mrs2be.ie

[2012cantwait]

Band or DJ only?!

We're doing so well on planning so far except for deciding if we want to have a band or go for DJ only. To be honest we were all set on DJ only but it's other people's opinions that are swaying us - a lot seem to think the reception will be too long with DJ only, or that it will be an awkward switch from the dinner to dancing.

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on this, especially anyone who's gone DJ only themselves! And any recommendations would be great.

Thanks for reading!

[Lorraine78]

Hi,we booked our dj last weekend.He told us he did a wedding the day before and the couple didn't have a band.The couple requested 3 songs from each guest on their invites,and the dj said the floor was full all night.I booked a band too,but i felt it was the norm.I think a dj only wedding is a great idea,plus it free's up a lot of money to put towards something else.

[digitalleigh]

Hiya! I'm from America and back home, DJ's are the norm. People who get bands are usually having a super up-scale / elegant affair (posh! posh! posh!). I'm excited to have a band (and dj) for our Dublin wedding. It will be normal for all of the groom's family & friends, but will probably blow my side away!

I think if you can find a good deal and you're one for the live entertainment experience, go for it! It's your wedding day, the biggest celebration of your life. If you're not too bothered, a good DJ will certainly keep the dance floor busy.

Good luck!

[bingowings]

Although I am going down the band route I've heard of plenty of people going for DJ only and it's just as good as a band. If you get a really good DJ it shouldn't make a difference. Think of it this way, when you go to a disco (I know I know that sounds like something my mother would say) all you have is a DJ and if the music is good then the floor is full all night. You weren't too bothered until people starting saying it to you so prove them wrong and show them DJ only can be just as good. This is the problem when you start telling people what you are planning to do, you just get too many opinions, I learned that the hard way. Now I tell people this is booked and this is what I am doing and I don't get as many opinions!

[MyGirlLollipop]

Band or DJ only?!
To be honest we were all set on DJ only but it's other people's opinions that are swaying us

This is what I don't get. I've been to plenty of weddings where I didn't enjoy every single aspect, but it's not about what the guests want, it's about the bride and groom's preferences. Sure how would you please everyone?! At the end of the day its your wedding and you should do it your way!

Also any good Dj will ask the bride and groom for a play list of what songs they want to give him idea of their taste. Also they shoulde be able to judge the crowd and play to suit.

Best of luck with your decision

[sam-4-bob]

We are having a band and dj but just because we see it as the "norm". We were at a wedding last summer which was dj only and you would never know, because he played the odd waltz or two to keep to older crowd happy. I think its the older guests that have a problem with dj only , the minute they hear dj all they say is "ohhh the noise". But in fairness the band are just as loud if not louder than the dj. I think its more a case of people thinking the dj might play "dance music" all night which im sure is not the case. Sorry if thats a bit hard to understand I wasnt on a bit of a ramble. Also think of the money you will save . As the other posters said you cant please everyone, so do what you want, its your wedding

[Irish Wedding DJ]

The key to having dj only as your primary type of entertainment is identifying early on who your guests are and what they might favour for the evening. A few questions usually answers it for you:

How old are your guests, older guests prefer live entertainment where a mixed or younger audience will appreciate a dj as much as live music because you are constantly changing. Time of year is a factor to take in also, as people take a little longer in Summer to get going because it's bright later in the day. If you leaning toward a more mature audience - then the band might be for you..

Having dj only is a good way of offering a versatile entertainment option to your guests, as djs can adapt straight to a crowd. I wouldn't be worrying about the dancing, once you have good music, your guests will dance anyway and most djs will offer you a consultation where they will meet and discuss the music so their service to you is more personal.

Being a good DJ is knowing the events that work well for you, and I have advised a few couples in past that the band option is better for them, because its a one-of chance to make that persons day and you have to be able to judge what might be better instead of punching above your weight...

I hope this helps, good luck with your search . . . if any of you have any questions, i'd be glad to answer on any of the above..

Ruairi Finnegan
www.irishweddingdj.com

[2012cantwait]

This is what I don't get. I've been to plenty of weddings where I didn't enjoy every single aspect, but it's not about what the guests want, it's about the bride and groom's preferences. Sure how would you please everyone?! At the end of the day its your wedding and you should do it your way!

I absolutely agree in theory but as we all know, it's so easy to start thinking that your reception will be a bust when people start in with their opinions!

Some really excellent points there, thank you all very much - we're going to stick with our original plan! Love the suggestion to ask for requests