The great Wedding Band vs. DJ debate – who should you hire for your wedding?
Short answer: If you book a reputable DJ or band, you’ll have fun either way! Professional DJs & bands are in the business of entertainment, they’ll know how to provide you a good time.
Long answer: Bow Ty Audio recently added a band option to our list of services. Therefore, I no longer have a bias toward wedding DJs! However, by offering both, I have a better idea of the differences between a wedding band and a DJ and how they both can be a great option for your big day. With that being said, I’ve put together a list of Pros and Cons for both in order to help make your decision a tad easier.
Hiring a Wedding DJ
Pros
- Typically less expensive than a band
- Can play ANY song in the known universe. Well, maybe not any song but you get the point. A DJ can most likely play the right song at the right time. DJs are much more flexible when it comes to your musical preferences.
- DJs take up less space & have a more versatile setup.
- A good DJ can read a crowd and mix songs easier than a band can.
- DJs can entertain for a longer period of time without the need for intermittent breaks.
Cons
- I consider a DJ a performer; however, there just isn’t the same type of performer connection between the crowd and a DJ as there is with a band
- In my opinion, live music sounds better 🙂
Hiring a Wedding Band
Pros
- Wedding bands offer the best sound possible. You just can’t beat the sound quality of live music. A perfectly mixed band will sound more natural and clear that recorded music.
- Bands also bring a comforting human element. Musicians (people) create the music that entertains your guests – that’s pretty cool! These performers are interacting with the crowd to make sure everyone is having a great time. A happy crowd makes a happy band; this is a powerful feedback loop.
- Bands can alter the songs to help create perfect timing. If your first dances need to be shorted or extended, bands can do it seamlessly.
Cons
- Wedding bands are typically more expensive.
- Bands will have a smaller musical repertoire than a DJ.
- The venue must have certain elements (a stage, for example) to accommodate a band.
- A band will have 4-5 people (who should be fed) attending your wedding.
- Unfortunately, bands can’t always play everything you want to hear. A DJ might be a better choice for genres like EDM or club music.
For most folks, the budget is the deciding factor in this debate. In my opinion, hiring a band for your wedding is the premier choice, but I understand that this premier option comes at a higher price. I truly hope this blog helps as you work through your decision as to which wedding entertainment option to go with. I guarantee if you book experienced and professional entertainment, DJ or band, you will have an amazing wedding!
Thank you for reading!
Ty Rempe, Owner of Bow Ty Audio
* Cover photo by the talented Kassondra Photography
Hello there! I just love your post. This question also came up in my mind during my wedding preparation, “What should I choose between a wedding band and DJ”, and you helped me a lot. Thank you for sharing the pros and cons of both DJ and bands that will help me to make a better decision. Keep sharing!!
Thanks for your comment, Robert! So glad you enjoyed the post!