Band or DJ

If you want a dance party atmosphere definitely have a dj. You can still add a band or quartet for cocktail hour if you would like.

Totally agree w/ TheeOne2Love

We are having a band and I absolutely love our choice to have one. I have seen them play in various locations and there are always people dancing around them. Having a band was also my FH priority. Our band specializes in current hits and classics. I've been to a couple wedding with bad djs but never a bad band. If you're going to pick the band route, sit down with them and get a feel for them. We connected great with ours right from the start and feel very comfortable with our choice

I agree with @TheeOne2Love! I picked a DJ because we have a huge variety of music that we want played (everything from Paganini to Queen to Flo-Rida). I love the variety you get with a DJ and I like the fact a DJ can do the intros and announce transitions.

We hired a 12-piece band and they were phenomenal; guests are still talking about them, and we've been married a few years. There was probably no song that at least one member didn't know. And half of the members sang, which also gave a lot of diversity.

They had a song list of hundreds of songs, going back to the 1930s, that was available online, for us to make our choices. They also were happy to learn anything else w wanted, which they did for the two bridal party entrance songs.

2 members played for our cocktail hour. They would have also had members to play for our ceremony, but we already had that booked. They took one, 20-minute supper break, but they had two solo musicians/singers to perform, so there was always live music. The two main vocalist made any/all necessary announcements and introductions. They played at our venue about once a month, so the timeline flowed seamlessly.

Not all of our guests danced. The ones that didn't still enjoyed the music. Our only regret I that we didn't have a bigger dance floor, because it seemed packed.

P.S. You might find that most people hire DJs and therefore, will defend their choice, with their last breath. I have a friend who wanted to hire a band, but didn't; she's been dissing couples who've hired a band ever since. It gets old pretty fast ...

I'd go with a dj. They are more versatile then you think and a good dj knows how to get the crowd up there. Some people may not dance either way.

Dj ... more versatile, don't require breaks and agood DJ can speak and bring up the atmosphere

So band members can't speak? And a DJ never has to take a break, over a 4 or 5 hour reception? They must have bladders of iron and never get hungry.

I attended 1 wedding with a band. The groom was upset that they spent so much $ on them (and the groom was the one that wanted the band) n very few danced. I really enjoyed watching the band myself.

I've been to weddings with a DJ and weddings with a band, and I always prefer the ones with the DJ. They just seem to create the party atmosphere better - if that's what you want to go for. While a great band can play all the current hits which always sound cool, it's just not the same as when a DJ plays the actual songs. I like the idea of the string quartet for cocktail hour to get that vibe, and then a DJ for the reception.

I was going to say, @Lindsey, DJs definitely need bathroom breaks like the rest of the world. And yes, band member are usually able to talk..in fact, they have a lot more experience with performance than a DJ, and will probably be better at it.

We also have a band that will be 2 piece for the ceremony, 4 piece jazz band for cocktail hour, and 8 piece band for wedding. We saw them play at a casino and my FILs, FH and I were totally impressed by the impact of live music professional performers. They DJ on breaks and we will an afterparty with a music playlist as well.

I'm going with a DJ because if I want to hear a song, I want to hear the original song and I like the party atmosphere more. But there are some great bands out there. I guess it depends on what kind of feel you want for your wedding.

We are having a dj but I want a dance party feel

Thank you everyone!