Music at weddings sets the mood for the entire event. This might be hiring a string quartet to play processional music at the ceremony, or hiring a DJ to create a fun party atmosphere. Many couples do not realize how much music plays a part in their wedding. The entire day is filled with some type of music starting with the wedding ceremony, following background music for the cocktail hour, the wedding party entrance dance, the dinner reception, and most importantly lively dance music to keep the party going all night long!

Depending on your venue space you may want to consider the pros and cons of hiring a DJ or a live band. Here are some things to consider:

• If your wedding venue is indoors or outdoors. Will the equipment be covered if it rains? Is the venue equipped with enough circuits? (The Preston Barn has FOUR!)

• Is the reception space large enough to accommodate a live band? They tend to take more space than a DJ. Consider your venue capacity and guest count!

• All sites may have a sound ordinance. What are the rules at your venue? Are there doors that can be closed for a later reception? (We have that too!)

These are all things to keep in mind when choosing the right entertainment for your wedding day and as you read through this guide to choosing a DJ or a band.

At the Preston Barn, we offer ample dance floor space in our rustic yet modern barn reception area. Our venue is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 220 guests and still have enough room for musicians or a DJ to set up. The Preston Barn offers tall vaulted ceilings with ambient lighting options and gorgeous wooden floors that create the perfect atmosphere for dancing. Current wedding trends are about keeping the party going all night long and what better way to do that than to have incredible music throughout the entire wedding day? So what do you choose?

Wedding DJ 

When considering the pros and cons of the type of musical entertainment to have at your wedding, it’s important to consider your wedding budget. If you are on a tighter budget, hiring a DJ might be the best cost-effective option. 

Hiring a DJ for your wedding compared to a live band offers more versatility. Your DJ can choose from any genre of music that fits your personality. Depending on the wedding atmosphere, they can choose songs that will encourage the guests to stay on the dance floor. 

DJs usually also offer a lighting package and other bells and whistles to increase the level of entertainment. Some bands may offer this as well, but it could be more limited. 

Live Wedding Band 

Live music offers a unique one-of-a-kind experience that enhances any wedding. No matter the type of music played, everyone gets excited when they hear a live band or string quartet. It adds an extra element of surprise, excitement, and entertainment. There’s just something about a live singer or sax player walking into the crowd and hyping them up! 

It’s like going to a concert! So if you are a fan of live music and going to shows, this might just be the vibe you are looking for.

On the flipside, bands often have a set amount of songs that they can play and sometimes offer only one type of genre such as country, pop, rock & roll, big band, etc. When hiring a live band, consider having backup options for when the musicians need to take a break (many bands do include a DJ for that).

As we mentioned earlier, bands are usually more costly. This is because bands usually have more people in them, and they each have to make their fair share. If you have the budget and you want the live band experience, we say it’s worth it!

Best of Both Worlds!

If you're still having a difficult time choosing between the two, you may want to consider hiring both for your wedding. Some venues are seeing a trend in couples hiring a live band and a DJ or asking a talented friend or family member to sing and or play a musical instrument at the reception. 

There are several options when hiring both types of entertainment. One option is to hire a live band or small orchestra for the first half of the wedding. This includes the processional wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception dinner. The DJ can then step in to get the party atmosphere started and continue throughout the night.

Make sure before hiring a band and a DJ that they are comfortable working together to create a continuous flow of music throughout the day. Also, it’s a good idea to hear a sample of their work and to get recommendations before booking, especially for live entertainment. 

Wedding music is a tradition that will always hold an important role. Couples have the opportunity to choose the type of musical entertainment they want at their weddings to fit their unique personalities. A wedding DJ offers versatility and a live band creates a one-of-a-kind experience. When choosing between a DJ or a live band, consider the wedding budget, venue space, and the type of music you would enjoy listening and dancing to at your wedding. 

At The Preston Barn, we encourage our couples to explore both musical options. Our venue can fully accommodate live music or a DJ for the ceremony and reception. We would like to invite you to schedule a tour to see our beautiful grounds, rustic country barn reception space, and historic accommodations.