Cover Band or DJ at a Wedding Reception?

I prefer DJ, though I do love a good 80's cover band!

I have never been to a wedding with anything other than a DJ.

I prefer a DJ. I like that you can get all music bases covered.

If money is a concern, a live band is one of the last places I'd splurge. But I think they're nice if you can have one. I've heard of some people who hire the band for the dinner and early dancing, and then when everyone is nicely toasted and grandma goes home and the real party starts, they switch to a DJ.

It's funny, I really don't like receptions with live bands or DJs. They music is always so loud that no one can talk. So here you are with a big group of people who you'd love to talk to, but you can't hear to talk to them.

Wow, I sound really old.....

My daughter wants a DJ because she likes to listen to the songs by the original artist -- she just doesn't like covers very much. She absolutely loves wedding music by DJs.
I've been to four weddings in the last 8 months. Three had DJs and everyone danced like crazy. One had a band and everyone danced like crazy.

I think people are so happy to party and celebrate at weddings after missing so many during Covid (three of my nephews ended up eloping during covid and didn't have their big planned receptions.)

We picked DJ.. mainly cheaper but thought there would be more options on music than a live band.

I prefer a DJ. because they can offer a large quantity of songs options.

If I were hiring a DJ, I would want >> no *make people dance* games << written into the contract.
The last three weddings I have been to, the DJ did a game (no idea why this is a thing) of pass the napkin, pass a dollar, and I forget what the third thing was (vaguely recalling a spoon).

After all the official dances are done (Bride and Groom, Wedding couple and Parents, Bridal party, etc...), the DJ plays the game...I think it's to help get the guests up to start off the evening of dancing.
At each table >> Pass, pass, pass, pass for five minutes until the music stops, whomever is left holding the passed object has to go to the dance floor with the other object holders from the other tables and dance.

This kind of thing puts an introvert and anyone who doesn't like the spotlight on them....in an awkward position.
The last Wedding(years ago pre-pandemic) I attended..... the table-mate lady whom I had just met and was sitting across from me, ended up with the object and was being summoned (DJ was calling her out....come dollar holder at table 2, get on up here!! ).
When we sat down, with our assigned table-mates, I opened with "hello, how does everyone know the Bride and Groom....I know xxxx, from xxxx" and we all shared how we knew the guests of honor.
I had already sensed that the one who ended up with the object was shy, reserved and introverted. With the DJ calling her out, I could see panic in her eyes and on her face and no one else at the table was volunteering to go....so I said I'll do it. I saw the relief on her face and she said thank you. So off I went to the dance floor (I don't care if I make a fool of my no-rhythm self out there, because it's all in good silly fun). 

These type of games that DJ does,  to get the guests up dancing are cheesy, awkward and insensitive to introverts.
Just announce the "dance floor is now open for the Wedding guests to dance", those who like to dance (even if they don't dance good...like me) will get out there.

The vast majority of weddings I have been to have had DJs.  I have been to a handful with bands and they have been fun, a couple REALLY fun, but unless you really know what you are getting and have the money, I think a DJ is perfectly fine.

I have also been to two wedding receptions with string performers, and maybe three or so (that I can think of) without any music (one very conservative Lutheran that do not believe in dancing, one for a couple of poor young kids who had it in the church basement, and an older couple who just had brunch afterwards for a small wedding group (music over the venue's speaker though I think)

I prefer a DJ. The last wedding I was at had a good cover band but it was so loud you couldn’t even carry on a conversation. But I’m older so take that with a grain of salt. 😄

They still have cover bands at weddings? Like in The Wedding Singer? I haven't ever seen one in person.

A DJ can bring all kinds of music. The one at my cousin's wedding was incredible--I tipped him myself he was so good. Didn't once hear anything I hate.

The one at my own wedding tried playing country and I had to shut him down and give him my own CDs to play. Now of course they don't need the CDs if someone wants something obscure.

DJ all the way.

auntkelly - I think I would prefer the band, in part because they do take breaks. That allows some time without all the loud music to just talk and visit with all the guests. If there is a dj which plays pretty much constantly, then I think it's nice is there is an area set up away from the music for people to be able to visit and hear.



This was the wedding that we had 46 years ago - and all of my friends/family did as well.  Small town, no country club or big fancy venues for weddings with bands.  

I really think you can't go wrong.  I had a band because I wanted jazz/standards and I think a live band lends itself well to that.

The DJ we just hired for DD’s wedding said this very thing. He also will not play any music that is not bride & groom approved.

He will also follow a schedule and initiate the 1st dance, cake cutting and anything else they want.