When it comes to planning your wedding, few decisions are as important, or as fun, as the entertainment. The music sets the tone for the entire celebration, whether exchanging views, sharing your first dance or filling the dance floor.
One of the biggest questions couples face ahead of their special day is whether to hire a live band or a DJ. Each has its own unique charms and the choice depends on your personal taste, style and the wedding you hope to create.
We caught up with Cassien band lead and Music Marmalade developer, Jack Kane to get his expertise on the pros and cons of bands and DJs.
Energy and space
Let’s first consider energy. Jack says that hiring a live band can bring a unique and dynamic vibe to your wedding and notes that there’s something about hearing live music that can make moments from throughout your big day even more memorable and special. Bands can fill a space with sound, as they are physically producing the vibrations to get your party started, and they can also engage directly with your guests, adapting to their style, be it starting the dance floor or creating an elegant ambiance.
A band however could have limited song selection. While they can play an excellent range of songs, they may not be able to replicate your family favourites or girls night classics. A DJ is likely to have a more extensive music range and are able to tailor the experience based on the time of day. They can also create a playlist ahead of time that will appeal to all guests, despite different ages, cultures and interests.
But which is best for you?
Aside from the above reasoning, Jack says the decision can come down to a few simple priorities.
- Budget: If you’re working with a tight budget, a DJ is often the more affordable option.
- Space: Consider your venue size and the amount of room available for the entertainment setup. Bands may need more space and a larger setup but can be more visually impactful.
- Music style: If you have a particular genre in mind, think about whether a live band can cover it or if a DJ’s versatility will suit your needs better.
- Energy and atmosphere: If you want high-energy performances and a live concert feel, a band could be the way to go. If you’re not too fussed on this and want to prioritise a versatile range of songs, a DJ is a great choice.
- Guest experience: If you want your guests to have the chance to request songs or hear a wide variety of music, a DJ will have the flexibility to meet those needs. On the other hand, if you’d like to include traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing as part of your big day, a band can really add to this atmosphere with live music bringing this element of your wedding to life.
To explore wedding entertainment options available to you, plan your visit to the upcoming Scottish Wedding Show, taking place 22-23 February 2025 and buy tickets on our website now. You can contact Cassien here - https://www.cassienband.com/ and Music Marmalade here - https://musicmarmalade.com/
Follow The Scottish Wedding Show on social for more inspiration:
https://www.facebook.com/thescottishweddingshow
