Whether it is a wedding, a birthday party, an anniversary or a corporate event, there is one thing you need to get right to make the evening a success, and that is the music. If you are organizing something, you have probably been wrestling with the idea of whether to hire a DJ to keep the tunes rolling or get in some live music.
Most people agree that when it comes down to it, nothing beats live music to create that special atmosphere. Of course, you still have some decisions to make to ensure you hire the right band. Some, like Vibetown from Leeds, specialize in performing at functions and can tailor their offering to suit your exact needs. All you have to make sure is that you are clear on what those needs are. Here are some points to consider.
Budget
When purchasing everything, you need to be clear about how much you have to spend or you will not get anywhere. A DJ will usually be cheaper than a live band, and prices will also depend on timing (usually more expensive at weekends) and, naturally enough, how long you need them for.
The cost of a live band will also be highly variable, depending on how experienced they are and how many band members there are – after all, they all need to be paid.
Costs will also be higher over the festive season – in the end, it is all about supply and demand.
Type of music
It sounds obvious, but the type of music you want for a 18th birthday party will, quite obviously, be different than that required for a 50th wedding anniversary. Think in general terms about the genre that you would like, and this will influence your choice of band or DJ.
As a very rough rule of thumb, older genres often sound better live, so if it is a swing, blues or big band theme, really think about that live band. Of course, when it comes down to it, rock and pop sound better live.
Range
Whether you are going with a band or a DJ, you will still need a bit of variety, so make sure that whoever you choose has a good range of discs to spin or songs to play. If it is a family event, you also want to be sure there will be a range of modern songs and old classics to keep everyone interested and get everyone from the teenagers to your great granny busting some moves on the dance floor.
Logistics
It’s all very well booking a 12 piece orchestra, but make sure the facility can accommodate your plans. Some venues have restrictions on how many musicians and articles of equipment you can bring in, and there could also be constraints as to the power supply or noise limitations. In other cases, it is simply a case of only having space for a certain amount. Make sure you are clear on these points at the outset to avoid complications later.