Making the Tough Choices: Hiring a Live Band or DJ for the Reception

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Making the Tough Choices: Hiring a Live Band or DJ for the Reception

A newly solemnized union is definitely a cause for celebration, leading to a wedding reception as the perfect opportunity to party with loved ones. After all, this will be the first day of the rest of your life and there’s nothing quite like a reception to kick things off. Dancing is a must at your reception, and when it comes to important choices, forget the chicken or the fish. It’s all about the music, and you need to decide on your source of entertainment. Should you go with a live band or a DJ? Here are some things to consider. 

Putting First Things First

As with other reception details, you need to consider your budget and what works for your set of plans. You’ll probably spend more on a good live band than you will for a good DJ, but in both cases, you get what you pay for. It’s important to research potential musicians or DJs beforehand. Look for YouTube videos and client reviews, which a good live band or DJ will have. If you’ve enjoyed the entertainment at a loved one’s reception or other celebration, you can ask for referrals. Your best choices will be professional and have a “resume” and set pricing plan.

Choosing a Live Band

Some considerations for having live music at your reception include the following:

  • Crowd Participation: A great band doesn’t just play music well; they also know how to put on a show that engages your audience. A reception is a celebration with your nearest and dearest, and a band that knows how to keep the party “live” helps make your event more fun.
  • Versatility: A live band can help set the mood throughout the entire event. They can provide ceremony music as well as background music for toasts, bouquet tosses and more.
  • Stylistic Diversity: Some bands specialize in one type of genre and sound, while others have a more diverse repertoire to work with. This should be a major factor in your decision.
  • Venue Space: Generally, a band needs a stage as well as space for using and storing instruments and equipment.
  • Previous Performance Footage: Again, really good bands will have recordings of past performances for you to see how they sound and how well they were received.

Going With a DJ

If you’re looking for someone to get the party jumping, ponder these things:

  • Perfect Playlist: Good DJs will work with you to come up with a curated playlist of songs to keep the energy high. If there are certain songs that you want to include for group fun, like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” you can make requests ahead of time.
  • Reception Only: DJs are generally hired to provide reception music, so you will need alternate plans for the wedding ceremony.
  • Available Space: The average setup won’t take as much room as that of a band in most cases. This is important if space comes at a premium at your venue.
  • Party All the Time: Thanks to technology, DJs can usually play music uninterrupted at length. Bands generally need to take breaks every now and then.
  • Referrals: Not all DJs are in the habit of recording their gigs, but every potential supplier should be able to provide client references.
  • Double Duty: Unlike classic hip-hop, some DJs are also great emcees. If you need one to pull double duty, keep that in mind when evaluating your choices.

The reception is an important part of your special day. It’s a time when you and your loved ones get to interact and celebrate after you tie the knot. Music is an important element of a reception. Both DJs and live bands can help you set a party atmosphere, but consider their differences as you plan your nuptials.

Making the Tough Choices: Hiring a Live Band or DJ for the Reception

A newly solemnized union is definitely a cause for celebration, leading to a wedding reception as the perfect opportunity to party with loved ones. After all, this will be the first day of the rest of your life and there’s nothing quite like a reception to kick things off. Dancing is a must at your reception, and when it comes to important choices, forget the chicken or the fish. It’s all about the music, and you need to decide on your source of entertainment. Should you go with a live band or a DJ? Here are some things to consider. 

Putting First Things First

As with other reception details, you need to consider your budget and what works for your set of plans. You’ll probably spend more on a good live band than you will for a good DJ, but in both cases, you get what you pay for. It’s important to research potential musicians or DJs beforehand. Look for YouTube videos and client reviews, which a good live band or DJ will have. If you’ve enjoyed the entertainment at a loved one’s reception or other celebration, you can ask for referrals. Your best choices will be professional and have a “resume” and set pricing plan.

Choosing a Live Band

Some considerations for having live music at your reception include the following:

  • Crowd Participation: A great band doesn’t just play music well; they also know how to put on a show that engages your audience. A reception is a celebration with your nearest and dearest, and a band that knows how to keep the party “live” helps make your event more fun.
  • Versatility: A live band can help set the mood throughout the entire event. They can provide ceremony music as well as background music for toasts, bouquet tosses and more.
  • Stylistic Diversity: Some bands specialize in one type of genre and sound, while others have a more diverse repertoire to work with. This should be a major factor in your decision.
  • Venue Space: Generally, a band needs a stage as well as space for using and storing instruments and equipment.
  • Previous Performance Footage: Again, really good bands will have recordings of past performances for you to see how they sound and how well they were received.

Going With a DJ

If you’re looking for someone to get the party jumping, ponder these things:

  • Perfect Playlist: Good DJs will work with you to come up with a curated playlist of songs to keep the energy high. If there are certain songs that you want to include for group fun, like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” you can make requests ahead of time.
  • Reception Only: DJs are generally hired to provide reception music, so you will need alternate plans for the wedding ceremony.
  • Available Space: The average setup won’t take as much room as that of a band in most cases. This is important if space comes at a premium at your venue.
  • Party All the Time: Thanks to technology, DJs can usually play music uninterrupted at length. Bands generally need to take breaks every now and then.
  • Referrals: Not all DJs are in the habit of recording their gigs, but every potential supplier should be able to provide client references.
  • Double Duty: Unlike classic hip-hop, some DJs are also great emcees. If you need one to pull double duty, keep that in mind when evaluating your choices.

The reception is an important part of your special day. It’s a time when you and your loved ones get to interact and celebrate after you tie the knot. Music is an important element of a reception. Both DJs and live bands can help you set a party atmosphere, but consider their differences as you plan your nuptials.

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