[brooklyn]

Decisions are so hard to make and I'm really putting this one off. I don't know which is better, a DJ who can keep the party going with all sorts of music to interest all guests, or a live band which is always impressive and motivates dancers. My worries with a live band it cost, a good band will be expensive, and limiting the type of music that can be played.

My view of a good wedding is a great party. We have many guests travelling the world to be there and we want everyone to have a great time. I'm not even that worried about food, just as long as the entertainment is great. So DJ or live band? Any suggestions? []

[The Video Pros]

Memories are the most important aspect of your event, and you have recognized the importance of one aspect of the reception that makes great memories...great entertainment and capturing the candid moments in pictures!

DJs are often are excellent at motivating the crowd, and can provide wonderful interactive entertainment. Some DJs don't mind interacting directly with guests by taking requests to play their favorite music. A lot of times, guests will collaborate with the DJ to use their wireless microphone to make impromptu toasts or to share special memories. Live bands usually don't provide this flexibility.

If you have people coming from all over the world to attend, consider coordinating with a DJ who specializes in international music. At one wedding we were required to play Hindi, Scottish, and Tambores, as the bride's mother was from India, her father from Brazil, and the Groom from Scotland (all the men were dressed in kilts and the ladies were in saris). It was one of the best weddings we attended.

Want to make it truly memorable, consider hiring a DJ that provides audio visual services as well, such as music videos, etc. You could also use their equipment to feature a personal video presentation during the reception or dinner. Or use the video presentation to honor a loved one who is unable to attend, or have it show pre-recorded video messages from friends or family who could not attend. The possibilities are endless.

Please consider putting a good portion of your budget toward your entertainment and professional photography. Many couples spent 40% or more just on food and refreshments, allocating as little as only 5% toward their entertainment.

Keep in mind to negotiate with your photographer the purchase and/or release of your negatives, so your memories can be archived and kept safely for future generations. We have been hearing a lot of horror stories lately from clients who have contacted their photographers a year or so after the wedding to obtain their negatives, only to find that they have been thrown away. Busy photographers should not be expected to keep the negatives forever, so we try to encourage Brides to remember their negatives.

[MusiConcepts]

The Video Pros gave you some good advice. I might add, however, that some weddings combine both live music and DJs. You could have live music at the ceremony and a DJ for the reception. Also, alternating live music with a DJ at the reception has become popular. What is most important is to make sure everyone of different ages and ethnic backgrounds feel included and part of it all. You can do that with the choices of music as they suggested and also by having a few events for singles where everyone can take part. The secret ingredient of a great wedding is great music. It's the emotional backbone of a wedding. If you have either great musicians or a great DJ, you can accomplish this with detailed planning.