To hire a DJ or not to hire a DJ?

Thank you to everyone for your replies! I really appreciate your insights and experiences. I love the idea of a live band given everything I stated but I do see your points regarding costs, continuity, and tastes. As of now we are leaning towards a DJ. I will follow up with our final decision for those who are experiencing the same dilemma or are just curious.

It depends. If your basing it on price dj would be cheaper as with a live band youll have to feed them all, plus pay for rental equipment that they need like hooks and speakers and audio stuff. Also what happens if they need a break? There will be no break for any of them? Or if they do take a break will there be any music? Not sure how all that stuff works with a live band. Im getting a dj just cuz I want them to play a huge variety of music for our guests. but its up to you!

We hired a DJ! Like others have commented it was a must-have for sure! We also saved money because we booked the same DJ for our Stag & Doe.

We would have gone for a live band if we have the budget for it but, we saved so much by hiring a DJ that will also double up as our MC so we are very satisfied with our decision

I would definitely do a DJ! This way they will play a mix of music all your guests will enjoy. I find DJ's can liven up a party more then a live band has. But that is my opinion!

Best of luck

Thanks for replying!

Yes, I'm beginning to understand. It becomes a decision between personal preference and cost efficiency but I gather that the right DJ can certainly adhere to both. We just have to find the right one if we do decide to do that.

A DJ would be more cost efficient to hire since they can play all kinds of genres and songs for all guests to enjoy the dancing portion of the evening. Fast songs for the those who loves to boogie and slower for the elder generation. The cost covers the hours you hire them overall.

Bands are great if your favourite songs can be played or selection you like though the youngsters may feel bored rather than the elder generation enjoying it more to listen and dance to. This was done for one of my brothers event back in 2000. The set up for the family sitting down on the dance floor 2 sides of the Groom and Bride families each to be different. It was enjoyable though some guests that didn't understand it still danced a bit. The cost is about double for the time they offer to pay and more if you want extra hours and number of band members playing to consider that factor.

Oh man, the look of a live band in the Case Loma Conservatory would be amazing!

That being said, I do understand the cost savings of a DJ. The warning I would give with the DJ is make sure they have a good variety available for your older guests. If you have music they'll enjoy, even if they don't dance, they'll still bop along to it and have a good time. The key is to get someone who can read your audience: Ten years ago. my cousin's wedding DJ didn't have any music pre-1980 and 80% of the guests were 40+. Needless to say it didn't go over well...

Ah, good point about cost.

Thank you for replying!

I would say that for me and my FH it was a price thing. I would have loved to have a band - but they are like double the cost of a DJ and when they need breaks you end up without music or they will just put a recording on...