Maryland Wedding - Should We Have DJ Or A Band

When it comes to planning a Maryland wedding, couples have a lot of decisions to make. Some of these wedding planning decisions, such as the wedding colors you choose will have a direct impact on only a few people. Other decisions such as the catering will impact every guest at your Maryland wedding.

The topic of this article is a decision that will not only impact everyone who attends your wedding, it will also impact how they remember it in the future. The decision you make regarding your entertainment at your Maryland wedding will have a greater impact than nearly every other decision.

As an award-winning Maryland Wedding DJ, our passion is helping couples have the best experience possible and to be an asset in all facets of wedding planning. This article is one in a series of articles intended to help not only the wedding couples we serve from Frederick MD to Lancaster PA; but to help anyone who is planning their dream wedding.

The pros & cons of booking a band vs a Maryland Wedding DJ

There are pros and cons of both forms of wedding entertainment.

What kind of vibe are you going for?

What is your vision for the “party” portion of your big day?

Your answers to those questions will play a large part in determining if a Maryland Wedding DJ or live band will be your best choice

If you want a large variety of musical genres played, it’s best to stick with a great Maryland Wedding DJ who will work with you to craft a perfect playlist.

But, if you want that big band theme, or something only bluegrass or jazz-inspired, try going with a live band that dives right into that sound.

Think about the budget as well.

Live bands tend to be a bit more expensive than a wedding DJ would be – and with a professional Maryland DJ; you get a built-in master of ceremonies as well. Just make sure you mesh with him/her, so you know that their personality matches with what you want for your celebration.

Booking a Maryland Wedding DJ

Pros

• He or she will play any song you want.

• Can work in small spaces without a lot of equipment.

• Keeps music going during the entire party with no lull

• Can adapt quickly based on the guest’s reactions to keep the crowd engaged.

• A professional Maryland Wedding DJ is trained to choreograph the reception and make announcements, which means you also get an MC to help with the reception's flow.

• Many Maryland Disc Jockeys offer additional services such as photo booths and lighting making them a one-stop-shop.

• Reliance on fewer people and less stress.

Cons

• A wedding DJ with a less-than-stellar personality can be a dance-floor buzzkill.

• A live band performance creates a different vibe and feels that a DJ can’t match.

Booking a Band

Pros

• They make a more dramatic presentation, with musicians, vocalists, and all those instruments.

• Have unique personalities.

• Their infectious energy can get people on the dance floor.

• A band provides guests something to watch—if they can’t dance or just need a break to rub their sore feet, guests can sit back enjoy the show over a slice of wedding cake.

Cons

• The higher booking rates might make them cost-prohibitive.

• A band needs a larger setup space. This can mean a larger more expensive venue or inviting fewer guests.

• Regular breaks will result in a lull in the music.

• Bands consist of several members putting you in the hands of several people to rely on.

• No matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand and play guests' song requests.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a Maryland Wedding DJ or a live band for your wedding reception. It really comes down to preference, budget, and performance space. Both forms of entertainment are great in their own right.