Live band or DJ?

It really depends on the vibe you want for your wedding. A live band brings an amazing atmosphere and energy, but a DJ offers some big advantages too. With a DJ you get unlimited music variety — everything from old classics to the latest hits — and the songs sound exactly how you know and love them. I can also read the crowd and seamlessly mix between genres, keeping the dance floor full all night. Plus, a DJ usually needs less space and is more budget-friendly than a full band. Some couples even choose a mix, like having a band early on and a DJ later in the night. At the end of the day, it’s about creating the celebration that feels right for you.

This is one of the biggest wedding entertainment questions! Both live bands and DJs bring something special it really depends on the atmosphere you want to create.

A live band delivers incredible energy and a “wow” factor, while a DJ offers flexibility, a wider music library, and the ability to seamlessly transition between genres.

At Melbourne Entertainment Company, we actually offer both options and can even combine them for the best of both worlds (for example, a live acoustic duo for the ceremony, then a DJ to take the dance floor into the night).

If you’re weighing up the pros and cons, here’s a helpful guide:
https://melbourneentertainmentco.com.au/should-you-hire-a-dj-or-a-band-for-your-wedding/

Unless you are a DJ with amazing talent, it would be hard to compare against a band that has front-persons with personality, character & charisma. Talking to a crowd, engaging and reacting to an audience are a very real part of performing as a live act and not just playing the songs.

Totally understand — it’s a tough choice, but the good news is you don’t have to pick just one! I offer packages that combine both live band and DJ, giving you the best of both worlds.

A live band brings energy, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments — perfect for wow-factor and those hands-in-the-air singalongs. A DJ, on the other hand, keeps the vibe flowing with seamless transitions, your favourite tracks, and zero breaks.

Together? It’s a non-stop party. Live sets to lift the room, DJ sets to keep it pumping. You’ll never miss a beat.

That's such a great question – and one I hear often! The truth is, both live music and a DJ can bring something special to your wedding, and it really depends on the kind of atmosphere you’re dreaming of.

A live band (or acoustic live set, like what I offer) creates a beautiful, emotional connection. There’s something truly magical about live vocals during your ceremony or first dance – it adds a personal, heartfelt touch that recorded music just can’t replicate. It’s perfect for the moments that matter.

A DJ, on the other hand, is amazing for keeping the energy high during the party! They can seamlessly mix tracks, keep your dance floor buzzing, and play all your favourite hits back-to-back.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. I offer packages that include both live music and DJ sets, so you can have the best of both worlds – live acoustic sets for the meaningful parts, and DJ vibes to dance the night away.

And if you're dreaming of that full-band energy, I also offer the option of a live reception band to really bring the party to life!

We supply both! It's not really a case of either / or, but when is best to favour one choice. From personal experience the most memorable and rich moments always happen where there is a live element to the event, and we thoroughly recommend that live music feature for at least the ceremony and the first half of the reception. After that, when everybody is busy socialising networking, making speeches etc it's  absolutely fine to shift over to DJ if you don't have the space or budget for a live band to pick up the party vibe when it comes to dancing.

Very little can compare to a live band! The energy they bring, the adapability they can have, the raw live talent and crowd work, is all unparalled. However, there are restrictions to the amount of songs they can play as they obvioulsy need to know how to play them, and the biggest issue is often the budget needed. An "open format" DJ is going to be much cheaper than a great band and be able to play/mix any genre in to keep the floor going. Another thing is that a DJ can fit into any venue quite easily, whereas a band just practically needs more space. If money isn't an issue and venue space isn't an issue and you want a band, ask them for a setlist and see that you like the type of music they know before booking them and you won't regret it. 

Hello Bride,

Thanks for the brilliant question!

Here at Baker Boys we love to supply bands and/or DJs to our couples for weddings.   We also love to help our couples decide what's best for them.
Here are a few factors that can be helpful to consider:


1. VENUE SOUND RESTRICTIONS. Many venues only allow DJ's, or have strict sound restrictions, that make working with a DJ a more practical option, as you can always turn it down as much as needed.   If you've got your heart set on a live band, it's a great idea to check if there are any sound restrictions before booking your venue.   

2. BUDGET - DJ's are traditionally cheaper when you first compare BUT, a 3pc band is only slightly more expensive, and can also provide ceremony and canapés music, for a minimal add-on fee.  As opposed to having a DJ, and then having to book live musician/s for your ceremony and canapés at an additional cost, which can ultimately end up being much more expensive.  

3. GO AND SEE! - We showcase our Bands and DJ's live at our free showcases, where you can directly compare the two and see what you prefer. 
There are definitely musical styles that are better suited to DJ's rather than bands, but likewise, there are certain styles where live music simply can't be beaten. 
If you love house or techno etc. a DJ will be best for you.  If you love pop, rock, country or Motown, having a live band who can improvise and be spontaneous, brings the music to life in a way a recording simply can't.

4. BREAKS - there's a lot to be said for a couple of short breaks in the music.  It adds a feeling of structure to the night, allows your guests an opportunity to have dessert, get a drink, have a chat before hitting the dance floor again.    Later in the night a band breaks can be covered by a Spotify DJ playlist, too, so if you book a band, you will still have an opportunity to include those DJ vibes as well. 

5. SPEAKER QUALITY - I think a huge factor to be considered that hasn't been mentioned is the equipment that the band or DJ will be bringing with them.   If you are looking at a freelance DJ, I would ask what speakers they will be bringing and google to check the quality - a quick google of industry standard equipment etc. will show you what you need to know.  It doesn't matter how great a DJ is, if their speakers are too small or low quality, it can be extremely detrimental to the dance floor vibes.


Please reach out if we can help with anything further, we'd love to help :) 
 

Great question, and totally understandable that it feels tricky with so many options out there!

Here's a quick breakdown:

Live Band:

• Fantastic visual presence, engaging and adds a unique atmosphere.
• Great if live music is something you're truly passionate about.
• Typically more expensive, less flexible with song choices, and takes regular breaks, potentially breaking momentum.

DJ:

• Offers an unlimited music library tailored exactly to your and your guests' tastes.
• Keeps energy high with non-stop music—no awkward pauses!
• Usually more budget-friendly, providing exceptional value without compromising quality.

If keeping your guests dancing all night long, versatility in song selection, and seamless transitions are important to you, then a DJ is absolutely the way to go.

At NOVA DJs, we specialise in making wedding celebrations unforgettable. We're passionate about personalising your night, reading the crowd, and creating the perfect vibe from start to finish. Check out our stellar reviews to see how much our couples love us, and head over to our Instagram @novadjs to see the energy we bring to every event!

If you'd like to chat more about what we can create together, I'd love to help.

Warm regards,
Renato @ NOVA DJs