If you are in the midst of planning your wedding, then no doubt you have thought about music. A wedding reception, in essence, is a party. And what’s a party without music? It sets the tone and energy of your wedding reception like almost no other element can.

Choosing wedding reception music basically comes down to one big choice: Live band or DJ? While DJs offer flexibility, live wedding bands can create a unique, interactive experience that guests will remember. Many couples choose a live band for this reason to make their day even more special.

However, the success of a live performance also depends on your choice of venue—let’s explore why!

Why Live Wedding Bands Make a Difference

When comparing a wedding band vs. a DJ, there are things that a live band brings to the party that a DJ cannot match.

Energy and Interaction

A live band engages guests in a way recorded music can’t. There is spontaneity and a connection between the performer and guests that create an energy and level of interaction that you will not experience with a DJ.

Personalized Experience

Although a DJ can play recorded music and make announcements throughout the evening, many bands can customize their setlists to match a couple’s style. This personalized experience can elevate your celebration to the next level.

Unforgettable Moments

The personalized experience provided by live performances also extends to those special wedding moments, such as first dances, to bring authentic emotion to your reception.

Live Band Cost Considerations

The positive factors in favor of wedding bands cannot be denied, but budget matters too. So, how much does a wedding band cost compared to a DJ? Overall, a live wedding band will cost more than a DJ, even though the price range of both varies widely depending on the size of the band, the distance they need to travel to the venue, and their reputation. The popularity and demand of a wedding band or DJ will increase their cost.

Choosing the Right Wedding Band

Before you go searching for the best wedding bands near you, there are a few things you need to consider when choosing live wedding music.

Decide What Style of Music You Want

There is such a wide variety of music out there, anything from jazz and Motown to classic rock, pop or R&B, that choosing the right wedding band for you means finding one that plays the style of music that you like. It also means finding a band that aligns with your wedding vibe. There is no shortage of styles to choose from, including:

• Classic and timeless, such as jazz ensembles, Motown sounds, and string quartets
• High-energy dance bands playing funk, pop or rock.
• Romantic and intimate styles like acoustic duos or folk bands.
• Multi-genre and versatile bands that include cover bands that play everything from oldies to modern hits.

Learn about the Band’s Reputation

One important thing about knowing how to choose a wedding band for your reception is knowing what to look for in a potential hire. Look for reviews of the band to learn more about their reputation, other’s experiences in booking them, and their past wedding performances. This will give insight into what you can expect from available wedding bands for receptions in your area. Your wedding reception is a once in a lifetime party and you do not want to book a band without learning how they have performed and supported wedding festivities in the past.

Get a Preview

Another important step in knowing how to book a wedding band is to preview the band before you book them. You can watch live videos of their work or attend a showcase performance, so you can be sure to know what to expect and that the band is right for your big day.

What to Ask before Booking a Wedding Band

The list of things to ask a wedding band before you book include:

• Their song selection
• How they interact with a crowd
• Their flexibility with song requests

The Importance of Venue in Live Wedding Music

There are more variables involved for live music to sound good as opposed to recorded music. Much of this comes down to your Minneapolis wedding venue and if it supports wedding band acoustics. Some venues are perfectly designed for live music, while others have limitations. There are several wedding band sound requirements for venues you need to consider if you want your wedding band to be a hit.

Important factors for wedding venues for live music include:

• Acoustics: High ceilings and hard floors may cause sound reverberation.
• Space: Bands need enough room for instruments, speakers, and movement.
• Volume Restrictions: Some venues have noise ordinances or sound limits.
• Power Supply: A wedding band requires proper electrical setups to power their equipment.

Make sure you take a look at all these factors when you are searching for “the best live music wedding venue near me.”

How to Work with Your Venue

Once you have booked your venue, you will want to work with them to guarantee that your band has everything they need to deliver a flawless performance. Confirm the venue’s sound system capabilities and whether bands can bring their own equipment. Communicate these capabilities and parameters with your band. Also ask about sound restrictions and curfews as some venues, especially outdoor ones, often have earlier noise cutoffs. You will also want to consider hiring a sound engineer if the venue is large or acoustically challenging to ensure a balanced and crisp sound.

singer singing live music and playing guitar at a wedding

Booking and Coordinating with Your Wedding Band

There are also a few essential things to check off your list when booking and coordinating with your wedding band.

Book Well in Advance

Top bands get reserved quickly, so plan on booking your band at least 6-12 months before your wedding date.

Discuss Key Moments

Your band will be in control of how certain things, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and grand entrance will unfold. These are places where specific music is needed and you want them to happen according to plan.

Choose a Setlist

If you want certain songs to be played at your reception, talk with your band about those specific songs beforehand. Also ask them if they have any wedding band setlist ideas. Experienced wedding bands may have some ideas that you have not considered, but remember it is your day and you do not have to go along with anything that doesn’t fit your vision.

With that in mind, also make sure to provide a do-not-play list as well. If there are songs you don’t want played then they should not be played.

Plan for Set Breaks

Also, remember that bands are made up of live humans and they will not be playing continuously. They do require breaks. Plan to have backup music. Some couples will hire a DJ to play during breaks or will have a pre-made playlist ready to keep the party going.

Some Final Thoughts About Wedding Bands

A great wedding band can transform your reception into a memorable, high-energy celebration. To do this, make sure to choose the right venue, such as one of the spaces available at the Lumber Exchange Event Center. The spaces enhance the sound, experience and overall vibe of live music.

When booking your live wedding band, coordinate with your venue to ensure a smooth and unforgettable night!