Hey all,

So i'm having trouble deciding what the best form of entertainment is for our wedding. I see the pro's and con's of both but can't decide. I feel I should probably have a band as everyone loves live music and they can interact with the guests plus I want some Ceilidh dances thrown in but I think with a DJ I won't be restricted with what songs are played (both of us have strong opinions on the music) plus could always just play recordings of Ceilidh music, A DJ doesn't usually take as long a break as a band will and they're cheaper than a band.

Just wanted to know what everyone's opinion was on this matter. I've been to weddings with Bands and DJ's and enjoyed both but it's a big decision for me to make :)

Thanks

Debbie

We have a band and in the breaks they have a dj package aswell. Maybe u cud go 4 something like that?

All the bands I've liked have been around £1100 but the DJs have been around £300 so it seems like a big price difference but would be willing to pay it if it was that much better, I just don't know if people expect to have a live band at weddings nowadays or if they're happy enough with recorded music?! If anyone has any recommendations for either band or DJ in South Ayrshire i'd be very grateful.

Thanks again.

xxx

I've listened to a few online and they do seem good but I can't help feeling the extra money would be better spent elsewhere. My Fiance is all for a DJ so maybe it's better just to go for one. That way we can just give a list of all our favourite songs and know that they will be played. It's just the Ceilidh part as we'll need a caller but I suppose that would be easily remedied.x

Is that expensive for a wedding band then? I've honestly not been able to find anything cheaper!?x

£1000 seems average when I was looking for bands too - may be cheaper in different areas of the country?
In fact I also looked for singing waiters and even those worked out about £400 - £600 (for half hour singing!)

We ended up with a singer (Ex drifters member - so all motown type songs) for an hour £350 and dj for rest of the evening £300 and I have to say the singer was worth every penny and made a huge difference to the evening. He had EVERYONE up dancing and blew us all away - so glad we didn't just have dj all evening (especially as although he agreed to our playlist - he played songs of his own choice all night!)

All the bands we've looked into are over £1,000. Luckily a guy I went to school with is in a really good band and has dropped down to £800 for us. But I think its worth it. People dance so much more to live music than the do to a disco. Its a much better atmosphere to have the live instruments. And most bands are really good at letting you choose the songs you want as they usually have really good set lists.

I like DJs, put personally don't think you can beat the atmosphere created by a live band.

It's a personal choice Hun - my opinion is that a good band can really make a wedding reception and it's often the most memorable thing on the night (at least, it has been at the ones I've been to).

We are paying £750 for two hour long sets and DJ I'm between...to me, personally, I would much rather have had this than the fancy car or super-special decorations as it just adds much more of a wow factor and makes a bigger impact than those items.

Why not go out and see a few bands locally? Wedding bands who only do weddings are more expensive and can be a bit cliched, however there are many great pub bands out there who would be happy to do it for under a grand.

That said, I can see why the cost puts people off. Personally I think the entertainment is the most important part of e evening do, so whether you choose a band or a DJ you need to carefully vet them and make sure they are right for you...go along to any public gigs they might do, ask to see a playlist and speak to people who have used them previously - don't just go for the 'in house' DJ (if the venue allows it) or the cheapest.

Xx

Thanks for all your input guys, I think i'll continue the search and maybe go along to a few band evenings to see what there is on offer. I do agree that the entertainment is really important in making the evening so we'll see what I come up with. xxx