Should You Hire a Band or a DJ for Your Wedding?

It’s one of those deceptively simple decisions that can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your wedding: live band or DJ?

Now, I know it’s tempting to think this just comes down to personal taste (and yes, that’s a big part of it), but there are a few more things to weigh up—from venue acoustics to budget to how you want your guests to feel on the dance floor at midnight.

Let’s break it down.

Music Sets the Mood—So Don’t Leave It as an Afterthought

You’ve probably spent months perfecting every little visual detail—lighting, florals, linen choices, meaningful personal touches—all to create a beautifully immersive experience. But the music? That’s what transforms it from a styled space into a living, breathing celebration.

Whether you go for a DJ/MC, a string quartet, a jazz band, or a full-blown funk ensemble, your wedding music becomes the emotional backdrop for the day. It’s what guests will still be talking about long after the napkins are folded and the chairs are stacked away.

So: DJ or band? Or both?

What to Consider: Budget, Vibe, and Practicalities

If you love the idea of live music—or you already have a dream band in mind—then it might be a no-brainer. But if you’re more concerned about everyone hitting the dance-floor and less fussed about how that happens, then a brilliant DJ could be perfect.

Here’s what to think about when weighing it up:

The Cost of a Band vs. a DJ

This is where things get real.

Bands typically cost more—sometimes a lot more—simply because you’re hiring multiple talented people rather than one or two. In the UK, you might pay around £3,000 for a quality DJ, while a 10-piece band could range anywhere from £12,000 to £20,000. If you’re looking at celebrity talent or headline acts, expect those numbers to rise steeply—£40,000–£50,000 for a top-tier band isn’t unusual.

A good rule of thumb? Allocate around 5% of your total wedding budget if you're going for a DJ, and up to 15% for a band or other live music throughout the day.

Hidden cost alert: Don’t forget vendor meals. If you're hiring a 12-piece band, you're feeding 12 extra people on the day. It adds up—and it matters when finalising your guest count.

Your Wedding Venue’s Capabilities (and Limitations)

Before you fall in love with a 15-piece soul band, check your venue. Can it physically accommodate the setup? Does it have enough power? Are there noise restrictions? These things matter—especially with live music.

Spaces with high ceilings, glass walls or hard floors can cause sound to bounce around (not ideal), while venues with wood, carpet or curtains often have much better natural acoustics. And if you’re planning to party late into the night, you’ll need to confirm sound curfews and noise regulations early on.

Also worth noting: Bands often need more than just stage space. Think: green rooms, staging, lighting rigs, A/V kit—and all of that can come with extra costs and venue requirements.

Space, Power, and... Ceiling Height?

Yes, really. If your dream band needs an elevated stage, will the room allow it? Will lighting rigs or chandeliers get in the way? It’s all in the details.

So... Which Should You Choose?

If you’re leaning towards a specific soundtrack—something that sounds just like it does on your favourite playlist—go with a DJ. They’ll nail the exact vibe, mix seamlessly between tracks, and read the room effortlessly.

If you want the thrill of live vocals, energy that builds with every chorus, and the kind of performance that pulls everyone to the dance-floor, a band could be your best investment.

In all honesty, live music brings magic. That said, a DJ with a good grasp of your taste and a killer setlist can be just as powerful—especially when they’re skilled at weaving in genres and keeping the flow alive.

The Best of Both Worlds

A rising trend? Band and DJ combos.

It works brilliantly: the band plays through dinner and early dancing, and the DJ takes over later when it’s all about energy, lights and letting loose. The band gets a break, the dance-floor never empties, and you get the best of both.

Yes, it’s a higher spend—but if budget allows, this setup is a clever way to balance style and stamina.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It all depends on your budget, your vibe, and how you want the evening to unfold. The key is choosing music that reflects you, your energy as a couple, and the kind of celebration you’re dreaming of.

Whether it’s a funky brass band, a chill DJ spinning deep house, or a hybrid setup that keeps things fresh from dusk ‘til dawn—just make sure it’s music you love. Music you’ll dance to. Music you’ll remember.

Because when the styling’s been packed away and the confetti’s long gone—it’s those big, joy-filled moments on the dance-floor that stay with you forever.

The music sets the tone for the entire night. If you’re still deciding between a band, a DJ, or a bit of both—let’s weigh it up together.Tap here to schedule a quick consultation and get clarity on what suits your space, budget and style.