Part of what makes a great wedding is the entertainment, but what kind of entertainment should you choose?
You’re about to throw your biggest party ever, so why not put some thought into this decision and make it the event of your lifetime?
Fortunately, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo can help you with that decision. We’ve recently got the opportunity to ask some questions of a true expert in the entertainment field: Mike Gendler, founder of Philadelphia’s own EBE Talent and EBE Entertainment.
Read on to find out more about choosing between a band and a DJ for your wedding.
Darianna: What is the best reason for choosing a band/live entertainment for a wedding reception?
Mike Gendler: There are a lot of great reasons to have a band at your reception, but the best reason has to be the energy that only live music provides. Whether your guests realize it or not, live instruments and voices affect your body in ways that nothing else can. Having real instruments play your favorite songs and having real singers sing them is a unique and unparalleled experience that makes any night instantly more memorable.
EBE has 14 exceptional bands, each under the direction of a veteran bandleader who actively engages with your guests to tailor-make the perfect party. That kind of engagement and energy only comes with the best live music.
In your experience, is a band better than a DJ?
I think it’s unfair to say one is better than another — each has their pros and cons. Many couples book a DJ for flexibility as the DJ can play exactly what versions of songs they want to hear throughout the night and can typically include more current music on their playlists. Additionally, DJs tend to cost less as you are only paying for one (or sometimes two) person’s time, equipment and skills instead of a whole band.
That said, every band at EBE learns the latest pop hits as soon as they come out so you can still hear the most current music with our bands as well as with our DJs. And as we know, nothing makes an event instantly more memorable than the feeling of live music in the air.
For those who want a little bit of both, EBE offers middle grounds between bands and DJs for a little bit from both columns. You can include a drummer with your EBE DJ to add some extra thump and percussive energy to your reception. EBE also offers bands that include a DJ as a full time member. The DJ rehearses with the band and can break out for their own set at your reception! The DJ can even include the band’s drummer for a built in DJ/Drum duo.
With so many options, it’s hard to say what is “better.” There’s only what you feel will fit your night the best.
Can you get a good band for the price of a DJ?
With both bands and DJs, you typically get what you pay for. It’s a safe assumption that cheaper bands and DJs probably aren’t as skilled at running a complex event like a wedding, and that lack of experience is reflected in the price. Reputable bands and DJs aren’t just booking their services, they’re booking a track record of success. They’ve proven time and time again that their parties are worth it for the ultimate, worry-free entertainment value.
Typically, DJs cost less than bands because of the smaller number of people employed. So if you find an eight piece band who will work for the same price as a seasoned, veteran DJ, you might want to check that the band can truly give you the night that you want.
How should someone “interview” or choose their entertainment?
This is the 21st century after all, so the first stop for “interviewing” your entertainment is the internet. Sites like “WeddingWire” and “The Knot” are great for finding bands and entertainment companies in your area, and both have mobile apps that make finding what’s around very easy. Those sites also have extensive amounts of reviews from real clients, so you can easily see your prospective entertainment’s track record.
Additionally, YouTube is a fantastic resource. At EBE, we have videos for each of our bands and DJs on YouTube and on our website so that anyone can get a taste of what each band has to offer.
But of course, the best way to “interview” your entertainment is to hear it for yourself! Most bands and DJs hold showcase performances where you can experience performances and see for yourself which band or DJ fits what you envision for your wedding. There’s no better way than that!
For those who want help narrowing down options, companies like EBE that employ bands and DJs have representatives who are happy to talk to you and your significant other and help you find the perfect band or DJ for your wedding!
How can EBE Entertainment turn an “okay” reception into the “event of a lifetime” that a bride wants?
Many bands can play music well, and many DJs can play songs that you want to hear, but the EBE difference is the incredible attention to detail and above and beyond work that we put into making your night flawless. Pair that with the highest standard for entertainment excellence and you have a perfect reception with zero worry so you can dance all night and know that your team has taken care of everything!
Your EBE bandleader or DJ will meet with you well in advance of your wedding to construct a timeline of events for your reception and go through every detail from “what song do you want for your grand entrance” to “how would you like us to pace your evening” to “how do you pronounce your maid of honor’s last name.” There is no detail that we won’t consider to make your wedding perfect. If that wasn’t enough, our bandleaders, DJs and staff will work closely with all of your vendors to ensure that nothing is overlooked and that your reception flows smoothly from the first note to the last dance.
On the night of your reception, your bandleader or DJ will walk into the room knowing everything that you want to see and hear exactly when you want to see and hear it. They’ll read your crowd to play the perfect song at the perfect time and elevate what can be an ordinary reception into an extraordinary evening that you and your guests will remember forever.
Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is proud to have the opportunity to partner with EBE Events. For more information, go to their website www.EBETalent.com.