Wedding Band vs DJ

Which One Should You Choose?

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“Should I book a live band or a DJ?” If you’re planning a wedding reception, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. What’s the answer? Well, of course, a live band always takes the cake!

Why Choose a Band vs a DJ at Weddings?

There are many positives to having live music at your wedding reception. Consider these 3:

Unbeatable Energy

One of your main hopes for a reception is, of course, that everyone will get out on the dance floor and, ultimately, have a fantastic time. While a wedding band and a DJ can both be entertaining and get people up dancing, live bands definitely do a much better job on those fronts. Not only do bands bring unbeatable energy to the songs they play but they also put on a show, which disc jockeys don’t do.

If you want to make 100% sure that your guests have a blast, you should consider booking a professional wedding band.

The Memorability Factor

In addition to high energy, a wedding band can take your reception to the next level in terms of being memorable. There’s no doubt that everyone will think of your joyous union and look back fondly on the ceremony. But why not enhance that wonderful memory and make it last for a lifetime with the truly phenomenal entertainment provided by a live band?

Think about it. No one ever really comments on how fantastic the DJ was and they’re even less likely to remember him 5, 10, 20 years from now. But they’re almost guaranteed to remember a spectacular band like The Grooves and that will keep the memory of your special day fresh in the minds of guests for years to come.

Greater Value For You

Any band worth hiring can offer you more than just live music. For example, The Grooves band can act as a DJ also so that, while the band members catch their breath in between sets, your guests can continue having a great time. It’s the best of both worlds!

And speaking of DJ-ing, we know that you may have friends and family members of different nationalities present. You want them to feel included and to have a great time also so it’s great to have an Austin band that can DJ all styles of music including beloved tunes from South America, Japan, and more.

Additionally, you may need MC services to make important announcements, including introducing the bride and groom. A good wedding band will be able to offer this service for you to make the day of that much easier for you.

As you can see, there are some compelling reasons to go with a band vs a DJ at wedding receptions. Are there any cons, though?

Why Some Choose a DJ vs a Live Band For Wedding Receptions

Given all the upsides we’ve talked about, what might move someone to opt for a DJ?

Cost of Wedding Bands vs DJ’s

Cost is often the driving force behind hiring a wedding DJ. It’s no surprise that one man spinning tunes costs quite a bit less than a full band. DJ’s are usually priced somewhere within the $300 to $2,500 range, while a great variety band may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000. 

While that’s quite a difference in cost, you usually get what you pay for, which is a great thing when it comes to live entertainment. Generally, the higher-priced bands are more professional and put on better performances than cheaper bands and disc jockeys. 

So, really, it comes down to what your wallet can handle. Most folks would absolutely prefer to go the live route but, understandably, that’s not always possible due to band prices. 

Will You Be Hiring a Band or a DJ?

We’ve discussed the pros and cons of hiring a band vs a DJ for your wedding reception. We’re sure you agree that live music is the more exciting option so as you peruse the many Austin bands (also playing throughout Texas!) out there, here are a few things to think about.

Does the band you’re considering…

  • have a reputation for being thoroughly entertaining and memorable?
  • have the ability to DJ also, even if you need special genres of music?
  • provide MC services to add to the class of your event and keep things on track?

The Grooves tick all of those boxes and more. Started in 1991 by bandleader Ron Ronhaar, The Grooves wedding band is well-known throughout Texas for keeping dance floors packed at more than 100 receptions a year! 

This talented group of musicians have more than 170 songs from various genres in their repertoire and play sets based on crowd response to keep the energy up till the very end. If you’re interested in having live music at an upcoming wedding reception, you need The Grooves!

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We travel from Austin to Houston, Dallas to San Antonio, and everywhere in between and specialize in electrifying weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties. What sets us apart? We're not just a band; we're professionals dedicated to the art of entertainment. Our expertise lies in reading the room, knowing when to elevate the energy or mellow down, and delivering performances that mirror the original tracks. Plus, from the moment you book us to the final encore, we ensure a seamless experience.

With The Grooves, you're not just getting a band; you're getting a guarantee for a rocking party!
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