Can I have a band AND a DJ?

I think that it is a neat idea! I guess my only concern would be do you have areas where they each can set up or would the DJ have to wait until the band cleared out to set up?

I went to a wedding with both - The band leader was a friend of the family and they were more of a big-band/swing style. Lots of fun. Then later in the evening the DJ came on. It was a long reception though (New Year's Eve).

The big factor for most people is cost. Both will probably want to charge you full stick even if they're only playing part of the time. Makes it cost-prohibitive for most people.

Lauren is right...the band (and probably the DJ, too) will probably require you to pay for the full reception even though they're only playing for half of it, since it's taking up a night that they might've otherwise been able to play a full reception. Some bands and DJs also have exclusivity clauses in their contracts, meaning that they won't share the night with any other entertainers. Most bands bring some DJ'ing equipment with them, specifically so that they can play music during their breaks. You could always just be very specific with the band and pick out songs that you want them to play recordings of, rather than singing/playing on instruments themselves.

I am a Mrs: really good point. For it to work we would have to have the cocktail hour and dinner in the same room which was not the original plan. I definitely don't want there to be a lull because of transition.

Rosie & Lauren C: I was a little worried about cost too. Bands seem to be a bit more expensive than DJs but I was thinking that we could find a small band for a reasonable amount....I have to do more research.

Someone mentioned that there are bands who bring DJs with them and they go back and fourth. I might look into that option too. My only fear is that people will really start to "feel" one or the other and then they'll be disappointed when their least favorite of the two starts up.

"My only fear is that people will really start to "feel" one or the other and then they'll be disappointed when their least favorite of the two starts up."

Terri you can't please everyone. Do what works for YOU.

I wouldn't have the band play during dinner. A string quartet type thing yes- but a get the crowd going band- no.

I'm coming back to cost. Say you have the ban dplay for a few hours, then switch to a DJ. The placement of the DJ shouldn't be too big an issue- so that's not a concern. But the band members would have to kill a couple of hours before they start tearing down their equipment- or they'll be tearing downand loading up during the reception.

You reception also seems short. 1 hour for cocktails, 1 hour for dinner and only 2 hours for the rest? The traditional stuff (Cake cutting, dances, garter/bouquet tosses, speeches) take up a good 45 minutes to an hour. Than only leave about 1 hour to really party.

My concern is that a band that is pretty cheap may not be very good. In my experience, a really good band is better than a good DJ. But it depends on what kind of music you want. I would rather pay extra for either a really good band or good DJ than have either be mediocre. If music is really important to you, do your research (check bands and DJs out in person) and get someone fabulous.

If you're partying into the night, I would invite the band to play a few sets for the "first shift" (grandma and the folks who will go home early), and then have the DJ take over for those who want to keep going. That said, I'm having trouble seeing how hiring both will add to the event--I would go for one or the other.

TeeDub....THANK YOU for that reminder! I continue to forget that no matter what I do everyone won't be happy. I am going to kill myself trying. I just want people to walk away having had a good time.

Meghan: I don't think our reception is too short especially since it's on a Sunday. 4 hours is typical in my region, even for Saturday weddings. Anywho, I think you brought up a good point that a band won't really be needed until the last 2 hours. I think my modified plan is to find a band and DJ that work together. If I can't find that I'm not sure what I'll do. It's hard for me to decide between a DJ and a band, but I am willing to bet my fiance will say DJ.

Yes I see nothing wrong with it. It is your wedding.

Good luck on your search! Always keep in mind that a good DJ is better than a bad band, and especially with bands, you get what you pay for! Don't be afraid to ask if you can stop in an event they're playing at to listen to them. If the lead singer has a bad voice, it won't matter how good a deal you got! Not sure what area you're in or what your budget is, but as a reference, I'm in central NJ (45 minutes from NYC and 45 minutes from Philly) and the average wedding band is $****...that's substantially more than DJs, which range from $600-2500 around here. The band we ended up booking is amazing. They usually charge $6500 but FH is friends with the trumpet player so they're playing for half off as a gift to him...phew!

We've done the shared entertainment (band/DJ) on several occasions. Here are some things to consider:

1) Do you really want 2 PA's (sound equipment) to dominate your pictures? It's usually bad enough that you have the DJ's or the band's equipment in the background, but the two of them are probably too much.

2) A band inherently provides more entertainment than a DJ. Having the band play first and then the DJ could create an emotional roller-coaster for your guests.

3) A great way to do it is to have a "jazz" type band doing cocktails and dinner, following up with dancing once the DJ takes over.

Good luck!

Remember, there are no silly questions, nor are there any silly ways to have your night exactly the way you want it. I have been performing wedding receptions for 29 years, and have been a part of and created most every scenario you can imagine. Anything is possible and CAN be done, it is all a matter of preference and what is within your budget. Whether it's your DJ performing everything front to back, or having a harpist play your bridal march and recessional, strings, keyboardists, the list is endless as your imagination will allow you to be. You can have a "wish list" of what your dream wedding day is. Then look at your budget, and decide what is the most important things to you on your list. I have emceed many weddings, and played between sets for bands for years with no problems. True professionals can make it seamless. I hope you did it YOUR way!

Yes You Can!!

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