When it comes to making plans to tie the knot, there is one question that seems to pop up among brides and grooms, and that’s if they should use a DJ or live music for their Las Vegas wedding reception. Although there is no one size fits all answer for this because every couple has their own set of preferences, there are, however, pros and cons to both choices. In this post, Always & Forever Weddings & Receptions will discuss a few of these advantages and disadvantages of using a Las Vegas wedding DJ or a live band.
DJ vs Live Music – Which One is Best for Your Las Vegas Wedding Reception?
If you and your spouse-to-be are planning a wedding reception, and you’re just not sure if you should hire a DJ or have live music – don’t worry; we can help! Our summary of the pros and cons of each option can assist you in making the best decision for your big day.
Advantages of Using a Wedding DJ
Wedding DJs are used by many brides and grooms around the world, especially in Las Vegas; it’s a big industry that meets the needs of couples who want an entertaining and memorable wedding reception. If you’re on the fence wondering if you should hire one, the following favorable aspects of using a DJ might just push you to decide to use one for your wedding celebration – let’s take a look:
A DJ Can Be More Cost-Effective Than Hiring a Live Band
Brides and grooms are typically on a tight budget and may need to research whether or not it’s more cost-effective to hire a DJ or a live band for their wedding reception. While live bands certainly have their appeal, there are several reasons why hiring a DJ can be more affordable in the long run. One main reason is because a DJ setup normally only requires one person, as compared to having live music that can have several band members who all need a cut of the paycheck. Therefore, if you’re worried about the cost, a DJ might be your best bet.
A Good Las Vegas Wedding DJ Knows the Best Songs to Play
Whether your having an early morning wedding or a evening wedding, a good Las Vegas wedding DJ knows how to read a room and play the right songs to keep the party going. At a wedding reception, the bride and groom are usually the center of attention, but it’s also important to keep the guests entertained out on the dance floor – the right mix of songs will keep people dancing all night long. It’s also important for a DJ to know what to play when the bride and groom decide to have their first dance, or when it’s time for the father-daughter dance, and so on. DJs will also be on top of things when it comes to trending music.
A DJ Can Use Their Seamless Song Transitions to Keep Things Flowing
For any wedding, the last thing you want is for there to be awkward silence between songs. That’s where a skilled DJ comes in to play. By using seamless song transitions, they can keep the music flowing and the dance floor packed. This isn’t just about knowing which songs go well together, it’s also about reading the crowd and knowing when to switch things up. For example, if people are starting to look fatigued, a well-timed musical energy boost can keep them going until the very end.
When done right, wedding guests will barely even notice the changes or transitions – they’ll just know that they’re having a great time. If you’re planning a Las Vegas wedding, be sure to choose a DJ who knows how to keep things flowing. Also, for those who are booking a wedding package through Always & Forever, we can perfectly place a DJ for you because one will be included in your package.
Disadvantages of Using a Wedding DJ
If you’re leaning towards having live music vs a DJ, then this next section may help you seal the deal. Although a DJ/Emcee is a great source of entertainment at a wedding reception, and used by many brides and grooms, it may not be a good option for everyone. We don’t want to throw DJs under the bus, we actually love utilizing DJs at the wedding celebrations held here at Always & Forever, but to make this a well-rounded post, we are listing out two of the most notable disadvantages below.
Your DJ/Emcee Holds the Key to a successful Reception or a Less Than Desirable Experience – Know Who You’re Hiring First
With a live band, you typically know what you’re getting because you most likely heard their music or went to see them live ahead of time. However, with a DJ, you have to go on word of mouth and reviews because it’s not always possible to attend the events that they perform at.
Because they hold the key to a successful reception, it’s very important to be sure they are experienced and good at what they do before signing the dotted line. Here are a few things to look out for when reading reviews and trying to avoid hiring an inexperienced or untalented DJ:
- Avoid DJs who have bad timing – missing the mark when it comes to announcements.
- An inexperienced DJ may play music at a volume that is too loud or too soft for a particular wedding reception room.
- Be sure you don’t see reviews that mention long pauses between songs or bad transitions.
- They should be up to date with the latest music to keep the interest up.
- Avoid Las Vegas wedding DJs who may talk to the guests excessively instead of concentrating on the music playlist.
There are plenty of experienced DJs that you can hire for your Las Vegas wedding who have shining reviews. In addition to this, the DJs that we provide in our all inclusive and reception only packages are experienced and come highly recommended.
Your Guests May Request Songs You Would Rather Not Hear and Your DJ Might Play Them
If you have been to a wedding in the past, you know that the music is essential to the flow of the event, and if the DJ is inexperienced, they may not have the musical expertise to keep the crowd happy. This is the case when they play bad or inappropriate song requests from guests. Not only will this ruin the flow of the music, but it could also cause stress for the bride and groom. If anything, you can instruct your DJ ahead of time to not take requests and just stick with the game plan.
Advantages of Live Music Entertainment for Your Wedding
If you’re looking for truly unique and unforgettable entertainment for your Las Vegas wedding reception, it may be worth having live music. There is just something about a live band that can transform a room; guests get caught up in the performance and the music and it can be very entertaining. To make this case, below, we have listed a few advantages of using a live band for your wedding celebration.
A Live Music Setup Creates a Classy Environment That is Sure to Impress
A live band can create a more sophisticated and stylish atmosphere, which can impress your guests and help make your wedding reception more memorable. Whether it’s a jazz band playing during cocktail hour, a string quartet providing background music during dinner, or even a solo singer with exceptional piano skills, live music can certainly add elegance to your reception, and this makes a wedding band definitely worth considering.
Live Music Gives Your Guests the Gift of a Live Performance
Your wedding reception is a time for your guests to relax, eat, drink, and mingle. What could make it even more enjoyable and entertaining than having a live band performing right in front of them? A live band gets people up and dancing, and it can help create a truly memorable experience for your guests. Plus, if you choose a band that specializes in weddings, they will know just how to get the guests up out of their seats and having a great time. In a sense, you’re giving your guests the gift of a dinner and a show!
Having Live Music VS a DJ Gives You the Opportunity to Really Play Up a Theme or Mood
One of the great things about having a live band at your wedding reception is that you can choose a band based on a theme or mood. If you want to get everyone up and dancing, you can pick a band that specializes in salsa music or other upbeat genres. Alternatively, if you want to create a more elegant atmosphere, you could choose a band that plays classical music. Or, if you’re seeking out something unique, you could even pick a band that plays 50s music or other vintage genres. Whatever your taste, having a live band can help to set the perfect tone for your Las Vegas wedding reception.
Disadvantages of Live Music Entertainment for Your Wedding
Although having live music at your Las Vegas wedding reception can seem like a good idea, it’s not always the best choice for every bride and groom. There can be certain aspects of hiring a band vs a DJ that you should be aware of, such as pricing, set-up space, and more. Let’s dive into a few of these disadvantages so you’re well-informed before making your big decision on what type of music you will have at your reception.
A Live Band Can’t Provide the Music Variety that a DJ Can
A live band can provide fantastic music for your event, but a DJ can offer so much more when it comes to music selection and variety. A DJ can play any type of music you want, from the latest hits to old-school classics. They can mix and match genres to keep everyone happy. In addition to this, if you have specific songs that you want played, a DJ can make it happen. On the other hand, live bands are limited to the songs they know how to play and know the words to, and they generally have a set of music they stick to. When it comes to a DJ vs live music in regards to music variety, the bottom line is that a DJ has more flexibility with what music they can provide, as well as the freedom to create the perfect soundtrack for your event, no matter what kind of music you and your guests love.
Your Las Vegas Wedding Venue May Not Have the Space to Host Live Music
You may be envisioning a live band playing at your reception. However, before you start researching musicians, you need to consider the space limitations of your venue, as well as the reality that your venue may not allow live music. The fact is that a lot of wedding venues simply don’t have the room to accommodate a live band, which means a DJ may be a better option for your big day.
What Else Should You Know When Deciding to Use a DJ vs Live Music
Here are some additional things to think about when deciding between a live wedding band or DJ for your Las Vegas wedding:
- How Often the Music Stops for Breaks: When you book a live band for your reception, you can expect them to take regular breaks throughout the night. This is necessary to keep the musicians fresh and prevent them from getting too tired. A DJ, on the other hand, may only need an occasional short break.
- Go See the Band Your Considering: It’s important to see the live band you’re considering before you make your final decision. That’s because seeing a band live will give you a much better sense of how they operate and what they’re all about, compared to simply viewing a video of their performance. You’ll be able to see how they interact with the crowd and get a feel for their energy level. Plus, hearing them live will give you a good idea of their musical abilities. That said, if you’re on the hunt for a great wedding band, make sure to see them live before you hire them.
- Playing Your Favorite Songs: DJs will be able to play the original versions of your favorite songs. Live bands may play these same songs in a slightly different style than the original, giving them a unique sound. With that in mind, when considering a DJ or live music, it comes down to your personal preference on whether or not you want to hear the original music or a live band’s version.
- Check with Your Wedding Venue: Always check with your wedding venue to ask if they can go with either a Las Vegas DJ or a live band. You may find that they make your decision for you when it comes to which one you will use, which may just make things easier for you.
Always & Forever Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Live Musical Bands VS an Emcee
There are quite a few questions out there regarding DJs and live bands, but the inquiries we hear the most are regarding the cost. With that said, below, we answer two frequently asked questions that cover this subject. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Always & Forever, we would be happy to assist you.
What is the typical cost of hiring a Las Vegas DJ?
The answer really depends on a number of factors, including the DJ’s experience, the length of the reception, and the number of guests that will be in the reception hall. However, in general, you can expect to pay somewhere between $700 and $1,500 for a Las Vegas wedding reception DJ. Of course, if you want a truly unforgettable reception, you may want to splurge on a top-notch DJ who can command a higher price tag. But if you’re working with a tight budget, there are plenty of great DJs out there who can help make your reception a success without breaking the bank. Always & Forever includes a professional DJ in our all inclusive and reception only wedding packages – this saves you money and time.
What does a live band normally charge for wedding receptions?
The answer, of course, depends on the band’s experience and popularity. But in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 for a live band at a wedding reception. The exact price will also depend on factors such as the size of the band and the length of the performance, travel distance, and so on.
Resources for Planning Your Big Day
Always & Forever Weddings and Receptions realizes that so much can go into planning a wedding, like deciding what type of bridal hairstyle to sport or how to plan a ceremony, and because of this, our team has gathered some of our most popular pages to provide some amazing resources for you. We have information on flowers, and sunset ceremonies, as well as how to plan a small wedding, even a wedding for two, along with details on larger weddings of 50 guests, which will provide you with all the details necessary to obtain the needed knowledge to plan your big day. With that said, be sure to dive into the following pages that relate to your specific needs.
- If you decide that you would like a ceremony only affair, Always & Forever has packages just for you!
- We also have a Las Vegas wedding ceremony informational page that can give you all the details you’re looking for.
- Have you booked your bridal hair & makeup appointment yet? Make sure to reserve your date soon.
- Make sure to apply for your marriage license ahead of time – read this post to find out what steps you need to take.
- Brides and grooms planning an indoor wedding ceremony will be interested in our Lakeview Chapel.
- Learn why it’s important to use a wedding photographer with industry experience.
- Have a fairy tale gazebo wedding that will provide you with amazing photography opportunities.
- Always & Forever Weddings and Receptions is located on lakefront property – read more about this!
- Our Las Vegas all inclusive and reception only packages include an incredible wedding cake that you will love.
- Dive into this page on marriage license information if you’re not sure how to apply for one.
- Know the ins and out of an open bar reception so you can make the right decision if you should have one or not.
- Here’s a post we put together that goes over all the fabulous uses for wedding flowers!
- Find out all the details you need to know if you’re planning a Las Vegas outdoor wedding.
- Do you have transportation lined up for your wedding day? If not, then dive into this post for some ideas.
- Who pays for what is a common question when planning a wedding – find out the answer in this detailed post.
- Look into the most popular wedding traditions to see which one works best for you.
- Is your maid of honor preparing her speech? She may need help so be sure to pass this post along to her.
- Choosing your bridesmaids can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what steps to take – check this post out for some advice.
Our Full-Service Venue Can Help You Perfectly Plan Your Las Vegas Wedding
The best weddings are the ones that are planned to perfection, and our full-service venue can help you make your Las Vegas wedding exactly what you want it to be. From choosing the perfect location to providing you with an experienced DJ, we can assist you in creating an outstanding day that you will always remember. We invite you to stop by for a personal tour of our Las Vegas wedding venue, to see our ceremony locations, as well as our reception halls. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your wedding day goals – we can be reached at (702) 318-5683.