Wedding Band vs. Wedding DJ: Which is the Perfect Choice for Your Big Day?

When planning your wedding entertainment, you'll probably ask yourself if a band or DJ is the better choice.

There are certainly benefits to both! A live band can bring a unique energy to your wedding, but they also come with some challenges. Here are some important facts to know when you're considering the great wedding band vs. DJ debate.

DJs Are (Usually) Less Expensive

It's not always the case, but usually, a wedding band will be more expensive than a DJ. Bands have more members and more equipment, and their pricing will reflect that. A wedding DJ is a team of one, with a possible helper for set up. Instead of half a dozen instruments, amplifiers, speakers, and a PA system, a DJ only needs speakers, a turntable, and a controller to mix it all together.

Weddings can be pricey, and choosing a DJ instead of a band can help you to save costs and stay within your wedding budget.

DJs Are More Versatile

Got a favorite song in mind for your first dance? Hoping to hear several musical styles during the night? Want your guests to make song requests from the dance floor?

A DJ is probably your best bet. DJs have huge catalogs of songs that they can play in a wide variety of genres. Even the most well-prepared, practiced band can't bring the same number of options to your wedding reception. 

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

DJs can also do triple-duty, providing music for your wedding ceremony, for cocktail hour and dinner, and for the dancing after. If you hire a band, you'll still have to arrange for music during the quieter parts of the wedding day.

DJs Take Up Less Space

At some venues, the logistics of bringing in a band can be a major stumbling block. Space restrictions may put that 8-piece band out of reach. They may also need a large electrical power supply and several outlets to keep amps and a PA system running. Not all venues have the electrical capacity for a band.

A DJ, on the other hand, can be tucked into a corner without much difficulty. With much smaller space allowances, DJs can be a better choice for more intimate spaces. And their equipment draws less power than a large band, which is great for outdoor or historic venues.

Bands Never Quite Sound Like the Original

We love live music, don't get us wrong! But no matter what, that local wedding band is never going to sound quite like your favorite artist — especially if your special song has different instrumentation or unique sound effects.

If you want your first dance song to bring back a shared memory, you may want to stick with the original!

Photo by Savannah Brown

DJs Attract Less Attention

Some couples are happy to share the spotlight on their wedding day. But for others, transferring the focus to a stage isn't what they're aiming for. No matter how you look at it, a live wedding band is putting on a performance, and they will become the focal point of the reception. 

A DJ enhances the party, without distracting from it. They can make introductions and help keep to the timeline, but the guest focus remains on the event itself, rather than the band on stage.

Photo by Guill Photo

Best of Both?

Some couples find that the best way to get that live entertainment component without breaking the bank is to hire a small group — like a string quartet or a solo guitar player — to provide ceremony and/or cocktail hour music, and bring in a DJ for the reception. 

This option lets you take advantage of the DJ's versatility, while still letting your wedding guests enjoy some live music. 

If you have questions about working with a DJ, we can help! Contact us today to learn more about working with Maryland's DJ and how we can make your wedding unforgettable.

Header photo by Pearly Kate Photography