So, you are having a party. Planning can be tough, but one area that can make it easier is whether to hire a Disc Jockey or to book a band. While pretty much everything else you do has many choices, this area only has 2 options. Do you want live music or listen to recordings that you and all of your guests hear all day, every day? There are benefits to each choice, but live music is ultimately the better option.
Many folks have opted to use a DJ, simply because it is easier. They show up with their equipment, have several hundred songs to play, usually in a variety of genres and unless they are brand new, they are usually fine for most occasions. The biggest challenge with this choice is that your DJ is limited to only the music he/she brings with them. Many times, with a diverse aged group of people, they will not have songs that your guests may wish to hear.
Booking a live band offers other options that can make your party the function of the year!! A live band brings more flavor and more opportunities than just having songs played. When you hire a band, especially if they are familiar with the type of function you are planning, they will likely be more prepared and have more of the songs in their repertoire than a Disc Jockey.
The theme of your party has usually been fairly thought out. Your DJ may or may not have music to accommodate this choice. Most of the time, they have several hundred commonly played songs to make it through the day. Depending on the type of music you wish played, there are always live musicians who will accommodate your wishes.
Let us compare how your party will differ with live music. Although a DJ can act as a Master of Ceremonies, the leader of the band is more likely to be able to lead your party. There is a different sound quality and performance level with live music, as you may be listening to the next winner of American Idol, in lieu of hearing the original artist sing a song your guests have listened to thousands of times on the radio. The live band may have different and entertaining arrangements of songs that have been or are current hits and your guests will enjoy the diversity.
Costs will definitely be different. One DJ will surely be less expensive than hiring a band. However, the diversity of live music will overshadow the differences in cost. The Disc Jockey may act as a Master of Ceremonies for you, but the leader of the band can be that and much more.
If budget is a major hurdle, you may be limited with your choices and perhaps a DJ will be less expensive, but the overall performance and appreciation from your guests will justify the additional expense. Consider if there are times when songs are being done as part of the party. In other words, perhaps a first dance or introductions. A live band will be able to handle all of those circumstances easier than constantly interrupting a recording.
If you book a band, the party will have an entirely different flavor. Perhaps the next winner of American Idol will be tearing up every song. The lead guitar may be the next Eric Clapton and the drummer may be as entertaining as Ringo Starr. This is the personality of your party, so make your choice wisely and everyone will have a great time, while you dance the night away knowing that you made the best choice!!