Perhaps the biggest decision when it comes to your wedding day music is whether you should go the band or DJ route, and, of course, the third alternative – play your own music! Here’s how your choices break down:
Live Music
There is no better entertainment than live music – it is something special, something that cannot be duplicated and gives your wedding a much larger, more upscale feel. A live band will get your guests up and dancing and will know how to keep the wedding flowing smoothly.
But live music goes beyond the band that plays at your reception – you can hire many different types of musicians for various portions of your ceremony and reception including soloists, ceremony ensembles (quartets, trios), singers or choirs.
- Pros: Dynamic atmosphere, unique twists on songs, wow factor
- Cons: More expensive, more space, more requirements, bands take breaks, bands don’t know all the songs
- Cost: Expect to pay between $100 to $150 per musician per hour
DJs
There are many great advantages to choosing a DJ over a live band including lowered cost, less spacial requirements and the ability to play multiple genres of music or specific songs. While not as large or dynamic a presence, a great DJ can really work a crowd and get them moving.
On the other hand, there are a lot of terrible DJs out there. We’ve all been to a wedding or two with music that fell completely flat. Do not make the mistake of hiring you’re friend’s brother-in-law thinking that all DJs are the same because a bad wedding DJ can ruin the experience. Work with a DJ who has a long history of playing at weddings. They understand how weddings are supposed to flow, how to keep the party moving and how to improvise when things don’t go according to plan or schedule.
- Pros: More affordable, accept song requests, broader variety of songs, can adjust volume levls
- Cons: Won’t have the same unique impact as band
- Cost: DJs can cost anywhere from $300 to $3000, depending on location and experience. On average, a wedding DJ charges $1200 for a four hour set.
DIY Music
Live musicians and even DJs can be expensive and many couples just are not in a position to spend that kind of money just on music. Many couples are opting for the trusty old iPod – it’s virtually free and you have complete control over what music you play and when.
However, it’s not a plug and play situation. Make sure you have a proper sound system at the venue – you don’t want to get stuck having to shell out money for a new one. You’ll also need to designate someone responsible to select the playlist (or backup playlist in case your music selection falls flat) and push play and stop on the right songs at the right times. Bonus points if he/she can keep the flow of the evening going, the way that a band leader or DJ would.
- Pros: Complete control over music, low cost
- Cons: Someone needs to manage playlist, risk of running into technical difficulties
- Cost: The cost of downloading music as well as the venue sound system and equipment
