Save On Wedding Music: Band Vs. Dj

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and music is often one of the biggest costs. However, there are several ways to save money on a wedding band or DJ without sacrificing sound or style. Firstly, consider the size of the band. Opting for a smaller band with fewer musicians and instruments can significantly reduce costs. Alternatively, hiring a DJ is usually a more affordable option than a live band, and they can still create a fun atmosphere for your guests. If you're set on having a band, look into booking for only part of the event or asking about DJ packages to cover the ceremony and cocktail hour. Booking during off-peak dates or weekdays can also bring down costs. For those on a tight budget, creating your own playlist and renting a sound system is a cost-effective option, although it will require more time and effort.

Opt for a DJ instead of a band

If you're looking to save money on music for your wedding, opting for a DJ instead of a live band can be a great option. Here's why:

Cost-Effectiveness

DJs tend to be a more affordable option compared to hiring a live band. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, in 2016, couples spent an average of $1,245 on a wedding DJ, while the average cost of a band was $4,156. This difference in cost is mainly due to the number of people you're hiring and the need to pay for specialty sound equipment for bands.

Flexibility

DJs often offer package deals, where they can play music at both your ceremony and cocktail hour, or even the after-party. This flexibility can save you money, as you won't need to hire separate entertainment for each part of your wedding.

Less Space and Setup Required

DJs usually require less space and setup time compared to a band, which can save you money on venue costs and setup fees. They also tend to be more adaptable to different venues and spaces, ensuring a seamless experience for your guests.

Variety of Music

With a DJ, you can expect a wide range of music to cater to different tastes. They often have an extensive music library, allowing them to play popular tunes from various decades to engage guests of all ages. This versatility means you won't need to worry about pleasing everyone with a limited musical selection.

Customization

DJs can easily customize their sets to match your preferences and the vibe you want to create. They can also take requests from your guests, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.

Reliability

When you hire a DJ, you can rest assured that they will be the ones performing at your wedding. With bands, there is always a chance that one of the members might get sick or become unavailable, which could impact the overall performance.

So, if you're looking to save money and want a flexible, reliable, and customizable music option for your wedding, opting for a DJ instead of a band is a great choice!

Choose a smaller band

Opting for a smaller band is a great way to save money on your wedding music. The fewer people in the band, the less you'll have to pay. A smaller band also means less equipment to pay for.

While you may be set on a 12-piece band, consider whether a band of eight or even six musicians and vocalists could offer the same experience. According to Harris Lane, founder of Hank Lane Music and Productions, "There are bands that can work in a five- to six-piece capacity and sound just as great as a 12-piece band."

You can also save by scaling down the size of the band for your ceremony music. Instead of a trio or quartet, opt for a professional soloist or duo.

If you're set on having a band at your reception, ask about hiring one or two members for the ceremony. Because they're already going to be at your wedding, they may charge less than you would pay for a separate ensemble.

Book during off-peak dates

Wedding bands and DJs can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. One way to significantly reduce costs is to book during off-peak dates.

The time of year and day of the week can have a considerable impact on the fees charged by wedding bands and DJs. Typically, demand for bands and DJs is much higher during the summer months and on Fridays and Saturdays, so they will be more expensive during these peak times.

If you book your wedding band or DJ for an off-peak date, such as a weekday wedding in February, you will likely benefit from lower rates. Wedding vendors will often have more availability during these less popular booking dates, so you may also have more options to choose from.

It is worth noting that costs can vary widely based on location, so it is always a good idea to research the average costs of wedding bands and DJs in your specific area. Additionally, it is generally recommended to book your wedding band or DJ at least eight months in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of potential early bird discounts.

By being strategic about the timing of your wedding and booking your band or DJ during an off-peak date, you can save money while still enjoying great music and entertainment on your special day.

Rent equipment

Renting equipment is a great way to save money on your wedding band or DJ. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Determine your needs: Before renting any equipment, it's best to call the rental company to discuss your specific needs. They can guide you on the type and amount of equipment required for your event.
• Packages: Consider renting equipment as part of a package deal. Companies often offer packages that include everything you need for your event, such as speakers, subwoofers, microphones, mixers, and DJ booths. This can be more cost-effective than renting individual items.
• Delivery and setup: Find out if delivery, setup, and strike (removal) services are included in the rental price. Some companies may offer these services for an additional fee, while others include them in their packages.
• Early deliveries and late returns: If you need equipment for an extended period, ask about early deliveries and late returns. Many rental companies can accommodate 24/7 rental periods to ensure you have the equipment when you need it.
• Deposit and booking: Be prepared to pay a deposit to reserve your rentals. Booking in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons, is recommended to ensure equipment availability.
• Payment methods: Understand the accepted payment methods for the rental company. Most companies accept cash, checks, or major credit cards.
• Service area: Confirm that the rental company services your desired event location. Some companies may have restrictions on their service areas.
• Microphone types: Decide between wired and wireless microphones based on your event's needs. Wired microphones are suitable when the speaker remains in one spot, while wireless options offer more flexibility for moving speakers or passing the mic to the audience.
• Mixers: Consider renting a mixer if you need to connect multiple speakers to a laptop or other audio source. Mixers allow you to control the sound levels of different audio inputs.
• Other rental options: In addition to sound equipment, rental companies may offer pipe and drape setups, projectors and screens, outdoor movie equipment, and virtual event gear. These can be useful for weddings with unique themes or requirements.

Be your own DJ

Being your own DJ is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pull it off:

Step 1: Decide on Your Equipment

First, choose a software or playlist app for your music. Popular options include Apple Music and Spotify, which offer unlimited streaming options for a small monthly fee. These services provide access to a vast library of songs and allow you to make your playlists available offline. Alternatively, you can use smartphone apps like The Music Concierge to create your playlists.

Next, consider your amplification system. A good wedding DJ ensures that the music is properly amplified and monitors sound levels to ensure everyone can hear. Look into renting a sound system or purchasing one if you think you'll reuse it. Another option is to borrow equipment from friends or family; someone might know someone in a band!

Step 2: Choose Your Music

Spend time during your engagement collecting songs that are must-plays at your reception. Create multiple playlists and add songs to them whenever you hear something that stands out. Spotify has a variety of pre-made playlists that can provide inspiration and help you discover new songs. Remember, being your own DJ gives you full control over the music, so feel free to include that quirky song that reminds you of your partner!

When selecting music, keep in mind that you'll likely want different playlists for different parts of the wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. Choose songs that match the mood and vibe of each part of the event. For example, the dinner playlist should focus on pleasant background music that's easy to talk over, while the dance playlist should be full of upbeat, danceable tunes.

Step 3: Edit and Finalise Your Playlists

After collecting songs, you'll likely have a lot of music to work with. It's now time to prune your playlists and create a smooth flow between songs. One method is to use scorecards labelled 1, 2, and 3 ("meh", "ok, sure", and "YAS!") to rate each song with your partner. Songs that receive a total of 5 or 6 points make it into the final playlist, while songs with a rating of 2 or 3 are deleted.

When creating your playlists, be mindful of the overall flow and energy. You'll want a mix of quiet and romantic moments, energetic moments, and a build-up to a crescendo. Cut songs down to shorter lengths (2-4 minutes) to match dancers' attention spans and use the crossfade feature to eliminate long transitions between songs.

Step 4: Assign a Music Captain

While DIYing your wedding music, consider assigning a ""music captain" to handle the day-of logistics. This person will ensure the sound equipment is set up, queue up the various playlists, and guard the playing device from rogue guest DJs. Ideally, the music captain is tech-savvy and has a good working knowledge of music and sound technology. They can also act as the emcee for the night, making announcements and ensuring the microphone is in the right hands at the right moments.

Step 5: Have a Backup Plan

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so always have a backup plan. Have the number of a local professional you can call last minute, and write down locations of nearby electronic stores in case of equipment emergencies.

Step 6: Do a Final Sound Check

Arrive at the venue early on the day of the wedding to do a final sound check and ensure the equipment is set up correctly. Once the party starts, it will be challenging to adjust the equipment without disrupting the flow.

Frequently asked questions