For most couples, the big choice comes down to band or DJ. Each has its own advantages.
Special songs truly add sparkle to your celebration. Your wedding-day soundtrack can be a mix of statement pieces at special moments, background sounds to dine, drink, and mingle by, and powerhouse anthems to pack the dance floor after dessert—but all of it takes some thought and planning.
Options can be as elaborate as a soloist, choir, or acoustic performer before and during the ceremony, followed by a 10-piece ensemble at the reception…or as simple as a phone playlist, a great speaker, and a friend to keep an eye and ear on matters. For most couples, the big choice comes down to band or DJ. Each has its own advantages. A DJ has access to the entire catalog of recorded music; you’ll be hearing your favorites note-for-note as they were recorded by the greats. A DJ’s set-up is also a lot easier to maneuver into a small space. A band, on the other hand, infuses your celebration with the kind of electricity that only live performance can provide.
things to know:
- Whether you’re going with a band or a DJ, make your contract specific and detailed to avoid surprises. Break the reception into its component parts cocktails, dinnertime, rituals like cake cutting and first dance and make sure you and the entertainer(s) understand exactly who’ll be doing what (and when), song lists, scheduled breaks, and all. Contracts typically provide four or six hours of music; get the most out of yours.
- Feeding dinner to the entertainment may make for livelier entertainment. Go figure.
- If you’re hiring a band, go to a gig if you possibly can; review any videos you can find, and get their playlist. Get a written commitment to exactly how many musicians will appear and who they will be; many event bands sometimes call in alternate players as needed. If there are a couple of strong core members, it may be no problem, but it’s good to know what to expect.
- Especially if you’re planning a weekend wedding between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you may need to book entertainment a year in advance.
- In making your playlist (and do-not-play list), consider your people. Motown may not be something you listen to every day, but it’s likely to fill the dance floor with all ages. Something especially meaningful to the grandparents is always nice. Goofy group dance numbers? Conga lines? Your call, but they do have a way of uniting the crowd.
- Your planner, venue manager, or just about any other wedding pro you’re simpatico with will probably be able to give you some good referrals.
ceremony: Whether live or recorded, filling your venue with music as guests arrive and sit down is a wonderful thing. Consider harp, flute, violin, chamber music, a vocalist, or classical guitar—sweet background music that allows comfortable conversation and sets a thoughtful mood. And don’t be afraid to choose your favorites for the processional and recessional.
cocktail hour and dinner: Make sure the music doesn’t overwhelm conversation. If your budget allows, a live jazz trio or chamber quartet is lovely.
after dinner: Everybody dance now! Whether you’re hiring a live band or a DJ, check references
music checklist:
Is your bandleader or DJ also the master of ceremonies, or will someone else take on all or part of that role?
Can you see a video of an earlier gig to make sure your DJ or band has the right stuff?
be sure to discuss with the dj or band:
Songs you must have
Songs you must NOT have
Timing and music choices for any reception rituals such as first dance, toasts, cake cutting, and bouquet toss
