What are the benefits of hiring a band or DJ over DIY music?

Its a personal choice really. I would say DJs are more flexible with the music they can play but I know some awsome bands too. With DIY music its taking such a huge risk on your special day. I think its super important to have a professional looking after your music just to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Wedding entertainment is so important to your special day.  When it comes to your wedding day, often it comes down to a very tough decision.  Do you hire a DJ or do you hire a band?  Well … we can help to give you a bit of help and things to think about when making this important decision for your special day.

First, let’s put aside the issue that there are good wedding DJs and bad wedding DJs as well as there being good wedding bands and bad wedding bands.  Let’s assume they are all equal as far as their level of professionalism goes. So with a totally level playing field, we can now explore the fundamental differences between a band and a DJ to help you decide which is the most suitable for your special day.  We will give you a list of pros and cons of both wedding entertainment options.

Band Advantages

Bands can create a good “party feel” atmosphere.
Bands are often more interesting to watch visually than a DJ.
“Live” music enthusiasts will be satisfied.

Band Disadvantages

Limited playlist.  Even a really good band seldom knows more than 500 songs (This means many requests won’t be possible).
The expected version of the songs you know and love might sound quite different.
Bands will typically cost a lot more than a DJ.
Bands require a lot more room to set up than a DJ.
Pack-up and set-up time will take longer than a DJ.
Between the bands sets, the mood (and usually dancefloor) dies.
Many bands are not able to also act as MCs (as many DJs do).
There is usually a noticable (and awkward) gap between songs.
Many bands do not have any planning experience when it comes to weddings so just “turn up” on the day without prior planning.

DJ Advantages

The music a DJ plays will sound exactly like the song you want.  (Because  it is the original).
A good DJ has a massive playlist of thousands and thousands of songs (Making requests easier).
DJs typically cost a lot less than a band.
DJs don’t usually need a lot of room to set up.
DJs don’t take a long time to pack up or set up.
DJs are often aslo experienced MCs and can assist in this area.
The music does not have gaps, so allows for a seamless and constant dancefloor experience.
Many DJs can offer to help in the planning stage of the day and have experience in this area.

DJ Disadvantages

DJs can’t provide that live atmosphere.
DJs are not usually as exciting to watch as a live band.
Your “live” music enthusiast guests might not be as excited.

When it comes to live music, I am a massive fan myself.  In fact, I have performed in a number of bands and as a solo musician over the years for all types of events.  When I was performing in bands I personally had a strong dislike for DJs myself.  (Who would have thought I would have become one!).  However, it was when my band started performing at weddings I realised quickly how much a good DJ is worth their weight in gold.  Even though we had a great band that used to pack out pubs and clubs, when it came to weddings it was a very different situation.  People expected to hear a wide variety of music that we simply couldn’t do.  Being a live band, our play list was extensive, but limited when compared to that of a DJ.

At NikNat Entertainment, we offer a unique advantage to keep both sides of the argument happy.  Because of my background as a professional musician, I am able to offer my live performance services as an option to provide that live element over canapes and/or dinner.  Then using my skills as a DJ when it comes to the dancing part of the evening to keep the dance floor pumping.

Hi!

The benefits are endless! I have been a wedding coordinator for 2 years, and a wedding musician for 11 years. Every wedding I worked as a coordinator where there wasn't a professional musician or DJ involved, there was ALWAYS mistakes. Entrusting venue staff or family/friends to soundtrack your wedding is usually not successful - everyone is either too distracted or too excited to pay attention to detail such as timing, grace and atmosphere.

I would always 100% recommend hiring a musician or DJ to handle the musical aspect of your wedding. The atmosphere is totally lost without it!

All the best! 

Eilish x

I've had personal experience of this very issue where the couple had hired me to provide ceremony/canapes/reception live music ,with no expense spared on any aspect of the days proceedings. Then decided to save some money by not using my DJ services, and plugging in a device to a small speaker for the dancing /party part of the night. As i was packing up i witnessed a very sad looking, empty dance floor.

The benefits of hiring a band or using a DJ mean that you have proffessional people with proffessional equipment that have the skills and knowledge to deliver.

Bill Olson

billolsonmusic.com

Hirin A DJ Is:U Get 2 See The DJ In Action As Well Of The DJ Reading The Crowd & Interacting @The Same Time Where Both Client & Him Or Her Joins In 2 Keep The Atmosphere Alive......Not Sure About The Band But DJ's R Better & As Far As Doin Your Own Music Without A DJ Is Not The Same B Cause U Carn't Control The Music & Mingel With Family & Friends.......

While DIY can save you some money, You then have to rely on a soundsystem you are not familiar with operated by someone probably not experienced in pro audio (if the equipment is actually pro audio) and some one then has to "be the DJ" for your night.

Hiring a DJ or band will get you someone that is experienced, has the right equipment in both sound and lighting. Is able to read a crowd and stop your party from getting stale. They are often very experienced MC's to keep your day flowing and fun.

So if the budget is super tight -  take the risk of DIY

If you want to enjoy your day knowing that the entertainment is in experienced hands -  Use a professional!

Usually with diy music the sound system isnt all that great having a DJ   Your better quality speakers and most cases a light show as well.

First of all DIY can be the correct option depending on your circumstances especially if budget is an issue.

The main benefits of having a band or DJ is you'll have a professional or group of professionals in control of your entertainment rather that random people who carelessly take over the operation of your music.

Bands have the unique abilty to interact with your guests whether thats being able to change up lyrics to respond spontaneously to whats happening in front of them.

Experienced DJ's can do something similar by playing a song that may match the moment.

The downsides to DIY music:

• Not really understanding the dynamic natural of events can cause people to feel off
• Theres ALWAYS soemone who will takeover the operation of your music whether YOU like their music or not
• People who dont like a particular song will "CUT IT OFF" mid song event if everyone else is loving it
• The flow is harder to maintain due to the sporadic nature of random people choosing songs
• You'll end up spending more time "controlling" the music than enjoying it

The upsides:

• Its almost free so you wont have to invest any budget into it.  If music isnt a priority then this is ideal
• You get the music you want played regardless if the DJ likes it or not
• Less stress dealing with vendors
• You can get guests to suggest songs via RSVP to build a playlist

If you'd like to chat further and are based in Western Australia we'd love to talk more about your entertainment.

ENVY Event Group

https://www.envyeventgroup.com/contact-us/

Find us on:

Instagram | Facebook | Easyweddings | 0415 783 268

Hi 

Well the benefit is that there is one less thing that you have to worry about and be on top of if you are doing it yourself or getting a friend or family member to do so. This puts added pressure on you to organise and added pressure on your chosen helper. 

Hiring someone to organise music for you: whether a live musician/band or Dj, is that they will have everything covered for you.

Such as:

Large selections of music to choose from, from their repertoire of songs or let them organise the song lists.

They'll organise back ground music for you.

All ceremony music if that's what you are after. (walking down the aisle songs)

Entry to your reception songs....

All sound equipment will be covered within your hire.

If you need a mic for speeches that will generally be available for your use also.

And just peice of mind that there is someone else there that will keep on top of the running order of the night or day proceedings and make sure things are running on time, with all the parties involved. 

There is a lot to think about when it comes to music and ambient background music, so its sometimes easier to let someone else do it for you.... Hope that helps.

Lark Music does bands, DJs and helps clients design playlists for post band or acoustic partying. All options work, except for not having anyone manage the music. The most crucial component is ensuring that one person (an entertainment pro or enthusiastic music lover) is actually in charge of building the dancefloor vibe as the night progresses. The other thing to consider, is how much volume you need to entertain 100+ people, and what kind of quality you need audio wise. A real PA system, not a bluetooth speaker or home stereo is required. Anyway.. Lark does all this and more. Visit www.larkusic.com.au for more info.