Whether you're arranging a holiday party, a corporate event or a wedding plays a part in the total guest experience. It has the capacity to uplift spirits, increase energy levels, and foster a calm ambiance.
But deciding on the perfect entertainment for occasions is hard, and the point is often the choice between a DJ or live party band music. Which is better for the occasion? Read on questions and best practices for hiring.
The pros and cons of whether to hire a live party band or a DJ:
See the pros of hiring a live party band for your event
- Motivation skills. A live group can get your crowd motivated. This is perfect for weddings, parties, and high-energy events with dancing.
- Better interaction. Talented party band leaders can rally the audience and switch gears on a dime. Party bands can alter the tempo for a variety of tunes to accommodate the audience.
- Entertained for all. A live party band is fun to dance, listen to, and watch. Will appreciate the performance.
- High-quality sound. A live party band sounds better. This is not likely to make or break your bat mitzvah, however, if you are hosting a corporate event with stakeholders that are significant, you want to give them the expertise.
- 'Wow' factor. People creating music together is uniquely exciting and dynamic. Party bands provoke and also provide.
Watch the cons of hiring a live party band for your event
- More expensive. Party bands are costlier because you're paying several associates for their services. This may stretch it thin if you are working on a small budget.
- Less variety. However amazing the ring, they just know a limited number of tunes. Plus, they play with a genre such as R&B, stone, or even country.
- More space. A live party band takes up more room in your place because they have more gear. Do you have the space accessible? Use a floor preparation tool to see how much space you have for musicians.
- Volume. Most rings pump up the volume, which may overwhelm some guests--especially in smaller spaces.
- Last-minute affects. You wowed. You may end up with a replacement if they get ill.
Research the pros of hiring a DJ for the event
- Cost. A DJ costs compared to a party band that is live.
- Customizable setlist. A DJ has access to thousands of tunes so you can customize the playlist to suit the occasion and any special requests.
- Easy replacements. In case your DJ gets sick, they will (hopefully!) Have a backup who can choose their place.
- Less distance. Then a ring requires A DJ and all of their equipment can fit into a bigger place.
- No breaks. Your DJ will keep the music going all night long. Even if they will need to have a break, they could queue a few songs up to cover their lack.
- No improv. A DJ can not slow down tempos or perform a protracted solo to accommodate for a while.
- An excessive amount of improv. Your DJ may think that cracking jokes will engage the audience, but this may have the opposite effect.
- Volume control. While the quantity to keep things fair at a small-to-medium sized indoor venue can be controlled by a DJ, another problem is posed by big and outdoor places. You'll require a solid team to minimize distortion.
- Equipment failure. A ring can play without a solid system (as well as electricity). A DJ cannot. If something goes wrong with the equipment, there is no music.
- One-person show. A DJ is much less showy or flashy as a live group. And some prefer to not talk as requested, quietly turning tunes.
If your event would benefit from a party band and a DJ, how to decide:
For large-scale occasions (and supplying you've got the budget), hiring a group AND a DJ lets guests enjoy the very best of both options.
Hosting a wedding? Have the party band play through dinner, and even for cocktail hour, the special dances. Establish for dance through the night.
Planning a Divine corporate occasion? Utilize the services of a DJ through the day to get background music that is casual and hire a group for your evening reception.
Utilize both a DJ and a party band at the same time. The DJ comes on for a few tunes, After the ring breaks. Or, let the DJ accommodate particular song requests between collections.
Strategies for Hiring a Party Band or DJ for Your Event:
- Check the Internet for Ideas- Don't have any clue where to begin your search? You'll find a DJ on where you are on a website like gigsland.com. Get a Notion of what a DJ seems like on websites like Spotify or even Soundcloud. And there's nothing like a Google search to assist you to find a party band or DJ for an event near you.
- Check out the DJ and Party Band sites- A website indicates the DJ or party band has credibility. The site needs to have videos and playlists that provide you a thorough idea of their talent and the vibe with guests.
- Meet in-person- Meet with them before you hire any sort of entertainment for your event. Nothing beats a face-to-face conversation, although demos and websites can tell you a lot about their abilities. (See our list of interview questions below.)
- Stick with professionals- You have a buddy who will spin a few songs. You know a man who plays with a bar band on the weekends. However, do they possess the degree of professionalism to make your occasion a success? Check for people who have been in the business for three decades or more.
- Match the entertainer to the occasion- Do your research and find DJs and party bands who specialize. A party band accustomed to wedding gigs, might not be the right selection for a professional conference after-party. If you're planning an anniversary bash or a little fundraising gala, a DJ experienced with large-scale events may be beyond your budget.
- Look at the online reviews- Request testimonials and check out reviews that are online- Ask for recommendations from people who have used their services. Also research business review listings, such as Yelp and Google Reviews.
- Think about the cost- Proven and established DJs and live actors will cost a little more, but they are worth the excess cost. For events, you can think about entertainers and DJs--but it's vital to find them.
Questions to Ask your Entertainer During the Interview Process
Interview your vendors before hiring. This helps you determine if they are the ideal fit, their communication abilities, and their willingness to adapt to your requirements.
Ask the following questions:
- Inform me about your event performances or jobs?: Their answers give you a window in their enthusiasm for their job and the sorts of events which suit them. You want someone who loves to play to a crowd if you're planning a 25th wedding anniversary party. If planning a corporate event, you want somebody who functions well in a professional setting.
- What happens if a staff member is outside on the afternoon of the event?
There's no right or wrong reply to this question, provided that they have a program. If they say, "I'm never ill, so it is not an issue"--proceed to another interview. - What do you see as your role?
DJs and group leaders have different philosophies. Some see themselves others think they're only there to play the music. Think about what you need beforehand so that you may select somebody who can fulfill the required role. - What do you and group members wear to this event?
You need your party band or DJ to fit the picture of the event. Chuck Taylor sneakers and ripped jeans will not look professional in a formal gala, and there is a tux over-the-top to get a casual rockn' roll event. If they request your preference, be up-front and fair. - Have you got any equipment requirements?
Good to know beforehand since your financial plan will be impacted by add-ons like speaker rentals and mics. - Who will DJ or will perform at my event?
You want to be certain if you hired a ring because the singer has a wonderful voice. Many party bands swap players for events that are different out and a few DJs have. You want to make certain that you're getting who you are hiring, although there is not anything wrong with this clinic.
Want information about hiring a party band or DJ for an occasion?
How can you choose music for an occasion?
1) Research and think about your audience
2) Pick music that resonates with your location
3) Be sure to consider what moods you would like to evoke with music at different stages of the event
If I have live music in a corporate event?
Consider your budget first. Audio is impactful and costly, but often has a narrower selection of options than music or a DJ. Think about working in a mix of recorded and live music to reap the benefits of both!
Normally, a dance ring will cost between $2,500 and $7,500 for a single occasion, and a DJ can run anywhere from $200-$300 to get a DJ to $2,500 for an experienced DJ. Can you research beforehand, and reputable party bands and DJs should have their rates available.
Now You're Ready to Hire the DJ or Party Band for Your Event!