• It may not be the first thing you think about, but aside from the decorations, the food, and all of your guests, something that will be sure to really set the tone for the night is, believe it or not, the music. This is because whether you choose a DJ or a live band, you’ll want whichever choice you go with to be representative of you and your spouse as a couple and you want to make sure your guests will be able to move and groove on the dance floor!

    Photos by Caiti Garter

    There are always so many options to choose from when it comes to your wedding. With music, it can basically be boiled down to two options. You can either have a DJ, or a live band, and there are so many pros and cons to each of those options.

    In the end, the thing that will probably help you decide is the mood that you’ll want to set for the night. One great thing about having a band is that they can make the reception way more lively. Your guests will want to interact with them, the band will be active throughout the whole performance, therefore making the whole wedding as animated as possible.

    However, there are downsides to having a band, too. They can be more expensive, and they may only offer a limited range of genres of songs that they can or choose to perform. 

    That brings up the option of having a DJ. DJs can be a smaller operation and they may require less equipment. Having a DJ will help to appeal to all guests at your wedding because they aren’t limited to a select variety of songs. Another really great thing about having a DJ is you can work with them to create a “play” and a “don’t play” list. Whatever you or your guests request, the DJ can make it happen!

    In the end, the music you choose to have at your wedding will represent you and your new spouse as a couple! It’s a big factor when it comes to how fun people say your wedding was. With that being said, choose whatever you think will be the most memorable and the most representative of you and your partner.

    Leila Fleischman is a senior at VCU majoring in Public Relations, she is currently interning at The Renaissance and specializes in Social Media, Marketing and Events. The Renaissance is an all-inclusive weddings, event, and banquet venue.

    Emily Loxtercamp is a senior at VCU majoring in Public Relations, she is currently working at The Renaissance and specializes in Social Media, Marketing and Events. The Renaissance is an all-inclusive weddings, event, and banquet venue.