Hi, totally new to this so wanted to get opinions. We’re a little over a year out and have just started planning.
I always thought I wanted a DJ and so did the fiancé. However, we've seen a couple of bands and really loved what we saw. Nothing really beats live music. The cost for one band is actually pretty reasonable, all things considered, so we are not as put off by the price as we originally thought we were going to be.
The fiancé is not totally, 100% on board with a band yet but says if that’s what I want, he’ll go along with it.
I’ve been to great weddings with both bands and DJs and have also seen some pretty bad bands and DJs. I realize everyone has opinions one way or another but I was wondering what everyone here has to say? I’ve been getting input (requested and not requested, because of course, everyone’s a critic) from people in my real life. I am really undecided and music is such an important part of the day. I have nightmares about people just not dancing.
Jsabbatino
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Band or DJ???
We are going with a dj for a few reasons - one of the biggest reasons is cost. Usually bands are much more expesive than DJs and you need to pay for all of the members to eat, so a dj which will most likely be 2 ppl if you are having an MC is a lot more cost effective than a band. Also, we have such a wide range of music we want to hear, we figured it'd be easier with a DJ.
We are using NY Nights Entertainment and are so excited for them.
Good luck!
BOUSA312
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Band or DJ???
We wanted a band but it was way out of our price range. I say if you can afford it go for it because like you said nothing beats live music.
Kimberley2015
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Re: Band or DJ???
Posted by Jsabbatino
We are going with a dj for a few reasons - one of the biggest reasons is cost. Usually bands are much more expesive than DJs and you need to pay for all of the members to eat, so a dj which will most likely be 2 ppl if you are having an MC is a lot more cost effective than a band. Also, we have such a wide range of music we want to hear, we figured it'd be easier with a DJ.
We are using NY Nights Entertainment and are so excited for them.
Good luck!
This! We already new we had a DJ in mind but we also took into account that we would have to pay for the members of the band to eat rather than just 2 people.
rcotter90
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Band or DJ???
We are using a dj mainly because of cost. The difference in price is outrageous and we couldn't afford it. Plus, we have a lot of specific songs we want played and we love the originals, not the cover done by a wedding singer. Though I do agree they can be fun. But the price difference plus the fact that you have to feed 6-9 people instead of 2-3 was a no brainer for us. Were also compromising by adding on a live percussionist :)
HesLIgirl
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Band or DJ???
We're having a band. This was a non-negotiable for us. FH is REALLY into music, but nothing current. I've seen both good and bad bands and DJs. I really hate cheesy MCs, so if you can get a good one, it makes the party. I just recently went to a venue I had gone to before. Years before, the band was AMAZING. I was dancing so much that I don't remember the food, the service, anything. All we wanted to do was dance and have fun. I just went back to the same venue and they had a cheesy DJ. The Emcee talked the whole time, and it just made the whole thing not fun. I noticed all the problems with service, the food, lack of utensils, etc. Plus, we ended up leaving early. Having bad entertainment just kills the party, which we all know. I also went to a wedding in the past with a bad band. They took forever between songs and the music choice was just bad. The couple, while good friends of ours, are just boring, and maybe they didn't put a lot of thought into the direction they gave the band. Regardless, it makes everyone so bored!
We hired a band (Dane Wright with Hank Lane Entertainment) that we saw at my FSIL's wedding. They were AMAZING. Yes, it's a little pricey, but when I heard friends of ours hired a DJ for $5K, paying $7-8 for a 7 piece band isn't too crazy. As long as the band or DJ is worth it, you won't regret the money spent. I just thought the savings was a LOT more. Yes, paying for more people to eat does cost more-- which kinda sucks too! I just know that the band I chose will have people up and dancing the entire time. No one will be remember anything about our wedding except how much fun they have, and that's what I want! So yes, a band (that is good!) is worth it to me.
Lorelei
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Band or DJ???
Thanks for your input everyone. I am leaning towards a band but we'll see what happens when my fiance sees this particular band again next week. I do plan on asking if they could use the real music for certain songs if we want to hear the actual songs(we are Pogues fans, for example.) Music is so, so important to us as well so this is such a huge decision to us - I've already got my very favorite venue and once we make the music decision, everything else will be gravy.
killerqueen
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Band or DJ???
I think it's a huge personal preference and definitely depends on what you can afford. Like everyone else has said, if you can afford a band and you found one you like, go for it!
loveandmarriage
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Band or DJ???
We are currently looking for a band, I do think they make a wedding that much more fun. However, I know a lot of DJs now use instrumentals too. Definitely a personal preference =)
katiephoto
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Re: Band or DJ???
Posted by Lorelei
Thanks for your input everyone. I am leaning towards a band but we'll see what happens when my fiance sees this particular band again next week. I do plan on asking if they could use the real music for certain songs if we want to hear the actual songs(we are Pogues fans, for example.) Music is so, so important to us as well so this is such a huge decision to us - I've already got my very favorite venue and once we make the music decision, everything else will be gravy.
I think that's a good idea! Certain songs I know I would want to hear the original, plus you never know if the bands is familiar with every song you want anyway.
We are having a DJ, but I have been to two weddings that had bands and they definitely had people on the dance floor!
kammy322
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Band or DJ???
It is all a matter of personal preference and budget. FH were dead set on a band until we realized it was completely out of our budget, so DJ it is! We booked with Body Rock and they seemed to do a great job so I feel confident our guests will be up and dancing!
FutureMrsPonce
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Band or DJ???
I like the idea of a band and a dj. Having both was not part of the budget and ended up getting a DJ w/a percussionist.
okellies
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Band or DJ???
I wish I could have a band, but $$$. FH's best friend had a band at his wedding last year and they were great; I'm gonna guess expensive though because his bff makes money. If my FFIL still knew someone in the wedding band business, he probably could've gotten us a band for next to nothing. Oh well :(
seejessrun
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Band or DJ???
This has been such a point of contention with us - so much so that I have just been ignoring it and doing everything else LOL. A DJ is so attractive because of the $$; we probably could swing a band, but there are just so many other things that we could put the money towards. Also, we have seen some amazing bands that just sounded 'eh' becuase of the venue. My biggest concern is that our celebration is taking place in a completely glass-enclosed room, and if the sound quality is going to be compromised, I have a hard time justifying the cost.
Can someone just decide for me? :)
Lorelei
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Band or DJ???
That's how I feel! I want someone to just make the decision FOR me. :)
ndc923
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Re: Band or DJ???
I'm biased to A DJ. I feel a live band gives a wedding a very different vibe than we want, and also because I want to hear the originals of all the songs I want played but if you guys enjoy it and it's in your budget why not?
