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!!!!!
jill13bean
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
TRy Franklin Wayne Music... Timepiece is a 9 piece band and is AMAZING they have many other great bands also everything they sing sounds like the original artist
eogara
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
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.
I feel the exact same way! Some people say 'there's nothing like a band at a wedding' but I'm the opposite - there's nothing like a dj and the real people singing the songs! If you're not going to be happy, the families are just going to have to suck it up - it's your day, not theirs! We're going through a similar thing - every time we talk to FH's father he brings up a band. It's really annoying since we've told him it's not the money - we don't like or want a band! But ultimately, no one's going to say anything to you that day. If you will enjoy a dj more, get a dj.
bethsiar
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
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.
This is true! The fact that Times Square is in the category with the other bands is surprising. At Rob-luvs-me's wedding this band was really impressive and the leads were great. We must have seen the same bands at those showcases-yuck!
lullabella
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
I looked at alot of bands before I picked mine. Once I saw my band, no other band could hold a candle to them. and I knew immediately that they were the one.
If you are going to get a band I think you have to totally love them and feel really confident that they are the right band for you. If you don't then I would get a DJ and some live music for the coctail hour. A bad band can RUIN a wedding. I have been to two weddings at beautiful places where the bands were HORRIBLE and that is all I remember.
Edited to say: I think it is also personal taste. I saw several bands that people raved about and I thought they STUNK!!!!! However other people thought they were great. I really do think it goes back to your gut feeling and whether or not you really like the way they sound.
Paula1210
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
I love my band - Body Heat. You are right when you say bands arent cheap, but if you get a good band, you'll be glad you invested because in my opinion the music makes a big part of the party. It was hard to stay seated at their showcase so I knew I had to book them! On the other hand, if you like a DJ more and are only getting a band for your family, then I would get a DJ!!! ITS YOUR WEDDING!!! Good luck
palebride
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Re: Band vs DJ Issues...
Personally, I loved the band we had at my wedding and we paid them $5050 for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. We changed out wedding song at the last minute and they leaned it the week before and performed it PERFECTLY.....a Dave Matthews song, no less, that they had never heard. So, my personal preference is a band. BUT, it is your wedding - you need to choose what is going to make you happy. and if you are going to shell out $6000 to make other people happy but it will make you miserable - they DON'T DO IT!!!! The music of the affair is such a huge component, and it's not worth it to compromise for someone else. Seriously. If they want a band so much, tell them to pick one and pay for it, otherwise, get a great DJ!!!!!
