Each year produces a new crop of wedding trends. In 2020, welcome boxes, tents, and mini-cakes were the go-to items. Most likely, another group of trends will emerge months down the road.
What doesn't change is the enchantment music provides to a wedding reception. It adds another layer of enjoyment to the festivities. After all, this is the celebration of two people joining together forever.
Some couples rely on performers with acoustic guitars. Others look to a DJ. However, there's nothing better than a live band for a wedding.
Here are a few reasons why you should hire a live band for a wedding.
A DJ is fine when it comes to music selection. They have a set number of recordings they play for certain events during the reception. You can request music for a change of pace, but there's a sameness to it.
A live band's set is different for each service. Plus, they're utilized in different ways. Some couples might want to use a few members for the ceremony. Others might want the singers for hire to perform a few numbers prior to the reception.
On top of this, couples work with the live band to put together the set they want. The songs they desire may not be something a DJ has available but the band can put together.
Wedding bands across the country have one job: ramp up the energy of the reception. Ensembles hired from places like Special Guest App feature singers of all types to charge the atmosphere. For instance, a couple may want a gospel singer instead of a normal pop performer to electrify the audience.
They also encourage people to move. Live bands don't like it if everyone sits and stares at them. They want people to participate. Sometimes, they make this happen by gently taking people out of their chairs.
Those who are about to marry aren't always Top 40 fans. They don't want their live band to perform "Celebration." They might want the band to perform standards. Or they're into classic rock.
The good news is there are wedding bands that focus on individual genres. This means you could get a Beatles-type of group or one that handles big band numbers. This isn't only fun for the couple but also gives guests a unique experience.
Bands do more than play music at a wedding. In most cases, the lead singer or musician also handles the duties of a Master of Ceremonies. This means they help move the reception along.
Among the items they do is introduce the wedding party and the couple. They announce the toast and first dance. They also tell guests when meals are served. This isn't simply to keep things going. The MC also does this to give people time to rest between sets.
Adding music to a wedding is a minor investment, so you want to get as much as possible for what you pay. This happens with a live band over a DJ.
The DJ is busy from one song to another, so their focus is not on the guests. A live band put the main focus on the enjoyment of the wedding couple and those invited. They can smoothly segue from one song to another. They provide humor when necessary. They performed at weddings many times before, so they practically run on auto-pilot.
The list of plusses behind the hiring of a live band is only the first step toward your decision. You need to do your own research to make the right choice. This means asking other married couples how it went. It also means listening to several bands to determine which one works for you.
Do a proper comparison of these ensembles, and make sure you negotiate a price that works for you. Don't go with a band you don't like because they're inexpensive. Though the price you pay can be more, the return on investment will be greater for you and your guests.
In the end, you want to enter your life together under the umbrella of joy.
Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.