When it comes to music for a wedding there are pretty much only three options to choose from: Band, DJ or the DIY IPOD route. Now I can tell you that I have never wanted or considered having a band for my wedding. I feel that in most cases bands are much more limited in the type of music you can have, not all bands can switch effectively between singing Sinatra to singing AC/DC. Not to mention that bands are typically pretty expensive. I do recall one wedding I attended, actually I went as someone’s date and didn’t even know the couple, that had a band that was REALLY good. However, this wedding was easily over $100K and I somehow doubt I could afford the band they had.
Anywho that pretty much leaves me with two options….DJ or IPOD. Since Kristian and I are paying for most of this shindig I thought one of the easiest ways to trim the budget was to do the DIY approach of renting some sound equipment and using our IPOD/computer. This would allow us pretty much complete control over the type of music that was played and it wouldn’t be too hard coming up with various playlists for the evening. The main issue would be that we would need to delegate someone to keep an eye on the equipment, change over the playlists at the appropriate times and announce the bridal party when we entered and the cake cutting etc. I figured this wasn’t a big deal and pretty doable.
Well I guess my mom didn’t like this option because yesterday she graciously offered to pay for a DJ for the wedding! On the one hand I’m very grateful for her offer to pay and having a good DJ will definitely help keep the crowd dancing during the reception not to mention taking the stress off of us. On the other hand I’ve read a lot of horror stories online about bad DJ’s and a bad DJ can pretty much be the kiss of death at a reception. I’m a little bit of a control freak and I’m definitely NOT a Macarena/Chicken Dance kinda girl. I also hate DJ’s that in my opinion talk too damn much. Make the announcements we tell you, play the music and keep your mouth shut.
So now I’m on the hunt for a good DJ who knows how to follow instructions. Who won’t play the songs I specifically tell him not too and will play the songs that I specifically tell him to play. I also need someone who will be able to read the crowd and know when to switch up the music to keep things lively, oh and did I mention that I don’t want my mom to have to shell out a fortune?? I'm not asking too much, really I'm not, right?
What are your thoughts on Bands vs. DJ’s vs IPOD’s.
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13 comments:
We did the ipod thing, but ours wasn't even comparable because we had 30 people in a very small room.
That's awesome she offered! You could probably find some decent people to interview on craigslist.
Thats so nice of her! I'd be picky with DJ's too...def no macarena/chicken dance girl here either...TACKY!
Def not too much to ask for. We hired an 80's band who is loads of fun, but my next option would be DJ only with approved songs.
We're going with a cover band that mostly does 70/80's music, but they have a HUGE playlist, and they're going to cost about the same as a DJ would in this area. If you like the idea of a band, you may want to check a few out just to see!
dude...take the DJ offer and be very very selective when choosing one.
i've been to several weddings, three this year. two had DJ's and they were awesome! one had a band, the bride's co-worker's band, and they were awesome! i think only one cost a lot and to be honest he wasn't the best one. so be choosy and you'll find the right one.
believe me, there are a TON of dj's looking for weddings like yours :)
good luck!
I have been on both sides of the good DJ vs bad DJ. Best advice: be very specific and be sure to meet in person with the actual DJ...not a rep of the company. Make them write everything down and ask them to review with you a few days beforehand. We had a nightmare of problems with the many requests we gave the DJ at my sister's wedding. So much so that we ended up getting half our money back after complaining. Funny thing was, NONE of the guests knew about the problems. Most of them loved the DJ and even asked about him for a reference. He did keep everyone dancing but in our eyes, he sucked! Be thankful for the DJ, be prepared and plan ahead, and realize that in the end...your guests probably won't know if the vendors are screwing something up :)
of all the weddings i've been to i think having a DJ is the best option! they always know how to keep the party going and you can pick the DJ and the music. there is always a big variety of music as well! you will find an awesome DJ hun!!
We're thinking about going to ipod route for two reasons 1) we can't really afford a decent DJ, and 2) we get full control of the music/play list if we do it ourselves... Though, if someone offered to pay for my DJ, I think we'd take it =)
That's awesome that your mom offered up the DJ! I like the ipod idea too, but you're right, it would take a bit of work to make it seamless. :)
Dj's are fantastic if you end up getting someone who knows what they're doing.. They know when to set the mood.. Tone it down, or pump it up (usually when the crowd starts to really get into the swing of things) Ipod are great too, but the timing is a little trickier..
Awesome that your mum offered up the DJ!!best of luck finding "The one"!!
Our friends actually handed the DJ a playlist that he had to play from start to finish. It eliminates any worries. I thought it was weird but it also gets you what you want. Our DJ was a bit of a drunk and was about a 90% effective one. He played one song we didn't want and mispronounced some names, but it turned out that is our story. I believe anything that happens in a wedding that isn't planned just makes for a good story in the future. So, we just laughed it off. People danced all night and that was all that was important. I've been to some where it's just awkward and the DJ so isn't connecting with the crowd.
I agree with the DJ, they have more range in music and its likely they'll be able to play anything requested. We chose a band. They can be very expensive and limited. But I've been told you can also request some songs if give enough time for the band to learn the sheet music. Plus they have the ability to get the crowd in to it (as do DJ's), something the IPod can't do.
Aw! How sweet of your mommy! Good luck when trying to find a DJ...listen to samples and try a few before you make a decision. After the past few weddings that we have been to, my b/f and I have found that we LOVE when a DJ is paired up with a live drummer...it helps to link the DJ feel with a band feel and you get the best of both!
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