Alternatives to DJ/band?

Wow, that seems reasonable. I live in Miami and the quotes I got were $5000 and up so I quickly abandoned that idea. What we ended up choosing instead is a "fusion" performance. DJ is a set fee ($1700 for 6 hrs) and u can add instrumentalists at $700/performer. I think we're going to go with a sax and drummer. Maybe they have something like this in your area? I've talked with others that have seen these fusion performances and they said they were amazing

That really is pretty reasoable; maybe cut the pieces? If most of your guests are not into heavy duty party dancing, a trio that an do jazz and standards might be just perfect. If you find the right DJ, they can create the ambience you want too, without being mouthy or corny.

How about a pianist? Some will bring a keyboard to your venue and also sing.

Agreed with what Celia said. Not every DJ is gonna be like a high school dance DJ.

If you are set on a band but want to save money I think your best bet might be to look for a smaller band, maybe a quartet or a soloist, especially if you aren't looking to get people dancing.

I'd be skeptical of that price for the band. Have you compared to other 6-8 piece bands? I read on a website for one of the bands that I looked into that if you think their price is too high, it's better to hire the best DJ than the cheapest band.

6-8 piece bands around here would probably cost $6-8000. I agree with other posters; try a trio, pianist, guitarist, etc.

Wow, so much great advice! Thank you everyone.

I am going to look into a small band. The booking manager I am working with showed me video of her musicians and I was very impressed. I guess I am getting a good deal for the prices she quoted me. They are in Miami too.

https://vimeo.com/206167852/df3d1bf8ce

JFC, the lower end of that was nearly what we paid for a DJ. I WISH we would have gotten those kinds of quotes in NYC.

I hired an acoustic guitar player/vocalist. He's actually in Miami.

We are having a small (35 people) wedding. We are making a playlist and hooking our phones up. We asked everyone that wanted to hear a song to send it to us. Now everyone is involved and will get up and dance at least once.