Band vs DJ Issues...

Over the past few months, I have seen numerous bands (eight bands, to be exact). Much to my dismay, I don't LOVE any of them and I can't justify to myself spending all of that $$$$ on something I am not absolutely THRILLED with. My budget for a band is about $6000.

To make matters worse, my family and FH's family wants and expects a live band at a wedding. I don't have the time or energy to keep looking and attending all of these showcases. I don't know if my expectations are unrealistic??? FH really just wants to throw in the towel and get a DJ - he has never really liked traditional wedding bands, can't attend any showcases with me because he works nights, and has left this decision totally up to me. Any suggestions as to what I can do to appease our families?? They can't seem to understand why I am having such a hard time with this issue!

I met with one DJ that was amazing, but I don't feel like I am going to be able to take the 'heat' for it from our respective families.

Thanks for listening!!!!!

I used the East Coast band. People are still raving about how fantastic they were!

(And, they would definitely be within that $6k mark)

The East Coast Band

Try Full House - we used them and they are a vendor on this board. They were amazing and had everyone dancing all night long. I believe they also have sound clips on their website that you can listen to.

Full House

I had the SAME PROBLEM!!!

Luckily just as I was about to pull all my hair out, I got a recommendation from my FSIL's friend who used Ron Sunshine for her wedding. I think they are great. They are not your typical wedding band and may not be suitable for a younger 80's/90's music crowd, but they are great for us!

ETA: I never went to a showcase, I just went from bar to bar, club to club in NYC...

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Posted by cocoa

although i understand the feel of a live band, i would never be happy unless i had dave matthews, ella fitzgerald, eric clapton, barry white, dean martin. louis prima and bob marley, among others, there at my wedding playing their songs. so i went with a dj. music is huge for me and i was never one who liked covers, just the original artist, so that made my decision. for me, only etta james can sing at last. i've heard other women do it in bands, and some butcher it, others make an effort, but it is her song only and only a dj can give it to me.

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My thoughts exactly!! I'll take a DJ over a band any day!

I have to agree about a DJ - thats what we booked & we can't wait. BUT I went to 3 weddings with the Times Square Orchestra & I have to say if they were'nt booked they would have been the only band for me. They are amazing! Friends of mine who DJ in the city & one person who works for an LIW DJ company even said they loved them. I think the price I was quoted was $6500 but that was dependant on your day/season & time. I'm pretty sure Robluvsme used them & said they were great. I hope it helps - good luck!

Is it possible to just 'forget' to tell your family you booked a DJ instead? Nobody is going to be mad at the actual wedding.

Appease them with very upbeat, live music during the cocktail hour.

Don't let their potential dissapointment sway your decision.

To me, there is nothing like hearing the original artist play their song. Go for the DJ (and save a bundle!)

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Posted by IrishTracy

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Posted by cocoa

although i understand the feel of a live band, i would never be happy unless i had dave matthews, ella fitzgerald, eric clapton, barry white, dean martin. louis prima and bob marley, among others, there at my wedding playing their songs. so i went with a dj. music is huge for me and i was never one who liked covers, just the original artist, so that made my decision. for me, only etta james can sing at last. i've heard other women do it in bands, and some butcher it, others make an effort, but it is her song only and only a dj can give it to me.

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My thoughts exactly!! I'll take a DJ over a band any day!

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This is exactly how I feel. I think the band does add some sort of feeling. But..my feeling is that a band would just have my guests stare at them, they won't dance to a band but a DJ they will. JMO

I struggled with this too, but like others have said, unless you start paying upwards of 10k and more for a band you're really not getting anything that great.

My biggest issue with a band was that I couldnt control them and I felt like too much of my reception was dependent on them performing well etc.

Have you considered doing half and half? I think marcellabella did that, I know Rick Mango orchrestra does it.

HTH!

I love music and was very torn about this issue as well, but for me personally I love the sound of a live band at a wedding (as long as they are good..lol) I had a list of about 20 bands in LI, NJ and NYC that I wanted to see. I saw the Times Square Orchestra first and booked them the next day w/out seeing another band. I was a bit nervous not seeing anyone else, but went back w/ friends and family and they were blown away by them. Then reading the reviews on this site I know we made a great decision. They are in your budget too I believe. If you really want a DJ though, you have to stick w/ your guns and book one. It's your wedding - not your parents, his parents, etc. You and your FI have to be the ones happiest with the decisions you make.

Good luck!

I honestly do not think you have to spend upwards of $10K to find a good band. Mine band was great, and they cost me $4,500. It depends on what you like--I got a band b/c I don't like DJ's and think bands create an entirely different atmosphere at a wedding. I did not want it any other way at my wedding.

Since you can't find any bands that make you happy, go with the DJ. Don't worry about anyone else.

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Posted by jennyhet

I honestly do not think you have to spend upwards of $10K to find a good band. Mine band was great, and they cost me $4,500. It depends on what you like--I got a band b/c I don't like DJ's and think bands create an entirely different atmosphere at a wedding. I did not want it any other way at my wedding.

Since you can't find any bands that make you happy, go with the DJ. Don't worry about anyone else.

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i agree...

i think a good rule of thumb is ~1K per band member, this doesn't mean that there aren't deals to be found...

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Posted by Corduroy94

I have to agree about a DJ - thats what we booked & we can't wait. BUT I went to 3 weddings with the Times Square Orchestra & I have to say if they were'nt booked they would have been the only band for me. They are amazing! Friends of mine who DJ in the city & one person who works for an LIW DJ company even said they loved them. I think the price I was quoted was $6500 but that was dependant on your day/season & time. I'm pretty sure Robluvsme used them & said they were great. I hope it helps - good luck!

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I did use Times Square Orchestra - I used to sing and play the piano so I was offended to go to some showcases and hear the bands hitting wrong notes etc. I found TSO to be one out there that goes out of their way to be a 'cover' band - whoever sounds the most like the singer sings that song - I have had many comments from guests who loved them.

IMO - Bethsair said you need to spend 10K to get someone good - I don't agree - sorry beth! - There are SOME AMAZING bands out there for that - but I spend just over 1/2 that for mine - (but they were the exception most bands in that category are NOT nearly as good).