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Post by auntkelly on Feb 2, 2023 15:44:43 GMT
Do you prefer a cover band or a DJ at a wedding reception? My daughter is getting married this spring and she and her fiancee opted for a DJ over a band. I always thought people choose a DJ over a band because it is cheaper, but my daughter and her fiancé opted for a DJ because they said cover bands generally just play classics from the eighties and nineties, while a DJ can play rock, pop, hip hop, rap, etc.
It's their party, so I'm fine w/ their decision to hire a DJ but I was surprised that they actually preferred a DJ over live music.
I personally love dancing to a fun band at a wedding reception. What is your preference?
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Post by mom on Feb 2, 2023 15:47:31 GMT
I prefer DJ, though I do love a good 80's cover band!
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217
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Jun 25, 2014 22:52:26 GMT
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Post by psiluvu on Feb 2, 2023 15:55:09 GMT
DJ for sure, IMO. Much easier to cover all genres of music with a DJ than a band. A DJ can also keep the tunes spinning while taking a break, while a band doesn't. Easier to make requests of a DJ too.
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Post by littlemama on Feb 2, 2023 16:14:09 GMT
I have never been to a wedding with anything other than a DJ.
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Post by maryland on Feb 2, 2023 16:31:32 GMT
I prefer DJ too. My family (including three kids ages 19-25) love all types of music from all the decades and jazz, hip hop/rap! Have a great time at the wedding!
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Post by malibou on Feb 2, 2023 17:25:06 GMT
I prefer a DJ. I like that you can get all music bases covered.
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Post by GamGam on Feb 2, 2023 17:57:29 GMT
The wedding reception/dinner of my grandson featured a band. The bride’s choice. And it was so nice. I have never enjoyed dancing at a wedding reception before, but this was so much fun and everyone was dancing: grandparents and bridal party and friends of all ages. Really fun. The band/vocalist were so smooth. Now this doesn’t help you, auntkelly if your daughter wants a DJ. And sounds like you have experience with fun receptions, so I am sure it will be perfect. But, we are on alert, and expect lots of photos 😄
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Post by Merge on Feb 2, 2023 17:59:47 GMT
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.
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Post by myshelly on Feb 2, 2023 18:02:21 GMT
I think DJs are better at keeping the party going. They can see what the crowd likes and customize/update/change the playlist on the spot to keep the energy up, get people on the dance floor, etc.
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Post by tuva42 on Feb 2, 2023 18:25:35 GMT
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.....
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Post by piebaker on Feb 2, 2023 19:09:48 GMT
We had a DJ who was a neighbor and mostly everyone danced.
The last wedding we attended had a band composed of musician friends of the newlyweds and it was great fun. The reception room was large because of COVID protocols and the music wasn't too loud.
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maryannscraps
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Post by maryannscraps on Feb 2, 2023 19:14:32 GMT
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.)
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SweetieBsMom
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Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Feb 2, 2023 19:21:12 GMT
I prefer DJ, though I do love a good 80's cover band!
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 2, 2023 19:28:09 GMT
We picked DJ.. mainly cheaper but thought there would be more options on music than a live band.
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 2, 2023 19:31:56 GMT
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..... LOL I never heard of going to a reception without bands or DJs.. isn't that what a reception is all about? (not trying to be snarky).. but I can't imagine going to a wedding reception with no music or some dancing.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Feb 2, 2023 19:33:01 GMT
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.
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Post by busy on Feb 2, 2023 19:39:39 GMT
I prefer a good DJ, they are great at playing a mix that can be fun and engaging for everyone, especially across generations.
This is assuming we’re going for a party, dancing atmosphere at the reception.
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The Great Carpezio
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Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 2, 2023 19:42:28 GMT
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)
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Post by MsChiff on Feb 2, 2023 20:35:06 GMT
We prefer a band. We love live music and love supporting them. We had a band at our wedding and the band played great music and included every generation. I was surprised that we received so many compliments on having a band rather than a DJ. Regardless which is chosen, it's important to make sure you get a GREAT band or DJ. I'm a firm believer that the two places to splurge at a wedding are the food and the music (if you choose to have dancing). Those are the two things people will remember most. We attended a wedding a couple of years ago where the DJ was SO loud and obnoxious. I couldn't wait to leave. I agree with ScrappinMyLife; regardless which is chosen, do NOT have them play any ridiculous games that single people out. Also, people want to dance and have fun at a wedding, not watch the bride and groom play a stupid game. One thing I loved about a wedding I attended last year was that at the end of the wedding, they asked everyone to clear out so the bride and groom could have one last dance together; I thought that was so sweet and special. While they were dancing we were outside getting sparklers and we lined up and "sparkled" the path for the newlyweds exit from the venue (although I couldn't help wonder how wise it was to give a bunch of drunk people lighted sparklers : :
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
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Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Feb 2, 2023 20:36:54 GMT
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. 😄
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Post by MsChiff on Feb 2, 2023 20:38:30 GMT
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..... LOL I never heard of going to a reception without bands or DJs.. isn't that what a reception is all about? (not trying to be snarky).. but I can't imagine going to a wedding reception with no music or some dancing. I've attended weddings where the reception consisted of cake and punch in the church and people socialized rather than were entertained. I've also been to cookout/barbeque weddings that had socialization and games rather than music and dancing. I also attended a wedding where the food was appetizers and the music was a string quartet; again, no dancing. There are many ways to have a reception and all can be fun and memorable.
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Post by Zee on Feb 2, 2023 20:38:38 GMT
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.
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 2, 2023 20:45:32 GMT
I prefer a DJ. We've been to a few with cover bands (admittedly a while ago), and the bands played really one or two genres of music. The couple generally loved the band, but I don't think they do as good of a job with the audience as a DJ.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Feb 2, 2023 20:55:11 GMT
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. LOL I never heard of going to a reception without bands or DJs.. isn't that what a reception is all about? (not trying to be snarky).. but I can't imagine going to a wedding reception with no music or some dancing.I've attended weddings where the reception consisted of cake and punch in the church and people socialized rather than were entertained. 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.
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peabay
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Post by peabay on Feb 2, 2023 20:58:34 GMT
My dd is getting married in May; she and her fiance are very picky about music and went with a DJ who they liked a lot.
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Post by epeanymous on Feb 2, 2023 21:02:20 GMT
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.
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
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Post by anniebeth24 on Feb 2, 2023 21:28:56 GMT
One reason DS and his bride chose a DJ was space limitations at their venue. A band's setup would have really shrunk their dance floor.
As part of their online RSVP, they asked guests to make a song request. They took that info and compiled a loose suggestion list for the DJ.
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teddyw
Drama Llama
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Jun 29, 2014 1:56:04 GMT
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Post by teddyw on Feb 2, 2023 21:35:10 GMT
I think DJs are better at keeping the party going. They can see what the crowd likes and customize/update/change the playlist on the spot to keep the energy up, get people on the dance floor, etc. 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.
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CeeScraps
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Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
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Post by CeeScraps on Feb 2, 2023 21:55:18 GMT
My niece did a cool thing....at least I thought it was neat! They put together the songs that they liked on a playlist. One of the grooms men and bridesmaid's played dj.
It was fun as they gave a little background on various songs that were played. It was fun to get an insight into their dating life. They included songs that their parents liked too. They also had talked to the parents and gotten background on those songs too.
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Post by katiescarlett on Feb 2, 2023 21:58:12 GMT
I prefer live music. DH and I love to dance to country music and had a band we followed when we were dating. When we got married 23 years ago this month we hired that band that was playing on our first date to play at our reception.
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