Band or DJ or both? Do share!

So, another dilema has come my way.........................................we can't choose between Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra tribute band or a band that does all kinds of music (but can't sing quite as well).
We will have the more usual music played at 'half time' though music downloaded onto an ipod.

What would get your feet tapping or get you dancing at a wedding reception?

What music would you like to hear as a guest?

What music are you having/did you have at your wedding?

We are just having a DJ. We thought about a band but i'm weary of them as i've been to some weddings with great bands and others with rubbish ones and I think unless you have seen one in action i'd be careful of booking one- its harder with a band to match everyones tastes! At least with a DJ you can give them a playlist, and ask them to change to more uplifting music to get people dancing.

What do you think your guests would like? One wedding I went to had a band which played mainly cheesy tunes and it was brilliant, everyone knew all the songs, everyone danced all night!

Is there anyway you could see the bands you are thinking of live- and then you could see how people respond to them? If you like them and most guests are your age and share similar interests then go with your instincts.

I will be asking our DJ to do a mix of current/oldies/cheesy music to try and keep everyone happy!

Sorry Ive just babbles on and probably not been too much help (too much vino!)
xx

We are having a band, but they also act as a DJ while they are not on stage and provide the music.
They are a 5 peice Party band that play from 60's through to current (so cheesy, oldies and current) and they have both a male and female who can take lead vocals, so gives more options on the songs they can sing.I don't think that them being able to sing a variety of different songs makes them not as good singers as someone who sings one type of artisit.

I agree with Mrstobe about seeing them in action, which we did with ours (and got to see their list of songs to pick from) and it helped us to see how they got people on the dance floor.

x

We are doing both!

We are having a jazz singer during the drinks reception, band early evening and a dj from 8.30pm.

Personally i don't tend to dance to bands as i like to dance to current music and cheesy tunes!

We are only having a DJ, we never really considered a band and it's far too late to sort one out now! I also like to dance to current music and some classic 80's and 90's tunes so a DJ suits me just fine and as for my guests, well I've asked them all for their favourite tunes to dance to so hopefully there should be something to suit everyone! x x

We are having Harpist In the day then a DJ for the evening, ive been to a few weddings and although bands were great people tended to sit and watch... I want everyone up dancing from the start hopefully , We are having Hollywood glamour theme and people cant dance to all rat pack kind of songs either so that made the decision for us.. x

Our venue isn't licensed for dancing!! (which I have to say, I am not exactly devastated about given my two left feet!)

We are having a string quartet for the day, and then we are 'inviting our guests to take their leave' at 5pm so we can have a lovely romantic evening together...

xxx

We are having Sinatra style Jazz band, in between sets we will have 'current' music, I am hoping for packed dance floor all night!

We are having a group called flood the floor who play music from all era's. I have heard some really good things about them and they are rep'd by Sternberg Clark who I know are really good. We are going to have an ipod during the intermission.....I too am hoping for a packed dancefloor!

SQ - Having the evening together after the wedding is so lovely!! You will be able to reflect on the day and enjoy your vintage champagne! xxx

I would just say - if you go for a band - go for a really good one. Make sure you see them live and have recommendations! It is soo easy to get fooled by the demos and when it comes to live performance it is a complete disaster. Speak to the venue - they'l probably knnow few good ones and they'll only want to recommend a good ones.
I myslef would be careful choosing a themed band. The best ones are the ones who would provide the entertainment for different ages and music tastes.
It seems like a DJ is an easier option, but people will remember a good band, I always do!
Good Luck
K

I agree with Karolina - hear them live! it's a must! We're going for band, with a DJ in the breaks; friends playing in ceremony and prob cocktail style pianist during dinner. music is a big part of our day. We want a jazz/swing type big band (lots of brass), but one with enough versatility to throw in a combo of funk/pop/motown too just to appeal to everyone - I hope we can find such a band! My h2b's old band did this set up so I'm sure there will be others around. The DJ will then play the good old crowd pleasers, some old time stuff from the 60's and 70's and a selection of current music. We thought about asking all guests to nominate one or two songs they'd love to hear on the day on their RSVP's - good idea or naff? be honest! xx

Sam2010 - Good idea - We are also thinking of doing it. The 'style' of our wedding is very much a party in the city so we were going to say:
My/Our favorite song is....................on the invites.

Unfortunatly we were unable to hear our band live before we booked them as they only do private and corporate events which we wouldn't have been able to go to. I am quite confident in my decision though,

Apart from the band, my friend is also going to sing and play in the ceremony and then I am hiring a Jazz pianist for the cocktails and canapes. I am going to take (I think it was SnowQueen's) advice of booking a student from the Royal Academy of Music for this. xx

I don't think we can listen to the band live as was going to book on internet through the band agencies. They cover the whole of the country and the bands tend to travel to the venues.

I do like the idea of asking re songs on the invites though. At least you will know what people want to hear for sure.

I have been to a couple of weddings recently where they had just DJ's and they were shockingly bad, so much so that not a sole danced all night, really!!!! That's probably why I'm keener to go with a band at the mo.

Thanks for your advice girls, I will keep looking and hopefully find band or dj that are really good xx

[Modified by: cottontail1 on June 15, 2009 10:54 AM]

Cottontail - Definitely have a look at Sternberg Clarke:
http://www.sternbergclarke.co.uk/start.html
xx

We're having a band to start with for maybe two or three hours and then having our ipod take over.

We want the band to play music for everyone, popular music from all eras so everyone will get up and dance!

Then we can have some stuff we like for half an hour (we're really into our dance music) before slowing it down for a bit then having a big finish !!