Band or DJ

I'm having a DJ, for many of the same reasons as you. Before she knew about this (actually, possibly before I was engaged even!) a friend of mine made comments about how she hates cheesy discos at weddings and she wants to have a "classy" band instead. But some bands are just as cheesy as DJs (I HATE forced participation, for one) and anyway it's my wedding and I want everyone on the dancefloor, which they might not if the band only play one type of music. (I'm having a pretty diverse guestlist, so that won't apply to every bride with a band, just me.) Also I always feel really rude if I ignore or talk over a band, whereas it's allowed with a DJ because they're not physically playing the music if you see what I mean. So for us it was a clear choice to have a DJ. Plus he takes requests online and brings his own lighting, so that was another thing we don't have to worry about.

A good DJ will tailor his set to you. Mine even agreed to throw in some Indian songs for my dad and his family, but my dad is refusing to provide a list and I'm not going to chase him for it, no skin off my nose so he's only hurting himself!

We had a dj but we speciafically gave him a 'playlist' we wanted to cater for all tastes so we had some, 60's, 70's. 80's but the majority of it we wanted rock, he was very good.

If you get a good band they will tailor your set list just like a DJ. Also look at bands who have dj style music inbetween their sets (they can sort this playlist as well) This provides a good mixture of entertainment throughout the evening.

I know there are certain songs I dont want to hear and they will not be played but also there are some I will ask for. Not all bands force participation either. Tell them what you want and if they are a professional function band and not just a pub band set up they will meant your needs.

Plus you mentioned a DJ javing their own lighting. I would expect any professional band to do this as well. Lighting and sound system. If you have heard from bands that dont do this then I would question even hiring them in the first place.

We went to 3 weddings last year all had bands and they were amazing! Hence us chooisng a band, they really knew how to get the party started and there is just something about the atmosphere with a live band. During the intervals you could set up a play list on your ipod then you can choose some of your favourite songs if the said band doesnt cover them. Dont be put off by the fact that they have breaks and you feel the atmosphere will fall flat, it wont, they often have a break whilst the evening buffet is being served you dont get many people on the dancefloor at that point anyway.

See I think the main point is there are "wedding bands" and then "function bands" -- worlds apart!

I've been to a couple of weddings with bands and to be honest I wasn't too impressed, they were ok. I would much rather dance to a DJ set. I prefer the real songs rather than someone else singing them.

A good DJ will ask for a list of songs you want playing. I like cheese but I was worried that I would end up with some DJ playing the conga or worse, luckily we found a DJ who seems really good and promised not to play anything like that and asked what we wanted.

The best option in my opinion is to have a band and DJ. But you need to get a pair that work well together and compliment each other.

At our Wedding we are having 2 bands and about 20 DJs (all of which are guests)

I agree that a band seem to bring more atmosphere to an evening entertainment but they do have to be good. But they are limited to music in the reportoire. Whereas a DJ is more versatile and will be able to change genres quickly if needed and is more likley to have requests than a band.

Rock music is a specilaised area, and if you want something outside of the norm then you need a Rock Wedding DJ. Unfortunalty ours is not not avaiilble on the night as stated in the email. But if you wouldn't mind moving you wedding date i can book him up for you ?