There’s so much on the line when it comes to wedding planning! You want your guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves, all the while juggling the process and the budget. Sometimes it can feel like a vice is squeezing your head; there are so many options for food, venues, and entertainment. For the latter, there are three common main entertainment options: a band, wedding DJ, or do-it-yourself music (along with a million cool ‘other’ entertainment options). Before you despair over which wedding option is right for your big day (and to preempt a panic attack!), we’ve put together the pros and cons to help you make your big decision on wedding entertainment option easier (for more info, send us a message-we can help!) so you can move on to that next big wedding planning decision.

Band

Pros: Perfect fit for vintage weddings (both in song list and attire), uses professional equipment, great live entertainment experience for guests, can emcee during dinner and the dance

Cons: Usually most expensive wedding entertainment option, often doesn’t have ‘plan B’ if emergency comes up (i.e. band member gets sick, equipment breaks, etc.), usually doesn’t offer extras such as lighting, can’t always play all the songs you want

Wedding DJ

Pros: Can provide soft dinner music and emcee reception dinners, DJ can coordinate with venue and vendors for special moments, offers extras (i.e. lighting, trivia, photo booths, etc.), professional expertise to keep people on the dance floor, often more affordable than bands, uses professional equipment, SHOULD have back-up equipment and DJ in case of emergency, personalized play list

Cons: More expensive than DIY music, crappy DJs can put a damper on your big day (signs of a bad DJ here)

DIY Music

Pros: Very affordable, play list can be built specifically to your taste

Cons: No ‘plan B’ if equipment doesn’t work, not played with quality equipment, requires time before and on day to organize and keep music going, no emcee for dinner or special events (i.e. couple entrance, first dance, etc.), takes time away from enjoying wedding if equipment or speakers break or need attention