Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Your Wedding Reception - Live Band Or DJ?

When choosing entertainment for your wedding reception, you may want to compare the pros and cons of a live band or a Disc Jockey Company. Both types of companies have something unique to bring to the table; however, you must choose wisely, as both can have a striking impact on your wedding reception.

Some couples feel that live music is the best way to go and that settling for anything less is a compromise, and that is a valid point. Those couples must first do the leg work to find the band that can play the music they like, as well as music their guests will like. All bands, like DJ companies, are not created equal. If the wedding couple attaches a lot of importance to music in its original form, a live band selection can be disappointing. The same song, when sung by someone other than the original artist, can sound quite different. If the couple and their guests have their hearts set on hearing their favorites played in the original form, a DJ company may be the best choice. If a more festive atmosphere is important to the wedding couple than hearing the music in its original form, then a live band may be the better choice. The couple must first decide which issue is most important to them to choose wisely. Here are some things to consider that may make your decision easier:

*Sound: A DJ with a professional system will play original recordings and your reception will have a club-like ambience. A live band, while having great sound, will play their own version of recordings.

*Choice of Songs: A DJ with a large assortment of recordings will have a large selection at your event. A live band may or may not be able to play your selections.

*Special Requests: A Dj company will ask for a few special song selections to play for the spot-light dances, such as the Bride and Groom dance, Father and Bride dance etc; they will merely obtain the recording for couple to play that evening. A live band may not know the songs requested, and have to try to learn them before the event. This may not work, as there may not be ample time for the band to practice new material before the event.

*Venue: The size of the reception hall can be a factor. A DJ company will be able to control the volume of the music to adjust to the size of the area. A live band may not be able to keep the volume low enough for your guests comfort in small reception halls.

*Cost: A Disc Jockey company will be able to fulfill all of your entertainment needs; music, MC, providing the flow for the evening, making announcements, etc, for as much as 75% less than a live band.

*Additional Food Costs: It is usually customary for the Bride and Groom to provide food for the entertainers. A DJ company usually provides 1 Disc Jockey at each event. A live band can have from 4 to as many as 6-8 members in the band.

A couple should take into consideration the likes and tastes of their invited guests. Do they respond well to a live band or a Disc Jockey? Do they prefer to hear the original recordings? Do they want variety for all ages? Do they want to be able to control the volume of the music?

Choosing the right entertainment, for your taste, is very important to the success of your event. A couple must weigh the pros and cons of each type of entertainment to choose correctly for them. There is no right or wrong choice, just be sure to choose carefully and wisely before hand so there are no regrets afterwards.

No comments:

Post a Comment