By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
Few elements can make or break a couple’s wedding day more than entertainment. Ensuring guests have an opportunity to dance or sing along to some good music is something couples can emphasize as they plan their celebration.
When it comes to music, the two main options for weddings are a live band or a DJ. A live band may be more expensive, but it can get the crowd excited. A good band-leader also acts as a master of ceremonies and can pay attention to the vibe of the room, tailoring a playlist around that overall mood.
But today’s DJs are often performance artists in their own right. They know just how to select and seamlessly mix music to create the mood and really keep the party going. Couples who prefer to hear original versions of particular dance song – often prefer DJs.
There are several factors that go into choosing entertainment for a wedding, said Cathy DaPrato of Middletown who entertains at weddings and other events with her husband Tom as the duo Flannel & Lace. Among the things to consider are cost, size of the venue and the general vibe a couple wants to impart for their big event.
Flannel & Lace not only offers acoustic entertainment but can also provide a full band sound by playing along to high-quality pre-recorded tracks. “We can customize the music to what the bride and groom want.”
“As a musician, I love live music,” said DaPrato, who spent 10 years performing with six-and 10-piece bands. “Live musicians offer a more personal interaction with the crowd.”
A wedding band in the New York/New Jersey area could cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per performer, and that cost may include non-musicians who travel with the band. According to The Knot, couples in the mid-Atlantic area spend about $2,000 on a DJ.
DaPrato finds most clients appreciate that a set-up like theirs allows for continuous music on breaks, control over the volume and the opportunity for guests to enjoy karaoke.
Couples who can be flexible with their entertainment budgets may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. There is nothing that says a wedding cannot feature both a live band and a DJ or duo.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to setting the soundtrack for a wedding.
The article originally appeared in the February 9 – 15, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
