Is price the first thing couples should consider?
No. First consider the tone you’d like to set. Bands and DJs create different environments. Personality and skill set of each professional also matter. Meet with the entertainers in person to help you figure out who can create the mood you’re after.
Couples may be inclined to go with the band or DJ that costs the least, but that could lead to a wedding day disaster, say industry experts. “Clients really base [their decisions] on price,” says Mike Anderson of Creative Memories Entertainment. “Just because [someone] charges less doesn’t mean they’ll provide the same level of service”—or provide the level of 
service you expect.

What are prices based on?

When it comes to bands, prices vary depending on availability, popularity and the day of the week, according to Gig Xifaras of Associated Entertainment Consultants, Inc. Bands are available for Friday or Sunday weddings more often than Saturday events. Lead-time also plays a role. Couples can generally get a better deal closer to the event date, but that may limit which bands are available.

Also, a smaller band doesn’t necessarily cost less than a larger one. “You don’t buy bands by the pound,” says Xifaras. The length of time the band will play at the ceremony and/or reception also doesn’t make a difference. “You’re not buying by the hour; you’ve bought the band for the night.”

As for DJs, prices are generally based on talent, the amount of equipment they have, and time spent detailing and planning 
the event, according to Anderson. There are three service levels: the basic DJ who just plays music, the interactive DJ who acts 
as master of ceremonies, and the DJ who serves as wedding director. Prices increase with level of responsibility.

What are the benefits of hiring a band?

Even Anderson admits, “You cannot replace the atmosphere of live music.” When played well, nothing can beat it. Bands can switch up the tempo if the party is lagging, and can rouse the crowd. However, bands are limited to the songs they are trained to play. Some wedding bands can only play one genre well, and may be hesitant to switch styles. “Check a band’s song list,” says Xifaras. “Better bands will learn one or two songs for the bride, even if it’s different from their typical style.”

What are the advantages of hiring a DJ?

“It’s easy for DJs to play most anything, but it’s ‘canned’ music,” says Xifaras. Anderson begs to differ. He says that couples can expect more variety with a DJ, and because the songs are the original artist’s recordings, they’ll sound like you expect them to. DJs have libraries of thousands of songs, and are not limited in music selection the way bands are.

Do we need to meet the DJ or band in person?

Yes, without exception. Listen to or watch band demos and see them perform live to get a feel for their stage presence, song selection and general appearance. Make sure the band or DJ will set the tone and mood you want at your wedding.

Will the band or DJ also perform at the ceremony?

Most bands will not perform at ceremonies. One reason is that they often play pop songs and are not trained to play the kinds of melodies that usually accompany a ceremony. It’s still possible, and common, to have live music though—hire a pianist, harpist or quartet, depending on what works for your location.

“It’s usually better to have a separate [musician] for the ceremony and cocktail hour,” says Xifaras, to play instrumental music. It’s also unrealistic for bands to set up instruments and equipment for the ceremony, then tear down and set up again at the reception site.
DJs, on the other hand, often perform at the ceremony and reception. Anderson says he works both about 90 percent of the time, because many Sacramento-area locations have a ceremony site at the reception venue.

What are some alternatives to traditional ceremony music?

Many couples are choosing to forego the traditional Wagner’s “Bridal March” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and instead opt for lesser-known instrumentals as the bride walks down the aisle. Songs big on sentimental value is a trend, such as the song that played on the radio during the couple’s first date. These tunes can be played as the bride walks down the aisle or as the couple exits as newlyweds.

What do bands and DJs do at weddings beyond playing music?

Bands provide their own equipment, stage lighting and the ability of the bandleader or front person to act as MC by introducing the bridal party and family, and involving the audience. DJs also bring equipment (including microphones and the ceremony sound system, if necessary), creative lighting, and act as MCs. “People want a reception where their guests will be a part of the wedding day,” says Anderson. “A good DJ will really help create the memories of the day.”

How far is reasonable toask a band or DJ to travel?

“Just ask,” says Anderson. Some companies may not want to travel, but Anderson himself has traveled to Hawaii and farther for weddings. Xifaras also says his company flies bands across the country and internationally. “It’s always worth asking,” says Xifaras.
 There are additional expenses for long-distance travel. Entertainers might roll extra costs into one package price, or delineate costs. In most cases, couples should expect to pay additional fees for airfare, rental vehicles and, in some cases, food and lodging. If the band has to fly, they may not fly their equipment, which means the couple may have to pay for renting lighting and sound equipment.