Music Ideas for your Wedding Reception

What Will it Cost?

The first thing to think about is whether you want a live band to perform at your wedding or a DJ.  There are a few things to pay close attention to when deciding between a live band and a DJ.  The first thing would be the cost involved.  A DJ will probably cost much less than a live band.  A DJ is usually one person or in some cases two people while a band usually consists of an average of about five performers. This is the reason for the price difference. A band must divide the fee among several members while the DJ only has himself and possibly an assistant. 

Variety and flexibility

Next you need to consider selection of music.  Many bands that perform at weddings have a set list of songs that they play. This list is typically not as long as the list of recorded music that the DJ has on hand.  While this may not seem very important since there are not many songs played during the wedding it does become and issue if guests request individual songs.  A very important consideration is whether or not a live band or DJ is able to entertain the guests for the entire wedding. A DJ will usually play light music while dinner is being served, while a band will usually only play 15 minute sets at a time and then take a break. This could interrupt the flow of the wedding. These are important considerations when deciding between live bands or DJs.

Attend a Performance of Prospective Bands or DJ's

It is not wise to commit to any particular live band or DJ until you have personally seen them perform.  A popular live band or DJ will have many opportunities for you to witness their performance. If you have enjoyed the entertainment at a wedding that you attended, then you know that this live band or DJ will be a great choice for your wedding.

In choosing a live band or DJ, it is absolutely necessary that you have a guarantee that your contract specifies the exact names of those who will be performing at your wedding.  This is usually not a problem with a live band because they generally have the same members present at all of their performances.  On the other hand, DJs may not be so consistent.  Many DJs become so popular that they are unable to perform at all of their committed parties.  In this case a DJ may offer your party to another DJ for a small finder’s fee.  In other words the DJ may actually sell the right to perform at your celebration to another local DJ.  Additionally a very popular DJ may have a number of younger, less experienced DJs that work for him.  If you suspect that this is the case, it is essential that your contract specifies exactly who will be performing at your wedding.

You may find that there are a variety of live bands and DJs available in your area.  This could make selecting one an arduous task.  One great way to guarantee that you are choosing a good live band or DJ is to seek recommendations from close friends or family members.  If you didn’t attend their wedding or don’t remember their entertainment, ask them if they would recommend their live band or DJ.  If they do come highly recommended, ask your friend or family member if you can borrow a copy of their wedding video.  Pay special attention to the parts of the video where the guests are dancing and decide if you think the live band or DJ might work for your wedding.

You may be very confident that you have decided on a particular band or DJ. It is still a good idea to try to interview at least three to five potential candidates before making your final decision just to compare them to others.  You may find you feel more comfortable with a service provider or that there is another band or DJ that suits your needs better than your previously preferred candidate.  Finally, once you make your decision make sure you obtain a detailed contract that specifies all of the details of the music at your wedding reception as well as all of your expectations.