It’s the age old wedding entertainment question, DJ or band? The question really is do you want live entertainment or recorded music at your
wedding reception? There is no doubt about it, music can make or break a wedding celebration. It's the heart and soul of a reception and can send your guests home with dancing feet -- or wishing they brought ear plugs!
What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, space allowances, and killer dance moves best? Do you prefer a groovy 70’s soiree or subdued string quartet? The electric 80’s or a Celine Dion marathon? Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to your wedding reception to create. The type of music you prefer should dictate the choice -- big band sounds are generally best live while your favorite hits from 2010 may best be left to the artists that recorded them.
And, the Band Played On…
There really is nothing like a live wedding band playing your favorite songs. The right group can feed off the energy of a crowd and keep everyone dancing all night long. Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experience the pleasure of a performance. There is nothing like the look of a band on the dance floor with horns glimmering, guitars swaying and a lead singer taking command. If you are having a themed wedding, a specific type of band can truly complete the theme. (For example, a 1950s-themed wedding and a swing band, an Irish wedding and a Celtic band, or fairytale wedding with an orchestra).
DJ, Play That Tune!
The days of disco fever and flashing lights are gone. Today's disc jockeys are artists, creating exactly the musical experience that you want, and offering everything from Abba to ZZ Top. The songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, bringing back special memories for some, encouraging sing-alongs and dance-offs for others. If there are a dozen songs you're dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won't be a problem for your DJ to find each track. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going all night long. And, sometimes reception hall space may be limited; a DJ requires less equipment so they’ll take up less of your dance floor.
The most important thing you can do to ensure a successful wedding reception is to relax and enjoy your wedding. Whether you hire a band or wedding DJ, make YOU get out on the dance floor and have fun!