If you are like most brides planning your wedding, one of your most important goals is ensuring that your guests have a great time – your entertainment plays the primary roll in making that happen.  As a booking agent and owner of AustinMusicWorks, with over a dozen years of experience booking bands and DJ’s for hundreds of wedding receptions, I have found two articles that shed some light on the key considerations in the decision to hire a band vs a DJ.

The first article, Should You Have A Band or DJ for Your Wedding Reception Music?, is published on The Knot, one of the most highly trafficked wedding planning websites. The Knot explains four considerations in making the decision between band and DJ:  Vibe, Variety, Budget and Space.  They then provide a brief explanation of the pros and cons of both bands and DJ’s.

The second article, Wedding Reception Music: Band or DJ?, was published by Bridal Guide.  As the title implies, it covers the same question, but does so using a different approach.  Here they list the benefits of a band first followed by the benefits of a DJ.  They also give some pointers on “Sealing the Deal” once you find the right entertainment.

Drawing on these two articles and my experience with hundreds of clients, you should prioritize these three action items to make the best decision for you:

  • Determine Your Budget – Money may dictate hiring a DJ, who are typically less expensive.
  • Know Your Space – Size of the space and acoustics may dictate a DJ who will take up less space and can better control his or her sound than a band.
  • Consider Desired Vibe – Bands typically provide greater visual interest, personality, interaction and audience involvement.

Starting today, you need to begin to examine your wants, needs and limitations to make the best decision for your wedding reception entertainment before the best options are gone.

My name is Mark Grossman and I am the owner of AustinMusicWorks, an artist management and booking agency located in the Live Music Capital of The World.  For more than a dozen years I have managed bands including the award-winning groups Memphis Train Revue and Caboose and booked various entertainment for private events. Through my work, I have earned multiple industry awards for Best Entertainment and a highly prized Esprit Award in 2017 from the International Live Event Association. Feel free to connect with me on Twitter at @AMW_Mark, or through Linked In, or Facebook.