Band or dj

Hi, we just knew we wanted a band, for us it seemed to have more energy, n we like the live music thing, we've picked one who also offer a DJ service between sets for requests! We haven't seen our band live cus they're based down South, we've listened to them on their website, n agency site n googled them a lot to make sure we've listened to everything that's on the interweb! I think if you get the option it has to be better to see them live, but we loved the lead singers voice on their live recordings n will just hope he sounds like that in real life haha. Also I've followed them on facebook where it's nice to see up to date reviews from people who they've just played a gig or wedding for, makes us more confident that people are liking them...I think some bands don't play open gigs too, but if they do n you can travel then probably worth considering!

If I was to marry my Husband again I'd have a band. I love bands. I notice an obvious difference in atmosphere when a band is playing at an evening reception.

We're having a dj at our reception.

I love live music and going to see bands and think they provide a great atmosphere, but on the other hand unless they're completely amazing i'd rather hear my favourite songs as they are and not covered...I've heard a lot of bands ruin some of my favourite songs and it can ruin a night for me.

On the other hand you can get dj's that are cheesy and might not play great music, you have to really do your research and make sure you're getting great quality whatever you choose.

Our dj for example doesn't talk a lot and let us choose a lot of our playlist ourselves so we're happy with that.

I started on google and Glasgow wedding guide, do you have any family or friends who could recommend any you know and go from there? If not look for ones with the best reviews, seem busy and look good quality etc and obviously if it's a band go and see them live before booking!

Cost! Simple really - dj costs less lol but as a pp said, I hate hearing a band ruin a song I love and if you vet your dj well then you should avoid the cheese. Also, choose a band that you've heard sing your fave tunes x

Having a dj x

We are having a live band. I got them through a recommendation from another band we originally wanted to book but were already booked on the date we wanted them. I think the band will make our wedding, I've heard their demos and I cannot wait to hear them on the day!

We knew right away that we wanted a band - out of all the weddings we've been to (granted, not a massive amount) the atmosphere has always been noticeably more upbeat with a live band, and people have been much more enthusiastic to get up and dance to a band rather than a DJ shoved away in the corner. Haven't decided on which band yet, hoping to get it booked in the next week or so, Mr. K is currently listening to numerous bands on the internet as I type!

Hi

Band always wins for me but it depends on which band because the quality varies wildly! and the price doesnt always give the game away.

Invest some time before booking and it will pay dividends:

- Go and see the band in action

- Look at their testimonials (are they real, do they seem genuine?)

- Look at the set list they play (is it all the same kind of thing?)

A good band will be prompt with communications, have a varied set list to make sure everyone is on the dancefloor ALL night long and they will genuinely love what they do and be looking to work with you to make sure you and your guests (very important, don't forget your guests) have quite honestly the best night of their lives.

And yes, some DJ's are cheaper but is that the message you want to give your guests? 'Thanks for coming to my wedding, spending time and money on travel, on an outfit and gift for us etc. Now, here's a DJ who's going to play agadoo, cha cha slide and the birdy song. Really?

If you go down that route at least get a DJ who cares.

We're having the same band who played at my 30th birthday party. They were awesome back then, they'll be even better now. When they're not on stage we'll have an iPod on shuffle with all the music we love.

Before we booked them for my 30th, we watched a few sets they webcasted online and that sealed the deal for us. I'd always recommend hearing a band play. You could ask them for their gig list and just turn up one evening and see if you like them?

It's best to book the band direct rather than through an agency, you save money Most bands offer a free Ipod service that they play through their system and most also offer an add-on DJ service for much less than booking outside if you're looking for the whole band and DJ package.

Exactly this.

We're having a DJ- few reasons cost and my family! Some members of my family are musically talented but can't help themselves- they will try and steal the show and for once it was about me not their singing talent!!

friends of ours had a band at their wedding last year and they were amazing, the atmosphere was great and at one point they had the groom on stage singing (albeit badly)

I think you should ask your photographer for band recommendations as they will know the good ones in the area.

I photographed a wedding last year where the dj was really bad and by 9.30pm half the guests had gone and the other half were standing outside the venue. The venue staff were also outside the venue!

There are pro's and cons of having either, ultimately it may come down to budget.

A lot of the bands have live videos on youtube, just give them a watch.

We are having a band, we are crazy about live music... We love the atmosphere

Then a playlist at the end!

I've booked a DJ that was recommended by my venue. They gave us a list of people to choose from, and I was brazen and asked the head planner which one she would pick if it was her wedding. She told me she had used one of them at her wedding and was super happy with him. So I went with him. They have sent us an info pack that we fill in with examples of songs we want played, things for them to avoid, what the age range is at the wedding, that sort of thing, so they can tailor the music accordingly.

If you book a DJ it's worth asking them if you can pay a little extra for them to come to the ceremony part (if your ceremony and reception are at the same place). I did, and they are going to cover my ceremony, and background music for the meal etc. Much easer than me and the groom making an iPod playlist etc. Someone else can take care of that, and it's crossed off my to-do list. Making a playlist is actually quite time consuming if you have a million other things to do, and working full-time.

I have been to a wedding where they had a band that they got from a local performing arts school. They were great, young and enthusiastic, and they cost less than an established band. The bride and groom had the chance to see them perform at a school event before they booked them too. I thought it was a nice idea, and everyone was up and dancing at that wedding.

Another friend booked a band that she'd seen on You Tube. But it then transpired that she'd booked a different band with the same name - she only found this out a few days before the wedding, so it was too late. But they sent over some videos and she seemed happy enough. But then they didn't play the songs she'd asked for and went off on their own tangent, and she was pretty miffed. They were good, but not what she wanted. So if you book a band, be sure they're the right one.

Hi Dilkara,

Some great advice on here and Jsuits makes some great points!

Most professional bands tend not to play many public gigs so seeing them can be difficult. Look out for open rehearsals or if you can't make one of those look for 'live' videos on the bands website.

Then if you start to narrow down choices speak to the bands, give them a call to see if they can do what you want them to.

Good luck!

James

I've emailed our possible dates to the punk covers band we want today. They are a local band who play lots of gigs and we along with a lot of our friends love them. I have my fingers and toes crossed that they are available. I'm also hoping they aren't too expensive but OH will tell me not to worry about that. We will also be having a solo singer doing more mainstream stuff - there are two possibly three that we know that we will consider. We will play cd's in between the sets. As long as I get my punk covers band I'll be happy.