Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding DJ Instead of a Band

1. Variety

Most people that choose a wedding DJ over a wedding band do so for the simple reason that a DJ has the ability to cover a much wider variety of music than a band. Even the best wedding band can’t play every genre well, nor can they eclectic or unusual songs or last-minute requests. A DJ gives you the ability to choose your playlist freely, and the versatility to make it all work together.

2. Original Versions

To me, this is the most important reason to hire a DJ instead of a band. It’s a personal preference, but I really enjoy hearing songs as they are supposed to be heard – by the original artists. A band may have some of the best singers on the planet, but Etta James’ “At Last” just doesn’t sound right being sung by anyone else. Having the original versions of songs is especially important if you are considering using more current music like hip-hop at your wedding, which can be especially difficult for a band to perform well.

3. Breaks

Every band needs to take breaks over the course of the night, something that DJs don’t need to do. Most bands will simply put on a CD when they take a break so there is no gap in the music, but what about the sudden change in atmosphere when the band stops playing? Also, who is paying attention to the crowd reaction to the recorded music when the band is out of the room, and making adjustments accordingly?

4. International Music

If you have a desire to incorporate international music into your wedding, a DJ is always your best option. Most good bands are willing to learn a small handful of new songs specifically for your wedding, but are almost always uncomfortable doing so for songs in another language.

5. Space and Power

If space is a concern at your reception site, you may not want to consider using a band. In fact, some reception sites even have a limit on the size of the band you can use. The larger the band, the less space for dancing and seating for dinner. In addition, bands typically require more electricity than a DJ, and some reception sites may be unable to accommodate all the separate circuits needed by a band.

6. Volume

Another huge concern with bands is volume. In a confined space, a band can easily overpower a room and make it practically impossible for people to speak with each other during the band’s sets. Most bands are very conscientious about this, but there is only so soft a band can be if their drummer isn’t using an electric drum kit.

7. Requests

Most bands may take a request from a guest, but often their playlist is determined before the wedding even begins. The band may not know the songs that your guests might request, which can also be disappointing. A DJ gives you the flexibility of allowing your guests to make requests.

8. Budget

Most wedding bands start in the $2500 range for a five hour wedding, with some going for close to $10,000! The very best wedding DJs still charge less than a low-end band. Plus, there are fewer meals to purchase for a DJ than for a band.

9. Experienced Emcees

A bandleader’s job, first and foremost, is to manage his or her band. Emcee skills, especially those that do not directly pertain to the music (such as introductions of the bridal party and announcements of special elements of the reception), are a different talent altogether. The leader of the band you choose may be neither comfortable with nor skilled at handling this essential aspect of a successful wedding reception. A good DJ is a confident, articulate and impeccable emcee.

10. Subtlety

Many couples, especially in recent years, prefer a more low-key reception where the music is subtle and the focus is on having a good time with family and friends. Others want a party where they, the bride and groom, are the center of attention at all times. A good DJ is key to both of these types of weddings. Bands are flashier for sure, but can easily “steal the show” and either take the spotlight off the just-married couple, or worse in some people’s eyes, shine a spotlight directly on them by turning the event into a louder, more flamboyant party than the bride and groom ever intended.

Evan Reitmeyer is President of MyDeejay.com, Inc., a mobile disc jockey company that performs exclusively for weddings in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia metropolitan area. He is also the Founder and President of the Washington, D.C. area chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA). He and his company were named by Washingtonian Magazine in 2006 and 2007 as “Among the Area’s Very Best Wedding DJs.”