Band or DJ?

b2b2013 Posted: Apr 07, 2011 11:01 PM

Band or DJ?

I am SO indecisive about getting a band or a DJ for the reception. I saw a band I REALLY liked, but they started at $5,000 and my FH thought that was way too much. Genesis Events is the house vendor for my RH and I heard great things about them, but I keep thinking about the fact that I really want a band. Everyone has told me that a good DJ is just as good as a band, but I'm so unsure! What do you girls think??

green_tea Posted: Apr 07, 2011 11:39 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

i don't think i'll be much help but i'm totally in the same position. at first i thought a dj would be just as good, so i was SURE i would go with a dj to save money... but now i've had a lot of people telling me that a band is a lot more memorable, even some people telling me a band is 'classier'?!... i don't necessarily think that's all true, but it's definitely made me think twice. i do agree that if a band is good that they can have a WOW factor that a dj doesn't have, but a dj is definitely fun and i think there's something special about certain versions of songs that a band can't recreate (i know a band can never do frank sinatra's version of 'fly me to the moon' for instance, but a dj could play it). this is such a tough choice!!!

spdy540 Posted: Apr 07, 2011 11:44 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I wanted a DJ because the variety of music we like the are some amazing bands but they just weren't for us

b2b2013 Posted: Apr 08, 2011 11:35 AM

Re: Band or DJ?

Posted by green_tea

i don't think i'll be much help but i'm totally in the same position. at first i thought a dj would be just as good, so i was SURE i would go with a dj to save money... but now i've had a lot of people telling me that a band is a lot more memorable, even some people telling me a band is 'classier'?!... i don't necessarily think that's all true, but it's definitely made me think twice. i do agree that if a band is good that they can have a WOW factor that a dj doesn't have, but a dj is definitely fun and i think there's something special about certain versions of songs that a band can't recreate (i know a band can never do frank sinatra's version of 'fly me to the moon' for instance, but a dj could play it). this is such a tough choice!!!

I know! I feel like I'm never going to be able to choose! Hopefully when I see some DJ's I'll be happy because my FH is dead set on a DJ

dpanzarino Posted: Apr 08, 2011 02:36 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I went with a band b/c FH and I really enjoy live music!! There's nothing wrong with a DJ, it's really just about your preference and budget. I know it can get expensive, but I really like the sound of a band.

KM714 Posted: Apr 08, 2011 02:55 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

both are good but i personally think there is nothing like a band. we had times square orchestra and they were phenomenal! the dance floor was packed the entire night and everyone kept complementing us saying 'where did you find them? they are fantastic'. they play to the crowd. its totally worth the money in the grand scheme of things...

check them out!

rosatemp Posted: Apr 08, 2011 04:08 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

bands are nice but they can mess up a song lol so we went with a dj i perfer the original singers lol...but thats IMO

maybe you can get a company that does both

LBUDA Posted: Apr 08, 2011 04:10 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I enjoy a band more than a DJ, but thats just my preference.

rxgirl985 Posted: Apr 08, 2011 06:32 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

Both are good, I think it just depends on personal preference and what kind of music you want to hear.

Jill52787 Posted: Apr 08, 2011 06:55 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I like a DJ better personally.

Bands are awesome, but if there's a particular version of songs you like, they can't do it.

b2b2013 Posted: Apr 08, 2011 07:52 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

Posted by rosatemp

bands are nice but they can mess up a song lol so we went with a dj i perfer the original singers lol...but thats IMO

maybe you can get a company that does both

I think the house DJ at my RH does that.... Maybe I'll end up getting both!

JLWSJC Posted: Apr 08, 2011 08:57 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

$5K for a band is a REALLY good price.

If budget is an issue, and $5K was too much, you're going to have to do a lot of work to get a good band for less than that.

We got a great DJ with some live elements. So we spent more on a DJ than most people do, but definitely not anywhere near what a band costs.

ETA: also factor in with a band the fact that you have to feed and tip all of those people too.. and a lot of bands have 7,8,9, even 10 or more pieces!

Ellynrose Posted: Apr 08, 2011 08:59 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I prefer a band, but that's just me. I feel like a band makes the party more sophisticated

kimmaymb20 Posted: Apr 09, 2011 02:52 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

Its really what you prefer. We wanted a DJ one its alot cheaper, you dont have to feed as many people, you get the song you like by the artist you like. Even if you like the live music feel you can add a percusionist or a sax player.

A band if you like a live music feel but it will cost you $ for a great band and they may not be able to play certain songs you like.

We went with a DJ.

KrisCharl Posted: Apr 09, 2011 05:02 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

KrisCharl Posted: Apr 09, 2011 05:02 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

KrisCharl Posted: Apr 09, 2011 05:03 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

Posted by Ellynrose

I prefer a band, but that's just me. I feel like a band makes the party more sophisticated

This :)

Tomsbride Posted: Apr 09, 2011 11:10 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I booked a band and I am really excited to have live music because when else will I have a band at a party of mine?

However, I do have to say it is a very large expense and if we got a DJ with all the works we would have had a couple thousand extra to throw around. It really depends on your budget. I've never been to a wedding with a band but I hope I can tell the difference!

b2b2013 Posted: Apr 09, 2011 11:11 PM

Re: Band or DJ?

I actually saw one band I really liked (all*about*me) but it's hard to find reviews/prices for them since they're based in Philly

kschac84 Posted: Apr 10, 2011 09:48 AM

Re: Band or DJ?

We are getting a band because we feel that there is nothing like live music.....We are using Times Square Orchestra and they are very reasonably priced....With a dj you end up paying more for the extras that you want added in...

IMO 5,000 for a band is great! I have friends that actually paid a lot more than that for their weddings two years ago.