So, you're planning your "big day," and so far you've compiled your guest list (closest friends and family only, thanks), decided who will be in your wedding party, even picked your venue... let's say... The Waterworks, for example....
The next big question to ask yourself is, what do you do about music? Mainly, should you hire a live band or a DJ? Now, I am by no means a "wedding coordinator," but I at least feel that I can give some advice on music. So, what I hope to do in the remainder of this post, is to offer some pros and cons of both, and make some recommendations on a few live bands, if you choose to go that route for your big day!
Pros and Cons
Live Band
Pros
- There is nothing like live music - it will likely encourage more of your guests to dance all evening long.
- A live band will sound more vibrant and bring energy that is lacking in pre-recorded music.
- Hiring a band that specializes in a specific genre can easily accommodate a themed reception.
- There is nothing like live music - it will likely encourage more of your guests to dance all evening long.
- A live band will sound more vibrant and bring energy that is lacking in pre-recorded music.
- Hiring a band that specializes in a specific genre can easily accommodate a themed reception.
Cons
- Generally, live bands cost more than a DJ (as in thousands of dollars compared to hundreds).
- A band's repertoire of music may be somewhat limited.
- Most bands will have to take a break (however, any good band will typically be prepared to play pre-recorded music in between sets).
- Generally, live bands cost more than a DJ (as in thousands of dollars compared to hundreds).
- A band's repertoire of music may be somewhat limited.
- Most bands will have to take a break (however, any good band will typically be prepared to play pre-recorded music in between sets).
DJ
Pros
- Generally, a DJ will be more affordable than a live band.
- Most DJs have an unlimited selection of music, and will typically accept requests.
- Most DJs don't take breaks, therefore you would have continuous music throughout the reception.
- Generally, a DJ will be more affordable than a live band.
- Most DJs have an unlimited selection of music, and will typically accept requests.
- Most DJs don't take breaks, therefore you would have continuous music throughout the reception.
Cons
- It may take longer to get guests to dance with a DJ.
- A DJ may play all the songs on your playlist, but will not come close to providing the energy of a live band.
- A DJ may not be able to set the same "mood" or fit as well into a specific theme, if you have one.
- It may take longer to get guests to dance with a DJ.
- A DJ may play all the songs on your playlist, but will not come close to providing the energy of a live band.
- A DJ may not be able to set the same "mood" or fit as well into a specific theme, if you have one.
This is just my abbreviated list of "Pros and Cons"--for a more substantive discussion on the issues, The Knot has a nice article on its website about choosing a live band vs. a DJ. Of course, you don't necessarily have to choose one or the other... if your budget allows, you could always do some kind of combination!
My Recommendations
If you are considering hiring a live band in the Philadelphia area, depending on the type of music you are going for, I would like to highly recommend a couple of bands.
If you are interested in a mix of big band and swing music for your big day, check out Jump City Jazz Orchestra, an 18-piece big band that has been performing at events in the Delaware Valley since 1994.
To give you an idea, Jump City's song list includes: The WWI-era sounds of Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and Count Basie, Songs from the 50s and 60s from Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton, and jump swing pieces of modern artists like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Vooddoo Daddy. They also have talented vocalists who perform songs of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and others!
If you are more interested in music that spans all decades and genres, and a lot of great energy, consider hiring Chico's Vibe, the Philadelphia area's "Premiere Party Band."
The Vibe, a 9-piece band (featuring an awesome dancing horn section, see above photo) was voted "Best Live Band" by the Main Line Times. If you'd like to see the band for yourself, check out the schedule on their website for a list of upcoming free live performances. A sample of their music (some of my personal favorites...) follows:
Al Green "Let's Stay Together"
B-52's "Love Shack"
B-52's "Love Shack"
Barry White "My First, Last, My Everything"
Chicago "Saturday in the Park"
Earth Wind & Fire "September"
Etta James "At Last"
Frank Sinatra "The Way You Look Tonight"
Michael Buble "Save the Last Dance for Me"
Michael Buble "Save the Last Dance for Me"
...I could go on, but go ahead and check out their song list for yourself!
Of course there are tons of other bands out there, but I have to give my favorites a special plug here. Also, I'll admit I'm a little biased, and there is almost no question that I will have a live band perform at my wedding... whenever that day shall come! Whatever you decide, I hope your day is filled with great music!
Musically yours,
Tina
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