Band vs. DJ, decisions, decisions

So, we have been discussing band vs. DJ in our household lately. I would much prefer a DJ (more control over what's played, broader range, much cheaper - I worry we cannot afford a good band).

Fiance would prefer a band, (Loves live music, thinks it will add depth and interest to the wedding).

We're exploring both and may compromise on an acoustic/classic guitarist at the cocktail hr and DJ during the reception.

Can you guys recommend some bands that we should check out? Is $5,000 a realistic budget for a GOOD band?

I think $5000 is probably a little low...I've heard more around $8000.

We chose a DJ because we were confident that the one we chose would be able to get people up and dancing without being obnoxious about it.

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Posted by MikesBride2B

I think $5000 is probably a little low...I've heard more around $8000.

We chose a DJ because we were confident that the one we chose would be able to get people up and dancing without being obnoxious about it.

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Yeah, I had a feeling our budget might be too small for a good band. We are really adamant that the DJ we choose will be good without being obnoxious - I hate when they're too in your face.

Realistically, you're probably looking closer to $7-9K for a band. I'm using Code Bleu, and they're in the lower of the range I just gave you.

FH and I were originally going to have a dj to save money and because we like a lot of rock music. But both sets of parents REALLY preferred a band. And my parents are footing the bill, so I figured I might as well go with it. I'm getting everything else I want, I might as well give in to something.

My compromise however, was that if I got a band, it HAD to be an NRC house vendor, so I wouldn't have to pay for them to eat. If I had to spend the extra money on the band instead of dj, I wanted to at least save some money on feeding my vendors. We went to a Code Bleu showcase and booked them on the spot!

We had a band, b/c DH and I love live music, but we also had a budget and wanted to stick with it. We used Soul Revival and they were so good! Plus they stayed within our budget. I believe that they can do a band around your price range, it would be worth it to ask.
You could also think about a band/dj combo, that way you both get what you like and it might save you some money too. I believe that Soul Revival has a dj and I think they do band/dj combos, but you might want to double check...
HTH!

I think it is SUCH a personal preference question. People feel strongly about both. Some people think a band MAKES the party and others think bands can be limiting (bc of song selection) and overbearing.

I think 8k is what you should expect to pay for a band.

We are using a band, it was one of the things that was a top priority for us. There IS a tremendous difference in price between a band and a DJ, but then again, there are many high-end DJ companies that are upwards of $8-9k as well. It also depends on the kind of music you like... neither FH nor I listen to that much pop or hip hop, which I think (typically) sounds better done by the original artist. I went to a wedding and the band was RAPPING during the dinner hour and it just sounded 'off'. For us, we want a lot of Sinatra, 60s and 70s rock, funk, etc.... all music a live band can do well.

We had the same debate and ended up using a band after hearing ours and falling in love with them. All the places I went to seemed to be about $1,000 per person, so a 10 piece band would be about $10k but a smaller band would be less. You have to go with what you love, for us we loved the energy that a live band brought to the party and we figured this was the only party in our life we would have live music. No matter which you pick, make sure you hear a sample first (even for a DJ). I've heard some terrible bands as well as some terrible DJ's so you want to be sure no matter what!


Oh, almost forgot to mention, our band was Sound Image by Faze 4 Orchestras

I prefer a DJ. I want to hear Michael Jackson not someone else trying to sound like him.

If you decide to go with a DJ, I recommend mine...Party Up Productions. You won't find much review wise on here about them. They did an incredible job.