Hiring a DJ for a wedding has become the standard. While there are pros and cons to each, decisions against having a band tend to be based on the following myths.
THE FIRST THING COUPLES ALWAYS SAY:
Myth #1 "DJs are the only way to go if you want something for everybody."
Fact: A great variety party band plays to every age group of mixed genre. A sample set list might include Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Pink, Aerosmith, Michael Buble, Alannis Morrisette, Johnny Cash, Natalie Cole, ZZ Top, Journey... you get the picture - something for EVERYone!!
COMING IN SECOND IS:
Myth #2 "You can't talk over a band."
Fact: When it comes to live sound, don't be fooled that there is no way to control volume of a band. DJs can't control variables, they can only raise or lower the volume and if the room structure has challenges, you just get what you get. A band with an experienced sound technician is in control of how you hear EACH instrument and vocalist. All components can be custom mixed to suit the specific acoustics of your venue so your guests can carry on conversation.
A sound tech can also advise proper placement of your dance floor for optimal sound distribution; DJs tend to showcase themselves - front and center - at the expense of sound quality.
Myth #3 "There's awkward silence between breaks."
Fact: WAY wrong! You can actually get the BEST of BOTH worlds when a band uses a sound tech who will fulfill recorded requests on breaks. Want a line dance? No problem. You can still get all those other songs you've just GOTTA hear! With this benefit, you could hire a genre specific band, then add a mix of styles to pre-show and breaks so everyone has fun!
Myth #4 "Everyone prefers a DJ over a band."
Fact: Not so fast!! Your closest friends, typically peers of a particular age range, are most likely to join you on that dance floor. Maybe your folks will jump in on the action along with a sampling of other guests. Generally, this is when your crowd begins to thin out.so provide them a reason to stay. Aunt Karen or reserved co-workers won't have much interest to just sit around and watch a guy up there pushing buttons.
."GIVE 'EM A SHOW!!!
What's better than hearing a great song? WATCHING it being created for you! Your non-dancing guests will appreciate being able to take in all the action, especially if they've already traveled a great distance to be a part of your day. Keep them around! PLUS, your dance floor takes on a whole new energy.
Myth #5 "A band is more expensive than a DJ."
Fact: I'm not gonna lie to you; this could be a yes/no scenario, depending on MANY variables. Read on and you'll see how the 'cheaper is better' mindset falls short when it comes down to value.
HERE'S HOW:
For many, price is most often the FIRST consideration of the average couple. But think about it; if all your efforts in wedding planning are designed to make an impression, then DO make one!
SPEND WHERE IT COUNTS!
Your two largest investments should be in consideration of your guests - the meal and the entertainment. Not the dress, not the centerpieces, not all the fluff. People typically won't remember any of those things. When the meal and entertainment are the same as every other wedding they've been to, they're not gonna walk away with any more of an impression than the last wedding they attended.
MAKING YOURS MEMORABLE IS THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
If price is your diving factor in selecting how you entertain, consider this: you wouldn't think to serve up Spam over a fillet for your meal would you? Likely not. So, think twice when it comes to deciding how much you can spend on a band.
Granted, some budgets just do't allow for live entertainment, and there's no shame in that. But if you want IMPACT and EXCITEMENT, you can review your overall budget to see where you can redistribute expenses. Be frugal with table and venue decor, invitations, programs, favors, etc. to get more bang for your buck.
Really, the question, "how much does a band cost" has no clear-cut answer. Many factors play into price. To name a few, bands are in higher demand certain times of the year, location makes a difference in travel time and so does the timeline of your wedding day. How many guests do you expect and how large of space will sound need to fill? These can all make a big difference, sometimes saving you money.
For pricing, schedule a consultation with an entertainment coordinator who is familiar with all the ins and outs of live performance to determine what could work for you. You may be pleasantly surprised.