Should You Hire a DJ or a Live Band?

DJ

Live Band

Cost

DJs are generally cheaper to hire than a live band, though their rates vary. Cost depends on many factors, such as what day of the week you book (Fridays and Saturdays are most expensive), whether extra speakers are needed, the ease of loading equipment into your venue, or how far the DJ must drive. If you hire a “celebrity DJ,” someone who spins at the top nightclubs, he or she can be as expensive as a live band.

General Expense: A DJ for four to five hours can range from $300 to $900, depending on where you live. Most people spend around $600.

Live bands cost more because you are paying more than one person. Price varies on the number of band members, the amount of time the band plays, the day of the week, and the time of year.

General Expense: A four- to five-hour performance by a four- to five-member band runs upwards of $2,000.

Pros

• DJs have a wider variety of music and can take more song requests.
• Songs will always sound the way they should — they can’t be butchered by someone who can’t carry a note like Christina Aguilera.
• Usually costs less than a band.
• Equipment takes up less room on the dance floor.
• If the DJ is energetic, he or she can set a fun mood for the party and get everyone dancing.

• Hiring a band adds extra elegance and will be memorable to your quince guests. Bands are a rare treat, whereas DJs are easier to come by at events and school dances.
• Bands can adjust the style of their music to the tone of your quince. You can hire bands that specialize in certain kinds of music, like salsa.
• Live performances bring more energy to the party than recorded ones. Bands can interact with your audience musically and as party hosts.

Cons

• If the DJ doesn’t have a great personality, or has musical tastes that are tacky or old-fashioned, he or she can ruin the mood of the party. Give him or her a list of must-play songs beforehand.
• An inexperienced DJ might not be good at controlling music tempo, or could accidently spin the explicit version of a song — burning your abuela’s ears. Ask if he or she has references you can check.
• DJs are not always as memorable as a great band.

• Bands may not fit into the venue space if they require a lot of equipment and instruments.
• Bands are usually more expensive than a DJ.
• Bands have a smaller repertoire of songs, compared to DJs, who can have almost any song handy on disc or iTunes.
• If the band sounds like American Idol rejects, you’re in trouble! Ask to watch taped performances in advance.