Music is essential to weddings in establishing the mood. This post is here as a
guide with considerations. Ultimately the choice is yours, and you are
encouraged to weigh in!
Category 1: DJ
Today’s DJ is usually a single person with a computerized equipment and
accessory hardware (ie: speakers, turn-tables, headset, microphones, lights,
cold sparklers, etc.) that oversees music and sound throughout the event. This
typically includes the speaking part of the ceremony where couples are saying
their vows, and can include helping a live musician, such as a harpist, with
their sound. Some DJs may have an assistant to help them in transporting the
equipment, and as a backup. DJs also double as the Master of Ceremonies (MC)
with your wedding planner and/or venue coordinator to lead guests from one
event of the wedding to the other.
DJ Pros:
-DJs have a variety of music genres to accommodate multiple musical tastes.
-DJs can have plenty of insider knowledge when it comes to venues and vendors in an area as they may have had to work in different locations.
-DJs are often a fraction of the cost of live wedding bands,
with the average being around $2,500-$3,500.
-It can be easier to find a DJ across the states than musicians and a live
band.
-Unless a DJ is tied to a venue, most DJs expect to travel within a certain
radius.
-There are plenty of resources and events DJs can use and
attend to refine their craft.
DJ Cons:
-Weather, particularly extreme heat and water can affect and potentially
destroy DJ equipment.
-Not every DJ will have “back up” equipment as it can be costly.
-Some DJs may not be as versed in certain genres of music if
weddings of a certain culture are not as prominent in an area, or if they are
unfamiliar with the lyrics. This may mean you need to establish a relationship
with your DJ based on comfort and trust- you would feel blind sighted if you
were playing explicit/offensive music in a language you are not fluent in and
didn’t realize it.
(Examples: Indian or Middle Eastern Music, Klezmer music, Afro beats, Dance
Hall, K-pop, and regional music/ corridos)
Important Note: Not every DJ is a good wedding DJ. DJs that are more versed at
working in a club may have no idea how to set the right ambiance for a wedding,
or transition from one event in the wedding to another.
Category 2: A live musician/ live musicians
Musicians are masters of their instrument or instruments. They usually
specialize in reading music theory (musical notes), and in a few genres. Most
musicians will be trained in classical music, and then in some contemporary
music as well for several years. Typically, a live musician will play for the
ceremony and cocktail hour, unless asked to play for additional time.
Musician Pros:
-Seeing and hearing a live musician has a different (and literal) resonation with the audience.
-Musicians can add the “extra” element of wonder in setting up a wedding vibe whether the music is classical, or contemporary.
-Musicians can play covers of contemporary songs, and this can mean that you won’t have to worry about explicit lyrics being sung in front of guests.
-Musicians can have multiple instruments and may know which is best to bring to
your event in terms of acoustics.
-Musicians can usually work with DJs and take turns or breaks.
Musician Cons:
-Weather may affect instruments, especially if a wedding is outdoors.
-Unless you give your musician(s) a break, fatigue may affect how an instrument is played.
-Musicians, like live bands are usually subject to the harsh realities of “gigs”.
It may mean that you can’t book them over a year in advance, and/or if you don’t
book quickly, the musician may book another event.
-Certain musicians that specialize in certain instruments or play at a certain
caliber may reside far away. It is expected that the client (aka: bride and
groom) pay for the travel and the lodging.
-Musician pricing may be more subject to inflation, especially if they are just starting out, or working alone.
-It is expected that musicians typically play for no more than 2 hours at a
wedding. More time can always be requested, but pricing can go up quickly.
Important Note:
Live musicians can be a lovely element to weddings that place importance on
religious ceremonies and rituals.
Category 3: Live Bands
When it comes to making a musical statement, a live band makes
an impact. Live bands consist of three
or more musicians that sing and/or play instruments. Typically, a live band comes
in during the wedding reception rather than a ceremony and cocktail hour.
Live Band Pros:
-It is almost impossible to deny the stage presence and energy of a band.
-Members of a band can range from being self-taught to
playing/touring with top music industry talent.
-If you have a particular niche taste in music that you gravitate to rather
than a variety, a band can amplify and showcase the genre tastefully. Examples:
Big band (swing), R&B, Blues, Caribbean, and Country.
Live Band Cons:
-Wedding bands are usually more expensive than a DJ, and even a DJ and a single musician combined. The typical starting cost will be around $3,500 or more.
-Not every venue is accommodating of a band in terms of
space, or power (electrical) use.
-Bands may clash with potential noise ordinances.
-Typically, bands and DJs are not at the same event due to the attention and
focus that a band draws.
-Bands will usually be in urban areas, and clients will be
expected to pay for travel and accommodations if a wedding is not within a
certain radius.
-Some bands may not be able to play a wide range of music or music genres.
The Verdict: The DJ
Hiring a DJ is the best, cost-effective investment for weddings due to
their versatility in music, event skill set, and potential to work with a
single live musician, or a small group of live musicians.
Was this helpful? Did I miss anything? Do you have a
different opinion?
What weddings have you been to that had these options and made them a success
or failure?
What will you be choosing for your own wedding?
Comment below!
