Questions to ask your DJ or Band
Choosing the entertainment for your wedding is a critical decision. The decision will set the tone for your entire reception. Therefore, it is definitely a vendor category to spend a little time on.
When you are first deciding what type of entertainment you would like for your wedding. Your first decision to make is whether you would like live music (band) or recorded music (DJ) for your reception. While both have their pros and cons, I find most of my couples opt for DJ’s because of cost and versatility. However, here is a quick break down for you to decide for your self.
Band Pros
- Live music creates more of a concert experience for your guests at your wedding.
- Bands automatically create an elegant, upscale vibe for your wedding.
- You can be specific and consistent with the style and type of music at your reception.
- Bands often engage and read your guest vibe very well and can interact directly with your guests during their performance.
Band Cons
- Bands are often more expensive than DJ’s
- Bands cannot offer the same variety of music that DJ’s can offer.
- Bands often do covers of popular songs that always sound a little different than the radio recordings your guests are used to hearing. (This can be a good or bad thing. However, because it is human nature to prefer the familiar, guests often like the radio recordings of songs they know better than the band’s cover versions.)
DJ Pros
- DJ’s can play any and all songs you would like for your wedding ceremony and reception.
- DJ’s can more quickly adapt to guest requests and changes throughout the night than a band who as a preset prepared playlist.
- DJ’s are often less expensive then bands.
DJ Cons
- DJ’s don’t provide the concert experience for your guests.
- DJ’s can feel cheesy and less elegant for your wedding.
Of course, remember, this doesn’t have to be an “either/or” situation. If your budget allows, hiring both a DJ and a band for your wedding might be a perfect option! If this is an option for you, I suggest the following division of duties for your timeline:
- Ceremony – Acoustic musician or DJ
- Cocktail hour – Band
- Dinner – DJ
- Post Dinner – Band & DJ – Kickoff with the band for the first hour or two and then end the evening with the DJ with more of a dance club feel. 🙂
Once you have made your entertainment decision, here are a few questions I would suggest you ask during your interviews:
- How you prepare for your wedding?
- What reception timeline do you suggest?
- How do you communicate your song list & requests to the DJ/Band (Many entertainers use an online portal system)
- How do they engage/read the crowd?
- Do you take special requests? Will you learn a special song if I request it?
- Do you emcee the event? If so, what is their style?
- What is your typical playlist?
- What do you wear for the wedding?
- What gear do they bring to your wedding?
- Do they work with an assistant?
- How many breaks do you take? How do you handle the music during your breaks?
- What is their back-up plan if any of their gear fails during the event?
- What power and space requirements do they need?
- Will there be additional rentals or equipment I am required to provide you?
- Do you require a meal?
- Do they offer additional services? Lighting?
- How long have you been performing at weddings? How many in the past year? What is the trickiest situation they encountered at a wedding and how did they solve the problem? References?
- Do you have liability insurance?
I hope this information is helpful and gives you a place to start! Remember put yourself in your guests’ shoes – what entertainment experience would you like at a wedding? Let that perspective be your guide!
All my best,
Casey
Casey Green Weddings, LLC
8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 114
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
602-448-8133
hello@caseygreenweddings.com