Live Band vs. dj

The fundamental difference is price. Bands are an extravagance. They can be great, and they’re definitely showy, but a DJ has some advantages in that they can offer more flexibility. I’ll also say a great DJ is way better than a mediocre band. A truly great band is of course amazing. But I have had some less than stellar band experiences. The last wedding I went to, the band was awful— I mean they were fundamentally good musicians but they didn’t play anything from the last couple decades, and NO one was on the dance floor and they never got the hint or followed request to switch gears. The couple had to BEG closest friends to please come to the dance floor. I felt badly for them but also had no interest in dancing to what they were playing, and preferred spending time with the other features of their wedding.


We had a DJ and were completely thrilled. He figured out what got our group going and went with it, getting young and old all on the dance floor. He could accommodate any requests and he just fit our vibe perfectly (we chose him bc we instantly felt like we could be friends when we were doing interviews). A band was never in the budget for us (couldn’t get one for less than 10k in my area), but that didn’t disappoint us at all.

Every wedding I have ever been to had a DJ including my own. Our DJ was amazing and everyone was the one the dance floor pretty much from the very beginning until the very end. In fact, we had some people tell us it was the best wedding they had ever been to because it was so much fun. Even our photographer told us how much fun it was and that she loved seeing guests really enjoy themselves. However I have been to a wedding where the DJ was awful. Hardly anyone danced, but I think it was because the DJ was playing very old music that no one enjoyed. He finally got the hint at the very end of the reception.

It depends on your crowd. With our friends and families, no one would dance if there was a band. They don’t play songs as the original artists do. Those weddings and anniversary parties where there has been a dj (not a diy Spotify list) the dance floor has always been packed. Plus there is the price difference. We have not come across any band that we felt was worth several thousand extra dollars so that no one will dance.

I had a band! They performed all the hits plus rap and hip hop and 90s rock etc.


When they took breaks they played music as a DJ would.

I think the biggest thing is the MC. Is the MC of the band good? Will they hype up the guests and make announcements fun and exciting?

I would go with a band that you’ve personally experienced at a wedding or other event so you know exactly what to expect. Good luck!!!!

I loved my band. We added a 3-piece horn section to make an 8-person band that could play our special requests and current artists like Bruno Mars. While on break between sets, they played DJ music. All of my guests stayed until the end even with a Catholic gap and a longer day. It sounds like you really want live music, but trying to talk yourself out of it. With your partner, see if you can cut back elsewhere in your budget. You can rent, reuse, borrow, opt out, and find alternatives for each vendor. Good luck.