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DJ vs Band: The Pros and Cons of The Wedding Band

The most challenging choice for any wedding couple wanting to party hard at their reception is choosing what wedding reception music to have. Should you go for that live music experience with a band and get the crowd absolutely hyped? Or have a wedding DJ play certified banger after certified banger, seamlessly mixing different styles and eras of music, going harder and harder as the night progresses. With both choices, a great wedding DJ or band will be sure to get the party going and ensure your guests dance the night away. While the decision may seem challenging since there’s no correct answer, thinking about the benefits of each and what that would mean for your wedding day may help your decisionmaking. If you’re dreaming of that live music experience, here are some of the pros and cons of the wedding band.

Wedding band playing during the reception at Markovina Estate in Kumeu

Pros of the Wedding Band:

The Unmatched energy of live music

There’s something about live music that simply can’t be replicated. The combination of multiple instruments, with vocals live singing over the top, creates an atmosphere you can't resist dancing to. Live music always seems to hit different and is a crowd-pleaser, with almost everyone getting off their feet to dance for hours. Live music electrifies the room in a way no playlist could, in a way words can’t describe, and your guests will feel that energy.

Wedding guests dancing during the reception at Markovina Estate in Kumeu

Familiar crown-pleasing songs

With a Band, they often play pop anthems, throwback classics, and sing-along songs that will leave your guests without a voice the morning after your wedding night. This also means it's super well-known music, meaning everyone from the young kids to your grandparents will be able to get off their feet and enjoy the vibes.

Wedding guests dancing during the reception at Markovina Estate in Kumeu

Cons of the wedding Band:

Performance breaks

One main con is that bands cannot play straight through the party portion of your wedding reception. Even the best musicians cannot sing and play for hours straight and will need the occasional water break to catch their breathes and rest their voices. This means during your reception, there will be periods where the music switches to a playlist and recorded music is played. It isn’t necessarily a con if you utilise this time to play songs you love that are outside your band's scope and vocal range. It also gives you and your wedding guests a chance to rehydrate, both from the bar and with a glass of water, as dancing so eccentrically can be exhausting.

Space Requirement

Another downsides of having a live band is they occupy space near the dance floor in your reception space. This isn’t a concern for small to medium wedding parties, as it will only take up the space of a single table, or at least that’s the case at Markovina Estate in our main function room under the vines. However, for very large wedding parties, it may be an important consideration that may deter you from opting for that live music experience for you and your guests.

Wedding band playing during the reception at Markovina Estate in Kumeu

Financial considerations for the wedding band

Cost is another factor that may be a decision-maker for some couples. On average, bands are typically more expensive than wedding DJs, as they usually have more equipment and people, naturally leading to higher costs. While this may be a factor for some couples, for others, there's no price on having live music get their crowd off their feet.

Wedding band playing during the cocktail hour at Markovina Estate in Kumeu

With a wedding band, the real benefit is the live music, and that can be all a couple needs to opt for a band in a heartbeat. It’s very dependent on your style of music. If you can find a band you like the vibe and sound of, get them to bring your wedding party to life.

No matter what you choose, the team at Markovina Estate are here to help. We can help suggest a number of experienced wedding bands and work with you to ensure the partying happens seamlessly. Whether you opt for a live band or a DJ, get in contact with our team at Markovina Estate who are here to help make your wedding dreams a reality.



 

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