I can’t even remember how many times a bride has asked me “I am not sure if I should get a band or a DJ for my wedding”.  I don’t blame them for asking either. It can be a tough decision, because they both have advantages and disadvantages. Fortunately, we offer both DJ’s and Band’s, so my opinion is completely unbiased…BUT for today’s blog (and for the sake of not boring you with too long of a blog) I’ll be sharing the pros and cons of having a DJ perform at your wedding.

DJ PROS

• First Dance: Every couple has at least one special song that they share with their “one”. If you’re a bride or groom to be, I bet you are already thinking that song I’m referring to. Well, if you have a DJ, your first dance song can be sung by the artist that made you fall in love, rather than a pale imitation
• Unlimited Music Archive: If you have a professional and experienced DJ, then you most likely will have access to THOUSANDS of songs. Even though I don’t believe you should select a DJ based on how many songs they own, it does make it more likely that they will have the music that your friends and family want to hear on your wedding day.  On a side note, the reason why you shouldn’t just rely on the number of songs the DJ has, is because it’s not just “quantity”, but it’s “quality” that will make a DJ, a great and professional DJ. It’s one thing to have songs, but it’s another to know what to play, and more importantly, WHEN to play it.
• Versatility: Another advantage a DJ has, is the ability to segue from great dance numbers to the perfect cake cutting song or background music as someone makes a toast. The ability to quickly and smoothly alternate between genres.
• Non-stop: For those of you that don’t know, Bands frequently need to stop between songs. Stop in music, means stop in dancing…while you’re on the dance floor! With a DJ (even the most inexperienced), you shouldn’t have to have any break in the music at all! The music should be seamlessly mixed, so that the dance floor is always filled with happy and dancing guests J

DJ CONS

• DJ Boring: One of the most important things that I tell my clients is that you need to listen to your DJ LIVE at an event before signing them to DJ your special event. Why? Because you don’t want to get stuck on a DJ that has tunnel vision. Many wedding DJs have their routines down pat, and they can get bored.  If you have a DJ that thinks every wedding is the same, you’re going to experience a DJ that will play the songs your SPECIFICALLY asked not to, ask for the bride’s father to make a toast even though he wasn’t there, and announce a couple in a way that you didn’t ask him to. Make sure you meet with the person who will actually be performing your wedding. See if you’ve got a vibe that meshes, and if he/she seems excited about putting together a playlist specifically for your event

I will reiterate the importance of actually seeing the wedding band or DJ actually performing to know if they’re truly right for you. No, you don’t need to crash a wedding, but if they’re playing a reception at an event space, or a club, peek your head in the back unobtrusively and watch for their style. Feel free to take some food to go though (just kidding).

Frequently a DJ or band leader will act as the MC of a wedding reception, which means you’ll need them to be entertaining but not annoying, polished, friendly, and charismatic. The best thing to do, is ask the entertainment company if they have a professional MC, one that can handle all the logistics, announcements in a professional matter. That way, the musicians can do what they do best (playing the right music for your crowd) and the MC will take care of the rest, to make sure your all important night goes smoothly, and your guests are having the most amazing time…just like you J (Visit us soon, as I talk about the pros of having a Master of Ceremonies too!).

If this was helpful, please don’t be shy to give your comments or share this with your friends or family that are having the predicament of choosing a DJ or Band!!

Hasta La Bye bye!

Iman H.