(MS) - Every couple wants their wedding to be perfect. From choosing the right wedding dress to making the guests comfortable to picking the right menu at the reception, choices have to be made at seemingly every turn. And music for your wedding is no exception. This decision essentially comes down to choosing a DJ or a band for the wedding reception. Both a DJ and a band come with their advantages and disadvantages. To help you make a more informed decision, here are some things to consider:
Price:
If you're worried about how to afford the music, you might want
to go with a DJ. DJ's are almost always less expensive than a
live band. The asking price for a DJ might start out around
$1,000 for a typical four-hour reception.
If the DJ has a stronger reputation and is known to involve
audiences more, this price can double. Meanwhile, most bands
can command between $2,500 to $5,000 for the same four-hour
period. Plus, with a DJ, you'll only need to provide a courtesy
meal for one or two people. A band can have five or more
players. That adds up to more out-of-pocket expenses.
Length of the wedding: Most receptions last in the neighbourhood of four hours, which can be a long time for a band to keep up a full head of steam. They may supplement with pre-recorded music during breaks. If you know your reception might run longer than that, perhaps a DJ is the way to go.
Size of the reception hall:
Many times the size of the reception hall can help make the
decision of a band versus DJ easier for you. Some reception
halls aren't quite big enough to hold a band and a dance floor.
Such halls may also restrict the type of music that can be
played as well.
Atmosphere: The degree of formality of a wedding can also dictate which way to go. If you're getting married a little later in life and your guest list is older, then a band is likely the way to go. But if you're getting married in your 20s and your guest list is made up mostly of people of a similar age, then a DJ can be a more fun and suitable option for you and your guests.
Talk to the DJ/Bandleader:
A good DJ or bandleader can be the emcee of a reception. On the
other end of the spectrum, a less-than-personable DJ or
bandleader can bring down the mood of what is supposed to be a
fun night. Interview a DJ about his music selection and his
overall attitude during a performance. To see what a bandleader
might be like, ask him about his schedule and try to catch his
band's performance at another wedding. You can also ask married
friends about bands or DJs they might have used.
There are also many types of bands you can choose from. A
band known as a "General Business" band, for instance, is
typically very versatile, capable of playing several different
styles of music. If your wedding will have a particularly
ethnic flavour, there are also numerous bands catering to every
ethnicity imaginable.
Decide early on: The type of music will likely have to be one of the first decisions you make with regards to your wedding. This is thanks to talented bands or DJs being in high demand come wedding season. Oftentimes, a DJ or a band will have their schedule booked at least a year in advance, meaning you need to know far ahead of time which route you want to take.
