I have been to quite a number of Nigerian wedding receptions over time. One thing is for sure, the music entertainment is very important because we sure love to dance!! Choosing to have either a live band or DJ for your wedding are options for music entertainment at your wedding reception. Let’s explore both, shall we?
Band vs DJ Round One:
Price
If you are planning a budget wedding, a DJ may be the cheaper option for your wedding reception. Live bands usually cost more because there are charges for rental and transport of sound equipment to your venue and of course for the entertainment value as well. A DJ is a great alternative as you can provide a list of songs that you want played. So, you can’t afford for the legendary King Sunny Ade or D’Banj to perform at your wedding? Not a problem, just add their songs to your DJ playlist! With the right skilled DJ, the dancing atmosphere will still be lively for all. If you would still prefer to have a live band at your wedding but the popular ones are above your budget, try scouting local clubs. Most clubs have a ‘live band night’ and many talented upcoming bands feature there. You will get to see them perform live and judge their performance level. With good bargaining skills you could end up booking a great live band within your wedding budget.
Band vs DJ Round Two:
Crowd Interaction
The live band may win on this one. Live bands are great as they bring in an entertainment factor during the reception. There is usually a nice interaction between the lead singer and the dancing guests. The traditional music bands were usually more popular however these days, they even infuse popular mainstream songs into their playlists and give them a traditional twist. ‘Spraying’ of money on the couple is the norm, as well as on the lead singer of the band who makes sure everyone is entertained with a nice flow through their songs. If you want only contemporary mainstream music played at your white wedding reception, there are live bands for this as well. They perform a wide range of songs by popular musical artistes. Nevertheless, skilled DJs are also good involving the crowd and gauging when to up the tempo of the music or otherwise. Make sure you hire a DJ that is charming and people-oriented on top of being musically inclined.
Band vs DJ Round Three:
Reliability
Now in this criterion, for both options it is advisable to check out what you are getting beforehand. Don’t hire a DJ because your niece said he was nice and played her favourite song at the 10th birthday party she attended OR hire a live band because your cousin said the lead female singer winked at him at the club! Okay, those are extreme examples but you catch the drift . Try as much as possible to hire entertainment that you have seen perform or a trusted acquaintance has seen. This will reduce the possibility of unreliable actions at your reception. That said, if both options have a history of being consistently good, then there should not be any disappointments.
Well it looks like both options have their pros and cons but are great when worked into the type of reception you are planning to have. If you still can’t decide which of the two to go for? Simple solution: Use both a Live Band and a DJ! You can use the DJ to play that special song at the correct time. Examples are when the couple is dancing into the reception, during your first dance as a couple, for the Father-Daughter dance etc. The live band can perform for the ‘Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!’ item on the program then the DJ can take over at some point or not.
The fact is both of the above choices are great. It really comes down to your own preference and desires for your wedding reception.
So tell us dear readers, which would you prefer: Live band or DJ or both?
Contributed by MissTC
both