Wedding DJ's, Wedding Disc Jockeys, Wedding DJ, Wedding Duos, Trios, Bands

Wedding Bands & DJ's Melbourne

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Choosing the right wedding reception band is often daunting for most wedding couples, and in our opinion the decision is critical.

Your wedding reception is all about celebrating the biggest event of your life, and it is for this reason that you need to think very carefully before making your choice. There are many wedding bands in Melbourne, and you will need to be able to navigate through the many, to narrow the choices down to the few that you are interested in.

How do you do this?

Your Wedding is a Musical Event

Firstly, before you consider the type of wedding band or dj that you require, you will need to look at your wedding theme, style, guests, location, and budget before you continue to the next step.

Your budget is usually a major part of your decision making process, however, we strongly advise that you consider this component last of all. We believe that your wedding reception lives and dies at the hands of the entertainment that you decide to hire, so consider the following first.

You need to select a wedding band that suits the theme of your wedding. For example, if you are getting married at the Palladium at Crown Casino, you would probably employ a large "live" wedding band. Conversely, you may be having a small garden wedding, in which case an intimate jazz band may be more appropriate.

Consider the size of your wedding reception and location, including the allotted stage area. Will the wedding band that you are looking to hire, fit into the allocated space.

Is the percentage of your wedding guests older or younger? Generally, music from the current Top 40 will most likely alienate your older guests, whilst music from the 50's, 60's, & 70's etc may alienate your younger guests.

In this scenario, you would be best advised to select a wedding band or dj that could play a wide range of styles, in order to satisfy the majority of your wedding guests. Most importantly, consider all your guests tastes, style and ages, and be careful not to select a wedding band or music style, just because they play music that you like!

The final factor in making your wedding band decision, is your alotted budget. After you are absolutely sure that you have considered the above points, then look at your budget. Below is a rough guide to duo, trio, band and dj costs in the city of Melbourne.

Wedding band Prices Melbourne 2005

The following table outlines the average price for professional wedding bands in Melbourne.

Up to $500 Most DJ's & Less Experienced Duos, Trios and Bands

$500 - $1000 Established Duos & Trios, and Small "Live" Bands

$1000 - $2000 High Quality Duos & Trios, Medium Sized "Live" bands

$2000+ Large Established "Live" Bands

Duos, Trios, Bands or DJ's?

Firstly, your will need to decide your entertainment type, from a range of popular choices of wedding bands or DJ's, the most popular types are discussed here. Also, remember that your budget must extend to provide meals and drinks for the band or dj that you hire. For example: A "7-piece" band will mean "7" meals and many drinks.

Wedding DJ's

A DJ is basically someone who plays CD's, and is often the safe (usually budget orientated) choice for many wedding couples. However, whilst it is difficult to compare DJ's to "live" wedding bands, the professionalism and experience of the DJ you hire, will determine the overall success of your wedding reception. DJ's are a great alternative for very small stages and venues.

Wedding Duos

These are 2 piece bands that generally use either MIDI or MP3 backing tracks to account for the additional band members. Wedding duos come in a plethora of musical combinations, although the most likely components tend to include guitar, keyboards, percussion, and vocals. Duos can fit into compact stage areas, and are an excellent alternative to "live" bands or DJ's.

Wedding Trios

Similar to Duos, but with an additional band member. Trios are great if you are looking for a wider range of instrumentation or vocals. Like duos, trios are able to fit into smaller stage areas, and offer an excellent alternative to "Live" bands or DJ's.

Duos and trios have become a very popular alternative to "live" bands for three reasons.

You often get the sound and visuals of a "live" band (depending on your ultimate choice of performer)

Duos and trios tend to have greater control over their volume levels, which you will come to appreciate at your wedding reception.

There are less band members to feed.

"Live" Wedding Bands

"Live" wedding bands come in a range of combinations and styles, not to mention prices. You need to make sure that your stage area and venue is capable of accommodating such bands, and that they have total control over their sound and volume levels.

As mentioned above, you will need to provide meals for the band members, and may even need to allocate a table at your reception.

A Closer Look at Djs (Disc Jockeys)

The term disc jockey basically refers to a person who plays CD's. Whilst Dj's are generally much cheaper than Duos, Trios & Bands, they are also synonymous with 21st parties and Night Clubs.

The most important issue with Dj's, is that you may find the atmosphere at your wedding reception is lacking. Without the vitality of "live" performers to inspire you and your guests, it simply won't matter how good a Dj's Lighting and Sound System is.

If you are looking for an exhilarating and electric atmosphere at your wedding reception, then you may want to consider a "Live" Duo, Trio or Band.

Comparing DJ's to Duos Trios & Bands

Without any doubt, "Live" Duos, Trios & Bands are more inspirational and entertaining than DJ's. They are generally more professional and experienced in song selection, sound management, and crowd control, whilst delivering an infinitely more talented and tasteful solution to your wedding entertainment choice.

You can expect to pay around $1,000+ for a top Duo, Trio or Wedding Band.

It is our opinion that there is no comparison between Dj's and "live" performers, however, if your decision is "price-based", then you will definitely need a Dj. Also, beware of the multitude of varying Wedding Budget Planners (Wedding Guides) and Wedding Organisers, as some of them encourage thriftiness over wise decision making.

Do not make price your determining factor.

Who's advice should i listen to?

The only way you can truly make your decision, is to get along and listen to the Duo, Trio, Band or DJ that you want to employ at your wedding reception. This is the most critical step in making your decision.

As mentioned above, there are some Wedding Budget Planners (Wedding Guides) and Wedding Organisers, who have little to no experience with "Live" Duos, Trios or Bands, and tend to recommend DJ's, because it is both familiar and cheap.

There are a number of excellent DJ's in the industry, that provide superb services on your wedding day, however, you need to look at the range of options available to you, so that you can plan the ultimate wedding reception.

How far ahead do i really need to book?

Most of the top "Live" Duos, Trios and Bands, require approximately 6 - 12+ months notice, otherwise you may miss out. Whilst there is also a vast range of "live" secondary acts available, your selection process may be extremely limited if you don't consider booking your wedding entertainment Now!

Most professional DJ company's have a number of employees, and as a result they generally don't require as much notice. However, the rule of thumb is to book your wedding entertainment, Duo, Trio, Band or DJ, as far in advance as possible.

This will ensure that you get the wedding band or DJ of your choice, and not have to settle for second best.