Should I hire a DJ or Live Band for my wedding?
EDITORS NOTE: One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is choosing your entertainment. There are numerous factors to consider, but perhaps the biggest question of all is: Should I get a band or DJ for my wedding? Wedding music is essential to get guests up on their feet, singing and dancing. Like all decisions that go into wedding planning, choosing between a professional DJ or live band comes down to personal preference.
Image of the party band, Baker Boys Band performing at a large corporate event.
What are the differences between a DJ and a live band?
While a DJ is usually a one person show, a live band performing at a wedding usually has between 3-7 band members. Another huge difference between a band and DJ is the music selection. A DJ has the flexibility and resources available to play almost any song, in any genre, at any time! A major difference that most people think of when considering a live band vs dj for wedding entertainment is the crowd engagement. It is more natural for a band to be more interactive with guests.
Pros and cons of live band at wedding:
Image captured by Katie Harmsworth Photography of bride playing bass with the Baker Boys Band.
Cons:
1. Cost
A wedding band can be more expensive than a DJ. An average performance fee for a live band is generally around $500/musician and can sometimes be upwards of $1200/musician for a local event. This cost adds up quickly, making a live band for wedding quite expensive.
2. Fixed Repertoire
While a band may be willing to learn a small selection of music for you, they’re more than likely going to stick to music within their pre rehearsed song list, sometimes limiting the music genres performed on the night. A live band will usually learn your specific ‘first dance’ song but other than that they will choose a song to play from their setlist for the rest of the night with no ability to play songs outside of their known repertoire.
3. Space
When booking a live band, you need to consider the space in your venue. A live band will take up quite a large space in your venue. You have to make sure that you have enough space for them, usually behind the dancefloor.
Pros:
1. Audio sounds incredible (if they use a good PA system, with a dedicated sound technician, nothing sounds better than a tight and rehearsed live band.
2. Suitable for all Ages
Whether the guest will dance or not, they can still enjoy watching the band perform and interact with other guests. You’ll find most bands, especially the well-experienced ones, perform songs that can make guests of all ages swing and pop on the dance floor, interacting with guests throughout the show.
3. UNIQUE!
The setlist of the band is going to be unique and different from band to band! Each band have their own tastes in music and learn song repertoire that they live to perform, making all live weddings bands quite different.
Hiring a Wedding DJ: Pros and Cons
Close up image of DJ Callum Gracie’s Pioneer XDJ-RX3 from a local wedding.
Cons:
1. Energy
The energy of the crowd and DJ can make or break the overall energy of a party. While a live band can surely bring all the guests to the dance floor, it’s harder for the DJ to amp up the crowd if they are not willing.
2. Not as Original
Professional DJs bring personality and charisma but this depends on the DJ. A live band offers a more unique performance style with the ability to flaunt their musicianship and individual talent.
Pros:
1. Budget
A DJ is more affordable than a live band since you’ll only be paying one professional. Some couples may even put some of their entertainment budgets to get another musician to play for the ceremony, creating a Live DJ/Hybrid package with a soloist singer performing at the ceremony or over canapes.
2. Variety
As long as there’s an internet connection, a DJ can search and stream any song that they think will suit every age, not to mention take many requests.
3. Small Space
If your venue is quite intimate and has sound restrictions in place, a DJ is probably going to be the right choice.
Conclusion:
If you have the budget of getting both, that’s perfect! Nothing beats the energy of a live band and the versatility of a DJ. It will surely make your party 100x better! Whether you opt for a band or DJ, always book from a reliable source, with plenty of live footage of them performing and an abundance of 5 star recent Google reviews. Another option is to secure a DJ who can also play a live instrument – This will give you the best of both worlds, keeping costs down also.
Reach Out:
If you are a Canberra-based bride or groom and are looking for a professional DJ to ignite your dance floor, speak with award-winning Canberra DJ, Callum Gracie and share your vision and ideas with him. With over 10 full-time years in the wedding space, Callum has managed over 1800 events with the successful launch of the ACT and QLD branch of the biggest entertainment company in Australia, Baker Boys Band. He incorporates both live sax and trumpet into his sets making him a stand out in the Canberra DJ scene.
DJ Callum Gracie talking with a wedding guest at Canberra wedding venue, Wallaroo Wines.
