Picking the entertainment for your big day is no small feat. Before making a decision, check out our guide to help you choose between a DJ and a band for your wedding.

Vibe

When figuring out what entertainment you want for your nuptials, determine your desired ambiance. There are different types of bands, and each can cater to different vibes. For instance, a string quartet can invoke a romantic atmosphere for an intimate celebration. On the other hand, a cover band can bring a high-energy, interactive experience. If you’d like a variety of genres to listen to with times for conversation and dancing, a DJ may be your best bet.

Guests

Although this is your day, consider who will be attending your wedding day to help you select entertainment for the event. Do guests span a range of ages with a variety of musical interests? A DJ will be able to better serve them all something they’d like so they can dance to at least one song. If your guests are more relaxed and would prefer conversation with background noise, a purely instrumental band can do the trick! Big bands and a DJ can both get the party started on the dance floor, but please note that bands may not be able to accommodate requests as they usually play a specific genre of music. If you know your guests won’t mind, then a spirited, live band is a great choice.

Space

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but don’t forget to think about the location before making a final decision on wedding entertainment. If you and your partner are digging an eight-piece band, a quaint venue may not be able to accommodate. Check with your venue to see if there are any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment they can bring. You’ll also want to make sure there is enough room for them to perform and if there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations in the area.

Budget

Last but not least, review your wedding budget to see what you can afford. Wedding bands can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000, while a DJ typically costs around $2,000. A larger band needs to account for transportation, equipment and instruments, which can lead to higher costs. Therefore, if you’re leaning towards a band but on a tight budget, a smaller band may be a good option. DJs can be less expensive because they are usually one person and have less equipment. A DJ with more experience will cost more, so if you’re looking to spend less, a family friend or hobbyist DJ is a viable option.