DJ vs Live Band Choosing the Right One for Your Wedding

Reception Music Making the right music selection for

your wedding is a very important

decision. Music sets the mood for

the reception, and can either keep

the momentum going into the night,

or kill it before the guests even get

up to dance.

When choosing the music for your wedding reception, the first big decision that has to be made is: DJ or live band? Each one has their pros and cons, and your answer to that question should depend on your personal preferences and what atmosphere you want your reception to have.

Making the Choice:

DJ or Live Band?

Live Band

The Pros Energy – A good live band can bring a level of energy to a room that prerecorded music just can't compete with. Sound Quality – The sound a live band can

achieve is usually better than what a DJ can do. Versatility – A live band can read a room and adjust tempo, volume, and energy levels quickly and easily in response to how everyone is acting. Theme – If your wedding has a specific theme, a

band whose look and music matches that theme can tie the whole event together.

Live Band

The Cons Cost – Live bands can be prohibitively

expensive; an experienced, high-quality band can cost thousands of dollars. Music Selection – Even the most versatile wedding band won't be able to play the wide variety of genres and styles that a good DJ will have in his or her music collection. If you have a

special song you want to play, a live band may not have it in their repertoire. Volume – The downside to the volume and energy that comes with a live performance is that some wedding venues aren't able to handle them. A venue with poor acoustics can

drown out conversation and overpower a room. Breaks – Unlike a DJ, a band is going to have to take regular breaks if they're going to play the whole night.

Song Selection – A DJ will have thousands of songs across many different genres in their selection. This will not only add a level of variety to the song selection that will please all the guests and keep

things exciting, it also means that the DJ will be able to play the exact version of any special song you and your new spouse may have first bonded over. Cost – A good wedding DJ will likely be much less expensive than a good wedding band.

Transitions – Unlike a live band, a DJ can easily segue between songs that set different moods, creating smooth transitions between times for dancing and times for toasts, cutting the cake, etc.

No Breaks – Since a DJ can program a series of songs well ahead of time, they won't need to stop the music to take a break.

Disc Jockey

The Pros

Disc Jockey

The Cons Energy – Even the best wedding DJ won't be able

to match the energy level of a good live band. Bad MCing – Some DJs may be great at making song selections, but terrible at speaking to a room. A DJ who doesn't know how to MC properly can destroy the atmosphere of a reception, or even mess up key parts of the ceremony.

Auto Piloting – While a good DJ knows how to keep things entertaining while still following the wedding party's requests, others are more interested in entertaining themselves than anyone else. Some DJs will ignore "do not play" requests, try to make themselves the center of attention, or just

go into "auto pilot" mode, playing a rote list of standard songs without paying attention to what the party wants or needs.

How to Make Your Decision Whether you decide to go with a live band or

a DJ, it's important to meet with whoever will be providing the music at your reception. Make sure that you mesh well with them, and that they seem attentive to your needs. Many DJs and bands will also have YouTube videos or other recordings; take a look at these if they are available to see if their performing

style matches what you are looking for.

If you're having trouble deciding between the two, talk with your wedding planner. They will likely have worked with many of the DJs and bands in the area, and may be able to give you

additional insight into which ones meet your needs and wants for your wedding reception.

Planning Your Reception

[seven-degrees] is Orange County's most distinctive event venue. We offer our clients a forward-thinking

idea lab as a blank canvas for the creation of weddings, events and exhibits. Learn more at www.seven-degrees.com.

About [seven-degrees]

Summary

When choosing between a DJ and a live band

for your wedding reception, it's important to

consider the pros and cons of both. Orange

County’s premier wedding venue covers all the

questions you need to ask yourself. Have an

idea of how much you want to spend, what

the theme of your wedding is, and what venue

you will be in, and include all of those factors in

your decision.