The Pros and Cons of Hiring a DJ Versus a Band for Your Wedding

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. And, of course, you want everything to be perfect. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the entertainment for your big day. Do you want a DJ or a band? Both have their pros and cons. This article will explore the pros and cons of hiring a DJ versus a band for your wedding. We’ll help you decide the best option for you based on your budget, your taste in music, and your wedding vision.

 

Budget

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, DJs will almost always be more affordable than a band. The average cost of a band can range from $5,000 to $10,000. The average cost of a DJ will cost you around $1,000 to $1,500. So if you’re on a tight budget, DJs might be the way to go. In general, bands will bring a lot more equipment than a mobile DJ. They usually will have a standard 5 to 6-member band, which will also drive the price up to cover the costs of each member’s skills and abilities. This cost is higher because you generally pay for 5 or 6 DJs to perform at once. If budget is super important to you, choosing a reputable DJ company to provide entertainment services for your wedding would probably be the better way.

 

Music Selection 

When you hire a DJ, you will have full control over the type of music they play. You can choose the genre, tempo, and specific songs they play. You won’t have this level of control if you hire a band. If you want a band to play more modern music or a specific type of music, you’ll possibly have difficulty finding one. They’re more likely to play either one or very few music genre types. If you prefer modern music, with the option for all genres, then a DJ would be your better choice. Though most bands offer a large selection of music genres, there isn’t much control over how the lead singer will reproduce the song to sound like the original. A DJ, he/she will have all the original songs, and most DJs will offer family-friendly edited versions. Finding the right balance of music selection, taste, and style can usually only be found in a professional DJ. This isn’t to say that bands don’t offer great entertainment, but where they lack in the way of control, the mobile DJs will offer full control. Be specific with any entertainment you decide to hire for your big day. You will thank yourself later.

 

Wedding Vision 

When you have a vision painted in your mind of how your wedding will look when it comes to entertainment, this is where the decision of hiring a DJ or a band will come into play. Both are entertainers and offer music for ceremonies and receptions, but will the pros outweigh the cons between these two? When planning your wedding, you must list the pros and cons of hiring a DJ over a band. You must be very clear in your wedding vision when writing these down. As explained above, DJs offer way more control over a band simply because you can directly communicate with the DJ throughout the night with music selections and sound. Having a clear vision will help you make a wise decision in choosing the right entertainment for your special day.

Another thing to remember is bands will come with live entertainers; DJs generally don’t classify themselves are entertainers and will come to provide music and lighting only. When searching for an entertainment company to provide their services for your wedding, ensure they provide interactive entertainment. DJs will offer this service, but you must be specific when sharing your vision with them.

 

The Verdict

All in all, a DJ is a better value for most brides. They’re cheaper, you have more control over the music, and you don’t have to worry about the band missing a member or having equipment issues. DJs are supposed to entertain with their services, so be very specific in what you are looking for and if they can offer that type of service. A band would be the way to go if you want something extravagant and overall more entertaining. Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 times more money on a band than a DJ. The bottom line is budget, what you are willing to spend, and what that cost will give you.