Ok, we admit we're biased here. One thing I hear a lot when randomly quizzing people about "band or DJ": "We're thinking about having a band at our reception, but we think a DJ may fit better into our budget.." There are a lot of articles out there that talk about the benefits of having a DJ at your wedding, and the number one issue that comes up is cost. "DJs are cheaper." We're here to tell you: "Not necessarily!" - with the caveat "You get what you pay for!"You need to decide, "What Kind of Entertainment Do I Want, Really?"
Do you want to turn your reception into a dance club?
If you want the DJ with great beat-mixing skills, a top-notch sound system and lights, the personality and the ability to connect with your wedding guests, you are going to pay more - in the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton area, probably $1500 - $2000.
Do you want an energetic live performance?
If you want a wedding band experienced enough to know how to act around your guests, to have the best equipment that is well-maintained, and to put together a diverse enough playlist to entertain all ages at your wedding, you're going to pay $1500 - $2500 and up here in the Lehigh Valley, and even more in the New York Metro or Philadelphia area.
What about the DJ/band offering to do my wedding for $800 or less?
Sure, that lower price is attractive, but keep these things in mind: a wedding is a special event, and you don't want just anybody performing at it. You want someone who is going to take your event and your instruction seriously. Any band can perform at a wedding for $800. You want someone who will update and maintain their equipment (blowing a speaker at a wedding will shut their performance down...you don't want that!). Make sure your provider has specific wedding experience and references to prove it.
What else do I need to know?
Finally, go see your choices perform live. Sometimes, a band that sounds or looks only ok on video can be great live, and vice versa. If you can't go see them live, get references, and make sure their references are actual clients and not just their best friends they've put on their reference list. Ask them specifically about their wedding and how the DJ or band performed per their expectations.
There is something special about a live musical performance that engages your wedding guests. A good band will think about the flow of the music at your reception, and think about the combination of songs to get people of all ages on the dance floor. A good wedding band probably costs about the same, or maybe a little more than a top-notch DJ. Budgeting a little extra moves your wedding entertainment from "background music", to something your guests will always remember.
Photography by Neusse Photography
Christine Bainbridge, Sunshine Symphony