When it comes to your reception, the music can make or break the vibe you are wanting to create. We know it can be difficult to choose music that’ll suit all of your reception guests. After all, your gran probably won’t be getting down to Britney Spears the same way as your friends will. So we wanted to help you compare two of the most popular options for music at your reception.
However, both of these options have their pros and cons.
We’re going to be taking a look at DJs vs. live bands in the context of a few different categories – the atmosphere they create, their variety, how much space you have, your budget, and how long you want them to perform.
Atmosphere
The primary difference between a DJ and a live band is how the music is delivered. A DJ often creates more of a party and modern dancefloor vibe, which works well with modern theming. Live bands create a more classical atmosphere and are well suited if you like music with big band sounds and unique performances. A band will also bring their own energy to the stage, which can liven up a dead dancefloor.
Variety
Here’s where DJs win out – they tend to have hundreds, if not thousands of songs ready to go at the push of a button. While a great live band will have plenty of variety in what they can perform, they might not be the best choice if you know your friends will make a lot of drunken requests throughout the night.
Space
A DJ will only need a corner of the room to play their music from, and most wedding venues will already have the capacity for this. However, a live band will need more space depending on how many members they have, what instruments they’re using, and their sound equipment. Depending on where you’re holding your reception, you might also be restricted by local noise laws, power limitations, and equipment transportation.
Budget
Pricing will vary from performer to performer, but bands typically are more expensive than DJs as they have more people to pay. You’ll also have to consider what time of day you want them to play and how long for.
Performance Length
Both live bands and DJs perform for similar amounts of time, but it’s worth considering that live bands will need to take breaks, while DJs are able to queue up music when they’re away from the decks. A DJ is a great option if you’re planning on having music playing before the reception, as there’s only one person to pay, which can keep your budget down.
DJs vs. Live Bands: A Summary
In short, a DJ is an excellent option if you’re after a party atmosphere on a budget. When you’re looking for Gold Coast Wedding entertainment, we can help you find the perfect DJ to help you celebrate this new stage in your life long into the night. Drop us a line today and let’s talk about what we can do to make your reception perfect!