The Must Knows Before Hiring Your Wedding Day Band or DJ

On this week’s episode of 52’ Till I Do, we’re talking about the unique energy and vibes that live musicians and DJs bring to a wedding. From ceremony vibes to dance floor energy, we’re breaking down what each option offers and how to choose the right fit for your style, budget, and guest experience! 

Why Are We Having This Conversation Now?

Music and DJs are often near the top of the vendor list, and for many couples, they can take up a significant portion of the overall budget. Of course, this isn’t true for everyone, some people prefer to keep it simple with a speaker and a curated playlist. But if having a DJ or live music is important to you and your partner, and it will represent a larger piece of your budget, we want to make sure we talk through it sooner rather than later.

You Have So Many Options!

When it comes to music and DJs, you truly have a wide range of choices. You might have a live band for your cocktail hour and switch to a DJ for the reception, or keep a band for both. You could even bring in a piano player for cocktail hour and transition to a full band afterward. There are so many combinations!

Questions to Ask and Things to Keep in Mind

What does their setup look like?

‍Ask how much space they need, what their equipment requirements are, and whether they bring everything themselves. This helps you plan your layout and avoid last-minute surprises.

What does their planning process include?

‍Do they accept must-play and do-not-play song lists? How do they organize timelines, cues, and transitions? The more you know about their process, the smoother your day will go.‍

What are their cultural experiences?

‍This might feel like a strange question, but it’s incredibly important, especially if you’re incorporating specific cultural traditions (Polish, Italian, Jewish, etc.). Share your vision early so they can support it fully and respectfully.

What’s their overall vibe?

‍Are they high-energy and hype, or more mellow and laid-back? Their style will shape the atmosphere, influence how they interact with guests, and even affect the types of songs they choose. Make sure their vibe matches the experience you want.

Here are a few additional questions you might want to bring up during your conversations:

• Do the musicians require specific chairs, such as armless or backless options?
• Will they have an assistant or extra team members attending the event?
• What is their emergency plan? (For example, what happens if someone gets sick and can’t perform?)
• Will they provide a microphone for the officiant?
• Will you allow the videographer to plug in to your equipment? 

Let's Get Tactical: Live Music or DJ?

When you’re thinking about entertainment, it really comes down to two main options: live music or a DJ. The first question you and your partner should ask is, “What kind of vibe do we want?” Because trust us, live music during the ceremony feels completely different from a DJ mixing tracks at the reception.

Live Music‍

We typically see live music used for ceremonies or cocktail hours. But again, YOU CAN DO WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT. This is your big day, and there are zero rules. From harpists playing at a reception to bagpipe exits (yes, really), there are so many unique and meaningful ways to incorporate live music.

During cocktail hour, the most common choices are saxophone or piano layered over a playlist, but we’ve also seen full mariachi bands! It all comes down to the mood you want to create during that time when guests are mingling and hanging out. 

Pro Tip

Talk to your musicians about MC responsibilities. It’s easy to assume your band or DJ will naturally handle announcements, but that’s not always the case. Some performers focus solely on the music and may not be prepared (or even comfortable, acting as the master of ceremonies). Just check in with whoever you're working with so you know exactly what they do and don’t cover.

DJ

We absolutely love a good DJ here at Marryment. They can elevate any setting, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, you name it! But when it comes to hiring the right DJ, the most important factor is communication and making sure they fully understand the vibe you’re going for.

Music is incredibly versatile, and our DJs are seriously talented. Still, it’s essential to talk through what you and your partner want. You might have preferences you haven’t even realized yet! Think about the small things: What do you want playing during dinner or when your DJ takes a break? How should the energy shift throughout the different parts of your day? If you’re using a DJ for your reception, what time cues will they need to follow, and what exactly should they handle? Clear communication ensures your DJ can set the perfect tone from the first song to the very last dance.

DIY

If you are planning on going the DIY way for your music, great! We love it. But, the main thing we want to encourage you to do is TEST! The worst thing is when the people who are controlling the music have no idea how to control the music. Whether it's when to hit play or even where to set the speaker, there’s no harm in having one (or three!) test runs before the big day. 

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Final Thoughts

Whether you choose live musicians, a DJ, or a simple DIY setup, pick what feels true to you and the experience you want to create. Ask the right questions, trust your instincts, and choose the option that makes you feel excited. At the end of the day, if it brings joy and sets the tone you’re dreaming of, it’s the best fit! 

For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Have more music and entertainment related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.