Ideally, you will want to see a DJ or music band in action before you commit so that you can gauge firsthand the way they dress and work the crowd. If that's not a possibility, ask for a playlist, and look for songs you know and love. If a band gives you a CD, cassette, or video, be sure that the musicians you hear or see are the same musicians who will play at your reception. Also, ask for referrals from the last few weddings the band or DJ played. Consider your first-dance song a test. If the band doesn't know it and is unwilling to learn it, or the DJ doesn't own it and is unwilling to get it, move on.
Wedding Music Band?
There's nothing like a live wedding band to get a crowd stoked and create a sense of sophistication. Music groups can synergize with the tone of your wedding and almost any niche theme. A good music band leader will play the master of ceremonies at your reception if you want him to interact with folks on the dance floor, pay attention to the "feel" of the room, and select music accordingly.
Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experience the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn section interlude to a moving solo. Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand.
Wedding DJs?
Don't fear the DJ Music. The days of disco fever and flashing lights are gone. Today's Disc Jockeys are artists in their own right, offering balanced and eclectic mixes of musical styles for all ages. Plus, the songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, encouraging sing along and improvisation. And, depending on the amount of equipment a DJ brings, she'll take up less dance floor real estate and can be relocated with relative ease. If there are a dozen songs you're dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won't be a problem for your DJ to find each good music track. Also, DJs are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a DJ with a less than stellar personality can be a party killer. Also, improvisation is tough if, say, your dad is dragging behind tempo on the father-daughter dance or your nieces and nephews decide to crash the chicken dance.
