Hire a band, or a DJ? This is one of the most crucial (and often, hotly contested) questions a couple faces when planning their wedding reception. DJs are typically better for your budget, and can play recordings of all your favorite songs, but a skilled band brings a unique energy to your celebration, and helps make it an immersive, exuberant experience. If your heart is set on spending your first evening as newlyweds dancing the night away to tunes supplied by a talented group of live musicians, go with your gut—and read on, for tips on how to find the perfect band for your nuptials.
The first step, of course, is doing your research. Since it’s not always possible to see bands perform live before booking them, references from vendors and previous clients are key. “These are all ways to get a nuanced picture of how the company or group functions both in the lead-up to and during the event,” advises Jesse Kivel, co-owner of the band and DJ company Dart Collective. Start by asking for recommendations from your own planner and your venue. Your planner will be able to direct you to bands who have proven themselves at previous celebrations, and if a group has previously performed at your wedding venue, they will already know the ropes of the space, which will ensure a seamless and timely setup. “Alternative spaces, like restaurants, will often be less prepared for the footprint of a band which is why it is always best to check with the venue with respect to the maximum space they can allocate a group,” adds Kivel.
It’s also a great idea to recall bands you have loved at weddings you have attended as a guest. Not only will you have had a first-hand experience of what their energy is like at a reception, but your friends can give you insight into what it was like working with them. Be aware that while some bands only work locally, others can fly to locations around the globe (with additional travel fees).
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