Choosing Between a DJ or a Live Band

The entertainment at your wedding reception is one of the most important parts of the reception. It is the entertainment that will have a tremendous effect on whether or not the guests have a good time at the wedding. A skilled band or DJ will be able to sense the mood of your guests and respond in a way that entices them to return to the dance floor. Simply stated it is the live band or DJ at your wedding that plays a major roll in whether or not your guests have a good time.
There are a number of factors to consider when making the decision between a live band and a DJ. Price, song selection and duration of the entertainment are just a few of the factors to consider when deciding between a live band and a DJ. The price for a live band is likely to be significantly higher than the price for a DJ. This is because live bands usually consist of around five performers while a DJ is usually just one person or maybe one person and an assistant. As the fee that you pay is to be split by all who perform at your wedding it is understandable that a five person band would have a higher fee than a solo DJ.
The song selection should also be considered when you are making this decision. Live bands may know quite a few songs but it is not likely that they know more songs than the DJ has available to him. This becomes significant when guests are requesting songs from the live band or the DJ. The DJ is likely to have access to many, if not all, o f the requested songs while it is less likely that the live band will know that many songs.
The flow of the receptions should also be considered when you are trying to decide between a live band and a DJ. If there is more than one DJ it is likely that the music will play continuously, however, if there is only one DJ he may take one or two short breaks during the course of the night. A live band, however, may only play for fifteen minutes at a time and take breaks during these time periods. These breaks are likely to disturb the flow of the reception. In many cases the music may conclude just as people are starting to dance and this could kill the mood of the reception. A DJ though can keep the party going because he won’t have to take as many breaks.
The best place to start looking for a live band or DJ is to pay attention at weddings you attend and note what makes you want to dance and what keeps the guests entertained. If the weddings are in your area, you may be able to use the same DJ. This is important because the best indication of how well your live band or DJ will keep the crown entertained is how well they have performed in the past.
When choosing a live band or DJ it is a good idea to interview at least a few of them before making your decision. Although there may be one particular candidate who comes highly recommended you might not feel comfortable with this band or DJ. If you have any reason at all to feel uncomfortable then you should probably not choose this entertainer. While it is important to hire an entertainer who is skilled at keeping the crowd involved it is perhaps more important that you are comfortable with this performer and that you trust them.

 

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