Ready to get the party started?! If you answered yes, then it is time to book your musical entertainment! While choosing your wedding music is a lot of fun, there are still many things to take into consideration when deciding on what type of entertainment to have at your wedding. We think that some of the most important to keep in mind are your budget, guests, and venue. Whether you end up choosing a band or a DJ, make sure to customize your big day by being upfront with them about the experience and vibe that you are looking for. The music at your reception will set the tone for the evening, so make sure it is everything you’ve dreamed of!
Before hiring a band or DJ, it is crucial to do a lot of research. If you have a wedding planner, use them as a resource when starting your search. If you are planning on your own, have no fear – between Google and social media platforms, you will be able to find the perfect entertainment for your big day! Talk to friends and family that have recently gotten married to see who they went with and be sure to read reviews. Once you have found a handful that you are interested in, you should contact them as soon as possible to be able to get a feel if they’re right for you. When you speak with them, pay close attention to see if they would also make a good MC – sometimes they aren’t too comfortable with the facilitating of reception events. Many bands and DJs have links they will send to show their work to give you an idea of their style. Tip: Check their schedule – maybe you will be able to catch a live show or performance!
Budget - Your budget is another key factor that will help you choose between having a band or a DJ. How much of your budget that you allocate towards entertainment should be based off how important it is to you. As a general rule of thumb, most couples will use 10-15% of their budget on entertainment. More times than not, DJs are more affordable than a band since they are a one-person show, instead of having multiple members. If you are really struggling to decide on which way to go, it is always worth it to get numerous quotes from both bands and DJs.
Guests – What is going to get your guests up and on the dance floor? Will a band’s energy move them to dance, or will a DJ get them grooving? No matter which you choose, make sure to book a band or DJ that has a lot of personality so that they can easily engage with you and your guests!
Venue - While the size of your wedding venue isn’t the end all be all when it comes to deciding on entertainment, it is definitely something to consider. If you have a large venue, you don’t need to worry about who will fit – however, if you have a smaller venue, it may be better to go with a DJ as their set up and equipment takes up much less space. Even if size isn’t a factor, you should still make sure that you talk to your venue, as they may have great recommendations on what has worked in the past and help you figure out set up options! Another thing to keep in mind is your venue’s look. Is it modern or industrial? Maybe a DJ would fit better. Is it more on the traditional or elegant side? Consider a band that gives an elevated feel!
Photo Credit - George Street Photon & Video
