Should I hire a band or a DJ?

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.

It all depends on your vision and budget but I feel DJs tend to be more adaptable for Weddings

It depends on what you would like. As a live musician and DJ my price is the same regardless of whether I am playing live or DJing/MCing or a mixture of both and I provide continuous music. The traditional lines between Live music and DJ's are a little blurred these days so I find that usually when given the choice my clients like a mixture of both but it is totally up to them. Of course you pay for what you get. A professional should carry public liability insurance, be able to meet personally or speak with you over the phone about the music that you want and come highly recommended by suppliers in the industry. The quality of something as critical as entertainment on your special day can make or break it. In my opinion there is nothing better than good live entertainment.

When booking a band - check that they can play the music that you want to hear and how much of it they play. There are many age groups at a wedding so it is good for the band to play a little for everyone and then focus a little more on the songs that the Bride and Groom wish to hear. That way everyone enjoys the music. If the band puts music on in the breaks then that is an opportunity to give them a list of your favourite songs so even if they don't play them you still get to hear them.

Bands and DJ's - Check that the person you are thinking of hiring knows your expectations and can match these with the venues expectations. There are many problems that can be overcome with a little planning, for instance; if a band likes playing loud and the venue has sound restrictions after a certain time, this is a problem.. if the grandparents with hearing aids are seated next to the band or DJ - this will not go well.... 

Whether Live band or DJ - it's the quality and reliability that counts and it depends a lot on the persons you are hiring.

We Prefer That U Hire A DJ Than A Band......B Cause Bands R Way 2 Exspensive Where As A DJ Is Always Playin Music & Not Takin Breaks Except 4 Eating Or Toilet Breaks......Music Is Always Continuin & Not Silence Like Bands Do.....

I have to agree with Craig Francis Music inthat it really does depend on the vibe you wish to create. A good band of talented musicians and vocalists can really drive a night along and interract with the guests on the dance floor. But it is important to sel;ect the right ones. A good professional DJ can play a great mix of music and take requests on the night. Their presentation is very important as is the quality of their equipment. In the end you generally get what you pay for with either option. Cheap does not mean good, and you only have one shot at having a fantastic Reception.

It is entirely up to you! However, if you're undecided, you can always have a mix of both with our all inclusive packages. 

The eternal question!

Bands can be more expensive than a DJ -  especially the better ones that offer a free DJ service.

A DJ can be less expensive and offer a wider variety of music for your day.

A band can end up making every song sound too saimilar... but they do offer that personal touch by adding your names into the lyrics of songs.

A good Dj can make it totally your night -  You must remember that it is YOUR day, the music should highlight and enhance your event - not be the centre of it!

It's an excellent question. 

Probably never better discussed than in the 'How I Met Your Mother' episode - Band vs DJ :p

Bottom line, they both have their place and it's amazing that our industry has such a wonderful supply of both. 

A band is a much more personalised experience - and can do so much more than just play music. They can talk to a crowd, mash-up or extend songs depedning on the mood of the night, create an atmosphere that is one of a kind and never to be replcated. A unique experience that exists just that one time - and just for you. 

And of course a DJ has the flexibility to play any song, in any order and also has the cost advantage. 

A good band will (usually) offer a free DJ service as part of their package - Party Latte certainly does.

But if you're still unsure, get in touch with a few bands and a few DJ's - talk to them and see what they offer!

A band or live music is sometimes very good but having a DJ you get more variety available.

Hiring a band or a DJ is a personal thing. For couples that really like/enjoy the experience and ineraction of a live band then definitly a band. Good live music and the energy that goes with it is always a winner.

Now for couples that want hear and dance to specific bands or artists songs, then a DJ is the go.