Mad For It Club Rave Dance Trance Glowsticks Scene
On the other hand, if you and your guests want those club and garage hits pumped out late into the night, a DJ is your best option. Think about the kind of ambience you want to create at your wedding so you can focus in on what entertainment you need. You should also consider a DJ when youre planning to party late into the night. Venue sound restrictions and late-night fees with live wedding bands can become steep so a DJ can really help you out there and keep those Spice Girls or Ibiza hits blasting out all night. Have a chat with people like us and your wedding venue to see what options you have.
Questions To Ask Your Dj Or Band
If you learn nothing else from this article, here are a few questions that will really help you get the best DJ or band for your wedding.
- Have you done a wedding before?
- How many hours is your set?
- Can I choose all or some of the songs?
- Do you take requests?
- Can I veto these types of songs ?
- How much space do you need to perform?
- What happens if you or one of your band gets sick?
- Do you like your job?
- Do you offer any special discount or offer for off-season dates?
Who Should Hire A Live Wedding Band
If you and your partner have the following goals, you are better off hiring a wedding band than a DJ.
- Youre willing to spend more money on your wedding music
- You enjoy live music and attending concerts
- You are okay with your wedding music having a similar sound during your wedding reception
- You want more of a classy and sophisticated vibe for your wedding
- You dont want your wedding dance floor to feel like a club or rave
- Your wedding ceremony will feel more like an intimate dinner party
Not sure how to go about finding the perfect wedding band for you? We at LIV Entertainment can help you choose an option that suits your style, budget, and needs.
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Can You Have Both A Wedding Band And A Dj
If you love music and cant decide between a band or DJ, it is possible to have both. However, most couples will pick either a band or a DJ because of price limitations.
While you may be able to pay a DJ or band hourly, you may still need to pay full price for both because your DJ or band wont be able to play another wedding or venue that same night. Select companies do have band and DJ combination packages for die-hard music lovers, or you can hire your own band and DJ separately.
When hiring both a band and a DJ, think about the mood of your wedding. A live band and DJ can shift the atmosphere drastically, so be mindful about sudden changes in wedding music and tone.
Sticking to either a band or DJ makes it easier to keep the party consistent and fun for all. However, if you do opt for both, talk to your band and DJ to make any transitions smooth.
How Much Do Wedding Bands & Djs Cost
When considering the budget as youre planning for the wedding reception, make sure to keep in mind that wedding DJs come at a lower average price point than wedding bands.
DJs can cost between £200-£1500, while a 4-piece pop covers band can cost between £600-£3000.
Other types of wedding band groups, those that play more in a more specialist style or genre, like a jazz band or a string quartet, might have a slightly higher average cost.
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You Have A Few Things To Consider
Vibe: The type of music you pick can set the tone of your wedding and solidify a theme. And it’s the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: ’70s disco or a romantic string quartet? A throwback big band feel or kick-off-your-shoes rockabilly? The way the music is deliveredby live band or DJalso affects the atmosphere. The type of music you want may also dictate your decision toobig band sounds are generally best live, for example.
Variety: Regardless of whether you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, as well as old and new tunes to encourage all guests to hit the dance floor.
Budget: In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it’s a weekday or weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the amount of time you want them to play for, day of the week and what time of year it is.
Benefits Of Hiring A Band For Wedding
Wedding bands certainly bring a special energy and magic to a wedding, especially classical and sax bands. Live music is something that people dont experience on a regular basis and therefore, guests are much more likely to be engaged and enjoying the moment. Moreover, with wedding bands, you have the option to select your favorite genre and it may be much easier to cater for your guests with wedding band hire. Furthermore, wedding bands bring a chilled atmosphere that allows for background music whilst family and friends still have the space to talk simultaneously.
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Is It Better To Have A Band Or Dj At A Wedding
When weighing up the pros and cons on whether to choose a live wedding band or a DJ as entertainment for a wedding day, the choice you make all depends on the requirements of the bride, groom, and guests as well as the practicalities of the venue.
Youll want to choose live entertainment that will prove memorable for everyone, get everyone on the dance floor, but at the same time you may be balancing the constraints of a budget, and the space, noise, and access limitations of a wedding venue.
Extra Wedding Dj Costs That Are Unacceptable
There are many wedding DJ charges that make up a basic wedding DJ package price.
However, in my opinion, you should never be charged an additional fee for a service that is required for a DJ to perform the most basic duties of their job.
With that said, Im going to cover the services that I think you should not pay extra for as well the services that should have additional fees attached to them.
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Ipod Vs Dj: Is An Ipod / Laptop Wedding Worth The Risk
Enough people have been to disastrous “DJ It Yourself” weddings that we’re now seeing a reverse of this trend. Trying to replace a prepared, professional and properly equipped DJ with a mobile device or laptop can be a monumentally difficult, if not defeating, task. Below are several good reasons why a DJ is worth the investment.
What Is Your Entertainment Budget
Ok, were not starting with the most fun topic, but your wedding budget can be the dealbreaker when deciding on wedding reception entertainment.
As you can imagine, unless youre hiring David Guetta to perform at your wedding, a DJ will nearly always be the cheapest style of musical entertainment.
The cost of bands for weddings varies across the country, and the overall wedding budget youd need to put aside for one would depend on the band itself.
Compare a three-piece cover band from your local town with barely three gigs to their name to a 12-piece band who regularly entertains at weddings of celebrities around the world. Obviously, youd expect the latter to cost more, much more.
Bands for hire cost on average around $4,500 and when searching for a potential band in your area, you can expect to see prices in the range of $2,850 to $6,488. Is that more or less than you were expecting?
If those numbers do feel a little high, dont panic. Maybe you can hire a band on an hourly basis and cut costs? Or hire a local function band and cut down on their travel costs. Theres always a way to get the perfect wedding entertainment for your day.
If you do feel that your budget for wedding musicians is just too tight to hire a band, then potentially a DJ would suit you better.
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Still Got Any Questions
Whatever you decide, choosing the right act to perform at your wedding is going to make sure your guests are enjoying themselves all night long and will remember the event for years to come. At Entertainment Nation we have an incredible selection of acts to suit every budget and style. Our friendly team are on hand to help you choose the perfect act for your big day!
What Is The Difference Between The Equipment Of A Wedding Dj And A Wedding Band
Usually, a DJ will have less bulky equipment to setup than a live wedding band and so a DJ service will potentially slightly reduce any logistical stress that could arise from the loading-in process.
On what is already an incredibly stressful day, it can be a great relief to only require one person, the DJ, to setup and then go on to provide all of the live music entertainment.
A DJ also usually wont require as much space as a live band.
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Theme Bands For Weddings
Wedding themes are a growing trend, and the entertainment you choose can help to create the perfect vibe.
While DJs are usually hired to play a wide range of floor-fillers that suit all tastes, you can tailor something a little more specific with a live band.
Here are some of the top wedding themes for 2019-2020 and the type of entertainment you may hire for each:
- Classy and romantic you cant go wrong with a solo harpist or glorious string quartet, such as Elinor Harp or Twisted Strings.
- Lively and wild high-energy party bands like Pumped Up!, Masquerade, and Lucie M will get your guests flooding the dance floor, or you could go left of field and introduce a huge wedding brass band such as Twisted Tubes!
- Chilled for those who like it laid back, enjoy a little funk and soul with Jenna and the Gs or some stripped bay R& B from Joe H and the Players or Return of the Mac.
The variety of acts available from Twisted Entertainment is huge so whatever the theme of your wedding, youre bound to find a band to suit.
To sum up, when deciding between a DJ and a live band for your wedding, you should consider:
- The costs involved and how they fit into your budget
- Any restrictions imposed by the venue
- How much musical variety do you require
- The theme of your wedding
While either option will make for a great event, you dont have to choose many couples decide to hire both a DJ and a live band and have them perform at different times during their big day.
What Extras Will My Wedding Band Or Dj Include
Do you want to borrow your artists microphones for speeches? Do you want a karaoke set ? Or how about a confetti canon, or extra lighting? There are loads of optional extras you could choose, that vary between artists. In some instances, you can get a bigger show, with lineup and production upgrades. Several DJs perform with live musicians like sax players and vocalists, adding to the Ibiza vibe and giving you that live music feel. Bands can perform with extra members, horn sections, staging and effects, and lots of other options for a bigger live stage show.
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What Songs Do Wedding Bands And Djs Play
The type of songs played will probably change whether youâre hiring a wedding band or a DJ. For instance, there are many songs that a DJ may play that would not work with a live band. DJs are better for fun, top wedding dance and party songs.
If you’re creating wedding playlists for the top wedding songs of all-time â classics like “All of Me” and “Canât Help Falling In Love”â booking a live band would be the better option. They offer great performances for popular, romantic and upbeat wedding songs, whether modern or classic.
Do You Have Any Wedding Venue Restrictions To Consider
Are you celebrating intimately or on a large scale? This may affect your music decision.
Bands for wedding receptions typically require more space and bring along a lot more equipment than your average DJ. There are all their instruments, speakers if necessary, and possibly extra lighting too especially if youre going for that classic 80s wedding singer look!
Your venue space may also have tight restrictions on the amount of electricity that can be used, the area they can give you, or even noise limitations. Not every venue will let you turn it up to 11 and possibly blow a fuse in the process.
So before you start looking for amazing wedding bands, consider first your reception space, and talk to your planner or coordinator about limitations the venue may put in place. They may well end up settling this debate for you.
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Band Or Dj For Wedding Further Information
Of course, its rare that you get absolute free reign over the entertainment in your venue.
Size is important. Will an intimate acoustic band work, or will you need some amplification? Is the performance space big enough for a ten-piece band or would a solo performer or DJ be less cramped?
Are there noise restrictions in place to prevent disturbing local residents or causing structural damage to an older property? You need to establish this with your venue as soon as possible in order to inform your chosen acts. Thanks to the nature of their equipment, DJs will find it a little easier to stick to sound limits.
Bands featuring five musicians or more may be less able to keep their volume down. However, performing unplugged sets, replacing drum kits with electronic alternatives, swapping drum sticks for hot rods, and using smaller or less powerful amps are all ways that experienced wedding bands can reduce their decibels.
One wedding entertainment trend that ticks both of the above boxes is the inclusion of a single saxophonist. Talented sax players such as the award-winning soloists Ben on Sax or Femme on Sax can fill almost any space with a warm, bright sound and upbeat tunes without breaching noise restrictions.
Booking Both A Dj And Wedding Band
Yes! Booking both a wedding band and DJ if its an option is highly recommended. Its the best of both worlds. I find that a top DJ can complement a live wedding band perfectly and when done right, it can add real quality, big party atmosphere and musical consistency to your wedding. We firmly believe in both mediums at Seventh Second and being a wedding musician in The League of Gentlemen , I really enjoy weddings where we work alongside DJs. We always work together well and create the best of party atmospheres.
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Who Should Select A Wedding Dj
If you and your partner relate to the following, you are better off hiring a DJ than a wedding band.
- You want to play the music that provides a party vibe for your wedding reception
- Your wedding style is fun and upbeat
- You prioritize getting down on the dance floor with your family and friends
- You want bright, colorful lights as part of your reception entertainment
- You agree it will be helpful for the DJ to bring their equipment
- You dont have the budget for a wedding band
- Having a DJ will be helpful for announcements throughout the reception
- You have many guests who enjoy dancing
Hiring A Band Vs A Dj For My Wedding Which Is Better
Home / Event planning guides, tips, how-tos, and news / Hiring a band vs a DJ for my wedding, which is better?
Ask the wedding band whether you should hire a band and theyll say, Of course! Ask the DJ if you should hire a DJ for your wedding and theyll say, Absolutely! Bands and DJs bring a lot to your wedding experience and getting the truth from either party is a challenge.
Encore Entertainment can help you arrange a live wedding band, a wedding DJ, or bothnot just one or the other.
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