinking “what if doesn’t come?” I don’t want to walk with an awkward silence. I didn’t bring a backup or anything and I was almost on the verge of crying. Good thing she came 5 minutes later.
