Should I Book a Live Band or a DJ for My Wedding?

There's no question that one of the most exciting elements of planning your wedding reception is choosing the entertainment. But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide whether to book a live band or go with a DJ instead.

They both have their pros and cons, so which one is the right choice for you?

Should I Have a Live Band or DJ for My Wedding Reception?

When deciding between a wedding DJ and a live band, several factors will influence your decision, including a budget, musical preference, and the overall tone you want to set for your reception. Those with larger budgets tend to opt for live bands, whereas those with less to spend and looking for a greater variety of music will often book a DJ.

Of course, there's no right or wrong answer. This is your wedding, and you should ultimately choose the type of entertainment that you think will make the night more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Here is a brief rundown of the pros and cons of each option to help you make your decision:

Why Hire a Live Band for Your Wedding?

There are numerous advantages to having live music at your wedding. Firstly it's widely accepted that live bands tend to create a more lively and upbeat atmosphere. This is because people are more likely to get up and dance when they can see the musicians performing live on stage, and live bands tend to be considerably louder than a DJ.

When choosing a live band, you can select one that perfectly suits your musical tastes. For example, if you're into jazz, you can hire a jazz band. Or, if you and your fiancé are both big fans of soul music, you can book a Motown-inspired band.

Lastly, there's something special and romantic about having live music at your wedding. It can create a more intimate and personal atmosphere, which is perfect for your first dance as a married couple.

What Are the Drawbacks of Choosing a Live Band for Your Reception?

As incredible as live bands are, there are a few drawbacks. First and foremost, they almost always cost more than hiring a DJ because you're paying for the entire band, which usually consists of four or more people.

Live bands also tend to have a smaller repertoire of songs. Some bands specialise in wedding performances and will have a broad spectrum of musical numbers to choose from. Still, others will only play a limited number of songs – meaning that if you have specific songs that you want to be played on your big day, a live band might be unable to accommodate your request.

Another consideration is that live musicians need a break, meaning there will be periods during your reception where the music stops altogether. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's something to be aware of.

Finally, live bands tend to take up a lot of space, and they can quickly fill up a corner of your venue with drum kits, keyboards, guitars, microphone stands, and other instruments. Thus, a live band might not be the best choice if you plan to have a small or intimate wedding reception.

They also have pretty complex logistical and technical requirements, often needing a raised stage or platform, extra sound and lighting equipment, and someone on hand to ensure the sound quality is spot on.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Wedding DJ?

DJs are a popular choice for couples getting married for a number of reasons. Firstly, they offer fantastic value for money, and you can often get an experienced and professional DJ for less than the cost of hiring a live band.

DJs also have a vast repertoire of songs to choose from, allowing you to pick and choose tracks you want to play on your big day (if you want to). It's commonplace for you to meet up or chat over the phone with your DJ before the big day to go over your musical requirements, ensuring you hear exactly what you want on the day rather than merely picking a musical genre.

Another significant advantage of hiring a DJ is that, with their vast musical library, they can often field guest requests on the night. This is something that live bands are often unable to do, as they might not know certain songs or be able to play them. It also gives you access to all genres and styles of music. So, if you want to start with wedding classics before progressing to electronic dance music in the early hours of the morning, a DJ will be able to make that happen.

Lastly, even with their associated lighting equipment, DJs take up a lot less space than a live band, which is beneficial if you're hosting your reception at a smaller venue.

Why a Wedding DJ Might Not Be Right for Your Reception Celebration

There's a general consensus that DJs aren't quite as impactful as live bands. They don't possess the wow factor and can often struggle to create the same audio-visual spectacle that a live band delivers. Although some people might be unable to tell the difference, the sound quality is often inferior to hearing a live band play and lacks the "oomph" delivered by real instruments.

Another drawback is that DJs can sometimes feel a little impersonal. Yes, you can meet with them before the big day to go over your musical requirements, but on the day itself, they're often hidden away in a corner somewhere. This can create a disconnect with your guests, which is something that you might want to avoid on your wedding day.

Live bands create a focal point for your reception and bring a great deal of energy to proceedings, whereas DJs can often feel like an afterthought.

Can I Hire Both a Live Band and a DJ for My Wedding?

Yes, nothing is stopping you from hiring a live band and a DJ for your wedding reception. In fact, this is becoming increasingly common, despite the added costs. Traditionally, the live band will perform first, providing entertainment immediately after the meal, and then the DJ will take over late in the evening.

This arrangement allows your guests to enjoy the best of both worlds and experience a wide range of music throughout the night.

While hiring a live band and a DJ might be the best option to give your guests a great experience, it's important to remember that it will cost you more. You might need to hire extra sound and lighting equipment, and you'll undoubtedly need to pay two sets of fees. If you're on a tight budget, you might need to choose one or the other.

If you're still undecided about whether to hire a live band or a DJ for your wedding, why not chat to some local providers and see what they can offer? With a bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect solution for your big day. Increasingly live bands offer DJing services for when their set is finished as an add-on, so it might be worth considering this option too.