I didn't put this thread in the music section because it's not exactly a discussion about music. I want to ask everyone what they think about bands vs. a DJ at wedding receptions.

I myself tend to look at live music as inherently better than recordings. But at the same time, I'm a bit of a snob. I don't want just any cookie-cutter, generic band. I think getting a band that is just going to play someone else's songs is kind of lame. At that point it seems like you might as well have a DJ because then at least you know what the music will sound like, and there will be no chance of a poor performance (at least musically).

So the reason I'm posing this question is I had the idea of hiring a band I like to play the reception at our wedding. They are a very good band, whose music I think can appeal to a wide range of people. However, they play music that might seem unusual to our guests. They are an instrumental band made up of violin, bass, accordion, and drums. They play a mixture of styles, that often comes across as sounding eastern European, or like klezmer music (gypsy music to grossly simplify). Rebecca and her mother are concerned that a performance from this band might seem more like a sit-down concert than a dance party, which is more what we want. I think that much of this band's music is danceable, but i think they Rebecca rightly brings up that many people might not know how to dance to music like that. Also, what moves me to want to dance might be quite different than others that might rush to the dancefloor when YMCA starts playing.

So this is my conflict. I'd like to have a more unique musical experience that I would both be excited for and be proud of. But if my version of a good time is too different from what people expect that they would be turned off, then I'd rather have a DJ I guess.

Thoughts?

Complex question, but your goal seems unclear to me.

Is your priority the happiness of the bride, your happiness or the enjoyment of your guests?

Given what you've said that concerns have already been raised about the ability of your guests to appreciate the music, I'd say go with a DJ (a good one...most really suck). You can always have the DJ play tracks from the band you like, or even book the band for a partial evening.
Have them play when people are eating and have the DJ take over for the dancing.
(granted I have no idea what your arrangement / schedule is).

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Hold my beer and watch this...

We have hired an acoustic guitarist for the processional and ceremony, and a harp player to play during dinner. I am looking for a fun end to the party with the band/DJ, and for dancing.

Then I'd say your guests will have received a good dose of live music by that point so break out the DJ.

Don't forget the chicken dance

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Hold my beer and watch this...

I've been coming to see that opinion is probably right the past few days. Fuck.

Honestly, you answered the question right here:



That's what we married guys call a not so subtle hint

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Hold my beer and watch this...

Yeah, yeah. But I can't help thinking it's ridiculous. How many people who would dance to some AC/DC or whatever actually "know how" to dance to that? They just improvise. The only structured dance moves most Americans know are the YMCA and the Macarena anyway, so how is dancing to music you've never heard that different to music you have?

I guess I can't let this go without ranting and raving.

hey now...take it up with the Mrs. I don't need to hear you complaining

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Hold my beer and watch this...

My ex-wife wanted "Cotton Eyed Joe" played at our reception. I said fuck that.

Safest bet is a DJ, dude.

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mechaphil

You can listen to whatever music you want if you elope....just sayin'

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Hold my beer and watch this...