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FI really wanted a band but the one we both loved was too expensive. Also, we recently went to a wedding where the band was TERRIBLE and it terrified me. I've always been on the DJ bandwagon because I've heard some horror stories about bands and it was just one less thing I wanted to have to worry about. When bands are good, having live music is awesome, but it just wasn't worth it to us to spend so much extra money (which would come out of what his parents will be gifting us) for something that could be potentially disastrous.
I am just not a band girl. Not just at weddings, but in general. I hate when we go to a bar or club and there's a band there. I like songs that I already know, and sung by the right people LOL.
You should go with what you want! If having a live band is important & you are willing to cut/downsize other things to get a band, go for it!
Entertainment is one of the most important aspects of a wedding, and one of the main things people will remeber is how much fun they had. If we could of swung it (and there was no way at all) I totally would of went with a live band! Live bands are awesome!
To have a combo of both, I have heard of many brides who used an Ipod for the before & after band performance. I think getting a DJ in addition to the band would be unnecessary. Most ppl get a DJ so that they have an Mcee, but you will have the band to do that, so an Ipod should work well.
Having a live band was really important to my husband as much as I fought it at first. In the end, even though it was more expensive, I'm really glad that I gave in and let him have the band. He found a great one through gigmasters and they did a wonderful job. (The MightyNish Band).
i am big on as band.............especially since fi is in one. love to support local music.
we hope to do both..... but i do worry about finding a really good band!! if we can't find an awesome one thats in the budget, then its just the DJ. Music at the reception can make or break it!
We are considering the DJ for the ceremony. Initially, we were doing ceremony and "breaks", however, our band will keep continuous music throughout the evening, the entire band does not take a "break" at the same time, so this is no longer an issue.
My only concern with ipods is (and this is no offense to those with ipod weddings), without the live interaction and control, you just can not "gauge" the crowd. I would not want to have the ipod set to play certain songs that #1 the band has already covered or #2, the crowd is not responsive to. That's why I like the dj b/c they can read the crowd and make the necessary adjustments.
I totally agree that bands are hit or miss and are expensive. We were lucky in that I saw our band perform at another wedding where all 200 ppl stayed on the dance floor literally the entire night.
If we don't have a dj for the ceremony, I don't know who's going to control the ceremony music. I'd like to have someone to fade in and out at the appropriate times...
We will go with a "DJ", (actually more like just a playlist put together by our DJ friend!) but if you like the feel of the live music more, and found an awesome band, go for it! Live bands can be really fun and awesome! :)
I think a better question may be, if you are having a band for the reception, what are you doing for the ceremony?
We are having both. The DJ will play the ceremony music and dinner music. Dinner is served in another room. Dancing will be in the events room where there is a stage. So it just made sense to have a live band on the stage. Plus we say the band perform at a wine festival and they were great!
I always wanted a band & had a particular one in mind but FI convinced me to get a DJ. I was ok with it once I realized how much cheaper it is, and he brought up a good point -"If I want to hear U2, I want to hear U2… not some guy from Jersey who thinks he sounds like Bono". HAH! I couldn't argue with that. LOL
Band! We found one that can play classical for our ceremony and jazz/swing for our reception. We think we got a pretty good deal considering that we are paying for four people to work rather than for just one (DJ).
@ Dancy - HAHA! good point. Though i will say i've heard some rockin' cover bands at the jersey shore. Then again, i'm usually imbibing miller lites.
I didn't mention - we are also having a steel drum band. Music is the big splurge for us - a steel drum band, reggae band, and a DJ for dinner and breaks. We also agree on the DJ because I want to jam out to Stevie Wonder, MJ, and lots of other songs and sometimes a cover JUST WON'T DO!
@Dancy095-that made me laugh out loud.
We're really fortunate that the band we're having, many of the artists have actually toured or sang backup with the big wigs (Patti Labelle, John Legend) etc. I guess that's as close as we can get.
@Melissabegins-I love steel drums.
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I am in LOVE with a band and am pretty sure the FI is on board now (we went to the showcase this weekend). We both know really great dj's but love the feel of live music.
As a result, we've had to make serious sacrifices to makeup for the cost difference between a band/dj.
Any other bees having a band instead of a dj? Or both (we may still have the dj for the ceremony)? If not, are there any factors other than cost that went into your decision?