Determining the overall tone and vibe of your wedding reception can be largely influenced by the musical atmosphere you create. A live band and a DJ can provide completely different feelings, but you need to determine what matters most for your reception. Of course, you want your guests to have a good time and the event to go way into the night with lots of dancing and fun. Today, I’m breaking down my top tips help you decide the best option for your reception!
Reference your budget
Make sure your money is in the right place. Keep everything in check with your pricing as you determine DJ or live band. Usually a live band is a lot more expensive than a DJ due to the number of band members. If you have a smaller budget for your musical entertainment, DJ might be the best route for your reception.
Figure out your favorites
Song selection is a huge category to consider with your music for your reception. Live bands may have a certain genre they shine at, while DJs can provide a range. While there can be nothing better than the beat of a live drum in a crowd, you may prefer the beat in a top hits track instead.
Get a move on
What are you looking for in the music for your reception? Do you want ambience or dance moves? If you are concerned with your guests getting up and getting their groove on, the music you pick for your reception can determine this!
Read the reviews
Always complete a deep dive research of every option you want to check out. Read reviews from previous couples and events. See if there are snippets of live video on their pages or clips of audio to listen to. This online research can reveal a lot about the vendor!
Consider your space
Does your reception venue have lots of space? Enough to accommodate a full band and lively dance floor? Then a live band can be a great option. If your venue is limited on extra space after the tables and chairs are set up, leave more room on the dance floor with a DJ.
Check out the guest list
Your guest list may be full of friends and a younger crowd, a DJ could be key to keeping the night lively. Alternatively, your guest list may be full of a range of ages, from your grandmother to your niece. A live band might be a more universally appealing addition to your reception.
Think about other receptions
Think back on the musical aspects you remember most from other couples’ receptions. Do you have a vivid memory of a live band that was incredible? A DJ that played hit after hit? If you are looking for a similar feel, get inspiration from your experiences at weddings.
Use these categories as a guide for your band vs. DJ decision! Make sure you and your partner feel excited about your choice and get your dancing shoes ready.
Leave a Reply