How to Blend a DJ With Your Live Band

Should we book a DJ or a live band for our wedding entertainment? It’s the kind of question that keeps future-wedded couples up at night.

You love music. Your guests love music. And you definitely want to show your guests a good time. But who will be able to entertain your friends and family better? There are advantages to having a DJ, and live bands also have their perks.

How are you supposed to choose?

I think the real question is, why should you have to choose? Is there a way to combine a band and a DJ at an event and make it work? Of course, there is! At least when you hire Zandi Entertainment.

The way we see it, there are two main options for doing this.

Option 1: The band performs during the reception, and the DJ plays between the band breaks.

Bands take breaks, which can be a real bummer for the party energy. People are on the dance floor, having a great time, belting out their favorite tunes and busting moves, and then the music stops. Now what?

Having a DJ step in during the break is a great way to fill the space and keep the energy going. Here’s the thing –  while this allows for no lulls in music, it does not always allow for a smooth transition between recorded and live music.

This isn’t always the case, though. For public band performances, having a DJ perform works great because the breaks are longer, allowing guests to get into the music the DJ is playing.

Weddings are a little different in that not everyone is always immediately receptive to dancing to the DJ during the breaks, especially if they are more interested in live bands.

But a lot of times, the audience wants to hear other genres of music or newer hits, which the band doesn’t have within their playing ability. So, having a DJ play another type of music during the breaks is a good opportunity to switch up the playlist.

Option 2: The DJ performs a separate set after the band.

Our favorite part about working with bands is doing a performance afterward, like a dance set. We’ve done this for wedding after parties. And the great thing about this is that it allows for a change in energy because the repertoire is different.

Of course, there’s nothing like the feeling that live music brings to a party, and it’s great for the overall guest experience. So we recommend having a live band that caters to the general audience, then bringing in a DJ for the after-party to put on a set that’s maybe a little more edgy or lively for your guests who may fit that vibe.

It’s all about keeping the party going and your guests’ fun levels at the max. Maybe throw in some C02 while you’re at it! 

And if you weren’t already aware, Zandi Entertainment offers Zandi Fusion – an interactive experience that totally elevates your event’s soundtrack. Think a live percussionist playing alongside a high-energy DJ while guests get down with maracas and tambourines. 

These are just some of the fun ways to liven up your celebration and blend entertainment forms. But we can definitely talk about other options and brainstorm ways you can have the best of both musical worlds. Just contact us to get started.

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