Obviously, music is going to play a huge part throughout your entire wedding day, and you might have been put off booking live entertainment because you’ve heard myths about it that just aren’t true! So we’ve de-mystified these misconceptions once and for all so your mind can be at rest when choosing your wedding band, DJ or musician.
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Myth: Wedding DJs Talk Too Much
There’s nothing worse than wanting to dance to your favourite song while the DJ is making cringey commentary over the top. However, this is certainly not true of quality wedding DJs. Like wedding bands, DJs range in levels of professionalism, from kids’ party entertainers to famous club DJs, all with varying levels of expertise. A quality wedding DJ will only make comments when necessary – usually to make announcements that have already been discussed with you. If you’re worried about this, make it clear to them prior to your wedding day that you don’t want them to speak and they won’t!
Myth: Wedding DJs Play Awful Music
Worried that a DJ might play “Cha-Cha Slide” or “Agadoo” at your wedding? This might have been the case back in the day, but nowadays the music entertainment industry has evolved and DJs understand that personalisation is key. A good DJ will ask you for a list of must-play and never-play songs so they can tailor the setlist accordingly. They will work with you to collate a list of songs you are happy with – but let them have some artistic control – that is what you’re paying them for after all!
Myth: The DJ Will Take Requests I Don’t Want To Hear
Whether you want your guests to be able to make requests is a personal choice that your DJ will happily take into account. If you want your guests to be able to choose their own music, give the DJ that flexibility but if you’d rather control what you hear on your big day, that’s OK too.
Myth: DJs Are The Only Budget-Friendly Option
This has to be the biggest myth of all. With so many different types of entertainer available for the price of a DJ, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a live musician! Acoustic duos and soloists will have your guests flocking to the dance floor with rousing rock and pop anthems, Motown classics and more. Some use backing tracks and others use loop pedals to create a whole-band sound your guests will love.
Another massive benefit of hiring a soloist or duo is that for a small extra fee they will perform a laid-back afternoon set as well, which is perfect for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast!
Myth: Bands Take Too Many Breaks
Obviously, bands need to take a break after an energetic set on stage. However, an experienced band will have mastered the art of taking breaks with minimal disruption to your evening. Most bands will play a choice of either two 1-hour or three 40-minute sets. So, to minimise time off-stage choose the former option and plan to cut your cake between sets. If this isn’t your style, all bands will provide a DJ playlist that will keep spirits high on the dance-floor so the music doesn’t stop when the band does!
Myth: A Pub Band Is Better Value
This depends on what you consider value. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Sure, there are some incredible pub bands around but they are unlikely to offer the same package as a professional band.
When you hire a wedding band from a reputable agency like Entertainment Nation, whichever band you choose you will benefit from the following:
- Their experience and professionalism will ensure that your dance floor is packed all night and your guests have the best time.
- In the incredibly unlikely event that there’s a problem with the band, we’ll ensure that a quality replacement is provided so your big day can go without a hitch.
- Professional bands provide their own lighting and PA systems to ensure a flawless performance. With many pub bands, you might find that you have to sort this yourself.
- Professional bands will come dressed for the occasion and are available for longer (usually between the hours of 5pm and 12pm but some will work even longer if you want!)
- Nearly all professional bands will offer a DJ playlist service as part of their package, with many offering manned or even pro-DJs, so you don’t have to sort the music between sets.
- Most bands will offer an acoustic set to wow guests at your drinks reception and will learn your first dance too!
- All these benefits are outlined in a secure contract
For more information find out why booking with Entertainment Nation is such a safe and easy option!
Myth: Wedding Bands Don’t Play Enough Variety
You’ll be surprised at just how versatile some wedding bands are. Yes, most will fall into the categories of rock and pop, soul and Motown, jazz or acoustic and folk, but when you look at their repertoires, they can be extremely diverse, playing music from outside of their genre and from different decades, making the songs they play ideal for weddings with a wide range of musical tastes.
Myth: You Have To Choose Between A Band And A DJ
Of course you don’t! If your budget can stretch to hiring both, why not hire a band for earlier on in the evening and a DJ for the final few hours of your reception? Alternatively, many of our bands have a manned DJ option for between and after their sets, giving you the best of both worlds. Some even come with a professional DJ with their own booth! This tends to work out cheaper than hiring two separate acts so if this is something you’re interested in, enquire and ask our expert advisors who’ll be more than happy to help!
Myth: You Have To Save The Upbeat Songs For Later In The Evening
We’re not entirely sure where this myth came from but it’s certainly not true. It’s your day, so play what you want. Faster paced tracks are popular with young and old alike, and Great Aunt Mildred’s dance moves will surprise everyone late into the night so don’t worry about the older generation! Equally, your guests will appreciate the odd slower song throughout the night. They might want to slow dance but if not, these slower paced songs provide the perfect rest breaks for going to the loo or getting a drink!
Myth: You Can Just Have A Playlist And Get A Friend To Manage It
You can definitely do this – it isn’t a myth. However, then your friend doesn’t get to enjoy the wedding! If your budget really doesn’t stretch to any form of live entertainment – we hear you. The best thing about creating your own playlist is that you can have total control over the songs you hear. It’s worth investing a lot of time and effort into curating the perfect collection of songs to play, ensuring that you cater for all tastes and come to a massive crescendo of floor-filling songs to end the night with, so no-one is left manning the music. This needs a lot of dedication. Need some ideas for this? Check out our list of last dance songs!
How Do I Book?
We hope that you feel more at ease about booking your wedding entertainment now. Check out the incredible selection of the best wedding bands, DJs and musicians available in the UK on our website and get in contact to book. Our friendly advisors are on hand every day to help you choose and book your dream act and answer any questions you may have. Call 0800 53 000 35, email info@entertainment-nation.co.uk or fill in the simple enquiry form on the profile of your chosen act and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
