In last week’s In or Out the winner was “dressy.” Evening attire is still very much in, regardless of the country, though we have seen this mixed in with the “theme” idea of having your guests follow a theme or dress code.
For this week, let’s talk music. I have seen a big switch around the concept of the “wedding band.” I have had more than a few clients requesting just a DJ. Most mothers still want the full wedding band, while the more hip daughters are perfectly happy with a DJ playing all their favorite songs. A few times, the daughters have gotten their way by reminding their mothers that it’s much more cost effective to go with a DJ. In your opinion, what’s in or out? Live band or DJ?
Live Band
DJ
A DJ booth I designed for a couple’s engagement party
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Evan Reitmeyer - MyDeejay
April 28, 2010
Hi Preston!
I’m obviously biased since I’m a DJ, but I think DJs (or a band-DJ combo) are definitely what’s “in” now. The last few years, there’s been a big shift in the entertainment side of the wedding industry – couples who are getting married now don’t have the same attachment to live music at weddings that older generations did. DJs are also becoming more sophisticated – there are quite a few wedding DJs in every major market who describe their style as “low-key” or “elegant.” It’s a far cry from 15 or 20 years ago when every DJ was a cheesy “party motivator” type and bands were seen as the “classy” option for a wedding. I think the two biggest factors right now are the fact that DJs are more cost effective, and couples now want a broader spectrum of music the way they are used to hearing it – not from a cover band. Great question, I’d be interested in any other opinions on this… perhaps it’s just the DC market where this is happening.
~ Evan
Leigh of Jerry Bruno Productions
April 28, 2010
We are an agency that offers over 20 bands and over 20 DJs, and our schedule this year is split right down the middle, possibly leaning a bit towards the band side.
Marilee Karamanski
April 28, 2010
Hi Preston! I’m really enjoying this series and your blog! I’m an event planner in the midwest (Madison, WI), The majority of my clients definitely choose DJs. They like both the flexibility and the cost effectiveness of DJ’s.
Those that do choose live music are using small ensembles rather than the full band. One exception is when we host a barn dance, we always use a live band.
Marilee Karamanski
Planned Spontaneity LLC
Madison, WI
MELISSA
April 28, 2010
I HAD A COUNTRY BAND AT MY FIRST WEDDING…
I LOVED IT.. HIS PARENTS THAT WERE NOT SO HAPPY, BUT PERSONALLY IT WAS MY WEDDING AND THEY HAD THERE CHANCE TO DO WHAT THEY WOULD WANT AT THERE WEDDING… I QUESS THAT I AM UNUSUALLY BUT I JUST DO WHAT I WANT IN MOST CASES..
THIS NEXT TIME I WILL HAVE A DJ AS I WOULD LOVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE MANY DIFFERENT SOUNDS TO DANCE TOO…
XXOO
MELISSA
MELISSA
April 28, 2010
JUST A THOUGHT…………………..
NOTE TO MYSELF WHEN MY DAUGHTER OF SON GET MARRIED…
PLEASE LET THEM DO WHAT EVER THEY WANT AND LET ME BE THEIR TO SUPPORT THEM, REGARDLESS……
MELISSA
Eric
April 29, 2010
I am a professional DJ and have done over 1500 weddings and for me It is a perfect reception when I am able to alternate music with a band! I absolutely love it, the energy is great and the guests get the best of both worlds. Also I completely agree with the comment above, let the COUPLE choose whatever entertainment works for them! Amen!
THEO
April 30, 2010
I am not just saying this because I am a musician myself, but I think the power of real, performing muscians onstage can not ever be topped by a recording. That being said, I am so often disappointed by cover bands, even if they are great in their field, making me dance half-heartedly. I so often feel musically cheated out of the original I know so well and wish I was hearing. The most intense dancing experiences at weddings and other celebrations have come from original music, most often folk music. Jewish weddings are a great example of the intense energy that can come from true celebratory music that was written and made for these very occasions and that has proven to bring everyone to the dance floor. Same with Greek-, Macedonian-, Cuban-, Mexican-, Barzilan-, Balkan- (!!) and, of course, top of the list, Panmanian-music. Every country has a tradition of wedding music (including American folk music) and it could be a really personal way to connect to the hosts and their history and tastes.
Eve
May 3, 2010
This is SO interesting, because In South Africa, the standard practice of having a DJ is getting old and the new trend of having a band is emerging with force and most brides now want a band. The fees associated are higher of course, but the levels of quality and entertainment are obviously much greater. Some of the clients have both – the band for the post-ceremony drinks and the DJ for the post dinner celebration.
Erica Goldsmith (Couture Events)
December 15, 2010
I have totally been noticing a trend towards DJ- maybe because of the state of the economy? Things that are “less” are more trendy right now. LOVE the DJ booth you created! What a fab idea!
YOUR NAME
February 28, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Wedding Music London
February 28, 2011
This is a really interesting debate – I think that it is hard to beat the spine-tingling excitement of a live band at a wedding. People love to dance to love and it’s great to be able to interact directly with the musicians and really get involved. Live music is something that can be really memorable and make a wedding stand out.
However a top-class DJ with an extensive selection of music can really play songs that everybody will enjoy and produce real variety for all your guests. They are also sure to be able to play the special songs that you want.
Many bands out there now offer a DJ as part of their entertainment package – this can create a whole day’s worth of music and make sure you have everything that you want. If you book a band early enough they often offer really good deals on the DJ part of the package. Great Post!
Shelli Mathews
March 7, 2011
DJ v. Band? Why not both. I started a group that incorporates live musicians with the DJ. You can check out COLLIDE here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DivisiStrings#p/u/4/zeL3VXxck_E
DjNunta
March 16, 2011
I belive a Wedding DJ is most fun . Enjoy your wedding everybody
Denora
March 28, 2011
A Dj might be a less expensive solution, so depends on each one budget.
M
April 14, 2011
Preferably both. Liveband for the cocktail hour to dessert, and the DJ for after dessert.
kieffer
October 21, 2011
That is a beautiful set-up for a DJ booth!