Everything needs to be perfect for the big day, especially the music. This once-in-a-lifetime day will be incomplete without the first dance followed by songs that will make you and your guests dance till your feet hurt. But to make that happen you need to decide on a few things – your likes and dislikes, guest preferences, space allowances, and of course, your budget. So, if you want to bust out your best dance moves or want to slow dance with your husband on the song that means the world to you, consider the following things.
- Do some thinking.
There are certain things you need to consider before you can make a decision. Firstly, what kind of vibe are you going for; 80’s rock and roll or swing music? Slow romantic quartets or dance-till-you drop beats? The selection of the genre will significantly affect your decision.
Secondly, how much space do you have? A large band means a lot of equipment; it would also mean a lot of noise. Check with your chosen venue as to whether it can accommodate your selection, and whether there are any noise restrictions. Ask these questions before scouting and you’ll save yourself precious hours.
Thirdly, decide on a budget. A wedding is not inexpensive and its imperative that you choose on how much you can spend. DJs have the ball in their court when it comes to winning the price war; they’re relatively cheaper. However, you can always get a smaller band if that is what you’re inclined towards. Therefore, set your budget so that you can make a choice that drains your feet (from all the dancing) and not your pocket
Live music can lighten up the mood when the band interacts with the audience, sings their versions of original songs, and reads the room and plays music accordingly – a perfect mix for a perfect night.
However, bands are not pocket-friendly. They cost more than a DJ and come with a much less variety. Furthermore, their contract includes playing just a number of songs, which means background music plays in the remainder of the time. Oh, what more? You can’t even control the volume of their music.
3.DJs come with their own set of pros and cons.
DJs come with a wide range of music genres, which means no matter the mood on the wedding day, your DJ will have the right rabbit to pull out of the hat. This huge inventory also means requests would be welcome, keeping all your guests happy. Oh, did I mention they’re also cheaper to hire than bands?
But, don’t forget, some DJs are buzzkills.
No matter which way you end up swinging, hiring music for your wedding can be risky. As charming as your DJ/band may look during negotiation, the whole party can be turned upside down if something goes wrong. Therefore, take recommendations from your friends and family or even your wedding planner. Or choose a band or DJ you’ve seen perform before. At least you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into
The one thing that you shouldn’t forget is that your reception is for you to enjoy. So, whether a DJ or a band, if they’re not playing what you want to hear, or are playing what you don’t want to hear, the night will go to a waste. To avoid bummers, make a list of songs you definitely want to hear, and a list of songs you definitely don’t want to hear. Give this list to whoever you hire before you sign the contract. You’ll thank yourself later.
