Having trouble deciding on the type of entertainment you want at your wedding reception? Below is a list of the pros and cons of each choice so you can weigh what elements matter to you most: 

BAND Pros:

• There is nothing like live music in terms of sound quality.
   

• You choose a band based on your own tastes, and therefore the music will be more personalized to what you and your spouse like.
   

• Live music can be more exciting and can get the crowd more involved.
   

• A band can vary the speed of the songs, depending on the mood of your guests and the atmosphere you wish to create.
   

• Different instrumental or vocal solos can also be played throughout the evening.

BAND Cons:

• There is only a limited amount of songs a band can play.
   

• The songs never sound the same as the original recordings.
   

• If the musicians need to take a break, the music stops as well.
   

• Bands can sometimes cost several thousand dollars more than a DJ.
   

• It can seem more like a concert instead of an accent to your reception. (Sometimes bands like to play loud -- even if you ask them to keep the volume at a reasonable level).

DISK JOCKEY Pros:

• A DJ comes with a choice of hundreds of songs. Therefore, the DJ can play songs to cater to the varying tastes of several generations.
   

• They will often cost much less than a band.
   

• While the music is playing, the DJ can get out on the dance floor and rev up the guests.
   

• Your special dances will be played exactly like you've heard them before.
   

• There is no reason to have a break in the music.

DISK JOCKEY Cons:

• The music cannot be changed depending on personal tastes.
   

• Contracts can be misleading in terms of who will really be at your wedding.
   

• It may take more effort to get the crowd engaged (versus a live performance).
   

• Some guests may think a DJ is too casual for a formal reception.
   

• You might not like the styles of music that are being played.